T-Minus 48-ish hours until bullet bitin' time
This just in: Kobe has announced he'll stay, but only if the Lakers resign Smush Parker to a max deal.
Kidding.
Although given how emphatically clear Kobe's made his trade wishes (with Ric Bucher now predicting Bryant will sit a season before donning a Laker uni), it wouldn't shock me if he made that demand. If The Mamba is truly looking to play hardball, that's about as rough as it gets. I don't see Kobe going there, since even the remotest chance that Dr. Buss will call his bluff and pair him in the backcourt with William Henry until 2011 is much too terrifying a prospect to even joke about. But it's safe to say this soap opera has reached "ugly" status and has likely thrown a wrench into any plans the front office have to rebuild around Kobe. Although really, I don't think they should bother right now, because this strikes me as a lost cause.
Call me a cynic, but I don't see this situation as fixable (although folks are still trying). You can't move backwards in time, what's ultimately required to move forward. Too much dirt's been dished. Too much blood spilled. Too many decisions that can't be reversed. Icy civility may not be possible, much less a healthy working relationship. Obviously, the Lakers have been down this road before. But as much as Kobe and Shaq's mutual disdain left everyone walking on eggshells, they still represented a potential championship, justifying any headache. This team isn't worth the Tylenol and Xanax the situation prompts. But I'm not Jerry Buss, who doesn't appear ready to sell quite yet. If that's his stance, were I the Doc, I'd have a sober driver shuttle me to Kobe's Newport pad or spend the entire weekend on the phone like two seventh grade girls. Talking. Feeling out his vibe. Trying to garner anything resembling sincere enthusiasm at the idea of a new roster built around him.
And if by Monday we're still at ground zero, I'd immediately shift my focus towards trading him. And if possible, by draft day.
Before going any further, a request. Can we put skip the inevitable "who's to blame" debates? Not just because I've already made my opinion on the subject abundantly clear- In a nutshell, both sides have screwed up pretty badly- but because we've reached the point where it's meaningless. Even if you think the fault lies 100% with the front office (or vice versa), it's irrelevant now. As Mark McGwire laughably put it, "I'm not here to talk about the past." All that matters is the present, which to be blunt, sucks. And short of a radical 180 on his part, a bright new day with Bryant on the roster doesn't feel imminent no matter how this is approached.
"Just gut the team for A-List help and win Kobe back," some will say. No dice. Not in this current climate. The front office can't move heaven and earth to appease a guy who insists he wants out no matter who's brought in. That's just irresponsible. Put aside the distinct (and harmful) impression created that Kobe's running the show. The fallout if left holding the bag is huge. Say the Lakers had pulled the trigger on the proposed swap for Jermaine O'Neal and Troy Murphy, one sending Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum and Kwame Brown to Indiana and leaves the Lakers with no more tradebait to continue roster fortification. What if that move doesn't pacify Kobe (and I'm not sure why it would, since it doesn't make the Lakers much, if any, better)? He bolts in 2009 (assuming he hasn't already been traded). The Laker core becomes JO, Murphy and... I dunno... Vlad? Not a terribly promising threesome. The rebuild they're currently trying to avoid becomes mandatory, only without Bynum or perhaps any other promising youngsters. That same road block applies with other big time acquisitions, including Kevin Garnett. For the last two seasons, I've said on the blog and the radio that I'd trade anyone on this roster to team up KG and Kobe. Now? Not a prayer, unless I get some serious, sincere assurances from Kobe. Otherwise, it makes no sense.
So if the Lakers can't- or shouldn't, at any rate- tinker big, that leaves them standing pat with a roster Kobe hates. Let's assume The New Jack Bauer won't commit P.R. and perhaps career suicide by watching next season at home. There's no way he shows up in October, declares himself eager to ball, and sounds remotely believable. Robert DeNiro at his 1970's peak couldn't pull off such an acting job. Kobe will be asked about the situation every day. So will Phil Jackson, every assistant coach, Mitch Kupchak, the Buss trio, and the dudes hawking popcorn at Staples. Not to mention Kobe's teammates, who not only have to play with a guy they know considers them inferior, but will be left to fend for themselves for leadership. Make no mistake, Kobe can't lead this team. How do you jump into the fire with a guy who'd rather be on Pluto than a part of your team? And since Kobe ain't likely taking cues from any of these cats, the squad is a rudderless mess in the making.
So if you can't currently build around Kobe with any confidence or prudence and doing nothing accomplishes nothing, only one option remains. Put the hollow point between your teeth, clamp down hard and make a deal. It's the only move they can make in a definitive direction that isn't also utterly crazy. Yes, the idea of trading the NBA's best player and biggest jersey mover in his prime sounds like the very definition of crazy. But when you view it in practical terms, especially in those involving the team's future, what else are they supposed to do? All other options mean either mortgaging any future for the sake of a turbulent present or running on a tension-fueled treadmill. Trading Kobe allows them, for better or worse, to actually move forward. It's like Sarah Connor said in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." "In an insane world, it was the sanest choice."
Why go the same route ASA-reasonably-P? Because despite all the drama cited above, the Lakers don't truly "have" to trade Kobe right now. They simply should. It's a strong distinction and one that gives Kupchak and Buss as much bargaining table control as they're ever gonna have. The longer they wait, the older Kobe gets, the less a new team benefits from his talent, and the further under the gun the Lakers become trying to avoid losing him for zip. Plus, the more time that passes, the bigger a distraction this can become, which may create terms that forces the Lakers hand. Maybe I'm crazy, but I don't picture the atmosphere ever getting better than this particular moment.
