Now that the Lakers snagged their (some would say odd) draft picks, the focus shifts to the free-agent market.  The Purple and Gold have little -- and by "little" we mean "nada" -- cash available to be (or attract) big-time players, but they're looking to hand out MLE money.  Heavily mentioned candidates for full and split contracts include Mo Williams, Steve Blake, Grant Hill, Jason Kapono, Jamal Magloire, a bought-out Stevie Franchise (a thought inspiring the K Brothers to puke in their own mouths), Mikki "Half a Spider" Moore, Charlie Bell and a pair of former Clips.  Here's a list of every team's free agents.  The Lakers' quest to add bodies also includes their own.  And given the dry coffers, Luke Walton and Chris Mihm remain appealing options if for no other reason than not counting against the cap to re-sign.  And speaking of free agents, Kobe Bryant isn't one, and he may need a reminder that he's employed by the Lakers, not the other way around.  Of course, the Lakers will keep busy trying to add bodies via trade to make him happier.  But if they're unsuccessful, there is one bright side.  No matter what the front office does, it's unlikely Kobe will emerge more miserable than the fans.

Oh, Zeke!  You little scamp!

And I'll go out on a limb and say most Lakers do these days, as always, the Bill Simmons Draft Diary is good for a lark.  His "Kobe/Barbaro Watch" comparison certainly inspires a chuckle.  And he's pretty equal opportunity when it comes to mocking other squads, so the blogosphere shouldn't feel singled out.

-AK

There's nothing like draft day to raise a city's hopes for big, bold action.  Well, that didn't happen last night for the Lakers.  It was a blockbuster-free night as the Lakers took long, athletic Georgia Tech guard Javaris Crittendon with the 19th pick in Thursday's (Madison Square) Garden party, then used a pair of second rounders on Chinese point/forward Sun Yue and Spanish center Marc Gasol (Pau's slower, less athletic brother).  It's highly likely both will spend more time overseas before getting a nameplate on a locker at Staples.  Of course, short of Kobe having through back channels (or Ric Bucher) told the Lakers, "Get me KG, JO, or Javaris Crittendon if you want me to be happy!" speculation still centered around what the Lakers will do about/to satisfy their disgruntled superstar.  Phil Jackson says he believes when it comes time to suit up in Hawaii, Kobe will be there.  (Granted, that's a free trip to Hawaii, so one wonders how anyone could pass it up.)  As an organization, the Lakers reiterated that they intend to build around him -- action to come later this summer.

So it's over.  How did the Lakers do, in your humble opinions?  Javaris Crittendon, Sun Yue, Marc Gasol.  Obviously, we'll toss in our takes soon.

BK

We're definitely at the Grill.  If you got some feedback or comments, shout 'em out and we'll try to get ya heard.  And you can listen by hitting the link.

As for the draft live blogging, we'll do it if possible.  But if we can't, let us know what's happening in NYC.  We hear Greg Oden may slip to the #19 spot.  Granted, the source was the Liberty Grill valet, but hey...

-AK

In only a few hours, David Stern will stride across the stage at MSG and kick off the 2007 NBA Draft.  Hopefully by then you'll have inserted the ear plugs necessary to avoid any Stephen A. Smith-induced loss of hearing and can settle in for the best draft in sports.  I know most fans hope the Lakers won't end up taking a player -- it would likely mean they've moved the 19th pick in a big-time trade -- but if they do, who do you want to see them select? 

Because hey, if something goes down, you don't want to miss it, right?  Just don't let "KG Watch"-- however grim it may appear -- get you fired from work.  The rumors are still swirling, fueled by the Internet (really, we don't recommend taking anything you see on the Web seriously) whispers and genuine scuttlebutt.  Perhaps it'll take some creative GMing to get Garnett (who is still out there, courtesy of the Hawks).  It seems the Lakers are still trying to get something done to help solve The Kobe Problem (while, mercifully, not actually talking about The Kobe Problem), but the tea leaves indicate the Lakers will use rather than trade their pick in tonight's potentially wild draft.  But while the pool is big up top, at 19 the prospects for netting an instant contributor are slim.  The Lakers still need a PG, but are apparently looking overseas to fill that hole with their mid-level exception.  Could this man -- complete with rockin' YouTube clip -- be the next Lakers FA signee?  Meanwhile, the goal is to land guys who end up on this list, rather than this one (sorry, Kwame).      

