T-Minus 48-ish hours until bullet bitin' time

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

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!

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.

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!

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

I'll trade Bynum, Vladimir Rad, and the 19th pick for Jermaine O'Neal.

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

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

hey AK,

i'm not sure if he did mention if luke had agreed...

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

Edwin

I Sorry Man For Getting Upset I Just Hate Ric Bucher Because I THink He Have Something Against The Lakers.

what's happening monday?

i know stupid question

forgive me if AK covered this already... dude, that was seriously long

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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...

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

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

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

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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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..

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.

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!!!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Jorema,

You and the other Kobe supporters go as far as to think that the Lakers secretly planted strangers in the parking lot at some shopping center to take some quick footage of Kobe trash talking his players???

Are you kidding me?

First off, for people who think that the Lakers front office is stupid and are morons..isn't that a complicated consipiracy to pull off?

I find it horrible that you can't overlook Kobe's plans of debauchery (going on multiple radio shows, talking to multiple journalists) and instead come up with some weird scheming plans by the front office.

PLEASE!!! Just face it.Kobe says he wants out, let him go. If you care about him soooo much, thats fine with me. Let him be happy, and trade him.

Laker Believers,
KEEP HOPE ALIVE!! Don't let Plashke, Heisler and AK discourage you with their doomsday negativity towards Kobe. Their loyalties lie with the corporate establishment. They will defend Jim Buss and Kupcake to the very end. They are trying to deceive all of us into believing that trading Kobe is the best alternative based on rumors, leaks, and speculation, while COMPLETELY ignoring the other obvious option, which is to replace the insider-Jim Buss with someone who has a clue about basketball. Firing the insider will show Kobe that owndership is taking his demands seriously. Why would anybody as stubborn as Kobe change his stance when nothing has been done to address any of his complaints. No trades, no insider firing, no apologies, NOTHING. The meeting with Kupcake was positive first step. If the FO adds some decent players, but more importantly, addresses the Jim Buss problem, Kobe will stay.
KEEP HOPE ALIVE!! KEEP HOPE ALIVE!!

JINX!

As soon as I wrote the thing about not many supporting AK's negativity, the haters awakened. They are feeding off of this like the stinking parasites they are!

G1

With the aboved mentioned, has the zombie outbreak started already???

AK
I think you were reading my mind. Great summery and I agree completely. Looks like some of the critics on the blog will be blasting you for being so realistic, but I think Kupchek should at least start putting out feelers for a trade and see what develops.
What can that hurt?
Keeping Kobe, the future is uncertain. Way too many ifs. Now or two years from now.
Bottom line I want a Lakers team with the best possible future.

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. - AK
-----------------

Correct me if I'm wrong. I think Kobe just said he wants to be traded. I haven't heard or read that no matter how the team is improved (by those who will be brought in i,e KG) he will not relent on his demand for a trade.

What other reason would there be for him to demand a trade if the Lakers becomes a competitive one. It's what he has been asking for in the first place. As to "it is not fixable after what has been said", as if this is the first time "dirty laundries" have been aired in this team or other sports teams for that matter.

I I can have Dr. Buss ears, I'll tell him that since he always used to say Kobe is like his son, then show him again how he cares. Kobe might as well looks up to him as a father figure. Now that Kobe seems to be cooling off (talking to Mitch), I think another round of a Father/Son talk is in order.

Lakers will not be the same if Kobe goes. Yes, it might be able to get another charismatic player sometime in the future. When and for how long we will wait, it is just anybody's guess. I for one will not have the same enthusiasm watching the Lakers becoming the Celtics of the West.

AK:
Great piece. I have to say I agree with it. I'm still holding out hope that a consensus can be reached in the next couple of days that will make everyone say, "Okay, there was some friction, but we're now all on the same page and looking forward to winning next season." However, every passing minute makes that more and more Sci-Fi/Fantasy.

And since we're talking about Slava, the greatest Slava moment, bar none: Slave leading the break, right to left on your radio dial, whips a no-look, behind-the-back pass ... out of bounds to the guy in the front row. You could almost hear Slava thinking to himself, "See, this is why I always take the shot."

the big chill,

As much as I continue to reiterate, nobody pays attention.