Plus, if Kupchak gets on the stick, maybe he can swing a deal where they draft higher in a deep 2007 class. Which brings me to another point. I really hope the front office doesn't succumb to any pressure to net the biggest "name," which will likely amount to a one for one star deal. Bad and pointless move. If Kobe can't carry Lamar Odom and a bunch of dudes best suited to come off a bench anywhere, then I seriously doubt Gilbert Arenas, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce or any other speculated A-list replacements will fare better. Beyond that, swapping stars is another attempt to avoid what needs to be done, which is to build from the ground up. The notion of "getting equal value" for Kobe is not only impossible, but wasted effort, since trading Kobe means looking to the future, whether formally acknowledged or not. If that's the case, treat it as such. Make the deal closest to equal value down the road.
Talk to Chicago and create a package that begins with Luol Deng and ends with a combination of promising young talent, a requisite salary balancer if need be (Ben Wallace or a signed and traded P.J. Brown/Andres Nocioni, although the latter delays the date) and the #9 pick. A team featuring (hypothetically) Deng, Ben Gordon, Chris Duhon, the #9 pick, plus Odom, Bynum, Jordan Farmar, etc. is deeper and potentially more talented than whatever lineup they'll be able to put around Kobe. It can also be groomed. In two or three years, that could be an elite team. If the Lakers net wisely chosen and utilized pieces, they're not that bad off. For all the talk about how the Lakers took it up the yazoo dealing Shaq, they actually received two quality players in Odom and Caron Butler. The Butler-Kwame Brown swap, which simply hasn't worked out to anybody's satisfaction, is what truly left them with little to show for it. But if they're smarter this time around, they can come out of a Kobe swap with the ability to grow.
For those who say Laker fans won't watch a superstar-free team, I disagree. The passion expressed by this blog's readers alone assures me that sentiment is nothing but a stereotype reducing the Nation to a bunch of L.A. star-effers. Yeah, there are those who frequent Staples just for a shot at seeing Jack or Denzel up close, but make no mistake, this is a Laker town. I've bartended all over L.A., from an upscale Santa Monica hotel to a UCLA college bar to a Pasadena microbrewery, and the common link between those establishments- aside from me drunk while working- is people asking to turn on the Laker game. Folks may initially be upset and life without Kobe will certainly feel weird, but the passion for all things purple and gold will eventually win out (and I'm not convinced a squad like the one mentioned above can't actually win a few games). Plus, the truly expensive seats are mostly bought up by businesses and folks weathy enough not to blink twice at the price tag, so I wouldn't worry if I'm the Buss family. Asses will remain in seats.
Die hard Kobe fans may protest the idea of a Mamba-free squad and I understand why. But honestly, unless he's sporting a distinctly different outlook, I don't think watching Kobe will feel the same even to the faithful. In fact, I'll go so far as to predict it'll become a souless and joyless experience. Kobe's ultra-competitive, so you won't exactly be watching a player "phone it in." But for all intents and purposes, he'll still just be going through the motions. If the outcome doesn't really "matter" to Kobe, it won't matter to you and that reduces Kobe to a sideshow. A sideshow that makes silly hard shots and occasionally breaks records, but a sideshow nonetheless, because he won't feel or seem like part of the team. If you really love watching Kobe play, you won't want to see him presented as little more than a "feature attraction." You'll want him on another sqaud.
Maybe "want" isn't be the right word. I don't really "want" them to trade Kobe, either. He's not the easiest cat in the world to deal with, typically can't see the bigger picture and is blessed with a rare propensity for making things 100 times harder than need be. He's also the NBA's best player and always provides my favorite team with a shot of winning. In a perfect world, I'd rather the front office put the right pieces around him. But that was a tall order even before we reached this point. Now it's somewhere between "way the hell tough" and "totally impractical." It's a crappy reality, but a reality nonetheless. Like I said, I'll give it another 48 hours or so before officially declaring it "go time." But that second hand is clicking rather loudly in my head right now. And short of a miraculous turnaround, if the front office does the right thing, I'm bracing myself for one hell of an alarm clock bell.
-AK
what up lakerville...
heard on 570 with hacksaw that the pacers are willing to take lamar odom, luke walton and the 19th pick for j. oneal... what do you guys say?.. should mitch pull the trigger?... peace!!!
bucky
Posted by: bUCKY | June 23, 2007 at 01:41 PM
You don't trade Kobe. You don't trade the best player in the game in his prime. Let him sit, let him be malcontent, it's not like him buying into the program has made us a better team (hello, no talent). The fact of the matter is, blames aside, we still haven't done anything. I mean nothing. No insider fired or revealed, no actual trade possibilities (and no I don't just mean Head/Bonzi), and even worst we have now officially lost on the KG sweepstakes.
I'll reiterate Wes's comment: We suck! This sucks!
Posted by: Faith | June 23, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Bucky,
If there were any truth to that rumor, there's still hope in Lakerville :) But I doubt if LO, and filler is enough for JO.
Posted by: hariyahu | June 23, 2007 at 01:50 PM
Well said AK.
