Sometimes, these jokes just write themselves
And with the tension permeating through Laker Land these days, it probably wouldn't kill the blogosphere to have a laugh at the expense of the dude with a thousand "Big" nicknames (although it appears "The Big Ironic" is in on the punchline). And speaking of laughs, this parody is good for a few.
As for the source of the previously cited tension, it's been pretty quiet on the Kobe front these days. Some folks saying Kobe's a brat of Hilton-esque proportions, others claiming that's all irrelevant because it would be insane to punch his ticket out of Newport. But all in all, not a whole lot of fresh (or even recycled) perspective making the rounds.
In "news potentially relating directly-ish to the Lakers," however, Kevin Garnett put the Kibosh on a rumored trade to Beantown. Apparently, the notion of freezing his ass off while losing remains unappealing even in a brand new city. Word around the campfire says he'd sanction a move to Phoenix, but it remains to be seen whether the Suns would part with Amare Stoudemire or draw the line at Shawn Marion. Should the latter player not be enough for Minny, would KG try to sell him GM on a trade to the hated Lakers? Or would KG remain a Wolf, perhaps opening the door for the Matrix in purple and gold? Of course, until Jerry Buss gets an indication that Kobe wants to stick around, any potential moves may be on hold.
Oh, by the by, in case anyone's forgotten, there's a draft next week. SI's analyzing Laker needs and making first and second round predictions.
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. :(
Posted by: generic_one | June 22, 2007 at 12:48 PM
David Peterson and michaelh,
great posts. the both of youse.
couldn't relate or agree more.
i guess we shall see what happens.
Posted by: tha show | June 22, 2007 at 12:52 PM
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).
Posted by: hariyahu | June 22, 2007 at 12:52 PM
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.
Posted by: Paul Lee | June 22, 2007 at 12:54 PM
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?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 22, 2007 at 12:58 PM
let kobe sit out next season then. he will destroy what little is left of his rep.
Posted by: east coast fan | June 22, 2007 at 01:01 PM
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.
Posted by: tha show | June 22, 2007 at 01:08 PM
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
Posted by: generic_one | June 22, 2007 at 01:10 PM
KEVING GARNETT PLEASE COME TO LA AND PLAY WITH YOUR FRIEND KOBE BRYANT. LOS ANGELES WILL EMBRACE YOU MY FRIEND!
Posted by: gugy | June 22, 2007 at 01:11 PM
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.
Posted by: LT Laker Fan | June 22, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Tsphere,
Kobe isnt a slave. He's a rich star on the world's most famous baskbetall team.
Get a perspective.
Posted by: I Miss Van Exel and Eddie Jones | June 22, 2007 at 01:17 PM
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.
Posted by: Andrew Z | June 22, 2007 at 01:19 PM
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
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 22, 2007 at 01:20 PM
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.
Posted by: max | June 22, 2007 at 01:20 PM
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
Posted by: michael h | June 22, 2007 at 01:21 PM
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.
Posted by: tha show | June 22, 2007 at 01:21 PM
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.
Posted by: Faith | June 22, 2007 at 01:29 PM
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.
Posted by: KLBeast | June 22, 2007 at 01:33 PM
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!
Posted by: gugy | June 22, 2007 at 01:33 PM
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.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | June 22, 2007 at 01:34 PM
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
Posted by: J-Cool | June 22, 2007 at 01:35 PM
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 :)
Posted by: hariyahu | June 22, 2007 at 01:37 PM
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
Posted by: michael h | June 22, 2007 at 01:37 PM
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.
Posted by: I Miss Van Exel and Eddie Jones | June 22, 2007 at 01:41 PM
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.
Posted by: max | June 22, 2007 at 01:41 PM
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
Posted by: Andrew Z | June 22, 2007 at 01:42 PM
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.
Posted by: tha show | June 22, 2007 at 01:42 PM
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?"
Posted by: Steady Eddy | June 22, 2007 at 01:44 PM
" 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
Posted by: Gino | June 22, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Speak, David Peterson.
Posted by: Sean P. | June 22, 2007 at 01:45 PM
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.
Posted by: hariyahu | June 22, 2007 at 01:48 PM
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.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | June 22, 2007 at 01:49 PM
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.
Posted by: Jaga | June 22, 2007 at 01:55 PM
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.
Posted by: Alec | June 22, 2007 at 01:55 PM
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
Posted by: Charles | June 22, 2007 at 01:56 PM
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!
Posted by: gugy | June 22, 2007 at 01:57 PM
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.
Posted by: tha show | June 22, 2007 at 02:01 PM
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.
Posted by: Andrew Z | June 22, 2007 at 02:03 PM
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?
Posted by: hariyahu | June 22, 2007 at 02:05 PM
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.
Posted by: Pete Maguire | June 22, 2007 at 02:07 PM
gugy
SOMEHOW I CAN NEVER GET IT OUT THAT SIMPLY
Good Job!
Posted by: Pete Maguire | June 22, 2007 at 02:10 PM
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....
Posted by: Jay Jay | June 22, 2007 at 02:12 PM
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!
Posted by: tha show | June 22, 2007 at 02:18 PM
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
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 22, 2007 at 02:20 PM
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.
Posted by: tha show | June 22, 2007 at 02:22 PM
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.
Posted by: hariyahu | June 22, 2007 at 02:26 PM
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.
Posted by: I Miss Van Exel and Eddie Jones | June 22, 2007 at 02:27 PM
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
Posted by: Andrew Z | June 22, 2007 at 02:27 PM
"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.
Posted by: designmao | June 22, 2007 at 02:29 PM
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.
Posted by: gugy | June 22, 2007 at 02:36 PM