Sometimes, these jokes just write themselves

************ Repost I apologize in advance so be nice
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* ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY IS BE KIND TO EACH OTHER DAY *
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Todays News: ALL GOOD NEWS ALL THE TIME *
SORRY YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR OWN GOOD NEWS *
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And now.ROLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL:
Faith, Taliq, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, FATTY, MITCHELL, KIWI, RespectMyAuthorith,
TIM-4-SHOW, WESJOENIXON, TALIQ, BAYWOOD, Khang, Bobie,SBPIMP
NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, WOW, EXHELODRVR, J-COOL
JJ, AJAX, MIKE T., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, DAVID WHANG, GENERIC_ONE
VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, Tha Show, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild, Laker4Life
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, TWOODY, EASTCOASTJESSIE,
Zakee, Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas,
Fan of Mamba, Mamba24Fan4Life, BlackMamba24, FKilla, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST)
Waterboy, Hariyahu, ADAM KILEY,Bynum=The BigLazy, ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24
COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude, J.Walter Weatherman, SOCALIFE,
Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman, Gunner24, GINO,
CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36, PAUL LEE, Jay EL
WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, James da Kingpin, BERKLEYLAKER,
DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, JimBussIsAMoron, JR, Dascilla
GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack, TheKobeShow, Jay Jay, TaosHum
Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER LAKER FANS, wiZo, MagicShaq,
HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO, BikBlonde,
Mfeige, Stples24, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time
ALL TOGETHER NOW
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
AND NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US.

An EXCELLENT piece by the esteemed Sally Jenkins of the Washington Post on the Kobe video and on the the mercurial Bryant
himself: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/21/AR2007062102376_pf.html

The wool has been pulled from over people's eyes. The true Kobe is starting to be seen by the whole world.

Thank you, Sally Jenkins, for your truth-telling piece.

Kobe is using the pliant Bucher, again, for his tantrums. "Well, you won't trade me? I'll sit out. WAAAAHHHH!"

Kobe, PR king.

Who da hell is Sally Jenkins? I read alot of articles and I like the washington post. But I have never heard of Sally Jenkins in my life. Agin, I read the post quite alot, Sally Jenkins? Never heard of her.

Wow, "Who da hell is Sally Jenkins?"
Wow, wow you don't know who Sally Jenkins is?
My good man, she's Mrs. Jenkins baby girl. lol!

The Big Ironic, haha

KG at *ANY* cost. If Kobe leaves, KG will be the bridge to the future.

If Kobe insists on going to the Bulls, how about a 3 or 4 person trade?

1.
Bulls: Get : Kobe and Turiaf
Lose: Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas

With Thabo/Kobe/Deng/Turiaf/Big Ben and #9/Duhon/Nocioni off the bench, that's a good deal for the Bulls!

Minny: Get: Lamar, Kwame, Tyrus Thomas and Lakers #19
Lose: KG, Marko Jaric

Now that they *are* trading KG, this is as good as a deal as what they got from the Celts. Plus they get rid of one of their bad contracts (Jaric)!

Kwame/Ty/Lamar would fill out the front-court and McCants and Foye would be their starting back-court. Kwame is an expiring contract and they still have two top 20 picks in a loaded draft.

Lakers: Get: KG, Jaric, Gordon, Hinrich
Lose: Kobe, Lamar, Kwame, Ronny and #19.

That would give us:
C: Bynum, Mihm
PF: KG, Cookie
SF: Vlad Rad, Luke
SG: Ben Gordon, Mo
PG: Kirk, Jordan

We would still have our entire MLE, 2 draft picks, Vujacic, Jaric to pursue an athletic stopper at the 3 (someone like Artest or Gerald Wallace?)

That's a win-win for every one.

Sally Jenkins is a very good sports columnist. I haven't read this column yet, but overall she is above average.

sally is a welll respected sports journalist whot writes on a number of sports; she wrote the lance armstrong book.

FAkerz

I bet you were really exitced reading that article by "esteemed collague" Sally Jenkins. I bet your were probably yelling at your computer and saying "TELL THEM SALLY, Hell yeah!!! I love you. I haven't had a woman since my mother gave me a kiss on the check. Sally will you please marry me. I am desperate. All i want is to just kiss your a**. Please Sally. Me and you could go on a night walk and talk about how much we despise Kobe. How Kobe has runined our life, because he is so selfish."

You two would make a great couple anyways. She's just as ugly as you. I can see you two carrying your shrek look are like babies to protest against kobe.

I haven't ripped someone in a long time. Feels good. Sorry it came at your expense. Oh wait I am just sorry you are so bitter, you ingrate.

HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAH

Sally Jenkin's last two columns about Kobe have been great reads.

great article, why anyone would want a selfish brat like kobe on there team i will never understand. he just ain't worth the trouble he causes.

JUST LIKE THE OLD SAYINGS "THERE IS CALM BEFORE A BIG STORM"

I hope the Big Storm will bring a big smile to Lakerland and not a devastating news that will be hard to swallow.

repost

To My Kobe Loving Bloggers:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2912075

“Another big factor: Garnett and Suns guard Steve Nash, sources say, have become good friends over the past few years, starting in 2005 when Garnett was one of the first players in the league to call Nash and congratulate him on his first MVP trophy.”

Notice how Garnett was networking with Nash and now it looks like KG will hook up with Nash if possible. This is the difference between kobe “I should have been the MVP” bryant and a true MVP in Garnett to call and wish Nash well. I don’t see anybody lobbing to get kobe?? I don’t see reports where someone on PHX’s roster is openly lobbying for a kobe trade. As a matter of fact, I bet guys on the PHX roster is lobbying against a kobe trade. I’ll stay again, kobe is on an island and the dude’s only got himself to blame for his self-inflicted mess. I hope kobe’s got a good family and friends support structure. When his less-than-stellar NBA career is over, nobody’s going to care, not even so-called kobe loyalists. You guys will jump on the LeBrick bandwagon soon enough.

The draft may be a good one... but will it be a difference maker? The way Mitch and the Buss’ are handling the bad press lately they better think quick and get a real piece of work to upgrade the team.

Kevin Garnett and Jermaine O’Neal are both fantastic additions to the team and will be good for at least 4 more years- what else do you need to know? Zach Randolph is a great inside out player that might understand some new discipline under Phil. Rashad Lewis is a great player also but almost too much like Kobe. His talent would be great to see come alive at the end of games though and I think he might have more clutch in his game defensively than a lot of people give him credit for. Jason Kidd on any team for the next 2-3 years is a no brainer. I love all these guys but their salaries are huge and it pretty much has us picking up role players from the D-League and hopefully in the draft. We need to be in the mix now to help our team before the summer gets too far along. Players need to move and adjust, get it done, Mitch.

I think we might be better with some projects (bad-boys) like Artest, Bonzi, Magloire, Telfai, maybe even Webber and just see how much we can get out of them. All those guys come with baggage but all have a huge upside when you think about how much they could improve if in a system that is ready to let them ball and play hard.

I think Phil needs to take a page out of Don Nelsons book and learn to adjust and allow players to play to their strengths more. The quickness of the team is an issue to worry about also. We need huge improvement at the point and we just might see out own hard-working Farmar step up. The defense he plays is a weak attribute, so we may not have enough size or consistency with him as a starter. Michael Peitrus or my guy Monta Ellis would be great additions. It is all about taking chances and the bad boys of Artest and Wells could help us a lot when you think about how much our bench didn’t help all year. Last year at this time so many of the bloggers were convinced we were good enough to win 55 games and challenge for the title is was hilarious. This season played out pretty poorly and many players performed worse at teh end than the beginning, especially Andrew Bynum.

I think Kobe’s outburst has made more fans aware he doesn’t want to be the only guy on a team than can be counted on for consistency every game. Our team is hurting in chemistry already so why not take a chance on the misfits of Artest and Bonzi. I truly think we need a big man that can catch the ball and rebound every game, and a point guard that will go for 10-15 a game and hold his own on defense. Why is it so hard to find players like this? The Lakers need to make a move and soon.

Beast, "To My Kobe Loving Bloggers:"
Beast I knew there was still some good in you. Now renounce
the dark side my son and become a Kobe Lover like me. Use
the force Beast and channel your inner KOBE LOLl

Kobe gets thrown under the buss again!