By the way I am not associated with Gunner24 or whoever that is. I write my own things. I care about the Lakers, and just like AK said, people love the Lakers, and will watch no matter what. I grew up watching Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Campbell, Sean Rooks, Sedale Threat, Anthony Peeler, Vlade Divac, Anthony Bowie, Cedric Ceballos, Travis Knight, the old Byron Scott and A.C. Green and James Worthy. I went to go see the Lakers the year they didn't make the playoffs just becauase I wanted to see Magic Johnson coach..and he got ejected in the third quarter and didn't care.
I'm not enamored or blown away by superstar athletes the way I am not moved by movie stars, primadonas, Paris Hiltons.
I just love my hometown team. I don't know, maybe its because I am a die-hard California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels fan, I know how to appreciate TEAM over PLAYER.
I will still be a Laker fan after Kobe. In fact, I am excited about next year if they could trade Kobe and bring a whole crop of young guys to play for our team next year. I can get exicted over Rudy Fernandez, Aaron Afllalo (with Jordan Farmar) or somebody, and I can surely get excited over Loul Deng, Big Ben, and Ben Gordon.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: I miss van exel and eddie jones | June 23, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Faith,
But why make any big moves if the guy you're making them for keeps saying he's out either way? It's fairly pointless and potentially crippling down the road. I also don't see what having the best player in the NBA does for you if he's sitting out the season. He's not helping you on the court and he's lowering his own value in the trade he's pushing to get.
Also, the Cook/Head trade (which may just be a rumor), if done straight up, can't happen until after the draft, if my understanding is right. They have to wait for Cook's new salary to kick in. The Bonzi-Sasha end of it was just speculation on how to make work pre-draft.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 23, 2007 at 02:03 PM
I'll trade Bynum, Vladimir Rad, and the 19th pick for Jermaine O'Neal.
Posted by: never | June 23, 2007 at 02:04 PM
Bucky,
Did Hacksaw give any indication or knowledge that Walton would agree to a sign and trade to Indy? Unless the Pacers are offering him a boatload of cash, I'd be really surprised if he did.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 23, 2007 at 02:07 PM
AK -
There is a simpler solution. Remember a few years back (as recounted in "The Last Season") when Kobe threatened to leave and take Slava with him? Well, Slava is available right now. That's step #1 and I know it would make me happy... but only if the guy's allowed to take every shot he wants for as long as he wants, each and every game. OK, then we need a starting PG - Sasha! Again, free reign. Let's slide Kobe over to the three and try to get Von Wafer back for the 2 - shoot away buddy! Got to find the right center of course,,, basic idea is to surround Kobe with knuckleheads who live for jacking up the ball constantly. I for one think it would be awesome.
Dave M
Posted by: Dave M | June 23, 2007 at 02:10 PM
hey AK,
i'm not sure if he did mention if luke had agreed...
Posted by: bUCKY | June 23, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Dave M,
As every reader knows, I'm all for any plan that brings back Von Wafer (although he must revert back to rookie form, as opposed to last year, when trying to play "the right way" transformed him from "ineffective but hilarious" to "still ineffective but boring") and Slava Medvedenko. Hell, I once said I'd lock up Slava with a 12 year/24 million dollar deal. That's a no-brainer. haha
By the way, I do remember that section in the book. High comedy for the ages. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 23, 2007 at 02:19 PM
To be honest I'm just as stumped as you are. I don't know if he really would sit out, and I don't know if we show we're willing to win now, he will stay.
But I believe he will, stay that is. I believe that if you retain JWest as a consultant, you will see a full 180 on Kobe's attitude. I believe that if you show you are willing to buy into the win now plan, you will see another full 180. In fact I believe he is bluffing. Why? Because to me it's illogical to think that Kobe has the cajones and the fortitude to orchestrate most of the things he's been said to have orchestrated and not see that him sitting out a season is career suicide. I also believe that the winning for the future plan is flawed. There's a great discord between not wanting to build around the best player in the game, and wanting to build around what could be for nothing.
But I'm not even disagreeing with trading Kobe now for that matter. I'm not even against it because I'm a fan of Kobe's. I'm disagreeing with it because I firmly believe that trading him will wreck havoc in this organization, not for 2-3 years, but for a 100 years. I'm scared that we might be dealing with another Babe Ruth situation, and I'm scared of the consequences of this action. Say we do get some athletic, root-for players, I know I won't stop watching, you're right there, but I simply cannot see such a team, could be any closer to a championship than a team with the greatest player, the greatest coach. I know I'm reacting irrationally, but like I said, I'm scared, and this whole thing is making me into a wreck, fan wise.
What about the fact that this relationship just cannot be repaired, turned back? This is basketball, relationships, discords are repaired with winning. A willingness to win now changes everything. PJ and Kobe's relationship? Repaired because they are both in the same page in one aspect, winning.
Posted by: Faith | June 23, 2007 at 02:25 PM
AK - I just knew you'd feel it. I'd have to caution any coach-types though... they can't be pulling any of these guys after 10 or 15 minutes. This has to be a true commitment to excellence. I wasn't quite sure who to put in an center and then I figured we'd probably need some sure-footed ballast. Who else but Greg Ostertag? Just close your eyes and imagine the spectacle. Let's live the dream bloggers!
Dave M
Posted by: Dave M | June 23, 2007 at 02:52 PM
AK
You are sounding more like a frustrated Laker Fan, welcome to the club.
I don't feel Kobe will go Nuclear. Way too much to lose. I would work on that assumption if I were the Lakers.
Next I would continue to build as if he was staying. Don't gut the team trades, but look to improve.