You're right about not getting Gordon and Deng in a trade, the Bulls wouldnt give up their two best players. But you're also wrong about not getting equal value.

As I put up in a post a few days ago, it would be easy to get the equal PRODUCTION, and it could be said, equal value for Kobe.

Tyrus Thomas is a big time talent on both sides of the ball, and if you watched the Pistons series, he could score and play D, and in fact was probably the best player on the Bulls in that series

Ben Gordon, if he gets playing time, would have been an All-Star in the east. He can score, hit a three, and really ball in the clutch. (do you remember the buzzer beaters last season?) he just seems to get burried on the bench as a Ginobili type 6th man for Scott Skiles.

The Lakers would ask for Ben Wallace, and they could probably get him too because of that long contract and could keep PJ Brown for another year, as long as they dont want Sefolosha or Nocioni. Say what you want about Ben, but he's not mean to score. He just needs to play some D and rebound. Would you rather have Kwame or Bynum next year to play D and rebound? Even small numbers like 6pts 9 rbs and 1 blk a game is better than what we had last year, becaues you know what youre getting night in and night out.

If they could get the #9 pick for the #19, the lakers could grab a scorer like Al Thorton, Rodney Stuckey, or Nick Young who already says he'd love to stay home and play with the Lakers.

All of those guys equal Kobe's production, and perhaps more value, considering the youth of Gordon, Thomas, and the rookie.

Look at the Spurs and nobody else, as the model for winning. I'm not saying theyd win the championship next year, but having Wallace, Odom, Thomas, Gordon, Walton, and then Bynum, Farmar is going 7 players with no drop off in skill. When Kobe came off the court they had a major drop off in skill and thats why they struggled.

Everyone- It still seems as if there are two camps out there, those who want Kobe to stay at all costs, and those who are looking at the bigger picture and want the lakers to compete for championships.

Ironically, Kobe and his agent insist he wants to be traded, and Kobe said he wants to win and win now. Those two ideas are completely opposed now because to keep Kobe as a Laker when he wants to be traded might fill sits and appease Kobe lovers on the blog but it wont get the Lakers any closer to competing for championships. By trading him the Lakers have a chance to rebuild and young talent and be competitive right away.

That is sad, that to get to the point Kobe wants ( to win championships) the Lakers have to trade him. This is what happens when one side tires to get the upper hand and forces the other to give in to their demands.

Somewhere chick hearn is stirring is his grave. A lot has been said about the demise of the Lakers since Shaq left town but I dont think its totally coincidental its always happened since Chick passed away.

Based on his book and things he said during broadcasts I think chick had a lot of pull and say in the Lakers front office.

ak/bk - the chick factor has not been written about but would make an interesting topic for the blog.

The Brothers’ Buss secret plan revealed.

Kobe stance in this saga had changed more than 3 times...WHY?

---At first he express discontent with Lakers direction. Nobody say...hey Kobe lets talks about your concern.
---Phil called him and calmed Kobe. He softened his stance.
---A leaks form Lakers brass....made Kobe mad again. He reinforce the idea of leaving the Lakers.
----After that Buss make a statement....Kobe still our cornerstone. Kobe keep quiet.
---In China, vacationing with his Daddy. Buss jr. (Johnny) wrote the controversial "By bye Kobe" lines. Kobe agent office answer that with requesting officially a trade.
----Kobe, intrigued by that My space statement, ask Buss to meet in Spain. Why the press continue leaking news, comments and innuendos from Buss office trench. Kobe communicate to Jerry his displeasure about what’s going on, the Johnny words and is getting signals that Lakers want to dump him.

---Again is leaked the reunion, but with two different messages, one for John Black (private conversation), other from the brothers (Kobe defiance attitude) By the Kobe goes ballistic again..
\
----New developments come with the video. Guys of the video say that Lakers offered money and they refused because people have the rights to know the truth. (Guys, we aren’t stupid.) They are selling the video , and not showing it free. And they say if not enough money is collected they refund the money.
Only three reporters had seeing the video as is. This is too suspect to be believed. Reality is that those guys are directed in a campaign of discredit.