JOURNAL OF NICKNAMES FOR KOBE AND KOBE DICIPLES

Kobe Bryant is the:

Big Whiner
Big Pluto
Big Charlatan
Big Loser
Big Malcontent
Big Narcist
Big Rat
Big Snake
Big Mambo
Big Mambo#8
Big Mambo#24
Big Tito Jackson
Big LaToya Jackson
Big Faker
Big Blamer
Big Finger Pointer
Big Du-mass
Big Backstabber
Big Pippen Wannabe
Big Dominic Wannabe

Kobe Disciples are:

Kobe Apologist=Kobe's Toilet
Mitchell=Kobe’s Agent=Jerry McGuire
LakerTom=KobeTom
Troy=Al Sharpton or Jesse Jacson

larry

nice. very funny. i'm glad we can have a good laugh, it's all we're going to have for a while.

In that esteemed Sally Jenkins article, I can point out at least five misrepresented fact in the article. She is not that great. And If she wrote lance armstrong book or whatever, maybe she should stick to cyclying. I hate when jornalist use facts and misrepresent to present it as truth. Its very sickening. Especially when its the "Washington Post," they have significant power in this country. What they write is very powerful. And people like Sally Jenkins should use facts right, not when its conveinent to make a point.

Well since we are on Kobe calling out a teammate, which he really did not do. I remember reports coming out that Micheal Jordan called Kwame a "fagg*rt", nobody chastised Micheal for it. Mind you that Ishiah Washington just got fired for using that word. And he wasn't even using it directly to the gay person on the set. But it was all fair game in Micheals and his slew of jornalist follower world. And ever since then people said Kwame has never the same again.

Kobe says its okay to give up Bynum for Kidd, it means Kobe is calling him out? But the most important person in this all "controversy" is Bynum. Will he run away like Kwame did and let what a veteran say about him hunt him like for all his career. All will he prove Kobe wrong. And seeing the way he challenged Shaq back, I believe Bynum will respond with more will, dedication and focus in his game.

KL Beast, "JOURNAL OF NICKNAMES FOR KOBE AND KOBE DICIPLES"

Beast, Beast you must not let the dark side dominate you. Use the Force Beast.
Let Jedhi Kobe show you the way. I sense that good in you straining to
come out. You can do it Beast. just turn from the darkside and send one
positive Kobe post and you to my friend can become a KOBE LOVER. lol!

Beast, "Larry nice. very funny. i'm glad we can have a good laugh"

Thank you Beast for participating in BE KIND TO EACH OTHER DAY
I don't mind if you rip me apart, but just rip me apart KINDLY Ha, Ha LOL.

Once again Kobe is the reason Shaq got sent out of town. Sally did you even think once that the owner made a huge mistake, along with a big baby trying to embarrass his boss while running up and down the court in Hawaii- Mr. Buss and Kupchak sent away a franchise player without using their brains. Shaq should have died a Laker at all costs. Kobe may not have gotten along for years with Shaq but they had quite a few championships and contended every year they were together. The point is winning cures everything. The loss of Shaq was and is still the fault of the front office, just like losing Kobe will be. The money these owners spend on frivolous jive is beyond our imagination and yet they forget to hire professionals to get a Kobe and Shaq to sit down and work out the wreckage of their own mess. I think Jerry West could have kept them together.
It is al history now and Kobe is behaving foolishly so his stock is going down and quick, I admire his sincerity and his desire to win but I hate his 'all about me' attitude. Bring a solution to the table Mr. Kobe Bryant, get a player on the phone and work it if you want to make a difference. You- Kobe, will be blamed by the press for anything that does or doesn't happen anyway. How does a guy with this much time in the league and been through so much turmoil not learn to guard his image. What an idiot. Great ball-player, an absolute idiot when it comes to thinking out loud.

If this team is going to make a trade it better be soon, Bynum is a joke in comparison to Kobe and what he can offer the next 3 years. I don’t even see Bynum being as good as Mutumbo, he could become a good defensive player but this year he exposed himself. He reminds me more of Owlakandi. Big men are tough to find but the 18-20 year olds in this draft all have more going for them than Bynum. Mitch and Jerry you have to get to the bargaining table and soon!

KL,

do you have a job?

seriously. just wondering.

Minny wants to trade KG.
KG wants to go to a warmer climate.
KB wants help.

HOW/WHY ARE WE NOT IN THE KG DISCUSSIONS YET?

yeah seriously, can we talk Laker draft????

Personally I'd love to take Rudy Fernandez from Spain at this pick...i read about this guy in SLAM and he had a good bio. Apparently all those good teams are big on this guy like the Suns and the Spurs.

He's listed as point guard but some describe him as a Ginobili type player who is a scoring play-maker.

If they dont take him, than I'd see Nick Fazekas. That guy is rebounding machine and scores good too. He's got a nice midrange. I think he's a tougher Troy Murphy with better rebounding and more size. He's also a true power forward which the Lakers only have Turiaf. Also 4 years of college doesnt hurt--heck he would be older than Sasha and Bynum

The second round is all about who's left, but if Jared Dudley is around, the Lakers have to take him. He's an athletic scorer, better than Craig Smith at BC. The Lakers need some guys who are athletes and can score in the paint and drive too.
If he's gone, they should take Afllalo like everyone likes or maybe Alando Tucker if he's around.
One guy that not a ton of people are talking about is Rayshawn Terry. I'm a big UNC fan and watched this guy really knock down shots, throw down some dunks, and also play D. He's bigger than Afllalo, maybe without the mean streak. That guy should be available perhaps as low as no. 48.

If not, than they could take Curtis Sumpter from 'Nova who played on that good team with Allan Ray and Randy Foye. He could be like a less athletic Michael Finley.

I'd love to see Rudy Fernandez 6'6" SG or Nick Fazekas 6'10" PF, Dudley 6'9" F, Sumpter 6'8" SF

those guys are an upgrade over Sasha and Cook.

As i have repeatedly posted hopefully Kobe gets traded so he can come back and drop 83 on theLakers. Not only is Kobe good enough to do it but you know if he gets traded he's going to
1. Will his new team to the playoffs to prove a point and
2. Go off on the Lakers for 50 every times he plays them particularlly at Staples.
Please Lakers trade Kobe so i can go to a new blog and be free of KL, Fakerz and the others who can't see pass the hatred they have for Kobe. I'm hoping for a Kobe for Steph, Jamal Crawford, Jared Jeffries and the midget that won the dunk contest. Then Kobe can ball with David Lee, Curry and Steve Francis (or Isiah can trade Stevie & Malik Rose for a PG or a SF.

Check this trade out

Lakers send Kwame Brown and Mo Evans to the Jazz for Kirilenko. Lakers need some serious help with their perimeter defense, and when kirilenko is properly utilized hes good for 15 points a night. Utah showed in the playoffs that they need a tough interior defender and an athletic swingman to elevate their club to the next level.
What do you all think?l

can somebody answer this question for me? i read this blog alot. somebody asked me if the lakers at any point during this season, actually had a chance tom win the title or havce a shot at the title? i didnt know wat to say, so i decided to ask some of u guys. could u please answer?

KLBeast,
"JOURNAL OF NICKNAMES FOR KOBE AND KOBE DICIPLES"

DUDE THAT'S CLASSIC!

I LIKE TO USE THE "BIG PLUTO" ALOT. I JUST WISH THE LAKERS HAD A PRIVATE ROCKET SO, WE COULD TAKE HIS BLUFF "ALRIGHT KOBE, YOU WANT TO GO TO PLUTO" AND LAUNCH HIM INTO ORBIT WITH A ONE WAY TICKET TO PLUTO!

That was awesome WOW
Bynum can use this to grow and get angry or continue to be mediocre.

I doubt any significant trades will happen and we might have to listen to Kobe's crying all year.
Step up Lakers your leader is calling you out, so get
to the gym and shoot 1000's of shots and hundreds of free throws everyday. Every man should be at a camp on the courts in the gym or getting tons of rehab while still working on whatever their body allows them to do on the court. If these guys put the effort in that Kobe does we might have had a chance last year.

I heard Shaq is learning how to stetch for the first time in his career...hmmm Do you think Kobe stretches?
Who do you think wants to win more Kobe or Shaq?
Why doesn't Mr. Buss or Mitch release anything about the Kobe situation?
When Kobe says 'insider' who is that?
Does anyone truly think this team as is can compete for a championship?
Kobe and KG = too much $$$ spent, plus we still need a ballhandler=Farmar???

Sell the farm and appease the whiner, we are gambling on a 7 footer that just doesn't have it.

