Oh yeah, the draft
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.
Oh, and won't there be some discussion if the Lakers manage to secure an athletic, scoring two-guard?
For your clicking pleasure, here's a rundown on a bunch of mocks, and what players they think the Lakers will take:
ESPN.com (Chad Ford): Rudy Fernandez, SG, Spain
"The skinny: This pick is really up in the air until we know what's happening with Kobe Bryant. Assuming the Lakers keep it, we hear they like Fernandez, an athletic guard who loves to play above the rim. The Lakers believe Fernandez has enough ball-handling ability to play the point in their system.
Given his extensive experience in the Euroleague and ACB, he could be a guy who can come in and play right away ... if they can get him out of his contract."
SI.com (Chris Ekstrand): Jason Smith, F, Colorado State
"The Lakers need more players who can make shots, and Smith fills that bill. He isn't the ferocious rebounder they really need, but he should develop into a threat to score on the baseline after you-know-who drives and dishes (provided you-know-who is still around, of course). Smith has excellent shooting mechanics and makes few mistakes, and his game is tailored to scoring while facing the basket."
Tony Mejia: Javaris Crittendon, G, Georgia Tech
"Phil Jackson likes the idea of having taller guards who can cause problems on defense, and the Lakers would be fortunate if a prospect with his size and potential would slip to them."
Gary Parrish: Derrick Byars, G/F, Vanderbilt
"He's smart, athletic and a sleeper in this draft. Byars will be better than most think in the NBA."
Jeff Reynolds, Sports XChange: Rodney Stuckey, SG, Eastern Washington
"Stuckey was a big fish in a small pond at Eastern Washington, but he dominated and has undeniable skill with the ball in his hands. He'd be a fine complement in the triangle offense and isn't afraid to stick his nose in on defense."
Fox Sports (Jeff Goodman): Josh McRoberts, PF, Duke
"The Lakers have Lamar Odom up front, but they could use another athletic forward. McRoberts is a solid piece who is athletic and is one of the best passing big men around."
Draft Express (Jeff Givoney): McRoberts
"Smart and versatile power forward could have been drafted very high two years ago already. Fairly athletic. Runs the floor well, finishes strong and shows nice potential offensively both facing and with his back tot he basket. Possesses a soft touch, a good frame and sure hands. Fully ambidextrous and shows it off with his excellent ballhandling and passing skills. Not quite as ambitious offensively as you might hope. His production has been fairly disappointing at times. Doesn't really want to be a go-to guy at the NCAA level and projects as more of a complementary guy as a pro. Many question his heart and mental toughness."
Greg White- Fernandez
Pree Bhattacharya- Stuckey
Joel Brigham- Crittendon
Tommy Beer- McRoberts
Steve Kyler- Sean Williams, C, Boston College
And in their site draft, Eric Pincus selected Morris Almond, G/F, Rice
"An excellent shooter with four years of college under his belt. Almond will have the opportunity to play multiple positions in the triangle offense."
It's not every mock out there, but a good sample. A few names appear more than once, but none seem to dominate. I'm not a big McRoberts fan, and don't like the idea of taking a big who's more of a shooter than a banger. On the other hand, I like Crittendon and Almond. Obviously, there's still time for a lot of this to change. And, in theory at least, this would be a great opportunity to take a break from all the Kobe talk... if the draft and the Kobe talk weren't linked in many ways. Oh well.
BK
See ya'll complaing about Kobe gettting traded blah blah blah, you guys really think if he didn't force the FO for a trade, they will go after KG...
Lakers 24..
Kobe laker for life
Posted by: young_hov | June 25, 2007 at 01:47 PM
Discusing our first round pick is almost as pointless as speculating any Kobe trades. Even Kupcake has stated that the Lakers will trade that pick. If the KG for Lamar and Bynum trade goes through, the pick would most likely be included. If not, than the Lakers will be left with Kwame and the #19 pick to upgrade the at #1 and/or #3. Either way, the #19 pick will not be in Laker uniform next year.
Posted by: Mitchell | June 25, 2007 at 01:47 PM
K-Bros:
Bad timing for a new thread. The prospect of actually landing KG is far FAR more interesting and blogworthy that which future Sacha or Cook the Lakers might land if they actually keep their #19 pick.