BK

Are you the type of guy or gal who'd like Kobe Bryant to remain in Los Angeles (and still play for the Lakers, mind you.  Keeping a So-Cal P.O. box while on Donald Sterling's payroll doesn't count.)?  Well, then get on 710 ESPN's "Kobe Petition" and plead your case to the Mamba (or Ric Bucher, who'll deliver it to Kobe).  It's worth a try.  You couldn't be any less successful than Mitch Kupchak or "Buss Family member X."

And if you have some free time tomorrow afternoon from 3-7 pm- or a boss that won't notice an empty desk- drop by The Liberty Grill (1037 S. Flower St., a stone's throw from Staples) for a live broadcast of The Big Show with Mason and Ireland, featuring a guest appearance by some blogging brothers.  I'm pretty sure the producer was talking about me and BK when talking up this event.  The afternoon will feature a chance to win Avenger tix (among other items), lively discussion, plus a chance to sign the petition and leave a message for Kobe with your own mitts.  Plus, BK and me in the flesh.  What else do you need?  Well, besides KG and a thumbs up from Kobe, of course?

Your past lack of action may very well have kept this city from retaining one wickedly good football team.  Are you willing to dance with apathy once again?

And again, just in case someone doesn't see, this happens tomorrow! 

-AK

Yes, it's a Stevie Wonder paraphrase, but sometimes the days of the week don't line up well with the news.  What can you do?  Segue, that's what.  Because apparently the Lakers' roster doesn't line up well with what Minnesota wants for Kevin Garnett.  Wolves owner Glen Taylor has flown off to China without a deal getting done, because the Lakers can't offer his franchise the package of youth, picks, and cap space they want in exchange for KG.  But that doesn't mean Lakers fans may not get to see more of him, even if it's just through the imagination of Paul Shirley.  Division rival Phoenix is now seen as the frontrunner in the Garnett Sweepstakes, with three way trade talks including the Celtics, previously declared dead, now once again alive.  (Kind of like John Travolta's career before Pulp Fiction.) There's also talk involving Amare and the Hawks (which would be a sweet name for a 50's rock n' roll band).  How this impacts the whole Kobe situation- surely you've heard- remains to be seen.  Maybe it revives the Jermaine O'Neal talks?  What happens if the Lakers actually keep the 19th pick? 

What is clear at this point is the Lakers are riding a wave of extremes a pail of Xanax couldn't even out.

BK

Then drop by Kwame Brown's pad, because given the summer he's having, chances are he's got a few pills to spare.  While the possibility of Kwame needing shoulder surgery hasn't been a secret, dude's nonetheless spending more time under a knife than Mickey Rourke with a plastic surgeon offering "twofers."  We'll let you know when a recovery time table is announced.  Or when Kwame's scheduled to get some Lasik because he's got a couple hours to kill on a Wednesday afternoon.

-AK

The hoops universe now has something to distract from the Kobe trade scenarios- KG trade scenarios.  While the four team, "This justifies all the time I spend on the Trade Machine instead of watching the kids!" mega deal fell through, apparently the Lakers and T-Wolves are still exploring a deal the old fashioned, two-team way.  It's hardly a slam dunk, since there questions as to whether or not the Lakers have the chips to meet Minnesota's needs and whether or not Wolves GM Kevin McHale would sooner parachute with a bed sheet onto the 5 Freeway before sending Garnett to L.A.  Then there is the matter of Kobe.  ESPN's Ric Bucher reported yesterday that even a deal that nets KG wouldn't change Kobe's "trade me" stance.  True or not, it may not matter.  Bulls GM John Paxson has said the odds of Kobe heading to Chicago are slim, at least if the Lakers want a prime package in return. 

BK   

With all the talk of where the 19th pick in the draft is going- to Indiana, to Denver, to ____ in exotic three-way deals involving Kobe, to _____ in deals involving KG, the Harlem Globetrotters, etc.- there's actually been little discussion about who the Lakers might take if they, you know, actually decide to draft someone with it.  Not surprisingly, because of where they're picking, in filtering through all the mock drafts there's really no consensus as to whom the Lakers will select.  And given the inability to forecast who will be wearing purple and gold in the next couple seasons, even the process of identifying clearcut needs is a little tricky.  In the macro, they need an athlete who can get involved defensively.  It would be nice if said player could shoot a little, too.  They need help in the backcourt, as well (even if you're a believer in Jordan Farmar).  Since Kwame Brown seems unlikely to be a Laker past this year- if he's not traded before that- a rebounding big is also an option.   

Just wanted to let everyone know, I'm gonna be appearing on the "Spanning So Cal" portion of "The Big Show with Mason and Ireland."  They're looking to get the blogosphere's take on the madness going on in Laker Land these days.  I'm not positive if they meant the Kobe trade demand or the fallout from not locking up Shammond Williams before he opted to play in Europe again, so I'm just gonna prepare myself to talk about both subjects.  Should be around 5pm PST.  Hopefully, you can drop by.