KLBeast and Gunner24?

Can you guys get a room and "Classic" each other all night? That way the rest of us are spared of your trash?

hariyahu,
"Can you guys get a room and "Classic" each other all night? That way the rest of us are spared of your trash?"

DO YOU WANT TO GO TO PLUTO? WE CAN PUT YOU ON THAT ROCKET TOO?

Pete Maguire,

Amen brother - AMEN!!

Kobe - NOW is the time to prove your worth. Get on the phone with KG and convince him to come down to LA. All you have to do is get KG to say "The Lakers are my preferred choice". That's it. If you *truly* want to remain a Laker, now is the time to act.

Saying Kobe's a brat is like calliing Nelson Mandela a brat for wanting to get out of prison.

Like Kobe, Mandela was accused of sabotage.

Accoring to his wikipedia entry, Nelson became figure of hatred among many South African whites, supporters of apartheid, and opponents of the ANC. Kobe is a figure of hatred among a few vociferous and ignorant bloggers.

In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. Kobe is known as Mamba.

Kobe poops gold.

MAX,
"Please Lakers trade Kobe so i can go to a new blog and be free of KL, Fakerz and the others who can't see pass the hatred they have for Kobe."

IT'S NICE TO HEAR KOBE APOLOGISTS BE TRUTHFUL WITH THEMSELVES. I ADMIRE YOUR COURAGE TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET. BUT DON'T WORRY, IF WE TRADE THE BIG PLUTO WE'LL MAKE SURE YOUR LIPS ARE ATTACH TO THE BACK OF HIM ON THE WAY OUT THE DOOR.

KLBEAST,

YOU FORGOT ONE MORE. "BIG DRAMA QUEEN"

I Miss,

Yes, let's talk draft. Rudy does look good, at least on paper. But I'm petrified he might turn out to be the second coming of...SASHA!!
If Acie Law or Crittenton are there, I would rather take them. I wouldn't mind Thaddeus Young slipping all the way down either. But something tells me that we are shipping that #19 out come draft time :)

Wow,

Talk about another Kobe $$$$ eater.

Blame Buss!
Blame Shaq!
Blame Kupchek!
Blame the crazy white girl!

Blame Sally Jenkins!!!!

Wow you Kobe fans need to go away. You guys will point a figure at ANYBODY that says anything wrong about Kobe even if you don't know who the hell they are.

*********************************************
Attention Bloggers
Rick Beucher of ESPN was just on the Dan Patrick show with
Patrick Mac Enroe and repeated that Kobe said he will sit out the season if he is not traded.
In light of these developments Mamba24 must reaccess my position.
Edwin, Mike T. Generic TIM-4-Show tha Show What say you?

As much hell as Bucher catches on this blog, he was right about what Kobe's initial non-ultimatum ultimatum, because Kobe came out and said that, and more, himself.

He was even more explicit on the Dan Patrick Show today. Of course, he said Kobe had traveled to Barcelona to deliver the news to Buss personally that he played his last game in a Laker uni. Bucher says the Lakers are underestimating Kobe's demand, and that Kobe would prefer not to sit out, but is prepared to do so if it comes to that.

Please, please, please, Laker fans. Don't get ahead of ourselves. Forget the draft, free agency, and any other scenarios involving a focused, content Kobe OR a Kobe that will come to his senses. The true blue Laker fans need to start thinking rebuilding. The "Kobe First, Laker Second" fans may need to save their cash for a new jersey.

Sad. Just as I was getting used to the idea of Kobe leading the team, this happens.

KLBeast,

here's a couple more.

"BIG IRRELEVANT"
"BIG EARL MANNEGOAT"

Wow--another Kobe -will you marry me lover

Who CARES ABOUT MJ? What does that have to do with Kobe Bryant.

You know why Jordan got a pass on all of that? Because they WON GAMES WON TITLES. If Kobe ever did what Jordan did he would get a pass too, but he hasn't done anything to show that all of that baggage he has has been beneficial. I don't care if Jordan punched Will Perdue or whatever, at least he got his team somewhere.

Kobe's baggage is just mean spirited, not in the interest of Jordan's teammates. I mean look at Jordan. Cartwright, Paxon, Kerr are still his buddies and he helps out his guys like Sam Vincent. He's like a family relationship with his teammates that he could talk trash. Do you think any of Kobe's teammates will ever be asking him to hang out after he's gone?

How many guys now chat with Jordan? LeBron, D-Wade, Carmelo have all said that they talk to Jordan. Will Kobe talk to anyone when he retires??

Kobe's just a jerk. Jordan was a jerk with a purpose, but Kobe's just a jerk. Stop making comparisons. You're dumb if you cant see that.

I dont even like Jordan, I was not even a fan of his. But even I can see this.

GUNNER24,

Anywhere as long as I don't have to respond to ASININE comments like yours :)

Sally who?
Who the hell is she. I leave in the DC metro received the post regularly in my office I never heard of this Joker. It's amazing how Kobe is helping everyone get noticed... Is the Mamba great or what? I never knew that there was so much sport (writers) around. I wish there was a law for diffamation. Oh wait! there is, they just don't give a crap as long as people like (you know the ones in our blog) are reading it

Lifelong Laker fan here. Kobe likes to talk about the Truth on KB24.com. But the real TRUTH is that Dr. Buss has done everything in his power since he's owned the team to have a winning franchise. How many other teams have been in the playoffs 26 of the last 28 years? Dr. Buss loves the Lakers and Laker fans. Unfortunately, Kobe only loves Kobe. Always has, and always will. You think Kobe cares about you? Ya, Kobe cares about winning, but only winning for Kobe. He doesn't go out and win because of that beautiful Lakers name across his chest. He wins so Kobe can get some attention. Never once has he realized just how lucky he is to be a Laker. Do you know how many players would KILL for a chance to wear the purple and gold? But with Kobe, it's about Kobe, and no one or nothing else. Is Mitch Kupchak a lousy general manager? Sure. And Dr. Buss should can him. But real players with real heart who really love their team and fans don't bail out of a situation like this. They rise to the challenge and show leadership, not cowardice.

So send Kobe to Chicago. If Kobe doesn't like Dr. Buss, how do you think he's going to get along with Reinsdorf who broke up Jordan's Bulls? When things don't work out there, and Kobe's 32 years old, he'll be crying like a baby again and demanding another trade. Plus, we'll have the added advantage of watching a player with real heart - LeBron - beat him in the playoffs every year.

I've been a Kobe apologist for the last five years. Ballhogging early on: he's 20 years old and the most talented player in the league. Extra marital affair with a girl in Colorado: Hey he's just a young man doing what young men do. Problems with Shaq: Shaq's fat and Kobe's a young man who wants to win. But no more. Kobe's not a kid anymore and he has to start living with his decisions. And he's decided he doesn't want to be a Laker anymore. Say it with me: "He doesn't want to be a LAKER anymore." What kid growing up playing basketball didn't dream of wearing the purple and gold for life? Well, Kobe's about to find out what it's like to be on any other team not named the Lakers, and the only teams these days who can stomach that are teams to which he is not headed.

So let Kobe go be a Bull, or a Memphis Grizzlie, or whateve the heck he wants to be. Or better yet, let him just go play HORSE on a court by himself. For me, I'll stay true to my team. Lakers for Life.

And that's the REAL Truth. Can you dig it? CAN YOU DIG IT?

kobe apologists and loyalists,

what MOTIVATION, if any, does laker management have NOW to bring in some elite talent that kobe is crying for, when kobe HAS SAID ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT HE never wants to suit up for the lake show again???

and say the lakers swing deals that bring in the likes of jermaine o'neal, kevin garnett, and/or ron artest. IF KOBE STILL WALKS AFTER THESE DEALS ARE MADE, what will you say then?

i've been a longtime supporter of kobe.

however, his recent outbursts turned me off to the point of no return.

how am i (or any true laker fan) supposed to support a laker who really doesn't want to be here?

if you are a kobe fan, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. just own up to it.

just please quit claiming you are a true laker fan when you truly drum to the beat of kobe, and only kobe.

_________________
the lakers should be in no rush to trade kobe.

let kobe cry, let kobe sit out, let kobe not collect his loot for the next two years. let kobe show his face around la while the lakers are playing without him.

kobe seems ok with doing this. so let's see if he really is ok with it come this fall.

time this kid (he remains a kid) learned a lesson.

maybe (i doubt it) sitting out and watching the lakers carry on WILL MAKE THIS MEGALOMANIAC realize that he isn't the center of the universe. LIFE AND THE LAKERS WILL CARRY ON WITH OR WITHOUT HIM.

who knows?