So on to the REAL topic.....
MR - "I just don't see how KG addresses our weaknesses at the 1 and 3"
I'll TELL you how. Our opponents' 1 is going to be so busy double teaming Kobe and our opponents' 3 will be so busy double teaming KG that even Smush and Luke (let alone Farmar and Rad) could score at will out of the 1 and 3 spots. Of course D is another story, but hell - we'll just outscore 'em.
Posted by: Jay Jay | June 25, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Thanks for the list BK.
Even though we may not be holding on to our 19th, we still have 2 second round picks I believe. Any prospects there? I believe those are the guys we have been working out.
By the way after all the hoopla with Nick Young, no Young?
Posted by: Faith | June 25, 2007 at 02:00 PM
BK,
I'm a huge draft guy, and almost want Kobe to be traded just so we can get more draft picks (relax people, it's a joke...sort of).
I like Stuckey and Almond. There isn't a big at that spot that I'm really enamored with, and I really think we need someone who can create a little offense themselves, especially from a two-guard spot (I like Mo, but he's got very poor handles).
Crittendon is interesting, but another project just makes me want to bang my head against the wall.
Although the KG trade rumors are the "sexy" topics right now, I think it's a bad decision to trade draft picks and young prospects considering all that has happened with Kobe. Long term I think it's better to sit on our hands than gut the team for KG/JO/Kobe's friend of the week.
I am also a fan of DJ Strawberry and Glen Davis in the second round. Strawberry for his guard defense (actually promoting himself with that angle, I take that as a good sign since defense is something that people need to take pride in to excel at) and Davis for his scoring ability in the paint (and the fact that he might push 400 pounds once he discovers Pink's and In N' Out).
Posted by: Andrew Z | June 25, 2007 at 02:06 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2916217
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2916217
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2916217
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2916217
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2916217
Posted by: Grady | June 25, 2007 at 02:09 PM
I TELL YOU WHAT.
IF JERRY BUSS PULLS THIS OFF.
I'VE GOT TO TAKE MY HAT OFF TO HIM AND I've BEEN NAILING HIM WITH CRITICISM FOR QUITE A WHILE.
THIS WOULD BE A BIG ONE.
SCREW THE RE-BUILD and YES I AS A FAN COULD MAKE-UP WITH KOBE TOO IF KG COMES ABOARD.
This was the original dream.
What a rocky road to get here.
This will prove that Bynum is really the #3 overall talent in this yr's draft if he was in it.
I'm shocked if it happens but if they bite I say HOO RAH!!!!!!
Buss still has to spend luxury tax dollars to fill out the roster.
THIS IS WHAT WE DESERVE as LAKER FANS.
THE BEST OF THE BEST.
THE 2 BIGGEST DOGS STRAIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME OUTSIDE OF MOSES MALONE!!!!
Ok, I've jumped the gun cause it's still an impossible dream. What a shocker!!!!
Posted by: LakerBake | June 25, 2007 at 02:18 PM
My best friend is a BULLS fan and he called me sick to his stomach with this news.
Man would this be sweet.
We might finally get out of this death bed we've been lying in for 3 yrs!!
Posted by: LakerBake | June 25, 2007 at 02:20 PM
What Do You Think About KG Probably In A Laker Uniform?
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=521b0v6
Posted by: J-Cool | June 25, 2007 at 02:21 PM
I certainly hope Mitch wasn't hatching his chickens before it was hatched with his "happy days" comment. That is of course if KG is the source of the happy days comment lol.
Posted by: Faith | June 25, 2007 at 02:21 PM
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.
Posted by: prple&gld_4eva | June 25, 2007 at 02:24 PM
If the Lakers are trying to get Kobe Bryant to change his mind about leaving, they're off to a good start.
The Los Angeles Times cited league sources on Monday saying that the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are in discussions that could bring Kevin Garnett to Los Angeles.
Trade discussions have involved the Lakers, Wolves, Pacers and possibly a fourth team. The report says that the Lakers would get Garnett, while the Pacers would land Los Angeles forward Lamar Odom and center Andrew Bynum. The Wolves would likely acquire a lottery pick and young players. Another team would also have to be involved to make the deal work financially.
The fourth team that could make this work is the Celtics, a source told ESPN Insider's Chad Ford. Boston would get Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers.