And in news not even close to as exciting as me being on the radio, but exciting nonetheless, the Lakers are looking to get in on the KG sweepstakes.

AK

So I was driving home this afternoon, and something occurred to me:

I don't think I've seen or heard the word "Clippers" in about a month.  No FA talk, no draft talk, nothing.  I think I saw a dude in a Clippers t-shirt at Jamba Juice, but that's about it.  It's as if Kobe has channeled his inner David Copperfield and made an entire franchise disappear. 

Am I the only person who has noticed this (that, by the way, is the QOTD)?

BK

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.

And with the tension permeating through Laker Land these days, it probably wouldn't kill the blogosphere to have a laugh at the expense of the dude with a thousand "Big" nicknames (although it appears "The Big Ironic" is in on the punchline).  And speaking of laughs, this parody is good for a few.

As for the source of the previously cited tension, it's been pretty quiet on the Kobe front these days.  Some folks saying Kobe's a brat of Hilton-esque proportions, others claiming that's all irrelevant because it would be insane to punch his ticket out of Newport.  But all in all, not a whole lot of fresh (or even recycled) perspective making the rounds.

We're instead gonna provide some fresh news about a cat garnering precious little ink these days.  Kobe Bryant. 

It's been kept on the low low, but those in the loop say his Mamba-ness is open to a trade outta L.A.  Along those lines, he'd be more than happy to slip on a Chi-Town jersey, but at least one odds maker calls that bet a loser.   The "list" doesn't include his hometown stomping grounds, which could save perennially surly Philadelphians some belly aching down the road.  And while Kobe heading to America's hairspray capital was never in the cards, it would appear that a certain Jersey player won't be available even if the Lakers are willing to ship Andrew Bynum's ass out.  In any event, no matter what Kobe feels he's owed (and some would dispute that notion), the Lakers are still the ones holding pocket aces, according to Mark Heisler. 

A pre-draft press outing with Mitch Kupchak and and the only subject not broached is that of Kobe Bean Bryant. 

Gee, wonder if #24 remained on everyone's minds, anyway.

Instead, discussion centered around potential free agent acquisitions, trade possibilities (although Kupchak acknowledged that the Mamba soap opera has complicated his job and weakened the front office's dealing abilities when it comes to swaps) and more Zen-ish presence on a Laker bench, a ball pretty much left in Phil Jackson's court. 

But for Kobe Bryant, this one could run a reasonably close second.  As most of you have probably heard by now, "The Kobe Video" is starting to grow into a national story.  Eric Pincus from Hoopsworld validated the audio/video's authenticity and you're undoubtedly going to hear more about this in the coming days.  It may help Kobe's cause that he likely wasn't aware he was being filmed and recorded (and that this kinda stuff is, well, pretty sleazy).  But with the flip side being that it's never great form to diss your teammates and hint at possible trade destinations to a bunch of randoms in a parking lot and the common knowledge that we live in an age where everything somehow ends up on the Internet, I have a feeling flack will be taken.

In more positive news, were Phil Jackson in Vegas and laying down prop bets, he'd put everything on "Kobe remaining a Laker come October."   No word on whether he'd also bet on black, as is commonly advised.

-AK

My guess is no, but it's something to ponder. 

At any rate, here's a sampling of the inevitable articles coming in the wake of Kobe sticking firm in his desire to get relocated.  Per always, the Bulls are being listed as potential players, even if they remain skeptical of a deal going down.   A little Bay Area interest is speculated, but breath holding isn't recommended.  And having already acquired myriad of bad, overrated or overpaid (or all of the above) players, Isiah Thomas will apparently now widen his focus to include good ones.  There are doubts as to whether the Knicks have the pieces necessary to make it work, but should Zeke come up with an offer the Lakers can't refuse, it's nice to know the swap comes 100% "Starbury approved."  Although personally, I think this is Steph looking for fresh new teammates to buy a pair of his kicks.

-AK

Having taken time out from his Spanish vacation to reiterate his desire to be traded, you can argue this summer's Kobe Saga has gone to another level.  If Bryant still wants out, it changes the whole context in which the Lakers will operate before next season.  Not to say there won't be any trades, but deals made specifically to satisfy 24 are less likely to happen.  What's the point, if he's gone anyway?  And that's the good news.  Should the situation reach the point where there's no alternative but find Kobe a new home, the Lakers likely will have to maneuver in a position of incredible disadvantage.  Kobe has a no-trade clause, so he can not only dictate the city to which he's traded but also the personnel involved in the deal- if he feels his new team will be gutted by the trade to bring him there, he can nix it.  Plus, Kobe makes a ton of money, making him a major cap eater, so not every team will be willing to take him on from a salary standpoint (similar to the Shaq deal).  The only real leverage the Lakers have is to make him wait.