-----As we see Busses brothers are behind this campaign of discredit of Kobe and Jerry the father is too old and distracted to knows what’s going on. The brothers doesn’t care if the Lakers lost leverage trading Kobe, because they thing by now that with Kobe in the organization they can’t controlled on til the father die. Is in their advantage to dispatch Kobe the soonest as possible.

---As a way to placate Jeannie and win her as allied they started negotiations with Phil. In the same time the brothers are using any medium to sell the idea to Lakers fans that the best for the team is a trade .

----The two mayor problems in Brothers’ plan is Jerry, the father who still believe Kobe should be in a Lakers uniform. Also the season tickets holder that empathize with Kobe demands. Remember John Black said : 90 % of them called to protest? Probably John Black had being relegated of his functions in this saga, and the brothers are directing any official statement.

Is also very curious that the statements form Jerry Buss to ticket holders didn’t come from Public relations office. It was his personal assistant Bob who redacted the note.

AK,

A bit dramatic to say the least ... a few comments

1. PR suicide, really? in sports once you start winning again the fans will forgive and forget. You think if bonds post baseball now taking drug testing seriously could still hit 70 HRs under the medias microscope wouldn't get love?

2. Kobe sitting out the season is not career suicide. Jordan took a break from 2yr brk from bball and still returned to form. Kobe can sitout 2 yrs and then opt out of his contract

3. This is the end of the road because of kobe's new stance. Nope it's the end of the road because we all still feel management is not capabable of pulling off a hail mary, give kobe kidd, jo, and artest for say bynum, odom, kwame and a couple other scrubs and you think everyone doesn't get along?

I do agree with you that it's getting uglier, but in a capitalist society ain't nothing winning can't fix. Shaq and Kobe proved this already at the start of the decade. And it makes sense when you think about it, after all the point is to win ball games.

Jorema. Honeybaby. I do love you. That's why I hate to break it to you.

But Bucher probably got the skinny on what was said from Kobe or Pelinka. And Bucher says Kobe went to Barcelona to tell Buss he wasn't suiting up for LA anymore. You're projecting what you would have wanted Kobe to say. But sometimes the LAT and the 4-letter network get it right. Bucher got it right at the beginning.

The invonvenient truth is that Kobe Bryant likely wants out. You may not want to believe that, and I wouldn't be surprised if you try to break me down in response to this, but one thing you can never say, is that you haven't been told.

And fellow Laker fans: you may not like what you're hearing, especially from AK, but it may be the truth. Kobe may not be able to stay. Rebuilding is INEVITABLE, be it next season or 2 years down the line. The best thing to do may very well be to blow this thing up and begin again.

Don't be afraid of change. A Lakers squad with a happy Kobe is better than one with no Kobe and no stars. But AK is talking sense.

Jorema- I am sure you mean well with your posts but your ideas seem far fetched. Are you suggesting you would rather see Kobe on the Lakers even if the Lakers continue to lose in the first round every year?

If Kobe lovers would rather keep Kobe at all costs, that means more of the same as the last 3 years, lots of individual Kobe accomplishments and no rings. If that is the case, and fans will continue to pack Staples center, why bother making any changes at all?

To Atot and all who want to trade Kobe to Chicago,

Given the current talent in the West: Nash, Duncan, Parker, Novitski, AI, Carmelo & the entire Jazz team .....

The proposed starting lineup of:

PG Farmar
SG Gordon
PF Odom
SF Artest
C Garnett

Will lose in the playoffs, if they make it. 2 of those 3 don't know the offense. All but Garnett, will be toasted in the playoffs against the big
3 in the west. None of those people deserve a double team from phx, dallas or the spurs. Yes, the ball will be passed more. Yes,
the people listed all seem to not be spoiled superstars. The lakers would continue to get bounced in the first round.
Bynum will be irrelevant, in the west, for the next 5 years due to all of the talented Bigs. Durant & Oden will hit the floor and be better than Bynum by the 2nd week of the season. Kevin Garnett + Sam Cassell & Letrell Sprewell lost to the Lakers. The spurs, suns & mavericks are "roughly" equivalent to what we had with Shaq, Kobe & co. If winning a championship is important to the Lakers "now", you can not give up Kobe.
You must break the bank to get him some help! If the Lakers give up Kobe they will not win another championship until after Duncan, Novitski & Nash retire. Even then, it will be dubious because of the Jazz in conjunction with Portland & Seattle getting stronger. Your trades do make the Lakers a deeper team. They would just be a deep team of B-list players when compared to the deep teams of A-list players in Phx, Dallas, Jazz & San Antonio.
Garnett would not play for Los Angeles if we gave up Kobe. We wouldn't be competitive & every realistic person knows it.