According to the Times, Lakers owner Jerry Buss and Wolves owner Glen Taylor spoke on the phone for about 20 minutes on Friday. Buss then suggested that Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and Timberwolves GM Kevin McHale carry on the discussions on Monday.
Bryant has repeatedly asked for a trade over the past month, saying that he doesn't feel that the Lakers are trying hard enough to improve. After losing in the NBA Finals four years ago, the Lakers missed the playoffs in 2004-05 and were out of the postseason in the first round the past two years.
Garnett has never publicly requested a trade despite the fact that the Wolves have struggled to remain competitive in recent years. Minnesota finished with a 32-50 record last season. The Wolves haven't been to the playoffs since 2004.
With Garnett able to opt out of his contract after next season, the time might be right for the Wolves to pull the trigger on a deal. McHale said last week that he has not been actively shopping his star, but that was a bit of a departure from previous statements in which he said he would not trade Garnett.
The 12-year veteran is owed $22 million next season and $23 million in 2008-09, the final year of his contract. He has requested an extension and the Times is reporting that Buss has told Taylor he would be willing to do that.
Garnett averaged 22.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season. He is a 10-time All-Star.
Bynum's name has come up often in any trade talks concerning the Lakers recently. He averaged 7.8 points and 5.9 rebounds last season but is only 19 years old and 7 feet tall.
Odom averaged 15.9 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists last season, but he did miss 26 games because of injuries. He has shoulder surgery in May but is expected to return for next season.
Posted by: tha show | June 25, 2007 at 02:25 PM
oops, by the way - my last post was from espn.com
chad ford says the 4th team is the celtics.
i just can't see the timberwolves dealing kg for draft picks.
they have to land at least one stud.
i guess we'll see
nice to see that inept front office at least trying to swing a deal.
peace.
Posted by: tha show | June 25, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Grady,
Make it happen man, this is what we need to get this blog rockin'.
Make KG a laker and I guarantee you, Kobe will become an obedient Chihuahua.
However, until I see it happening on 7/1 or on Wednesday, I consider a rumor created by a mean media to create hysteria and interests among laker fans.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 25, 2007 at 02:29 PM
I think Kobe and KG planed all this out. KG told Kobe that he will never ask for a trade in public, and he told Kobe that he has to tie the lakers arms to come get him out of Minnesota
And Kobe said if that is what it takes to get you to the lakers I will do it even if it hurts my image. I Know that you KG do not want to tarnish your image at all, so I will go ahead and demand the lakers improve or else trade me and take the fall for you coming here.
Posted by: wow | June 25, 2007 at 02:30 PM
It has finally made its way through my thick skull: The Kobe Saga is all part of a global ploy by Europe to take over the world. Again.
If the most watched hoops player leaves the game's most glamorous team, pro basketball itself will accelerate its recent downhill trend in the eyes of the broader public. Add to this the importing of soccer's most watched star (Mr. Posh) to the world's most watched city, (LA), and you have ingredients for Europe's greatest dream to come true; the displacement of actual US sports by the spectacle of short, effete and frequently mulleted guys kicking a ball around like schoolgirls.
Europe, especially the formerly relevant Western European counties, want this for a number of reasons; cultural capital, showing up the superpower, etc. The real reason is to get Americans wasting their time watching grass-growing-and-histrionic-whinge-fests like the World Cup. Europeans are tired of looking like weak sisters to soccer-ambivalent Americans and, to a lesser extent, Australians. They are hoping that soccer will distract us from dominating real sports, so that Europe can regain its mojo.
It is often said that soccer is the world's game, but in truth it is most popular in countries that have not yet started to appreciate US sports. I would point to the popularity of basketball and the comparative irrelevance of soccer in Asia as an example of what I mean. The real battleground is China. That ancient waking giant will adopt the athletic style of the present global alpha-dog. Right now, it's leaning toward hoops, and boy do the Euros know it. They can only hold the line on the lame-a$$ "international rules" that allow unathletic flopping teams to compete for so long. Once that levee breaks, it’s back to US dominance for another 100 years. This why Europe is on the warpath now.
We have already witnessed the first salvo in the Euro attack on hoops; the deployment of innumerable soccer-style floppers to the NBA. Seriously, where do you think Manu, Duncan, Vlade and the like learned all that flailing and wide-eyed gesticulating? This gambit has already taken a grievous toll on the watchability of the pro game.