Tell the teams interested in Kobe, we are not giving him away. His contract is still inviting and we are prepared to keep Kobe. Kobe is no longer "untouchable" but you have to give us one hell of a combo to ply Kobe away. Having to trade Kobe in hurry, not so good. We need to create a highest bidder mentallity or we get screwed. Of course, if Jim Buss is calling the shots, we are screwed either way.
Kobe will stay. Andy L's psychic mom say's Kobe is staying. Phil and Rambis say he is staying. The countless millions of dollars the Buss's will make say he is staying. Kobe will say he's staying soon enough. Only it will be one of those conditional, I'm staying if they improve the team. In fact, if Kobe says that, his trade value will go up.
The fans want to see Kobe. I know being a former drunken bartender qualifies you imensely as an expert on what people want to see.( Being a frequenter of bars myself, its my opinion, give me two drinks and I'll enjoy Arena Football reruns.) But on this point I disagree with you. Kobe is big everywhere he goes. Biggest of all here in LA. Losing for three years, sending Kobe packing, and promising a winning team in three more years will empty the house.(Figuratively) Especially if the Clippers can get there act together. As much as I like golf, I only watch if Tiger plays. I'm a die hard Laker fan. But if they are losing, they will be crowded out of my schedgule more often than not. Kobe makes you watch, no matter what.
I say Kobe stays. Unless we get mucho, mucho for him.
Fatty
PS. USC bartender in a UCLA bar? You must've been tempted to put exlax in the drinks.
Posted by: Fatty | June 23, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Here We Go Again,
Andrew Kamenetzky, the inventor of the game of the basketball himself has spoken. The God of words and sentences has created another loooong Shakespearian essay to ship out Bryant ASAP and that by Monday…. or the Gods of Basket and Ball will cast an apocalyptic curse on the vulnerable franchise.
Thank God our webmasters aren’t the decision makers and are limited to their opinion on their blog. They go the extra miles to DC and Buffalo to dig out some faceless journalist bashing Kobe. They are trying hard. Aren’t they?
I rather watch Kupchak waving his “magic wand” in the air and do nothing, than read doomsday stories wrapped smoothly in slick words.
The circle of hate is complete, Plaschke, Simers and unfortunately now AK. I never thought Los Angeles Times would fall in the hands of professional and amateur journalist who are consumed by the illusion of being the voice of fans and demand for Kobe’s bloody head on a silver plate.
It is sad and ridiculous.
Posted by: Ventriloquist | June 23, 2007 at 03:01 PM
you do not trade Kobe , what you do is do something if jo indeed does end up in denver then kobe is going to go bezerk, you call kobe's bluff and do something , stop sitting around on your hands and talking about improviing if you make the jo trade and turn around and get artest kobe will chill, he just wants to seem some productivity vs cheap talk which how can you blame him with all the missed oppurtunities in the past under kupcakes, kobe is not , i repeat not, going to sit out and miss 33 million dollars this year are you serious and then have to watch lebron and wade overshadow hiim, now way, he's bluffing to get these lame fo people to have some cujona's and make a damn trade.
Posted by: todd brown | June 23, 2007 at 03:02 PM
kobe is the biggest jerk in the nba. thank god for real basketball players like bron, d wade, and duncan. they make watching team ball a joy. kobe will never lead a team to a championship, he is not a leader, he is a cancer and needs to be traded to anyone dumb enough to want him.
Posted by: east coast fan | June 23, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Fantastic piece AK, thanks for the insight.
My nightmare scenario is that they trade for an A-list type player. I agree that if they ship KB they need to build a bridge to the future and not attempt to resuscitate the past.
The Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Peeler, Lynch and company years were actually quite good. They never threatened to win a title, but they competed and were fun to watch. What's more, the franchise seemed to be heading in a direction (the culmination of which was the Shaq signing).
Ending up with a Dirk or a Paul Pierce (oh god, please no!) would be more of the same but worse. Cap difficulties and inflexibility is partly what got us into this mess in the first place.
Just wondering, if Kobe were able to act like a 1970's De Niro, do you think he would be this character?
http://img24.photobucket.com/albums/v72/kmartsniper/taxidriver16.jpg
A Bicklesque performance by KB24, total self destruction!
Posted by: SantaMonica4Ever | June 23, 2007 at 03:04 PM
Time for a reality check. You always hear the bloggers say no one will come to LA to play with Kobe. Looks like its just the opposite problem for the one player we really want.
Kevin Garnett will most likely be moved. Up to the time of the Kobe implosion we were his firsst choice. (He has a home at the beach) Kevin has been through building, rebuilding and 'just misses'. When he finally leaves Minnesota he will want to truly compete for a championship.
The Lakers WITH Kobe gives him both the opportunity to compete but also live in Southern Cal. The Lakers WITHOUT Kobe gives him the same situation hes been in all his career only closer to home.
The irony is Kobe is going to cost us what he's been asking for, quality help.
Longshot possiblity would be if we traded Kobe to Chicago and got a strong enough package to show KG we could still compete.
If we could get Hinrich, Wallace, Deng or Sefolosha and the #9 pick we could then trade Odom, Bynam, Vlade and the #19 for Garnett
Line up:
PG: Hinrich
SG: Deng
SF: Sefolosha
PF: Garnett
C: Wallace
Bench: Brown, Mihm, Walton, Turiaf, #9 pick, Evans
What SAY YOU?