You also haven't addressed the coaching situation. I'm not sure that Phil Jackson has any desire to coach the players you've listed. If he leaves, the Lakers are doomed because Popovich, Sloan & Don Nelson are HOF coaches. Avery Johnson has the potential to turn into a great coach. D'Antoni could turn into a great coach if he modifies his system to include defense.

Faith- "You don't trade the best player in the game in his prime"

Correct me if I am wrong but didnt the Rangers trade A-rod in his prime to the Yankees. He had just won the MVP the prior season.

As for the Babe Ruth comparison- that situation was totally different. Boston was desparate for cash and trade Babe to save the team financially.

Point is, circumstances dictate when and if a star gets traded and in Kobes case, he has requested/demanded the trade, which lowers his trade value in some respect.

Ironically, I am willing to bet Kobe would be offended if the Lakers got the same players they did for Shaq for him , because his ego is so big and rarely looks at how his actions affect the bigger picture.

Sad, Chick where are you?

Who else has taken a career and thrown it in the dumpster like Kobe? Maybe if he tried to choke his coach he could get some more press. You must search long and hard to remember the last time this guy played a team game.

Watching the NBA since 1963 and being a Laker fan for that time I feel both sadness and frustration. The Kobe we have watched for the last three years is the perfect example of everything wrong with the NBA. The David Stern led salary structure allows for this crap to be the example for any business not to follow. One player taking the entire franchise either up or down depending on his whims. If Garnett was the same type of person as Kobe they would be in exactly the same position. Until owners pull their heads out and create a reasonable wage scale and the ability to make some adjustments to their rosters any and all teams are held hostage by the player.

The entire front office is to blame for this crap and none of them have to take as much heat as Kobe. Jerry Buss could not have seen this comming? Exactly what kind of person did he think Kobe is? Kobe is the guy who took Bynum under his wing right? Remember all the hours Kobe spent with him, showing him the ways of the NBA and building a rapport so that when the season rolled around it looked like they had been playing together for years? Remember all the times Bynum has thanked Kobe for being there and that Kobe knew his situation because he had come into the league at the same age and could relate to the difficulties and situations he was in?

I could go on with Kupchak and his miserable trades, drafts, and signings but if I was Kobe and had to play two games let alone two years with Smush I would have demanded out a long time ago.

Taliq - Jordan did not take a break for 2 years to play baseball- he retired. I cant speak for AK but I believe his thinking is Kobe sitting out would hurt his opportunitues with other teams ( because how do they know he wouldnt do the same thing with them) and also any current marketing opportunities ( ie Jersey sales, Nike deals)

AK

Yeah I see no qualms with what you are saying.

At this point, we can only hope that the mgmt is not just trying to make money by keeping Kobe for 1 more yr for NO REASON at all if he's gonna be traded in the wake of summer 2009 anyway.
To wait one yr to do the same thing you could do now is the ultimate REASON to call Jerry BUSS "YOU BLOCK HEAD" like (Charlie Brown) No sense at all!
As we've all said he's younger now and more sexy now than a yr from now.
The sooner we strike, the better deal we will capture.

2 things:
1. Why in hell would the BUSS family and front office feel as though they can "WOOO" Kobe into staying or show wine and dine him into falling back in love with this situation. They are the root of what he dislikes here and it looks as if they ain't changing their makeup. So waste of time.

2. The national media might think the Lakers need a star or the locals won't come watch without star power. Let me tell you, I don't live out there but I know folks will like controversy-quiet time and more than ANYTHING, we'd like to see the team get some VALUE for Kobe. Not equal value cause that's impossible but VALUE and CHIPS to trade and build with later is something we have not seen much since 11 summers ago when Kobe and Shaq arrived. The other thing is the anticipation of the NEXT star whether it's 2 yrs or 5 yrs from now will have great build up. DURANT and ODEN will have decisions to make in 3 yrs.