_________________
the lakers should only trade kobe if they are essentially ripping off the other team for his services.

if not, keep him on the roster for the next two seasons. let him walk in two years.

keep lamar and company, and we'll give it our best shot without kb24.

and kb24 will have to watch true laker fans embrace lamar as their new leader/star. i wonder how he will react to that?

i'd much rather see that than watch the phony kobe pretend that he plays for the lakers when he truly plays for himself.

enough is enough.

as i wrote earlier, if you are a kobe fan more than a laker fan - that is more than fine. just own up to it and quit calling yourselves laker fans.

peace to all.

At this point I do not feel the Lakers should pull the trigger on any major trades unless Kobe will assure them that he is staying. I say this because I am begning to believe this whole situation has become less about winning and more about trust. We can go ahead with the smaller deals, but moving Lamar, Andrew etc should be placed on hold until they know for sure. Why make a move that requires Kobe is on the team if he says I am leaving anyway. We can not afford to lose the present AND the future. Tha is why I am leaning more toword trading him at this point.

MH

Apart from putting forward the same old lie denied by Buss himself (that Kobe ran Shaq out of town), Silly Sally shows a remarkable lack of perspicacity when she says this:
"Do you think for a moment that Lakers owner Jerry Buss and General Manager Kupchak don't want to win?"

Everyone wants to win, but if you don't make an effort -- on the court or while lolling around in a luxury box -- wanting alone isn't worth much. The problem a lot of people have noticed -- but which, in spite of Kobe's insistence; Sally doesn't see -- is that Buss doesn't NEED to win to keep his market responsive, the cash flowing and the young ladies in the passenger seat of his car (or any other appropriate domestic furniture). The only thing he needs in Staples is to put on a show. And there's one entertainer that does it for him night in and night out (and even in the off-season!). And Buss isn't the only one who benefits. The whole freakin' league does.. Why do the Lakers sell out every arena they traipse off to? Does any fool think that it's because crowds are attracted to purple and gold the way moths are attracted to flame? (Why doesn't the greatest BB dynasty of all time -- Boston -- do the same thing?). Look wWhat happened when Stern gave orders to Kobe not to show up at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks fans screamed thieir displeasure. They felt cheated!

Kobe is Buss's man -- not his main man, his unique man -- and his perfect money-spinner. Sally, for your information, Buss doesn't need a winning team. Like Carl Denim, he's goit King Kong in chains (a six year contract). And what happens when the flashes start popping (i.e. reports quoting an insider)? The Mamba breaks loose and all hell with him. The city's in a panic, but this time it's LA, not NY.

I still don't understand how all these puritanical pundits trying to promote a form of moral law that seems suspiciously close to slavery (love your plantation owner because without him you'd be rotting in the jungle instead of contributing to a superior civilization) don't understand that this isn't about personal moral qualities or being a "role model" (I though Barkley had quelched that one long ago)/ It's about business, on the one hand, and heroic pride on the other, something close to hubris, true enough, but isn't that what distinguishes tragic heroes? Kobe may be the only dude in sportswho can get away with this. The Sallys;, Plaschk's, Ventres and other abject journalist appealing to the heartless mob should be thinking more about why that's the case than kissing up to the plantation owner and announcing a moral code that neither they nor Buss would even consider respecting.

Larry (Mamba24),

it's gonna be alright brother.

as an avid kobe fan myself, it was tough/strange for his antics to finally push me beyond my boiling point.

a great basketball player. a champion. a true joy to watch on a basketball court.

however, this great bball player, this champion, this joy to watch IS A BIGGER FAN OF HIMSELF THAN ANY OF US COULD EVER BE.

sucks to write that.

reality bites.

i have no hatred or bitterness towards kobe, just disappointed (borderline devastated) with him.

i thought kobe was a laker through and through, thick or thin, nba champs or bubble playoff team.

yet when the lakers sputter a bit for a couple of seasons, kobe is now demanding a trade before giving the fo a chance to improve the squad this summer.

what a jackass.

how are we support kobe bryant, when kobe bryant WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH US?

a simple question.

have yet to see any kobe apologists/loyalists/so-called laker fans answer it.

ex:

"Hey, clam down there. You can't talk to me like that!! I'm not one of your college fart buddies!!"

Speaking of college, I live near one and since school is out for summer there are a lot fewer hot codes walking by my house. No fun at all.

Mamba24:

"Edwin, Mike T. Generic TIM-4-Show tha Show What say you?"

If Kobe really said that, I think he's just trying to put more pressure on the front office to trade him after they've asserted they have no intention of sending him to another team. I don't think he'll really sit out a whole season. If he does though, at least we'll get a decent draft pick. :(

David Peterson and michaelh,

great posts. the both of youse.

couldn't relate or agree more.

i guess we shall see what happens.

Tha Show,

Though I agree with the essence of your post, I don't know if keeping pat would help with anything.

I say we make a push for KG - and a HARD push. So if that means letting LO, Bynum, Kwame AND #19 - so be it.

Not because I think Kobe/KG/toilet paper would win it all, but at least then we have a future. Assuming Kobe is done with the Lakers, ship HIS posterior out to the Bulls. KG, Hinrich, Gordon, Nocioni would be much better than watching the Lakers led by LO.

On one thing, I have to agree with Kobe - just don't sit around. Make a move, and make it NOW!

After all, it IS about the team, right? So what good does it do the Lakers if we just sit Kobe to spite him?

I cannot stand another season of sitting pat and doing nothing (and yes, signing some retread like Mckie, Divac or RadMan to the MLE does amount to nothing).

Edwin, Bob, Wow, Mike T., Korey, Faith, Xodus,

Man this blog has gone to the dumps.... Man what ever happened to the original bloggers who stuck by the team.

You wierdo's want to blame Kobe for telling the truth, for wanting to win NOW. Look at Shawn Livingston tomorrow is never promised.

That video was gay. thats exactly why Athletes never mingle with the average person because they'll do something silly like record your conversation on a cell phone. Gay. HOW MANY OF YOU HAVE BAD MOUTH A SUPERIOR'S DECISION BEFORE. ALL OF YOU HAVE AND I DONT CARE HOW YOU TRY TO SUGAR CODE IT. THAT WAS JUST DUMB TO NOT GET KIDD FOR BYNUM STRAIGHT UP.

Kobe come on calm down and lead this team back to the promise land. IF we can get Luther Head and get HEALTHY we will be fine. But that is if Mihm comes back healthy.

GET RID OF THE REAL CANCERS COOK AND WE ALREADY GOT RID OF SMUSH AND WE'LL BE FINE.

If Bynum would be the third pick this year had he stayed in school, which many of you seem to believe, then the Lakers ought to be able to trade him to Atlanta for the pick, right? They need a center, salary cap wouldn't be an issue for them.

Would anyone here not rather have Horford than Bynum?

let kobe sit out next season then. he will destroy what little is left of his rep.

Tsphere,

pretty decent take until the last paragraph.

to say you are dramatizing an already overly dramatic situation would be the understatement of the year.

you write as if some laker fans are demanding kobe be traded, when in fact KOBE BRYANT is the one demanding a trade.

and just because some of us don't want a player (even kobe bryant) who doesn't want to be here, does not mean we are siding with the buss family.

the buss family (dr. buss) definitely has some fences to mend. and some habits he needs to break.

i personally feel kobe should have kept his thoughts in house, see how the summer unfolded, and THEN make a decision to stay or leave depending on the improvements or lack thereof this summer.

i also now feel kobe has wanted out all along.

he demanded the impossible: jerry west, the signings of FA before 7/1.

all the while knowing he could use these factors as "justification" for demanding a trade.

jerry west wants nothing to do with the lakers. can't really blame the guy either.

and there isn't a single gm in the league who can sign a FA until 7/1.

this whole situation sucks. for everybody involved. mainly the fans. damn.

AK & BK:

How on earth did you guys leave this bit of news out?

JACK NICHOLSON JOINS KOBE BRYANT IN DEMANDING TRADE

By Chip Hilton
Jun 22, 2007, 07:35

Superfan Jack Nicholson tells Lakers, "Talk to the hand."
LOS ANGELES – Jack Nicholson, the most visible fan in Los Angeles Lakers history, has joined Kobe Bryant in demanding to be traded. Speaking to fans in the parking lot of a Los Angeles restaurant last night, the Oscar-winning actor went on a profane tirade that was captured by a cell phone video cam.