Posted by: reality check time | June 23, 2007 at 03:06 PM
I here what everyone is saying but one thing to remember is the no trade cluase Kobe is not going to allow the Lakers to gut a team in any trade cenerio. which will make the trade extremely dificult to pull off. I suggest that the Brain trust in this orginazation sit with Kobe and hash it out untill they can come up with a real solution to this problem Trading him simply is not the best option because because of the $$$ that the lakers will loose it is not the seats that they need to worry about it is the TV revenue that they need to be worried about. Kobe is one off the biggest draws in the NBA he alsmot always gaurantees a sell out in every arena he goes to. Do you honestly think the $$ hungry Busses want to loose that Golden Egg. I suggest they make him a side deal maybe a guarantee of a percent of the team on the back end and they squash this drama and move on. They did it witrh Magic they can do it with Kobe.
Posted by: thebigchill | June 23, 2007 at 03:09 PM
Edwin
I Sorry Man For Getting Upset I Just Hate Ric Bucher Because I THink He Have Something Against The Lakers.
Posted by: J-Cool | June 23, 2007 at 03:11 PM
what's happening monday?
i know stupid question
forgive me if AK covered this already... dude, that was seriously long
Posted by: CBuck | June 23, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Exhelo wrote"
"Jorema,
It is possible for a white person to not approve of what Kobe has done for reasons other than racial. I know that is hard for you to understand, but it is a possibility. What is your excuse when a black person disapproves of Kobe? i.e. Mike WIlbon or J.A. Adande?".
Oh....
We know American black people born here , doesn't see blacks in the same venue that Haitians black, Latino blacks, European blacks.
American born blacks didn't liked Kobe from the beginning, because he was a kind of European cultured guy, accustomed to euro music, euro clothes and even euro sports like soccer. In the NBA 90 % of the players are born in poor hoods and embrace hip hop culture. Kobe came to the NBA with a different style, as is obvious: no tattoos, no street cred, a international English sound. Also his euro cockiness was too evident, his love for the culture of his childhood was what settled him apart from the black brotherhood. Suddenly the image and perception grow up and extended in the league. When Kobe got 3 champs in his fingers, the rivalry was almost like a war.
Shaq started to feel jealous about Kobe popularity and Phil resented him for refusing to embrace in a totally manner the Pippen role in the Lakers mini dynasty .
Remember in Philadelphia, when he won MVP all star? His own people booed him as a reflection of all the trash that nba players disseminate about him and because they were visualizing a European kind of guy getting ahead of the boys from the hood. Remember that photo when he is receiving the trophy with Ray Allen behind him watching in a furious way?
So...the heat torch Kobe is unfair and come from many fronts, later after the Colorado incident reached peak. The Shaq rat accusation persuaded many NBA players to make more loud his disdain for him. Today, in a diplomatic way, they say hello, but Kobe know in his mind that all them are rooting against him.
Of course lots of black love him. Some white too.
But the perception of Kobe as a strange guy, not really like all us, come from that background. Some actions of Kobe in the curriculum of others are just ignored, because some black and white are united in the full time job of selling the idea of him as devilish and Machiavellian.
Note: Kobe best friends in Lakers uniform had being european. Except Vla, a guy as enigmatic as lamar.
Posted by: jorema | June 23, 2007 at 03:12 PM
east coast fan
Do you plan on watching Kobe on Team USA?
I think a good measuring stick of just how good Kobe is and how other players react to him will be just that. An Allstar game means nothing. These games hold tremendous interest to NBA players after the recent no shows.
Barkley thinks Kobe will make the difference, where Wade and Lebron failed. Kobe will be on a mission to get this team over the top. We may see some serious ball from one of the best. Kobe will trust his teamates more as he passes the ball and they actually make open shots. I agree with Barkley. Kobe will make the team much better and they will win.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | June 23, 2007 at 03:16 PM
AK
The reunion Mitch/ Kobe is a sign from Kobe part that he can talk, that maybe his stance in public are stronger and in person more softer.
Remember Bucher words aren't yet a confirmation of Kobe words.
Remember Jerry Buss press coverage after the Barcelona meeting are speculation, nobody knows (unless that Buss deliberately bowed up the confidentiality and leaked it) in a certain way what was talked there.
In my opinion Kobe was called to receive a update of what is happening in the Lakers part. Probably he didn't said much, but at the end one of the most visible complains was that Management failed to communicate with him, and by that time he hear some plans that nobody shared. He felt that in certain form they he had being ignored in the GM office, and from that angle came the radio-thon.
Posted by: jorema | June 23, 2007 at 03:25 PM
Jorema
Interesting take. But I always thought they booed Kobe in PHilly because he went to high school there and they felt betrayed him going to the hated Lakers and all. I'm not from Philly, but one writer from Philly alluded to that at the time. Anybody else hear anything like that?
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | June 23, 2007 at 03:28 PM
REPOST:
This is what I make of the meeting between management and Kobe. It's the first step into what I wrote yesterday.
"Second fold: Even if Phil Jackson is fire Kobe Bryant isn't going to all of a sudden cjhange his mind. Kobe Bryant it going to stick to his guns on principle alone. But I believe that Kobe will show up to camp in Oct. if Jackson is gone. But he's not going to say anything to imply that he's happy. This thing is now about pride and human dignity. He'll come to camp if Jackson is fired and the Lakers need to rely on the idea that with improvements at the 1 and 3 spots will lead to an elite club, which will make Kobe realize that we're going in the right direction.