The only bad part is that we have no answer for the JIM BUSS blues.
That's going to take divine intervention from above.

Same for Kobe making a believer out of us and healing wounds around here. Anything short of a 2 yr committment and serving out the contract you signed is unacceptable. Just play and see what happens doesn't square with the fan base.
The guy's game is enjoyable enough to watch for 2 more yrs and say goodbye. You know you'll get his left lung laid on the court.
If he can't commit then make this a draft night to REMEMBER!!

What ya think Peace and AZ??

Laker Lover,
"Boston was desparate for cash and trade Babe to save the team financially"

Actually, the money was used by the owner to finance a play, not because the Red Sox were in trouble.

Jim- "Remember all the times Bynum has thanked Kobe for being there and that Kobe knew his situation because he had come into the league at the same age and could relate to the difficulties and situations he was in?"

My god Jim, this is exactly what me, KL Gunner and Fakerz have been saying all year long. You cant build a team around Kobe as the leader because it is not his nature and he in trying has failed miserably.

MY ideas far fetched?

Every thing I mention...is carefully explained with the motives behind.

Personally i prefer seeing Kobe in a Chicago uniform. Busses brothers will make of this franchise another Boston imitation. And they will do anything in their part as we have seeing, to make Kobe life as miserable as hell.

Don't be surprised if Phil Jackson turn a allied of them, In this juncture, Phil want economy security, because his body is broken down.

Right now what matther for the brothers is to have the power. They are afraid that Buss father pick Jerry West again.

exhelodrvr - I stand corrected,

Gunner24,

""Please stop calling Kobe the "BIG IRRELEVANT""

WHEN THE BIG PLUTO GETS THE LAKERS TO THE FINALS AS THE #1 BATMAN ON THE TEAM, I'LL STOP CALLING HIM THAT.

BUT RIGHT NOW, 3 YEARS WITHOUT SHAQ, NO PLAYOFFS IN THE FIRST YEAR, OUT IN THE FIRST ROUND THE NEXT 2 YEARS.

SEEMS TO ME LIKE HE'S BECOMING IRRELEVANT DON'T YOU THINK?"

I really don't agree, man. KG has MISSED the playoffs for the past 3 years, you don't consider him irrelevant, do you? Just knock of the BIG IRRELEVANT thing. It's not fitting, it ain't funny, and its actually dumb. Call him something else.

Jim
I don't think Kobe has thrown a career down the dumpster.
This is what we have in sports right now rather you can relate or not.

Kids and stars born in the 40s and 50s grew up in a different world and carried themselves differently.

Kids from the 60s who grew up in the 70s and played in the 70s, 80s, and into the 90s were the end of a breed.
The group that left with Jordan, Malone, Stockton, Ewing ended the string.

Kids aren't like that or influenced in the way those young men were.

So it is what it is now.

Owners are different now too. They envy guys like Don Sterling who makes money while losing as oppose to fiercely wanting to win.
Buss didn't want to pay luxury after Shaq, didn't want to pay Shaq, and wanted to half rebuild and half contend while waiting about 5-7yrs to win another one.

Can you say the Nick Van Exel yrs?
That's what's coming and I hope BUSS realizes it instead of getting another 20 million star who isn't as good as KOBE.

"That is sad, that to get to the point Kobe wants ( to win championships) the Lakers have to trade him."

This statement is not true. Kobe could stay here, let the Lakers build around him AND Bynum and the year after next look at probably a 5 year period where they could have realistic expectations of at least fighting for the finals every year.

Kobe says he wants to win now and then he says he wants to go to NY? Wha? What logic is there in this? NY to even get Kobe would have to trade 1/2 their team, probably in some kind of 3 team deal. How long would it take that depleted team to get to the finals, even in the weaker Eastern Conference?

I've been getting the feeling Kobe has absolutely no clue about how to acquire players. He just thinks you target Jermaine ONeal and somebody gives him to you, at very little cost. Look at the guys Kobe listed as "failures" by Laker mgt. in bringing in people. Baron Davis?? Management said he was injury prone, well guess what? HE IS! Artest, management said he was too unstable. Well guess what? Artest had a meltdown in Sacramento and if he had been here during the same time period, he would have had a meltdown regardless of Phil and Kobe and his crazy wife... Boozer? Was Boozer really available to us for trade? Utah says no now, so... while management hasn't made great acquistions, they haven't made terrbile ones.