Step two will be to divide and conquer. If the Lakers field an unwatchable team and Kobe plays for a nauseating city/coach/team, we, as a nation, could very well turn our attention to soccer. And, let's face it; no one wants a future filled with grown men rolling around on the turf feigning getting gut-shot in hopes of drawing the one penalty kick that could break a 0-0 tie. There could even be techno and Yanni music played in our taxpayer-subsidized sports arenas. Let's act now to keep soccer in its place: as a children's activity for developing footwork that, later in life, can be used to excel at a real sport. Like basketball.
So, the for sake of sports fans everywhere; Kobe, Jerry, anyone... SAVE US FROM SOCCER! Build a winning Lakers team around Kobe... and the fans will come. Separate Kobe from the Lakers, and our children will have to buy giant scarves and learn those frightening hooligan chants. They could even start playing cricket.
I don't think I have to remind anyone what that means vis a vis the zombies.
[edited repost]
Posted by: The D | June 25, 2007 at 02:32 PM
The situation looks very plausible. The Wolves get the short end of the stick, but considering they might not get anything for KG in a year, I would consider it a good move by Mchale. The Celtics get viable experienced players to go with P.Pierce and get to keep Jefferson, the Pacer get Bynum and Lamar. We get KG and Jaric.....Sounds all right to me.
Here is Chad Ford's take:
Are the Boston Celtics the key to moving Kevin Garnett to L.A.?
The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday that the Lakers were in discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves about a trade that would send Garnett to the Lakers. The trade would also involve the Indiana Pacers and possibly a fourth team.
After speaking with a league source, I think the deal has some legs, though it doesn't appear imminent.
According to the source, the key to completing the deal is finding a fourth team that would (a) take Jermaine O'Neal and (b) send the Timberwolves enough pieces to complete the deal.
For instance, here's one scenario that could work:
The Wolves send Kevin Garnett and Marko Jaric to the Lakers.
The Lakers send Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum to the Pacers and the No. 19 pick to the Wolves.
The Pacers send Jermaine O'Neal to the Celtics.
The Celtics send the No. 5 pick, Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green and Sebastian Telfair to Minnesota.
Here's what that trade looks like in the Trade Machine, keeping in mind that there will also be draft picks involved.
The deal seems as though it would probably work for the Lakers, Pacers and Celtics.
The Lakers would get the guy they want to pair with Kobe in KG. Surely that would end any talk of a Kobe trade this summer.
The Pacers would get the two guys they want in exchange for O'Neal in Odom and Bynum. They've been waiting patiently for a straight-up swap with L.A. for weeks involving those three players (and a draft pick).
The Celtics would get another star quality player to pair with Paul Pierce without having to give up Al Jefferson.
But is it enough for Minnesota? That's the question.
The deal would give the Wolves more than $20 million in cap relief next summer and two additional picks in this year's draft. It also would give them two young prospects in Green and Telfair.
It may, however, fall a little short for Minnesota in the talent department. Perhaps the Wolves would bite if another young player or future draft pick were included.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | June 25, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Chad Ford's trade scenario is almost exactly what I put up!!
Dude, I need to change occupations.
However, in his the Lakers keep Kwame Brown, which I think is HUGE!!!!
Really, he would pair up great with KG on interior defense, and he would definitely add a couple years on KG's career by guarding the Duncans and Stoudamires of the league, and if he continues to be a "Kwame" we have his expiring to deal at the deadline.
I still want to trade Kobe for draft picks though, I got the free pass from the wife to be completely off baby duty and I will be bummed if my team doesn't have any picks.
Posted by: Andrew Z | June 25, 2007 at 02:37 PM
i'm so excited
and i just can't hide it
i know KG wants to be a Laker!
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | June 25, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Stop! this insanity with KG. It isn't going to happen. The Lakers don't have what it will take to swing the deal. The Suns have more to offer and will. They're just waiting for Minnesota to tell them what it will take to seal the deal. They know if the Lakers get KG it's over for them. They will give up whatever it takes to keep the Lakers from getting KG. K.G. is the only one who could stop that from happening and the odds of that happening arn't good.