In this tirade, which can be viewed in all its profanity on YouTube, Mr. Nicholson accuses Lakers management of not trying hard enough to win and of not surrounding him with the kind of A-list talent he deserves.

“I’m sick and tired of having to be ‘the face of the Lakers fans’ every goddamn home game,” said Mr. Nicholson. “If I’m too coked up to get down to Staples some night, there should be someone better than Dyan Cannon or Britney Spears to show on the tube.”

Even though Mr. Nicholson has paid for his courtside season ticket seats through the 2008-09 season, he said he would rather sell them on eBay than support the Lakers any longer.

“I’m not going to jump up and down baiting referees and shouting myself hoarse for a team that can’t get out of the first round in the playoffs,” he said.

Mr. Nicholson’s demand for a trade is expected to bring a number of inquiries from around the league, but few teams are in a position to offer the Lakers decent value for him.

With Kobe and Jack demanding trades, will Phil be next?

The Los Angeles Clippers would have to give up a lot more than undersized point fan, Billy Crystal, even though Mr. Nicholson wouldn't have to relocate if he went to the Clips.

A Jack-Nicholson-for-Kid-Rock-and-Bob-Seeger deal with Detroit looks good at first blush, but Detroit is a fading franchise that could be as inept as the Lakers before long, and Mr. Nicholson has made it clear that he wants to end his rooting career with a contender.

Even if San Antonio were willing to part with Eva Longoria, would Tony Parker be willing to let Mr. Nicholson jump into his arms and wrap his legs around him the next time the Spurs win a title?

Only the New York Knicks, who boast filmmaker Spike Lee as their franchise fan, could structure a deal for Mr. Nicholson, but Mr. Lee has a rare no-trade clause in his season-ticket contract with the Knicks.

Besides, said one general manager who asked to remain nameless, years of rooting for the Lakers have taken their toll on Mr. Nicholson’s legs, and “his lateral movement isn’t what it used to be.”

Nevertheless, sports talk radio programs around the country were buzzing with speculation this morning. In one of the more popular scenarios being discussed, the New Orleans Hornets execute a sign and trade deal with Brad Pitt, then send him to Los Angeles for Mr. Nicholson.

http://www.pugbus.net/artman/publish/06227002_11_jacktrade.shtml

KEVING GARNETT PLEASE COME TO LA AND PLAY WITH YOUR FRIEND KOBE BRYANT. LOS ANGELES WILL EMBRACE YOU MY FRIEND!

Call it emotional intrusion, but I would have a tough time, if I were the owner or GM of the Lakers, and my star player kept telling me (through his media minions), how he was going to sit out if we didn't trade him. Call it bad business, but I would be inclined to let him sit and stew at home. When fall rolled around, America would be watching sportcenter talking about the league's new young talent, along with Duncan, Nash, Dirk and Lebron. But there would be no Kobe. It would kill him. Phil, would be spinning it into how "he would love to have Kobe back and feels it unfortunate that Kobe has taken such a detrimental path."

Yes I know it's wishful thinking, but I just don't take well to any player bashing the Lakers, even if it's our star player.

Tsphere,

Kobe isnt a slave. He's a rich star on the world's most famous baskbetall team.

Get a perspective.

tha show,

I agree with all your sentiments. I think for the good of everyone involved, Kobe should be dealt. My only thing is, if I'm the Lakers I tell him we will not be trading him unless he completely waives his no trade clause or just expands his lists of teams. He will be traded on our terms. If he doesn't agree, I tell him that we won't be trading him. No chance in hell he sits out. His reputation couldn't take it, he wouldn't get paid, and a lot of his fans will jump ship.

I'm excited for the players who will come in and be proud and excited to wear the purple and gold.

Hariyahu,

Would they have to wait three months for what? I'm not sure I understand what you're asking. Can you rephrase it?

Thanks,

AK

gunner 24; this is not personal why can't you guys make an objective comment. I'm a Laker fan because of Kobe i don't live in LA so why the hell would i support the lakers if he is not on the team. Saying stuff like that is the main reason why bloggers find you and some others annoying. You don't like Kobe, we get that. You think the Lakers should trade him, we get that. You think he is a poor leader, we get that. You don't think the Lakers can win with him cause he is a ballhog, we get that. Nowstop posting stupid and personal sh## becuase you don't like Kobe and stop insulting people who support Kobe.

Ex

Actually there was some talk a month or so ago about Josh Childress and the #3 for Andrew. And I would definetly take Andrew over Hartford at this point. First, Larry Bird doesnt want Lamar, he wants Bynum. A lot of scouts and GMs love Bynums potential. Consider this, everyone seems to think that Aldridge at Portland is a cant miss player. Last year he had 9 points, 5 boards and 1.2 blocks in 22 minutes a game. Andrew had 7.8 points, 5.9 boards and 1.6 blocks in 22 minutes a game. And aldridge turns 22 next month. So ya, there is a reason he gets a lot of attention.

MH

hariyahu,

good points.

your "trade for kg and trade kobe to chicago" theory is a little far fetched.

kg doesn't want to just start all over with a brand new team.

i think he wants to go to a team that is needs his talent to become a true contender. kinda like the bulls. kinda like the lakers before kobe demanded a trade.

you now see how bad kobe screwed things up?

why would any legit talent (like kg or jo) want to come here this summer knowing damn well kobe wants out?

in a perfect world, your trade theory would be nice.

it's just too damn bad this world is far from perfect...

___________________________
Paul Lee,

speaking for myself, i have no problem (never had) with kobe speaking his mind and wanting to win right now.

HOW kobe speaks his mind and WHAT he says ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.

kobe should have spoke his mind to dr. buss, the buss kids, magic, phil jackson, kupchak, etc.

he should have pointed out that if legit talent was not brought in this summer, that he would demand a trade this fall.

kobe should have then waited to see how it played out.

however, kobe chose to jump the gun and make his demands NOT ONLY PUBLIC BUT BEFORE THE LAKERS FO COULD EVEN DO ANYTHING TO APPEASE HIS DEMANDS.

i think kobe wanted out long before he made his trade demands, long before the laker "insider" said kobe drove shaq out of town.

Mamba24, I'm sorry your "be nice to everyone" day isn't going very well.

While Kobe sitting out is technically new news (by the way I just don't see him doing it, for several reasons, among of which is career suicide)...we've actually been arguing, debilitating, stressing about the same single event for weeks now (feels like years).

Let things happen, let the cards lie where they may. We have said our piece, let us wait for the front office to act.

I'm pissed that it's been a very distressing offseason, and getting stresser and all we have is a Luther Head/Bonzi for Sasha/Cook deal on the table, which by the way was not followed through. Gnats. But we know that something, we continue to have faith that something will happen. I am waiting.

cbuck
“do you have a job? seriously. just wondering.”

actually I do. I’m lucky to have good staff working in my group. my work is less labor and more thinking......thank goodness.

tha show,
I disagree.
I think Kobe wants to stay at the Lakers. But he wants real help. a star player to play with him and a real shot to be a contender. If KG, Gasol, Kidd or maybe JO come to LA, I am pretty sure Kobe will come down.
There is no trade at this point that would land kobe in a different team and make that team a real contender for a title. Even in the east. Just imagine, the whole team will be gutted to be able to get Kobe.

My gut feeling this whole mess is more a marketing and pressure ploy to get another star in LA to help Kobe back to the glory days.

Remember this is the Lakers and is always drama!

tha show,

I like all of your pieces and could not agree more. No rush to make any deal to satisfy Kobe if he is going to leave anyway. We, as a true Lakers fans, can live with crapy present (already done it for last 3 years) but without brighter future, it's too mush to ask. I was with Kobe like yourself through all the crap but like you, got to the point of choosing Lakers vs. Kobe, I'm always was and will be a Lakers fan. I'm also a firm believer the day will come when sun will shine for purple and gold.

Tsphere

Where do you think this plantation exist, the place where you can make 20M per year? I think me and 99% of Lakers fans will be more than happy to relocate over there.