People try to use Vlad Rad as an example of a bad acquisition by management. Well guess what? Guess who was on the phone calling Vlad Rad at midnight the first day they could talk to free agents, Mitch, Phil and... KOBE. Yes, KOBE. They were ALL behind it, yet now... selective memory has Kobe saying Mitch isn't doing anything.

I say enough of this BS. If Kobe didn't come clean with Mitch in their meeting you HAVE to move him. They still have time before the draft to set something "reasonable" up vs. this BS about Kobe saying he will sit out. If Kobe told Mitch that, then this saga has reached "LUDICROUS SPEED" and it's time to cut bait while the gettin's good...

Nash "the Big irrelevant"

Dirk "the Big irrelevant"

Lebron"the Big choker"

Garnett "big chicken irrelevant"

Carmelo Anthony "the Big irrelevant"

KL, Gunner, Steven, Jim, Laker Bake: Irrelevants bloggers.

TaosHum - good points, as Laker fans first we need to look at what is best for the lakers team right now. I understand the rebuilding around Kobe stance but there was 10 ands and ifs in there, meaning so many things would have to go right, the first and foremost would be convincing the rest of the Lakers they should want to play with Kobe.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22432.shtml

Yet another member of the Nuggets front office sprayed water on the trade rumor flames later Saturday morning by saying that trading Camby and Nene for O'Neal is "Not gonna happen, Trav."

Thank God.

Kobe lovers would rather keep Kobe at all costs, that means more of the same as the last 3 years, lots of individual Kobe accomplishments and no rings. If that is the case, and fans will continue to pack Staples center, why bother making any changes at all? Laker Bake.

The problem here is....
Lakers brass think everything is ok/.
They have mediocre players in that team and they think is ok to have it.

If you want to defend those players is your own choice.
I don't like to lose. But i respect losers mediocrity.specially if they feel happy in that enviroment.

Edwin

Once Again Man I Sorry For Getting Upset Hopefully We Can Put This Misunderstanding Behind Us. So We Can Go And Respect Each Other.

You can't have it both ways, you can't say Kobe's selfish for demanding a trade, yet not think that he probably knows very well how that tarnishes his image. If he's so selfish, and he's so me-me-me, he wouldn't be asking for players to win with. He'll just be satisfied with the scoring champions, the 81. If he's so ego ridden, he wouldn't be tarnishing his own image. If you feel that way, fine you're entitled to it. Just like I'm entitled to how I feel.

Look, I'm not speaking in Kobe's terms anymore. I have since said, let him be malcontent I don't care, but he is not being traded because in my mind it's franchise suicide. I don't even dispute the fact that he's a flawed flawed individual. People forget that we once went for the get younger, get more athletic lure. But in that time I agreed with it, because Shaq was getting older, and he was asking for money. But in this case the guy is in his prime. And that's not it, look back to who we got with the Shaq situation, you think our FO can do even an ounce better? Do you honestly think they can turn this sinking ship around, with our without Kobe?

Babe Ruth may have been a stretch, I already admitted I'm irrational about this whole thing...but I'm equally afraid we'll turn into the Celtics instead.

P.S. Jim good post. I've brought up Kobe's attempt at mentoring/helping Socks before, but I'm not sure it has worked.

P.P.S. Good post P Ang. Where've you been? You used to be a regular here!

Jorema

Who Are The Relevant Bloggers And Players?

Faith- We agree to disagree on Kobe, but I still miss Chicky baby!

Jorema

I Not Sure About KG Being Chicken Because He Nearly Got Traded To Boston But His Agent Put A Stop To All This When Do You Think His Agent Is Going To Tell Us Where He Want To Go?

Laker Lover, you aren't the only one. I'm of the camp of "Chick would have set all this straight." People listened to Chick, the front office valued his opinion, players talked to him.

I miss Chick as well.

J Cool.

I'[m mockering Gunner .

He call kobe big irrelevant because he doen't carry this team as others superstars/.