Posted by: JH | June 25, 2007 at 02:39 PM
NEWS FLASH -
Billups just opted out of his Pistons contract.
Here's what we do - have them resign him for bigger bucks than he's getting now (like around 10 mil) and send them Kwame (they need a big) and Farmar in a sign and trade. Then pull the trigger on the KG deal. I know the 3 salaries will break us, but we still have the right to resign Mihm and Luke. We're WAY over the cap but we now have a team of:
PG - Billups, Sacha
SG - Kobe, Evans
SF - Luke, Rad
PF - KG, Turiaf
C - Mihm/veteran on the cheap (Webber???)
THAT team would smoke the Mavs and Suns and probably take the Spurs too. KG vs Duncan and Billups vs Parker are about even and Kobe smokes Genobli. Holy Championship, Batman!
Posted by: Jay Jay | June 25, 2007 at 02:41 PM
Aloha all
I go surfing for a couple of days and all hell breaks loose. The Garrnet deal seems very complicated but at least it looks serious. Hey K.L even if it doesn't happen, at least it proves that at least there is one star player that wouldn't mind playing with Kobe. So Kobe has worked on Garrnet but he cant stop there. Even with Garrnet this still isn't a championship team. This will open up a hole at the 5 because I can't imagine Kwame and his expiring contract, not being part of this. If Mihm is healthy he could be part of a center rotation but we still would need another large body. We also have the guard spot to consider. The guard really needs to be a good defensive player. It was reported that Wells is going to stay with the rockets.With K.G, Vlade and Walton could man the 3 and flourish offensively but it would be our weak link defensively. So there is a lot to do and it may take another year to finish the job. But at least this would be a good start.
MH
Posted by: michael h | June 25, 2007 at 02:42 PM
The D,
yeah i prefer watching millionaire athletes get paid to miss lay ups and wide open jump shots. or better yet, the ones that can't catch and still collect $8 million per year.
i also prefer watching flop artists draw charges like they are trying to land a part in scorcese's next big film.
save us from soccer? nah, save me from the nba...
you've been watching too much mls.
try some epl, la liga, serie a, or champions league (my favorite) before clowning the sport that rest of the world adores. yet clueless people like you insult it like it's a game of hop scotch.
yeah, those euros DON'T HAVE A CLUE...right?
oops - the last time i checked the euro whips the dollar's ass when it comes to value...and has for some time now...
you ever think for a second that maybe WE have things azz backwards???
why does the WORLD always have to understand the US perspective? why doesn't the US ever have to understand the WORLD's perspective?
i realize you were trying to be funny, but your take is embarassing...
Posted by: tha show | June 25, 2007 at 02:45 PM
To add what Grady & JCool posted, i see the ESPN headline: Hollywood ending. This is exactly what I dreamt that Jerry Buss and Glen Taylor will directly talk than letting their GM's discuss a bunch of hullabaloo.
It was reported only Bynum 2M and LO 14M to trade for KG 22M, am I missing something?
To all Bloggers:
Whatever your religion is, what we all need are fervent prayers that the Divine Providence will help the Lakers. We have been suffering from a down syndrome for almost a month now. It is time to be UP, UP, UP, & AWAY.
Be positve.....be positive......be positive....be positive....KG is coming!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 25, 2007 at 02:45 PM
I'd rather trade Kobe to get Garnett. Lamar has a lot more heart than Kobe, and wants to be a Laker - as does Bynum. I have no confidence, whatsoever, that
Kobe still wants to be a Laker. Of course, since he can nix any trade, he won't want to go to Minnesota. I am so disgusted with Kobe that I don't think I could ever root for him again. This might make me into a Clipper fan. Maybe they could trade Kobe and Andrew for Garnett - haha.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B | June 25, 2007 at 02:46 PM
WES,
I am so sorry, I didn't see your post addressed to me yesterday until now, and surely I didn't mean to ignore. here is the link with that Mitch Kupchack interview on AM570.
http://getgarnett.com/blog/?p=322
I am sure you have listened to it by now. However, in case you haven't, you can do it now and listen for yourself and get your own feeling.
If you listen to the interview and read the great news regarding Garnett, looks like the pieces are falling in place.
LOL
Vent.