Pacers: The Latest on Jermaine

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22423.shtml

Ingram: Phoenix Only Logical Choice for Kobe, Garnett

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22422.shtml

O'Brien expects he will be coaching O'Neal next season

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070622/SPORTS04/706220498/1247/SPORTS

Column: Pacers should make a run at Bryant

http://www.tribstar.com/prosports/cnhinsprosports_story_172205041.html?keyword=topstory

Human touch
Kobe's video rant reveals honesty fans seldom receive

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/chris_ballard/06/22/kobe/index.html

Ex,

I'm reading between the lines to see that you are insinuating that Bynum is *not* worth #3 in this draft? How do you know Horford or Wright or whoever is the "consensus" #3 in this draft is better than Bynum?

Look at the facts - the dude can ball, and everyone in the NBA has seen that in the last couple of years. He's a legit 7 foot center and there aren't too many of those around. As another blogger pointed out his numbers compare favorably to a LeMarcus Aldridge, who's supposed to be a sure-shot star in this league. And there's the interest from other teams. After all, why would Jersey be willing to trade for Bynum and crap?

I'm not saying that he's the next Shaq/Hakeem/Kareem etc. But there's no way you can say that he's worse than anybody you can get at #3. Could happen, but the draft is all about "upside potential" and the kid has it in buckets :)

Just had nightmare of a thought but the Suns have enough picks and players to swing trades for both Kobe and KG. They would have thin bench but Grant Hill has said he wouldnt mind playing there, add another vet for cheap and man. Scary.

MH

Draft talk,

I'd personally love to have Horford over Bynum. Bynum might have some great years, but Hoford will be too good in the low post scoring, rebound and defense. He's a perrenial all-star, sort of like Carlos Boozer.

Rudy Fernandez is nothing like Sasha. I didnt even know who Sasha was when the Lakers got him. Fernadez plays time on the Spanish national team (which won the worlds by the way). He's in the mold of Garbajosa, Calderon and Gasol, guys who can shoot, pass, make plays.

Except this guy's playmaking got him into an issue of SLAM, which for me is actually a knowledgeable bball magazine (outside the infamous Generation NETS issue)

He's a good ball handler with lanky size but can score too. I think this guy really could be the next Ginobil.

As far as Crittenton, I dont think the Lakers, or Phil would want two inexperienced point guards. They already have Farmar. If they dont like him, than they should trade him, but thats not been rumored. In fact, they kept him out of the Kidd trade too. Basically if you take Crittenton, you get rid of Farmar.

Crittenton and Thaddeus Young were teammates, but if you remember, they did NOTHING at Georgia Tech. Those two seems like busts out of the first round, unless they turn into Josh Howard. But they did nothing as teammates in the ACC where there were like 8 teams better this past year. Its not like they were allen iverson or stephon marbury either. I wouldnt 1. appease Kobe with a project, or 2. risk a steady smart bball player if i could take one.

I think the Lakers should really go for their team needs, sort of that ladder system that Chad Ford was talking about on ESPN. They need athletic guys on both sides of the ball.

Kobe talk,

if you're here to talk about the Kobe and not the Lakers, then get off the blog. I want the Lakers to win, not to appease Kobe. Find another blog.

Regardless of what people think the Lakers have not done anything major since the Shaq trade becuase they have Kobe. Even the last two years of the Shaq/Kobe they did nothing. Shaq convinced GP and Malone to sign for the MLE and the Vet. minimum. The Spurs make changes every year to improve. Horry, Finley, drafting Manu, Nazi, Rasho and not the Argentinian. Each year they add guys and move guys who don't fit to improve. The lakers do nothing significant. You guys need to realise that the Lakers is currently about making money. To win you need a good GM and FO with a clear vision. The FO will establish a solid core and make changes to remain competitive (Spurs) or be prepared to bring the players in to win right away (Miami, Suns, Dallas & the Kings before the Maloofs decided they wanted a Vegas move).
The Lakers FO and ownership are satisfied with not contending as long as they make a big profit. Bringing back Phil was done to ensure the Lakers made the play-offs and give fans the feeling the Lakers were serious about contending.

Here's an article on free agents for NEXT summer. We trade Kobe now, get some cap space and look at this lot of guys.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=FreeAgents08

Andrew Z and LAL Fan,

thanks for the comments. the feeling is mutual. i continue to read/post on this blog because of kats like you.

keep the insight coming.

peace.

Bottom line, Kobe either waives his no-trade clause, or he shuts his mouth and plays for LA. There absolutely no chance the Lakers would allow Kobe to approve the players they get in exchange for him...no chance...

And why are the Lakers trying to give Kwame away? When he's healthy he's Phil's 1st choice. When he's healthy, the Lakers are sucessful and formidable in the post. And when this next year is over, his 9 million is off the books. That's value the Lakers haven't seen in years. At least wait until the trade deadline in '08, so he can have a chance to justify a new contract, and a team can be enticed by his 9 million coming off the books. Don't just give him away because Kobe blames everyone but himself for tanking in the first round.

Finally, do you think the Lakers called Houston and said, "we'll give you Cookie, if you give us Head?"

" I Miss Van Exel and Eddie Jones "

That's got to be the stupids person on earth to have his blog name dedicated to those loosers....

I think everyone will conquer

Speak, David Peterson.

Tha Show,

I see your point, but beg to differ. First of all, this is LA, and KG has a house here and a stated ambition to go to "Warmer Climes" :)

No, jokes aside - it's not like KG would get to work with a bunch of scum. You have Phil Jackson as coach, you'd have decent to good talent that you could get for Kobe - Kirk, Gordon and Nocioni would be great complements around KG. Besides, what are his options? Where else can he go?

Besides, if you did get KG, do you think Kobe will leave?

WTF is Kobe's agent doing in all of this? Shouldn't he have the testicular fortitude to tell Kobe to shut up or risk further damaging his own reputation? Assuming all that chatter that I hear recently *is* coming from KB24.

Isn't it great when something new happens and we can change history all of the sudden. There have been no revelations about what happened with Kobe. He always had signed the day after Shaq was traded. he and Shaq always had a fued for two years. Dr. Buss had always come out and said he was the one who made the decision to trade Shaq. Phil still wrote a book lambasting Kobe and his will to be coached. The Lakers have never not gutted a Championship caliber team. Kobe is a joke now. He is a great basketball player and a horrible human being. I will be glad when he never puts on a Laker jersey again, and I hope that's soon. It's time to look towards the future. Bye Bye Kobe. Nothing but the best, and good luck in the east.

Perhaps I missed it, would somebody please post a link where Kobe actually says he will sit out next season.

Oh...don't bother with opinion pieces by the likes of Bucher--speculation is not enough, I want to here it from Kobe's mouth.

I believe I am simply echoing the sentiments of most of the posters on the blog in saying they are becoming disillusioned with Kobe Bryant. I used to be a Kobe apologist, supporter, and overall fan of the man who played for my favorite team. This negative publicity (and I stress publicity) is repairing a man who I thought has grown up into a mature, established basketball player.

Still, Kobe's complaints are valid, the mechanisms and attitude are not.

That being said, when 3/5 of your projected starting line up is injured, you cannot will your team into a playoff contender when the bench lacks veteran presence. Count the season changing injuries, including holdovers from last year: Aaron McKie, Chris Mihm, Vladamir Radmanovic, Luke Walton, Kwame Brown, Lamar (the real heart of the team) Odom. There is little Kupchak can do to repair crushing injuries to every position except small forward. Mind you, we aren't even considering those playing through pain: Bynum's ankle, Turiaf's hips, and Kobe himself. The 2005-2006 regime got lucky with only the crushing injury to Mihm slowing us down.

If anything, the Lakers have to consider a one year plan for Mr. Bryant and Mr. Jackson. Drastic changes will only give 70 or 80 cents on the dollar and they cannot afford that. Kobe's attitude, outbursts, and outcries only diminish his own and his team's trading prospects. Winning the championship next year does not seem realistic unless the bad streak of injuries ends, the surgery men come back with a vengeance, and Kupcake makes a move to acquire ONE more quality starter. Acquiring any type of forward and a shooting, defensive minded point guard takes greater precedence than anything else. KEEPING Bynum is more important than trading him, for sheer post presence. The development of Bynum, the return of Mihm (assuming he is healthy enough to play), and the flexibility of Lamar Odom keep this team intact. The fact Lamar can play a 3 or a 4 allows either a solid post player or forward to move in. That player can be a Shawn Marion, a Zach Randolph, a Charlie Villanueva, etc. If the considered Luther Head for Brian Cook swap goes down, the Lakers really do not need to twink the team much more than having an injury free season. With the addition of one or two true starters to the team, the Lakers will and can get out of the first round. If they're healthy.