But under no circumatance is Phil Jackson a part of it. I, personally, would be deeply disappointed in Kobe Bryant if he came to camp with Phil Jackson stil the coach."
By the way, if no leaks come out of the Kupchak and Bryant meeting it's a good sign that progress is being made.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | June 23, 2007 at 03:29 PM
AK,
"A team featuring (hypothetically) Deng, Ben Gordon, Chris Duhon, the #9 pick, plus Odom, Bynum, Jordan Farmar, etc. is deeper and potentially more talented than whatever lineup they'll be able to put around Kobe. It can also be groomed. In two or three years, that could be an elite team."
WELL PUT. EXACTLY WHAT i'VE BEEN SAYING FOR THE PAST WEEK.
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Faith,
"You don't trade Kobe. You don't trade the best player in the game in his prime. Let him sit, let him be malcontent"
DON'T WORRY. THE BULLS HAVE A BLOG FOR YOU TO CONTINUE YOUR FUTURE OF LOVING KOBE INSTEAD OF THE LAKERS.
AK, NO NEED TO JUSTIFY YOURSELF. THERE WILL BE PEOPLE LIKE YOU SAID WHO WILL STILL BE IN DENIAL.
THE LUVABULL BLOG CAN TAKE THEM.
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 03:51 PM
Vent,
"The circle of hate is complete, Plaschke, Simers and unfortunately now AK. "
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN. I SAW A POLL IN LA YESTERDAY THAT BASICALLY EVERYONE BELIEVES HE HAS TO GO. ONLY THE FEW MINORITIES ON THIS BLOG FEEL LIKE YOU DO!
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 03:55 PM
AK, NO NEED TO JUSTIFY YOURSELF. THERE WILL BE PEOPLE LIKE YOU SAID WHO WILL STILL BE IN DENIAL." Gunner24.
Ak
When your thoughts suddenly become the motto of a blogger like Gunner24, is time to redirects the focus of your comments, because the only comments this guy will approve are those that include a character assassination of Kobe.
Posted by: jorema | June 23, 2007 at 03:58 PM
todd brown,
"if you make the jo trade and turn around and get artest kobe will chill"
SAC TOWN HAS ALREADY STATED THEY WILL NOT BE GIVING ARTEST TO THE LAKERS. SO, DON'T EXPECT US TO GET ARTEST.
NEW JERSEY SAID THEY WILL NO LONGER BE ADDRESSING ANY TRADE WITH BYNUM AND KIDD.
JO IS THE ONLY POSSIBILITY THIS OFFSEASON. GET IT?
SO, IF YOU ARE CONTENT WITH A 1ST ROUND KNOCKOUT AND KOBE LEAVING AFTER THAT THEN, THE FRONT OFFICE WOULD LISTEN TO YOUR SUGGESTION.
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 04:00 PM
thebigchill,
"I here what everyone is saying but one thing to remember is the no trade cluase Kobe is not going to allow the Lakers to gut a team in any trade cenerio"
KOB NO TRADE CLAUSE ONLY EXTENDS TO THE TEAM HE GOES TO. HE DOES NOT HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THE PLAYERS INVOLVED IN THE TRADE.
GET IT?
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 04:04 PM
WTF has the world come to? AK a NIHILIST???
Please AK, think of the responsability you have as Blog Almighty. We need to stay positive at this time. I can't believe myself saying that, I used to be the biggest cynic of them all in my younger days. Speaking of which, I'm surprised by the lack of support your post gets. Thank God! I totally disagree though, with the notion that you've joined the hate bandwagon. That's just plain stupid. You're just a heartbroken fan like the rest of us.
I'd still feel like a refugee with no place to go if Kobe left. Can really the Laker-jonez overcome the fact that a bunch of morons screwed this team up big time? I don't believe so. How can one stay blindly loyal to a corporate brand run by a**holes? I wish I could detatch the team and its players from management, but that's impossible.
Please mom be right, please mom be right, please mom...
Posted by: Andy L | June 23, 2007 at 04:06 PM
AK
There is something about the LAT writers, including you, that makes you think you are the voice of reason. No offense, but can you explain to me how Plaschke finds it so easy to dismiss Kobe? and how about you? of all the excitement, once-in-a-lifetime basketball is just what to you?
I am not saying that I disagree with everything you say, but you can show some excitement for what we see in Kobe's performances. You can be torn like Faith who did not scamper to dump Kobe. You can be looking at some answers other than Dump Kobe!
So, a no heart solution, just cold-logic is good enough for you?
How about a solution where the front office keeps Kobe, treats him decently (when was it last time you criticized Jim Buss?), brings a decent guard, and if we start winning next season, and then we are winners.