Posted by: Ventriloquist | June 25, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Andrew Z,
I saw that, too, but then I looked at Ford's trade machine scenario, which actually includes Kwame. Dunno if the trade machine one is incorrect or Ford considered Kwame an afterthought, so he didn't include him in the written discussion. But just an FYI.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 25, 2007 at 02:48 PM
Edwin,
"Be positive.....be positive......be positive....be positive....KG is coming!"
YES.....YES......YES.....YES....LOL
Vent
Posted by: Ventriloquist | June 25, 2007 at 02:49 PM
it's time to resuscitate that would tag-line from my friend mamba24:
KOBE BRYANT/KEVIN GARNETT 2007/2008
KOBE BRYANT/KEVIN GARNETT 2007/2008
KOBE BRYANT/KEVIN GARNETT 2007/2008
KOBE BRYANT/KEVIN GARNETT 2007/2008
KOBE BRYANT/KEVIN GARNETT 2007/2008
KOBE BRYANT/KEVIN GARNETT 2007/2008
Posted by: gugy | June 25, 2007 at 02:50 PM
http://getgarnett.com/blog/?p=338
ESPN reports 4th team is Boston - Trade details from ESPN News
So here is what we have gathered from ESPNNEWS. This is a potential trade breakdown reported moments ago. When we get some links in - we’ll have them soon - we’ll update with links. But for now, here is what has been reported on ESPN:
Sources told ESPN and ESPN.com that the fourth team at this point is the Celtics, who would get Jermaine O’Neal from the Pacers & just reported on ESPNNEWS of the trade breakdown:
Minn gets Jefferson and 5th pick
Bos gets Jermaine O’Neal
Ind gets Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom
LA gets Kevin Garnett
Posted by: J-Cool | June 25, 2007 at 02:53 PM
FOURTH TEAM IS BOSTON ! ! !
*************************************
http://getgarnett.com/blog/?p=338
Posted by: Ventriloquist | June 25, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Nik Kannan,
"fall a little short for Minnesota in the talent department"
If Minny needs another cap space next year, DONATE KWAME as compliments of Mike T. hahaha!
Edwin - be positive......be positive......be positive!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 25, 2007 at 02:54 PM
repost
TROLL HUNTER 24
“Please Mr. KL, know that your incorrigible wit, brilliant deductive mind and poetic way with words is an endless wellspring of inspiration for all those that also believe Mr. Bryant is the greatest player on the planet.”
Hari=Samir from Office Space. I figured you out. why hide behind Troll Hunder 24. it was actually a great post. I laughed both times I read it.
WATERBOY
“You support the Clippers more than the Lakers? I thought you bled purple and gold like us? Liars! Turncoats! Fakes!”
I never said that I support the clips more than the lakers. I’m indifferent about the lakers and I will not support a laker squad with a selfish kobe on it. if kobe changes into a team-first guy, which now seems highly unlikely, then I’ll start supporting a kobe-led laker squad. i am a fan of b-ball and i'd rather pay to watch the clips play.
JAGA
“As the season approaches, the bitterness of the playoffs will fade and kobe will have a chance to look at the season objectively. He will then be able to focus on the task at hand.”
I enjoyed the civilized chat with you. stay cool.
TIKI KING
“Your right, no championship. For the last three years there is only one person on the team who is playing for one. If you think we are closer to a championship with leftover pieces from Chicago or New York, I will see you 2020.”
WHAT!? “only one person on the team ….PLAYING FOR ONE”….typical kobe loyalist. only thinking of the INDIVUDAL AND NOT THE TEAM.
HOBBITMAGE
“Why do you think the Lakers would be competing for a championship in a few years if they trade Kobe? What personel do you envision the Lakers competing against for a championship and actually having a 40% chance of winning?”
I’ve never said that we’ll be competing for championship in the foreseeable future until we get a talent like “shaq” in the future. when I say talent, I’m not just referring to what’s done on the court. special players like Shaq, Jordan, Olajuwon, Jabar only come around once in a lifetime. it may take years, perhaps decades, but I know kobe ain’t the guy. BTW, we’ve been in rebuilding mode sine 2004.
JEFF
“But it's not going to be easier to win without him, I can guarentee you that, I could see us becoming contenders, but it involves blowing up the team.”