So on to the Question of the Day:

And along those lines, Kobe's tune ain't changed, either.  Kobe Bryant and Dr. Buss had a shop-talk sitdown during coinciding Spanish vay-kays, but the discussion apparently ended on a rather fruitless note, with Kobe's agent confirming to ESPN his client's desire to wear a new uni.  For now, the front office is sticking with the "no plans to trade the NBA's best player" plan, but a continually chilly relationship between the two parties could eventually throw an immovable wrench in the works. 

But we can all be relieved about one thing.  Johnny Buss is making bizarrely phrased statements again. 

AK

The Jermaine O'Neal talks have hit a snag, apparently because the Lakers don't want to include Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum (along with Kwame Brown) in a deal that would return O'Neal and Troy Murphy.  Since the idea of taking on Murphy's contract is fairly unappealing, I don't see this as a big loss.  O'Neal is a great player, but Murphy has the potential to be an albatross financially.  He shoots well for a big guy and is a pretty good rebounder, but Murphy is a terrible defender.  Can't say I would like this deal.  It wouldn't help the Lakers get push into the upper echelon of the West this or likely next season, and would lump basically all the tradeable assets they have into one deal. 

But the wheels are still spinning, I'm sure, even if they're goin' slow. 

BK

When it comes to the Kobe Bryant radio tour/sort of trade request, the Walton family reaction is divided by generation.  Luke feels it's just a teammate blowing off some frustrated steam of the quickly evaporating variety.   His Pops writes off the drama as a cry-baby stunt.  This could make for some  interesting family dinners.  Especially if 24's the guest of honor.

The Spurs are about to put the cherry on top of their fourth title run in the last 10 seasons.  And since there's been little else to talk about during these Finals (did anyone not from Cleveland really think the LeBrons had a chance?) other than how awful they've been, discussion has turned to whether or not this title allows San Antonio to qualify as a dynasty.  Some say yes, and I would agree.  They're not the flashiest dynasty in the history of the game (they are, after all, the Spurs), but in the modern NBA, with the salary cap, luxury tax and free agency, to do what they've done?  Four titles to go with year after year of championship relevance?  That's good enough for me. 

But are they better than the other NBA dynasty of the last 10 years, the Shaq/Kobe Lakers?

But whichever lucky 15 players don the purple and gold, the Lakers must hire this cat to create their likenesses.  Seriously, that is masterful work on display (although one could make an argument that the artist perhaps needs to get out more).  And bottom line, there can't be a more intimidating sight than that of an Etch A Sketched Kobe Bryant.  Not possible.  You leave one of those renderings in the visitor's locker room as a warning sign, I guarantee the coach immediately declares a forfeit and puts his team back on the bus.  Done deal.  You just don't screw with the Etch A Sketch.

Question.  When it comes to sketching Sasha, would you prefer a vision of him hoisting from behind the arc, creating what all agree is a picture-perfect stroke?  Or would you rather see the anguish typically boiling over 1.4 times every 12:48 minutes, that moment of "me against the world" emotion commonly referred to as "the face?" 

Me?  I'm voting "face."

-AK

Phil Jackson will have his left hip replaced (with, we can only assume, an artificial one) this morning.  Unlike with last season's procedure on the right hip, he should be good to go in plenty of time for training camp.   Perhaps it's worth checking in on Johnny Buss' MySpace page to see how he feels about it.  After all, this Dr. Jerry progeny, who has no input into hoops decisions, has already used it to express his opinion on the Kobe drama.  Are there any cousins or former classmates who'd like to weigh in, too?  Long lost uncles or orphaned children?

BK

Or at least "BruinsBlog: Featuring Live Blogs!"

Seriously, is there anything not against NCAA rules?  If there's an organization on the planet more out of touch with the world of 1990 (much less 2007), I'd be stunned.  John Travolta circa 1976 lived in less of a bubble than these folks (although in this particular scene our hero's dwellings are "aquarium" as opposed to "bubble"). 