It gets very tiring reading your analysis; Some Hope and Faith, Please
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | June 23, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Ak........What a fantastic way to start my day....Everything that you said in that piece i agree with if he says i want out and his firm in his stance then the lakers have a chance to have a core of young and healthy talent....not to mention cap room.....remember that gordon is ready for an extension along with deng.........odom,gordon,deng ,bynum,farmer,ronny,....thats six pretty solid ball players as a core.....plus the mle..vlad kwame and luke .....its possible that another team may have interest in these guys......sorry i forgot....sasha..and cook....this is a chance that alot of other teams would love to have if they were looking to rebuild and get back to the top asap.......other teams win without the best player...but a solid core of players ..remember that........PULL THE TRIGGER......just think of what it would be like to have a guy thats suppost to lead your not wanting to be there......please...just think of that
Posted by: Thirty 2 | June 23, 2007 at 04:16 PM
jorema,
"In my opinion Kobe was called to receive a update of what is happening in the Lakers part. Probably he didn't said much, but at the end one of the most visible complains was that Management failed to communicate with him, and by that time he hear some plans that nobody shared"
DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER TO BELIEVE THAT'S WHAT MANAGEMENT IS TALKING ABOUT? ONLY APOLOGISTS WOULD MAKE ACCUSATIONS ABOUT "WHAT THEY BELIEVE" MANAGEMENT IS SAYING TO THE BIG IRRELEVANT.
YOUR OPINION = ZILCH
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 04:19 PM
No leaks cause Jimmy Boy Buss wasn't a fly on the wall in the meeting !
I'm with Faith, everyday is basically a day full of whatever news we can put a twist on to see where this Kobe situation is going. DO NOT TRADE KOBE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | June 23, 2007 at 04:28 PM
reality check time,
If we could get Hinrich, Wallace, Deng or Sefolosha and the #9 pick we could then trade Odom, Bynam, Vlade and the #19 for Garnett
Line up:
PG: Hinrich
SG: Deng
SF: Sefolosha
PF: Garnett
C: Wallace
Bench: Brown, Mihm, Walton, Turiaf, #9 pick, Evans
I LIKE YOUR LINEUP BUT.....HEINRITH IS PAXSON'S BOY. HE'S NOT GIVEN HIM UP. AND KG IS EITHER GOING TO BOSTON OR PHOENIX.
THE BIG PLUTO RUINED ANY CHANCES OF GETTING KG AFTER THIS MESS OVER THE LAST MONTH.
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 04:29 PM
Gunner, I understand that it pertains to the team he goes to but if he doesnt like what that team will look like with the trade he can veto going there. Trust he is not going to go to Chicago to be in the same situation that he is in now. So beware everyone on here thinks your going to get 4 and five players for him think again you may be able to get Gordon, Big Ben and the #9 pick and thats it. Now if you think that would make the Lakers better go for it. Personally I dont think so. Theses guys couldnt even win in the east and Big Ben is getting old.
Posted by: thebigchill | June 23, 2007 at 04:29 PM
After I read this morning about the Mitch-Kobe meeting I felt very optimistic something good will happen. At least I am trying to be positive.
I think if Kobe is so keen in his trade demand, the Lakers FO would be avoiding him these days. So the fact Kobe is talking with them is a good sign that something is on the works. Maybe a KG trade to LA. Wouldn't that be sweet?
Lakers is a soap opera, drama ball-club. So I wouldn't be surprise that a major trade happens this of season and everything is OK in Lakerland.
I'll keep optimistic from now, even though sometimes is dam hard. I have faith that soon the Lakers will be contender again and we all will be cheering for them with gusto.
Posted by: gugy | June 23, 2007 at 04:30 PM
Why Kobe still mad in the Lakers?
I usually read and enjoy most of AK/BK post.
This one is based in some premises that goes directly to speculation.
----Kobe didn’t say that he will sit coming October.
Bucher did. So, on till is coming officially from Kobe mouth or his agent office…
Isn’t a sure thing.
----We don’t know what was discussed with Mitch. No leakings (Maybe because none of the
Busses participated) are coming .
----Mitch refused to talk about Kobe situation. Another reason is that we don’t know exactly in what direction the Lakers are going that differ from what Buss stated .
---This isn’t the first time a disgruntled star express his disappointment in some pieces of his team.
He didn’t called specific names. He just mentioned the Jason Kidd/Bynum example. So, he even endorsed Lamar. Turiaff and Walton for giving it all. Kwame/Caron trade was mentioned because he perceived that Kwame is just useless and worst, he doesn’t care
----Kobe reunion with Buss in Barcelona probably was to inquire about some Busses statements, in special
The My space stupid paragraphs that Johnny wrote..
----Maybe Kobe believe that the people behind the publicity of the Kobe video, come from the Lakers, because the guys are saying that they offered at first the video to them. So, don’t disregard the possibility that the two Busses brothers are the one behind it.. The inference that Kobe headquarters are directing the publication of the video, is just too far fetched. There is too much risk in doing that in terms of bad rep for Kobe and I don’t think that Kobe will approve that.
Posted by: jorema | June 23, 2007 at 04:32 PM
i had an aweful dream last night where kobe and kg ended up in phoenix with nash
how about a move for T-Mac? i was reading a rockets blog yesterday (looking for opinions on the Cook trade) and you'd be suprised at how many fans there don't like tracy "nevr gotten out of the first round" mcgrady
theoretically we should be able to get him in a deal after July 1st for Lamar (13.5), plus Kwame (9.5) [total 23] for Tmac (19) and Head (1) [total 20] <--- salary wise only.. don't bite my head off 'cause you think houston would never go for it
i for one don't think its likely but it could happen for 3 reasons
A) they're looking for an 4 to replace Juwan Howard.