As for Kobe, his complaints only make us not want to wear his jersey or hang it on the wall. It turns off the Laker fans. Whether the alleged video is really that vitrolic or not, its presence scars his image and negates the respect that Kobe selfishly demands of everyone around him.For the next couple months, I'll have Odom on my wall. Not Bryant.

Great f-ing blog!

What do you guys think of this...

1) Jerry Buss has lost his fire and his age is showing regarding his craft with running the team. (i.e. sipping on gin and juice with a 23 year old and getting a DUI instead of appeasing the only star in LA)

2) Mitch is a puppet. He is only a Buss' front office scapegoat and is not man enough to put his foot down in showing if he ever had any GM skills.

3) Jim Buss is under qualified. His demeanor is strong because he is the son of the owner (and whatever underpinning ancillary benefits come with that), other wise if he earned = EARNED this job in any other organization he would have been fired a long time ago.

4) Kobe is something else. Kobe can publicly bitch for one day. Any time after that is too much. We fell in love with his skill and "masked dedication" to the Lakers. But really it was dedication to his mastery.

He is the common denominator between rifts with: Shaq, Karl Malone (including wife Vanessa), his own parents not wanting to get married too early which lead to the Colorado incident, Gary Payton has voiced his concerns which people forget, even D-fish and Horry have diplomatically relayed that Kobe has relied often on his skill instead of gameplan and now publicly putting his GM (who sucks but) and teammate Andrew Bynum down in this digital age of cell phones having camera recorders pointing at him . Not to mention the numerous comments from the Triangle coaching staff from 00-04, 06-07 has mentioned his drifting from the offense. (Even Text Winter had mentioned Kobe's downfall is his ability to deveiate from team play during the championship years)

Kobe is now viewed as reminiscent of the employee who works hard and gets his way because of his sales numbers; at the same time ruins his interpersonal relationship with other clients and co-workers because he gets his way, and his get the "f" out of my way attitudel....

Thoughts and Regards

Charles

Lakers bring any of these players:
KG
Gasol
JO
Kidd
Artest

Kobe will stay. Just one of these players. If you bring two, let's say KG and Artest. We are champions!

gugy,

the funny thing is about a month ago i would have replied with "i hope you are right. i hope kobe stays with the lakers."

however, after kobe demanded a trade - why would i hope/want for him to be here next season? so each time he misses a shot or a defensive assignment next season, i will wonder if he truly gives a damn?

then again, maybe i am taking it too personal.

and maybe i am taking it too personal because i've been one of the many kobe supporters backing him up/supporting him throughout ALL of his trials & tribulations ON and OFF the court.

and i am now one of the many kobe supporters who feels badly burned by kobe's trade demand.

then again, you could be right. kobe could be demanding a trade publicly just to force the lakers to bring in quality talent around him.

that's wishful thinking, but with the way this summer has started...ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

The more I think about Kobe threatening to sit out, the more I laugh at the poor bastard.

There's not a chance in hell he sits, none. If the Lakers ask him to come to camp, and he stays home on his own accord, he won't get paid.

Not talking about reputation, competitve drive, legacy, or anything like that, strictly financially speaking if the Lakers don't budge and Kobe does in fact sit (say for both years) before he can walk, he would leave $40 million on the table.

Absolutely no way he does that. And his sponsors would be pissed too. Kobe is not going to win this battle.

If I'm Dr. Buss I tell Kobe I will trade him if he waives his no-trade clause and will go wherever we want to send him. End of discussion.

AK,

My question was why we would have to wait three months to trade Lewis, if Atlanta signed-and-traded him to Minny on July 1st. Why would there be a three month wait period for that?

Kobe is holding out for a season now-
and there was a a while back that KG will be a Laker by ...
and there was a a while back that JO will be a Laker by...
and there was a a while back that KG will be a Bull by...
and there was a a while back that KG will be a Sun by...
and there was a a while back that Amare will be Timberwolve by...

It is all crazy speculation, Kobe is an idiot, big mouth, horrible excuse for a team leader if I ever saw one. Magic knows it, MJ knows it but the truth is he just wants to have a better team that can compete. He needs a point guard like Kidd more than ever now, to motivate, energize and get guys out running and make some easy baskets. Easy decision take Kobe or Bynum, no way am I gambling on Bynum.
The management is stuck with Kobe and his contract. It would surprise me if he sat out, he loves the game too much. He is playing hard ball because in his estimation the front office is not getting serious. He deserves a better line-up and it is possible. He also needs a big name guy to deflect some of the press because he is to stupid to be representing the team anymore. With Phil's scheme on offense and all the work we need on defense someone better make some noise soon. All this talk with nothing to back it up is a joke and some of the haters of the Lakers and our go-to number 1 player at this time are making this blog a joke. I am skipping over so many clowns lately it is pitiful.

It is a shame with all that ego comes so much stupidity, but we are stuck with Kobe and his game. He won and can win again but is Mitch even half as smart as Red Aeurbach in knowing it takes pieces that work together on the floor to make a championship team. Why can’t we get people to come to LA? There is more money in endorsements than anywhere in the league. What is so hard about selling 14 titles to guys who have never won. Magic and Phil need to do more of the selling and Mitch needs to retire- bye.

gugy

SOMEHOW I CAN NEVER GET IT OUT THAT SIMPLY
Good Job!

One simple truth remains.....

If Mitch (or whoever is pulling his strings) managed to get Garnett here in a trade for just about anyone we've got, Kobe would do a 180 and so would all his haters. Everyone would rally around the Lakes again and we'd be on our way to at least the Western Finals.

Otherwise, expect more of the continued fractionalizing and backbiting BS in the coming months....

Jaga,

i think kobe has said enough.

___________________
hariyahu,

do you think you are overestimating the abilities of jim buss and mitch kupchak just a bit?

acquiring garnett from a former celtic mchale is a pretty damn tough task - even for the best gm's in the league.

my pops wants kg here too. he has brought up the house in malibu. maybe kg just enjoys the summers over here? it's not like he is hurting for money.

plus, what great, elite free agent still in his prime have the los angeles lakers lured since shaquille o'neal? and that was under a different CBA and with jerry west at the helm...anybody care to expand on that one...

the lakers have some house cleaning to do (the front office and roster) before i think they can pull of a deal for a superstar like kg.

why do you think indiana is trying to rip us off for lamar, kwame, bynum and #19 pick for jermaine o'neal and troy murphy? they are trying because it has been done in the past.

teams do not overpay for laker players. it is in fact, quite the opposite. the lakers overpay for other team's players.

anyhow, i hope you are right.

having kg on the lakers (with or without kobe) would be a great thing!

Hariyahu,

Because if Seattle sign and trade Rashard Lewis to Atlanta when the free agency period begins, CBA rules (to the best of my understanding) dictate that he can't be traded again, period, for another three months. To the Lakers, to Minnesota, anybody.

And once those three months pass and Lewis is traded to L.A. (if I understand your trade scenario), more time may be required before he can be dealt again for KG. I'm not positive, since the CBA is extremely complicated. But there could be more time required.

General rule of thumb. If you're coming up with a sign and trade scenario involving the Lakers, stick with those that send someone directly to the Lakers from the jump.

AK

Steady Eddy,

"Finally, do you think the Lakers called Houston and said, "we'll give you Cookie, if you give us Head?"

funniest post this summer! at least i think so. got me cracking me up over here...nice.

AK,

Aha - see that's where the disconnect was. I was assuming that Atlanta would be able to sign-and-trade Rashard because they had the cap space. If I understand you right, you're saying that only Seattle would be able to s/t Rashard because he was on their team.

And I'm not sure you are reading all of my posts - I never said anything about having to wait three months - you did.

gino,

van exel was my favorite player when i was a kid. and eddie jones was fun to watch. Im sorry i wasnt born early enough to watch the showtime lakers. I am a real Laker fan, watching those 90s Lakers, not the stars of the 1980s.

So get your head out of A$$ and contribute something to the blog one of these days thats actually useful. I bet you dont even know who the hell any of those guys in the draft are from your mother.

And in case you guys never knew, the Lakers made the playoffs 26 out of 28 years. One year was with Kobe and the other was with Magic as the coach.