-AK

A little more news on the possible permutations and combinations of a Jermaine O'Neal deal.  Not much new, but it does help break down the options.  There's some draft talk in there as well.  Meanwhile, around the Western Conference, some big names continued to be tossed around.  Shawn Marion is one.  Zach Randolph, for fairly obvious reasons (Oden, Greg + Aldridge, LaMarcus = potential relocation), is another.  For those of you hoping for a move to L.A. for Z-Bo, a) don't hold your breath, b) don't worry about his practice habits.  And for what it's worth, and it ain't much, I heard some radio talk show chatter yesterday about Ron Artest wanting to play in Miami.  Artest in South Beach.  Can't see anything going wrong there.  In his Insider Blog for ESPN.com, Chad Ford talks about Marion, Randolph and Artest, the latter of whom he links to the Rockets. Click below for some excerpts.   

As LeBron undergoes what I think will, in total, be five games of abuse at the hands of the Spurs, Jack McCallum takes a look at other "LeBron like" superstars and their first Finals.  It's a fun peek at some history, and will allow Laker fans to relive the success of Magic and Kobe.   

I think we can all agree these are shaky times down in El Segundo for the purple and gold. Horrible second half, playoff washout, Kobe postseason grumble, everyone and their uncle requiring surgery, Jeannie vs. Jim, Kobe wants Jerry, Lakers "Insider," followed by Bryant taking control of the nation's radio space like Orson Wells with War of the Worlds, demanding, kind of demanding, maybe demanding, then re-demanding a trade. And we're not even out of the NBA Finals yet.  Hell, we're not even at Game 2 of the Finals.  Think how much fun we're all going to have by the time the draft rolls around!

We're about to get on a plane back to L.A.- I'm posting from JFK- but just wanted to let everyone know of our whereabouts (in case comments are running slow).  Also wanted to give y'all the skinny on Stan Van Gundy's hiring in Orlando.  And why would Lakers fans care that that Ron Jeremy's doppelganger is now coaching Dwight Howard?  Because it could open the door to Kurt Rambis holding a whiteboard in Sacto.

Also thought some of you might like this article by Mark Heisler, which reminds folks it ain't all about LeBron.

AK

Of all the things the Lakers may or may not do this summer, this'll go down as the least surprising.  Also some news about Kurt Rambis the Sacramento Kings head coaching gig.   

BK

Well, the deafening buzz sparked by Kobe's (sort of) trade request has pretty much died down to dull roar these days.  But it hasn't gone entirely silent, meaning a few folks are still speculating potential homes for Bryant.  Chicago, even if it's an admitted long shot?  New York (which would truly be a damning comment on Mitch Kupchak, if Kobe's happier to leave his championship prospects in Zeke's hands).  Or all places in between (although probably not Indiana).  No matter what comes next, this week has given Lakers fans what they've come to expect from this team: Drama.

If you scroll down, you'll hear word that the Nuggets weren't bowled over at the idea of swapping Marcus Camby for Kwame Brown.  They do, however, love Von Wafer, and for his actual play (as opposed to why the K Brothers love him, which is simply the comedy he brings).

It's nice to see regular old fashioned trade talk lead Laker related headlines.  Yeah, it's all colored with the events of this week- everything will be from here on out- but blockbusters and free agents are what we're all supposed to be talking about right now.  First some chatter about a possible deal with Denver involving Marcus Camby, then a peek at what's going on in Indiana with Jermaine O'Neal.  In the meantime, the Lakers (players and execs) seem to be maintaining radio silence, literally, figuratively, and thankfully.  Not that John Q. Public has stoppped communicating his thoughts.

Which gives everyone a little time to think about the draft, assuming the Lakers don't package the pick.  Here are some player rankings (PG, SG, C) and news from the pre-draft camp in Orlando to help sort through the clutter.  FYI, Greg Oden is unlikely to slip to 19.

BK

It's clear things aren't going well when fans of the Portland TrailBlazers, an organization that has spent much of the new millennium with every attorney in the Pacific Northwest on speed dial, can look down on the grand mess in El Segundo with an air of superiority.  But such is life these days.  Jerry Buss and Kobe did manage to speak on the phone yesterday, and will likely speak again when Buss returns from vacation in China.  In a statement Buss made it clear that the team has no intention of trading 24, though since the All Kobe Radio Tour ended Tuesday night, it's not totally clear if Bryant still wants out.  Not that G.M.s won't poke around to find out. (NOTE: Lakers Blog DOES NOT endorse any potential deal that involves the words "New", "York", or "Knicks.")  Meanwhile, reaction, from the extremely critical (are the Lakers even as upset as this guy?) to the extremely suspicious to the extremely heckling to the extremely tongue in cheek is still rolling in.  Some think Bryant could learn from the Ducks as they fight for the Cup.

Should you want to re-read where the trade talk started, make sure to turn down the volume in your brain first.