B) they would not want Bynum, as they already have Yao
C) Kwame coming off the bench behind Yao is kind of like having a younger mutumbo. . not to mention his salary coming off the books after the year haha
anyhow i like the line-up
Farmar/Head
Kobe/Evans
T-Mac/Luke
Vlad/Turriaf
Bynum/Mihm
you'd still have the 19th pick, and Bynum... plus a fairly decent team (imagin both kobe and t-mac averaging 28-6-6 + having two players who can get their shot at almost anytime)
oh and we shed 3mil in saleries... if we trade cook plus the latter second rounder for a first round pick to some team (15-25th ish) thats another 3.5million off the books (do that before the draft obviously haha) or we could trade him for a vetran
and as for the houston side of the trade?
Alston
MJames
Shane
LO
Yao
looks pretty good... but i have a feeling that they'll be laughing just as hard as the nuggets if that offer is ever made
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | June 23, 2007 at 04:35 PM
AK,
This has to be one of the best articles written about the whole Kobe-Lakers soap opera. Its good to know that amongst all the haters and over adulating fans there is someone who is able to make sense of the whole situation and present it in an insightful and well articulated fashion. Thank you for that..
Posted by: Trex | June 23, 2007 at 04:37 PM
thebigchill,
"Gunner, I understand that it pertains to the team he goes to but if he doesnt like what that team will look like with the trade he can veto going there"
THAT'S WHERE YOU'RE WRONG. HE DOES NOT HAVE VETO POWER. ONLY POWER OVER THE TEAM HE GOES TOO. THAT'S HOW THE NO TRADE CLAUSE HE HAS IS LABELED.
SO, ONCE HE CHOOSE THE TEAM, BUSS CONTROLS THE PLAYERS.
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 04:37 PM
jorema,
"The inference that Kobe headquarters are directing the publication of the video, is just too far fetched. There is too much risk in doing that in terms of bad rep for Kobe and I don’t think that Kobe will approve that."
I BELIEVE YOUR NEW NAME IS THE BIG CONTRADICTOR.
YESTERDAY YOU SAID YOU BELIEVE KOBE KNEW ABOUT THIS VIDEO AND WAS USING IT AS LEVERAGE.
NOW TODAY YOU SAY YOU DON'T THINK KOBE WOULD APPROVE OF THE VIDEO. HOW CAN WE BELIEVE ANY OF YOUR STATEMENTS ANYMORE?
JUST SAY NO TO CR$CK!!!
Posted by: gunner24 | June 23, 2007 at 04:40 PM
AK,
Long time reader, first time poster.
You have summarized nearly all of my thoughts on this situation. I have stood up for Kobe, against my better judgement and principles, for a long time. Sadly, for all of the reasons you mentioned, keeping him is no longer tenable; it's come to that, It's time to cut bait.
LakerKev
Posted by: LakerKev | June 23, 2007 at 04:44 PM
Just Trade Kobe!!!!! He is not worth it to stay in the Lakers uniform. trade him to the Bulls for Deng, Gordon, Wallace and the no.9 pick...and then trade Kwame Brown, Cook, Radmanovic and no.9 pick for Garnett...Luke Walton for Artest
First 5
PG Farmar
SG Gordon
PF Odom
SF Artest
C Garnett
Bench: Wallace, Deng, Bynum, Turiaf, Mihm
Posted by: Atot | June 23, 2007 at 04:45 PM
The key to winning a championship is not trying to get super star players.
maybe one unselfish super star is needed.
the Lakers are two perimeter defensive players away from winning a championship. A defense minded PG and defense minded SF or PF.
the loss to the suns was due to lack of perimeter defense. lack of footspeed to keep up with the Phoenix burners.
Kwame Brown was not a problem. Smush and his lack of defense was a big problem. Walton did not play defense. Odom is a tweener and spends too much time outside for a big guy.
the lakers problems is not a lack of talent.
It is a lack of focus. Of playing team defense. Of sharing the ball. The Spurs are not that much more talented. Nor are the suns.
The suns do not have one superstar. But they share the ball. and they look like superstars.
Kutpchak is a terrible manager.
He does not know the basic fundamentals.
This a a great problem for your GM to have.
Posted by: Lee | June 23, 2007 at 04:54 PM
A bird in hand is better that two in the bush.
Anybody remember that saying?
In this case, 3 good chicago players does not equal a HOF. The common belief is that it takes at least 2 HOF and 3 good ones for a championshjp. We have the HOF and LO, Radman and Mihm. Mmore getting better - Bynum, Mo, Turiiaf and Famar. Just one more HOF to complete the set.
Trading away Kobe will probably get you a good to great team. But at most it'll be the LA version of the Dallas Mavericks. Yes, they're good but so what? When, if ever, will they have a parade in June?
So kobe's upset. Who wouldn't? You try busting your ass and then be told that is all for naught. That the plan was for 3 years from now. Jim Buss never having to work could not know how that comes across. Anybody want to work for that kind of boss?
Tell me the teams that traded away their HOF don't wish to be able to do it all over. Kareem for lots of good players, Wilt, Dr. J, Shaq and the most famous of all - Babe Ruth to NY.
I support Dr. Buss in his decision. Kobe stays. Let the dice roll.
Posted by: p ang | June 23, 2007 at 04:55 PM
Gunner 24, hey partner we shall see very soon. I happen to believe otherwise about his no trade cluase but I will tell you this all you guys thinking your going to get Deng and Gordon and Big Ben and the 9th pick your crazy to even suggest it. It will not happen. Forget about the no trtade cluase Chi town would never pull the trigger on that deal which means we will not get equal value for Kobe.
Posted by: thebigchill | June 23, 2007 at 05:00 PM