I take a long-term view. it’s the championship that I covet. we may have to take 2-3 steps back to move forward. it’s become apparent that shaq was the reason we won those championship (along with the help of other guys including kob), not kobe. I’d rather we begin to truly rebuild than jerk around with a malcontent kobe on the team.
“It takes time, especially if you blow a team up (and I assure you, we would have to drastically change the face of it) to become anything close to a contender. How long do you two think we need?”
man I went through several years after magic retired and when shaq arrived in LA, it gave me hope. LA is a special place to play and I’m sure guys like the LBJ or Wades of the world would like to come here if the opportunity is correct. Who knows, guys like Oden or Durant might not like playing in the smaller market and we can steal them away. By then, old-man kobe will be an afterthought.
Posted by: KLBeast | June 25, 2007 at 02:56 PM
Some of you are really dumb. All week all of you have been asking for Kwame to get out of here..but then now you want to keep him for his wonderful defense to stop duncan and boozer??? Are you kidding???
You guys are so fickle.
Posted by: I miss van exel and eddie jones | June 25, 2007 at 02:59 PM
Vent
You Go To GetGarnett Too?
Posted by: J-Cool | June 25, 2007 at 02:59 PM
The D:
Do you see what you did? You got tha show talking soccer. Next he's gonna move on to cricket!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH
[deep breath]
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Posted by: generic_one | June 25, 2007 at 03:02 PM
See what a good news can do even it is just a RUMOR.
The muscles are so relaxed, no more afternoon siesta, I kept on jumping on my front yard and my neighbor is wondering what's going on?
Then I go back to my computer to release a bundle of energy and release all the anger on Kupchak, release all the Kobe frustrations because of one superfragelistic rumor KG is going to live in his Malibu home at last!!!
I think even David Stearn is jumping with joy with this news, ESPN is happy, NIKE is happy who will not be happy with this news? I invite my good friends: KL, Gunner24, Stephen, Belfast....don't worry, be happy we'll take care of Kobe.
Edwin - be positive,.....be positive.....be positive.....KG is coming!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 25, 2007 at 03:04 PM
Let's suppose the deal goes down and KG ends up in the puple and gold (a beautiful sight I might add), what about Kobe's ability to lead the team given the happenings of the last month? Will anyone trust him? If you're Farmar, Walton, Ronny, Mo, or anyone else, how do you feel about Kobe selling his team down the river for the last four weeks? At any time Kobe could be talking trash about you to a couple of guys in a parking lot. Forget about KG wanting to come to LA and play with Kobe, what about everyone who's left in LA wanting to play with Kobe?
Posted by: David Peterson | June 25, 2007 at 03:04 PM
Ric Bucher, Bryant's whipping boy, just said on ESPN that Kobe's camp still would want to be traded no matter who is coming to the Lakers, including KG.
Posted by: wausroamer | June 25, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Kobe, please act quickly - they've already got tha show!
tha show -
Relax. I lived in Europe for several years and like plenty of aspects of life over there. The history, the cultural curiousity, the baked goods and the solidity of its tradesmen. Also, what I wouldn't give for those vacations! There are also plenty of things such as French Rap, a distinct lack of creativity, a distrust of minorities and the aforementioned techno music that are just awful.
I've been to a number of English Premier League matches as well as international cricket matches. While the post was mainly a joke, I don't think, say, the top 1% of Euro athletes are in the same league as the top 1% of American, South American or Australian athletes. Olympic medal counts bear this out. I think this derives essentially from Europe's decline since its colonial apex 100 years ago.
I also think many Euros have a complex about this and I derive joy from teasing them about it. They can take it.
Posted by: The D | June 25, 2007 at 03:13 PM
a gutted sqaud with kobe and kg? i thought we were trying to build a contender here...not a second round team. it would be beautiful to watch but i just dont see it producing a title for los angeles. who knows. everybody's an expert right? i dont really care. im a laker fan. i cheered for sedale threat and terry teagle when they wore the purple n gold. thats gotta scream real fan. right?