Like AK said, I would wait for a couple of days and get the official word from Kobe. If he wants to be traded, then trade him. It does the team no good to keep an unhappy superstar.

If Kobe wants to be traded then the Bulls are the only reasonable destination. But why can the Lakers not ask for Yi JianLian instead of the #9? Force the Bulls to come up with the scenario to acquire him for the trade. This would increase the interest in the Lakers from the chinese fans and may somewhat offset the revenue loss from losing Kobe.

Faith,

I missed you too and your lols. Now that Smush is gone we have to find somebody else to be annoyed with. Any candidates?

Why on earth would the Bulls give up anywhere near equivalent value for Kobe when he could just opt out in 2 years if they don't kowtow to his every wish (and win some playoff series to boot)? It's just plain silly to think they will give up Deng and Gordon plus pieces for what obviously could be one huge prolonged headache.

Ok A.K/ B.K How about this

Kobe to the bulls for Deng, Gordon, Thomas, PG Brown sign and trade & 9 pick

Bynum, Thomas, Vlade & 9th pick for Pau Gasol

Cook & Shasa to houston for Head and Wells

PG Gordon/ Jordon
SG Wells/Mo/Head
C Gasol/Kwame/ Mihm
PF Odom/Ronny/Brown
SF Deng/ Vlade
19 pick and 2nd round pick
I think this line up could win some games. And if Brown is signed for one year we would be able to clear cap space for 08 free agents.

MH

How about a Kwame ( expiring contract) and filler to match salaries for Ben Wallace (long contract and in Skile's doghouse). Now this is a trade with the Bulls I wouldn't mind seeing !

I agree with AK. I have resigned myself to the fact that Kobe Bryant will be traded this summer. I still don't agree that it is the best course of action. But with what has been going on and with Kobe's pride and stubborness, it seems that bridges have been burned and the relationship between Buss and Kobe can no longer be mended. The Lakers management will also not want to to be perceived as being hostage to a player, no matter how good that player is. If Kobe goes, then so long, farewell and good luck to him. We wish him success in every game he plays against teams not called the Lakers.

It will be tough to root for a team without Kobe, though. With Kobe, even in a blowout game, we still get entertained by one of the greatest player in NBA history.

I have to agree, I don’t want to trade Kobe but the damage control is way to far beyond repair. I heard that same ish Ric Bucher was saying yesterday, whether or not its true Kobe can’t come back now. He dissed his teammates by saying they weren’t championship quality, and then he said he wanted to be traded, and now this bootleg video. It’s too much if they try to build around him I feel he’s going to leave anyway and then we’ll have nobody. Let’s build around Lamar and Andrew for now then trade Kobe and hope for good picks and a shoot at a big free agent next year. The Chicago trade sounds good to me, a core of good young talent, but that remains to bee seen. I’ll bet any money that Lamar and every body on that squad will be better, it’s like Kobe holding them back. Think about, you all watch the games the always pass it to Kobe then stand around and watch him, on the out of bounds plays who is it going to? When Kobe was injured the played like a team and won, players had more confidence and didn’t think about there shot. Defensively Kobe’s not as good as he use to be, why because he’s to busy complain about the foul on the other end and his man beat’s him. I blame some of the defensive lapses on Kobe his teammates see it and follow his lead; I remember when Kobe would never complain about a call just hustle back those days are long gone just like Kobe is. I’m not trying to hate on Kobe I think he’s a great individual player, and have just like you stood up for him around the office and those against him, but last time I checked this was a team sport. For now he’s a Laker until that day comes, that’s going to be a pretty low morale locker room in my eyes.

Let’s look at what’s now for us I like the Head/Wells trade that’s better then a J.O trade. I’m keeping my fingers crossed I hope that trade happens. I don’t think that J.O is a much better upgrade from Lamar, J.O’s been injured a lot and we don’t need a Troy Murphy, big contract, can’t defend, can shot the ball but that’s it. I think this deal is dead now with Kobe’s future in the air. We have a 19th pick in this draft I hope we get some athletic player who can play both side of the ball we don’t need a player like Jason Smith who reminds me of another Brain Cook who can shot but cant defend. We need a players like Javaris Crittenton, Rodney Stuckey and would love to get but don’t think he’ll fall to 19th Acie Law. We need good guards who can defend and create there own shots, and shot the jumper especially in the west. Then we can sign a vet guard to help us now and groom these young talents. We also have a 40th pick were we can get a forward like Jared Dudley or Marcus Williams both would be great additions to our club.