Guess what? Van exel, jones, campbell, divac ceballas made as much playoff noise as Kobe and Lamar

Idiot.

tha show,

Since we're both for trading Kobe, and everyone and their mothers think it will be the end of the world (I think we'll be better than people think), I present a great article by Bill Simmons. It's a few years old, but I'm thinking it is spot on with what we're dealing with. Enjoy.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?id=1193711

"if you're here to talk about the Kobe and not the Lakers, then get off the blog. I want the Lakers to win, not to appease Kobe. Find another blog."

they're one and the same. get it.

Pete Maguire,

Really is that simple.
Once we have a major star alongside Kobe, he will be quiet because:

• he can't complain anymore about the lack of talent of the Lakers team
• he will have his wish granted
• he knows his best chances to win will be in LA
• he knows the money and prestige is in LA
• he knows fans and the public in general will not buy his whining attitude anymore.

so that's it. Once we get that star player (hopefully KG) everything will be fine.

Hariyahu,

The reason I brought up the three month waiting period is because the trade you proposed requires it by CBA rules. There's no way around it, unless I'm just not understanding the rules. Or I'm not explaining myself clearly or following your proposal.

AK

AK,

I never had Seattle in the proposal, but can understand if you thought I implied that because of the sign-and-trade. So, to be perfectly clear, there is no way Atlanta can sign-and-trade Lewis even if they have enough cap space? I didn't want Seattle to sign-and-trade Atlanta to Minny if you thought that's what I had in mind :)

Let's face the truth. Kobe wants out because he wants to win. But, he wants it the "easiest way possible", that is thru the east. We´ve seen that anything can happen in "The finals". This is "his" Truth and there is "NO HONOR". IMO.

No Lakers, no fans, no teamates, no West, no Magic, no PJ, no history, no zip. He thinks he can take "The finals" by assault. Almost single-handedly. So he says F*** the fans.

To be able to do this, he's gone ballistic. Reason: he "needs" to lower his trade value to get out. There is no match for Kobe basketball wise (he IS the best player on earth). So he has to get a match money wise (he IS one the most expensive players on earth). He knew this from the start, since the Shaq affair, since he re-signed, and some Sonic guard "warned" us then, and his predictions are comming true NOW. "He'll score 40 points a night and demand a trade."

I said, "Kobe is different. He's not like Shaq (max extension, company time, etc).". But guess what. I WAS WRONG!!!!!!

Who in his right mind could possibly think that we can "magically" be contenders with trades that only benefit "THE LAKERS". The "Beat LA" Lakers? The greatest franchise, with the greatest player. Does anybody think that any team will be willing to hand the 2008 NBA Championship to us? Because that's pretty much what Kobe is demanding. C'on. No way Jose.

He's demanding the impossible. He's demanding the unreachable. It's absurd. It's out of this world. It's ... just like Kobe.

Let's wish him well (it´s more than he'll wish us, remember, if he wins, we don't. And we all know what's important to KB), and let him go.

The truth isn't either good nor bad, and it has no remedies.

Vamos Lakers! We have ALL but seen our finest hour.

HRZ

Andrew Z,

ah...the ewing theory...bill simmons is an entertaining read. i like and don't like him for the same reasons (red sox, patriots and celtics fan).

i like him for it because it's good to know he a sports fan like all of us.

i don't like him for it because i hate all boston teams.

let me repeat, i want kobe traded because kobe demanded it.

and i only want kobe traded if we are ripping off the other team.

i do not want a desperate, rushed trade a la shaquille o'neal a couple of seasons ago.

c'mon lake show.

lakers: draft brandon heath in the second round. please.

Gino

" I Miss Van Exel and Eddie Jones "

"That's got to be the stupids person on earth to have his blog name dedicated to those loosers....

I think everyone will conquer"

Hey Gino,

I have been a fan of the Lakers since I was born and have been watching the team since the 70s.

Van Excel and Eddie Jones (Threat, Divac, A. Peeler, Ceballos etc.) were a damn exiting team to watch. Watching Nick the Quick back in those days was a hell of a lot of fun and Eddie Jones remains one of the class acts in the NBA.

Needless to say I dont "conquer".....

Andy L's mom makes astounding predictions.

Prediction #1 last week: KG to be traded to Lakers. KG was not on anybody's radar. And yet she said he will be a Laker this year. I didn't take the prediction seriously because KG wasn't supposed to be traded. wow

Next,

Prediction #2 - Kobe would stay a Laker. This after the Barcelona meeting.

Next,

Prediction #3 - Kobe and Garnett would team up and lead the Lakers to the playoffs and then lose in the first round.

This stuff is not made up and Andy L is on the record. I reposted this info for you to examin. It should be used for entertainment purposes only.

Fatty

"we'll give you Cookie, if you give us Head?"

haha

hariyahu,

Not to but in to your conversation but a sign and trade pertains to signing one of your own free agents (usually done so they can get the higher salary or longer contract that only you can offer) and then trading them to another team. If you do sign a free agent, there is a waiting period before you can trade them (that's where the three months come from). Usually around 3 months after free agent signings can happen, John Hollinger or Chris Sheridan right and article about all the teams that can trade the mistake signings they made in the offseason. I think Vlad was in that article last year, HA!!

Hariyahu

Rashard had some contract issues with his FA being legit. Has that been cleared up yet? The intial thought was his agent didn't file paper work timely which meant he would not be a FA.

Fatty

AK/BK

are there any good articles about Kobe that you can post? I know there is not a lot out there now a days but a good yay for Kobe article would sure help some of us feel better about all the things kobe is saying. Seeing as how I agree with what he's saying (not so much how he said it) I would like to know other "journalist" feel the same way most of the fans and Kobe do.

If you guys can't find one that's cool. You all seem to be working overtime anyways.

Dear Kobe Haters,

Do you guys realize how ridiculous y'all sound? Plashke and the rest of the media are really doing a number on you guys. You sound like a group of ugly step sisters gossipping about an ex-boyrfriend. The Lakers are a BASKETBALL team, not a cheerleading squad. Let me summarize for you what I've read from the Kobe haters today:

"Wa waaa, Kobe hurt my feelings. He's not a nice guy, he's a meannie. He doesn't like me anymore. Mommy, he likes himself more than he likes me. What a selfish jerk. Waaaaaa Waaaa. He cares more about winning than he does about his teamate Bynum. How dare Kobe compare the great and legendary Andrew Bynum to Jason Kidd. Kobe should love Andrew because he's got potential. Who cares if Andrew blatantly disrespects Kobe and Phil publicly and doesn't have any work ethic. That's not the issue here, Kobe being a meannie is the issue. Boo hoo. Why can't he just accept things and not complain like what I do at my job? I make minimum wage, so how can anyone making $20 million have any complaints? The nerve of this brat. I would never compalin if I was making that much money. boo hoo. I can't believe Kobe hasn't changed his stance yet. So what if none of his complaints have been addressed. I agree with all his complaints but how dare he open his mouth. Who does he think he is? He has no right to demand a trade. Yeah, the owner lied to him, insiders are leaking lies to the media, the front office is a complete mess, but Kobe needs to shut his mouth. If he does, Jim Buss and Kupcake will make the right moves and save us. They haven't in three years, but I have confidence they will this time. Trade his a$$, he don't like me no more. Wa Waaaa."

NBA RUMOR MILL - Kobe, KG and J.O.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22429.shtml

This blog is turning boring.

Suddenly the briiliant guys with marvelous post are gone.

We have only left some "WE will trash Kobe at no cost", versus the guys in the order corner, The same theme, same diatribe, same argument.

KLbeast, Gunner and Steven recicle the same words and write more than half of the blog tread.

Sorry to say it, but ....

This is ridiculous.

I really wonder if the Lakers will DO ANYTHING by draft day...

seriously...

what are they chances they stand pat and just use their draft picks?

I say probably 75%.

And that's sad. And that's why Kobe wants and will eventually leave the Lakers.

Hari,
Yes, I am saying that I would rather have the number 3 pick in this year's draft than Bynum.

I disagree with the "the dude can ball" statement. He was on a team with the best player in basketball, whose game creates all kinds of opportunities for others. A "legit seven footer" without a lot of scoring responsibilities should be cleaning up on the boards. You would expect occasional monster games from someone like that, and you didn't get that from Bynum.
I don't see the drive that will be requiired to get him to that point.

Gambling that he will develop that drive, which apparently he does not have inherently, is a much bigger risk than picking up Horford.

Mitchell,

cool man, you dig kobe. i get it.

keep fighting the good fight.

not that