Posted by: sixonezero | June 25, 2007 at 03:17 PM
If Lakers go out and get Maglore, his an upgarde over Kwame..... He can be had for around 3.5 to 4M a year.... With KB24 and KG you just need good strong supporting cast.... The Head for Cook deal makes a lot of sense, all we need to do is now get Maglore if the KG deal goes through....Hopefully we can get GHIl as well, but I guess that's asking for too much
KG/Turiaf
KOBE/Hill/Mo Evans/
HEAD/Farmar/Hill
MAGLORE/Mimm,Turiaf/19th pick
VRAD/LUKE
Man I say that's a good team... Everyone let's pray
Posted by: Gino | June 25, 2007 at 03:18 PM
miss exel and jones,
"You guys are so fickle"
Whatever you say miss Exel & Jones whether we are fickle or a bunch of pickles as long as KG is coming....come on down, hitch our wagon to the stars. Be positive....be positive...be positive. we need more positive vibrations to roll the red carpet for KG.
Here iis the route no need of GPS From Minneapolis take 35 South Des Moines & 35 South Kansas City to 70 West Denver to 15 South Las Vegas & Ontario Mills to 10 West LA downtown get off at Staples to meet the frolicking laker fans shouting WELCOME KG (based on rumors only)
WE LOVED THE RUMOR.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 25, 2007 at 03:21 PM
Edwin,
I actually won't mind trying to fill the cap discrepancies with other players besides Kwame. With KG and Kobe, the need is on the D-end where Phil has a certain affinity with K. Brown.
Posted by: Niketh Kannan | June 25, 2007 at 03:21 PM
tha show:
"why does the WORLD always have to understand the US perspective? why doesn't the US ever have to understand the WORLD's perspective?"
Last time I look it up, the rest of the WORLD didn't have a monolithic perpective for us to understand. It had a bunch of tiny perspectives generally marshalled in the forms of nation-states or tribes taking advantage of, plotting against, and fighting one another.
Also, it had a lot of soccer. Coincidence?
Posted by: The D | June 25, 2007 at 03:21 PM
Tha show-
I like the EPL, don't get me wrong, and I love Arsenal. But this-
"i also prefer watching flop artists draw charges like they are trying to land a part in scorcese's next big film."
I'm assuming you watched the last world cup, right? Kind of kills that part of your argument. Flopping is a huge part of football. Where do you think Manu learned the craft? He's from Argentina, after all...
I get where you're coming from, but I had to call you on that part...
Posted by: shizz | June 25, 2007 at 03:21 PM
Andrew Z,
You want to trade Kobe for draft picks? WOW. Being more anti-Kobe than pro-Laker is not healthy. Stop the hate.
Tha Show,
With all due respect, SOCCER SUCKS.
If I wanted to watch bad acting, I'd rather go rent Kazaam on video. It sure beats watching a bunch of grown men cry like DWade everytime they're barely touched.
KL,
Now I finally understand. You're a closet Clipper fan with nowhere to go but the Lakers blog. No wonder you're so angry and depressed all the time. I will start being nicer to you, now that I know what you've been through. Hang in there buddy. Kayman will come around.
Posted by: Mitchell | June 25, 2007 at 03:23 PM
If the Garnett deal goes through let's all hope that this is not an even bigger mistake than the Shaq and Eddie trades. The next three years have to bring at the very least one title, otherwise the move was a mistake since the Lakers gave up a large part of their long-term future. Who knows, maybe Greg Oden won't be so good and Bynum might turn out to be superior or at least equal. I am just anxious as to how the Lakers will fill out the roster after this trade. And don't think the Kings will hand over Artest gift-wrapped and all after we acquired Garnett! Personally, I think we should just get the deal with Houston through and try to acquire Andre Miller and maybe someone at PF/C and then sign Garnett or O'Neal next summer, allwoing us to keep Odom and Bynum.
JMA from Berlin
Posted by: JMA | June 25, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Edwin,
if the salary cap #s are the prollem then you are missing Kwame's 8 mill!!!
Ship Kwame out too!!!
although, I think having Garnett around would show him what a real player should play like.
Posted by: Korey | June 25, 2007 at 03:25 PM
4 team deal reported by ESPN:
Lakers get:
KG
Indy gets:
Bynum
LO
Boston gets:
Jermaine O'Neal
Minny gets:
#5 pick
Al Jefferson
They say Boston might be reluctant to give up Jefferson if they're not getting Garnett, but that the Lakers could also give Minny the #19 to make it a little sweeter for them.
Posted by: Weave-Man | June 25, 2007 at 03:25 PM