If we lived, loved, and watch the lake show in the 90’s then we can live through this.

Laker fan for life.

p ang

Mo williams, Luther Head Or Steve Blake?

Jorema

I Was Gone For A While So I Didn't Notice.

I Got To Disagree With That The Lakers Is Holding All The Cards And Got All The Leverage So They Can Do Whatever They Want. I Think Ric Bucher Hates The Lakers. He Is An Idiot And Don't Know What He Is Talking About.

What's wrong with the Lakers?

Kobe Bryant - Knows how to put the ball in the basket from 33 feet away while being doubly defended. Doesn't know that there are other letters besides m and e in team.

Lamar Odom - You can ask him to play any position on the court. Just don't ask him to turn right.

Kwame Brown - A center who passes and rebounds like a point guard. Don't even try to feed him the ball like you would a proper center because he'll just drop it.

Luke Walton - Understands the triangle better than anyone on the team except for Phil Jackson. Unfortunately, less athletic than Phil Jackson.

Andrew Bynum - A center who is trying to become the next Tim Duncan. So far the only part of Tim Duncan's game that Bynum has mastered is Duncan's "I committed a foul?" face.

Brian Cook - A power forward without the power or the forward.

Jordan Farmar - Thinks he's Michael Jordan. I guess I'd feel that way too if I was replacing Smush Parker.

Chris Mihm - Steps foot on the court less often than Jack Nicholson.

Ronny Turiaf - Doesn't think anything is wrong with the Lakers.

Maurice Evans - Insert ringer here.

Sasha Vujacic - A "shooting" point guard so bad that the opposition (Steve Nash) feels like giving him tips.

Vladimir Radmanović - The complete opposite of Luke Walton. Doesn't understand a thing about the triangle, and so athletic he's capable of leaping off a mountain. Oh wait.

Smush Parker - "We can't be giving the Smush Parkers of the league" starting jobs like that.

Phil Jackson - Best known for messing with player's minds. Unfortunately in this situation, the players are messing with his mind.

Mitch Kupchak - I just want people to like me :(

Since it's the offseason, I think it's time to be annoyed at Jim Buss lol. When the season comes, who knows?

As per the draft, I don't know about you guys, but I have this scary feeling that our 19th pick, if we do pick it will be a Slava Medvendenko type. Scary! lol.

Just found out my 15 year old son is a Kobe-lover, lol. Wherever Kobe goes, he goes. Can't blame him though, he grew up adoring Kobe. I just thought he was a true-blue Laker fan like his dad. At least, if Kobe goes, there would be some healthy, good-natured ribbing at home when Kobe plays the Lakers.

OMG LOL Andrew T, funniest thing of the year. Sorry Gen O, that's funnier than the zombies.

How about one for Jim Buss?

P ang

The Guy To Be Annoyed Is Vladimir Radman Or As Faith Said Jim Buss.

Good article. I agree 100%.

Kobe is not worth all this heartache.

Fans Still Loyal to Kobe Bryant

http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/breakout/stories/PE_Sports_Local_S_lakers_23.408ce74.html

Marty - another great Slava moment was the time he was KCAL's player of the night and basically had nothing to say. Just nodded his head a lot and got all red-faced.

Dave M

Fatty

Back To The Laker Girls Thing I Would Choose Chanada Of Course But She Would Say What Up J Want To Play Some Ball? And I Say Of Course Since You Know I Am The Ladies Man.

Lamar, Luke and 19 for O'Neal?

I don't know now. I probably make that deal because if Kobe leaves I'd like to see a whole new team. No Lamar, no Odom, no Kupchak, no Phil Jackson.

I'd mae the deal then try to get a point guard....but ....

I am about off the Kobe bandwaggon....

I can only support the guy for so long...

Wes

J-Cool,

Jim Buss is no fun. Its like picking on the village idiot.

"Mo williams, Luther Head Or Steve Blake? " - I'll take whoever Faith wants.