Things to consider while you wait in line for an iPhone

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* ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY IS : LIBERTY GRILL AFTER DAY AND
DAY AFTER DRAFT DAY

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___________TODAYS NEWS ___________

NO NEW KOBE NEWS
NO NEW GARNETT NEWS
NO NEWS OF THE WEIRD

A VERY DAPER MIKE T. WAS SPOTTED AT THE LIBERTY BAR AND GRILL AND
RECEIVED A HERO’S WELCOME. HE ALSO MAY, JUST MAY HAND OUT
AUTOGRAPHED PHOTOS AT THE NEXT BASH

FAITH OUR ROVING CORRESPONDENT WAS THERE AND MIGHT BLOG IN
WITH THE REAL LOWDOWN ON AK AND BK

SEVERAL OTHER FAMILIAR BLOGGERS WERE THERE BUT REFUSED TO BE
PHOTOGRAPHED FOR ATTRIBUTION

IT HAS DEFINITLY BEEN CONFIRMED THAT THE FABULOUS POSH SPICE AND
THE SPICE GIRLS WILL REUNITE FOR A TOUR THIS SUMMER. THERE ARE
UNCONFIRMED REPORTS THAT A NEW MEMBER ZOMBIE SPICE WILL BE ADDED
(I KNOW I KNOW ISN’T THAT AN OXYMORON AS ALL THE SPICE GIRLS ARE ZOMBIES
TELL IT TO THE EDITOR I’M JUST THE REPORTER)

THATS ALL THE NO NEWS FOR NOW: the super basketball draft minds of
Mike T. Edwin G. Tim-4-show, tha show, generic_one, Taliq, Exhelodrvr, etc
will fill you in on who won and who lost in the draft in their bloggins.

BUT NOW: ROLL CALL:

Faith, Taliq, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, FATTY, MIKE T. KIWI, RespectMyAuthorith, The D,
TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, TALIQ, BAYWOO, Bobie,SBPIMP, lakersrydeordie
NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, WOW, EXHELODRVR, J-COOL,GENERIC_ONE
JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, DAVID WHANG, KHANG
VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, 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, FKILLAH, 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, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time

ALL TOGETHER NOW (INSERT YOUR OWN CHANT)

Hey, Mitch did good!

From Chris Sheridan chat on ESPN.com

Nate (Portland, OR) : Biggest steal of the draft? McRoberts at #37? Splitter at #28?

Chris Sheridan: (12:43 PM ET ) My gut reaction last night was Marc Gasol to the Lakers at 48.

Marc Gasol may not be the player that Pau is right now, but I have a very good feeling about him, especially at the 48th pick.

He's got great hands, has a nice touch around the basket, has excellent court vision and can pass the ball. He also has a legitimate jump shot. Maybe he needs to work on his athleticism, but that's a lot easier to work on than improving as a basketball player and having a basketball mind, both of which Marc Gasol has.

I'm thinking he's making the team this season.

repost

gdchild

" I want to see the results. With the best player in the league, it's dumb and inept not being able to build a contender around him in a few years."

i agree, here's the results for the "best player in the league":

Kevin Garnett: No thanks
Chicago Bulls: No thanks, either
Theo Papa-something: I love Kobe..........kobe steak that is

My grade for the draft: A good solid... B.

Why? Well, I like Jarvaris Crittendon at 19. A lot of people are pondering why we would take him when we already took Farmar last year, but I still think it's a good idea. He was the best player available at that spot and while he might not be a solid contributor immediately, he is still capable of having an impact. While the triangle that his team ran in high school may be a bit watered down from what we're used to, it's still experience with the triangle.

I'm not entirely sold on Sun and Gasol and they're the reason that my grade wasn't higher. It's mostly because it's tough to tell how effective they'll be in the NBA and their true worth won't be visible for a few years. The good news is we can allow them to play overseas while retaining their rights. So, just in case they turn out to be solid players, we can call them back to the US and put them on the team. Since we have a pretty large roster already, this may be what the FO had in mind when they selected them.

So, yeah. A good solid "B".

"I'm a Laker fan," Crittenton said. "I watch a lot of Kobe when I have a chance. I'm a Magic Johnson fan. To be honest, I was a little surprised that I slipped that far. I'm thankful that they selected me. Things happen for a reason."-Javaris Crittenden

This guy's only 19 years old and he felt he had to make it a point to point out that he doesn't like the Lakers because of Kobe, but because he's a Magic Johnson fan. Crittenden was barely born when Magic was in his final years, and Magic has made a more positive impression on him than Kobe has?? That is sad.

Not only does Kobe need to go, I'm thinking Phil needs to go with his Kobe begging. "Heart of hearts"??? What the hell is that? Sounds like begging and hoping to me. Not acts of true competitive spirit.

It's sad when 'Action' Jackson lectures your GM about how stupid he is on national TV. Then Stephen A. and Spike Lee sing the praises of Isaiah? What in the hell is going on here?

When I first heard the pick Crittendon, the first thing I though about was Jordan Farmar. What in the hell are we doing taking point guards two years in a row? Especially when the ACC player of the year is sitting right there drooling to become a Laker. I though Dudley would've been a much better pick to upgrade the SF. But I guess Crittendon will do, Farmar is way too small to be a huge contributor.

Sun Yue and Marc Gasol probably won't even make the team.

All in all, I wasted my time watching this draft. I was hoping something big would go down but it just wasn't meant to be. The worst part of it though was seeing my Lakers ridiculed to the fullest by the media. They showed Kupchak about to cry. That's unprecedented for an NBA GM. He's definitely got to go.

Time to clean house. Let's get something good in return.

L.A should acquire Yi from milwuake since he doesnt want to be there and that way we can use him in a trade and keep bynum or vise versa.

Jerry Buss should be arriving at Jerry West front door in about 48 hours....

I have to believe that if Jerry West was still the GM, Garnett would have signed a long time ago...

Might be to late for KG but the most important decision Buss could make would be at the top... doesn't somebody have to pay for this disaster.. I just don't see Buss selling so Jim Buss or Kupchak has to go... The sooner the better... and if Kobe is gone, get rid of him now, you can not have this drag out after the last 3 years we have gone thru..

bd

Fire kupchak, he continues to sit on his thumb and the no move draft he sat through is further proof he is acting like a spectator and no the GM. Make a move Lakers, enough sitting around already.

KOBE RULES!!!!

I think Crittenton was a good pick. I am not that hight on Farmar, although I am always rooting for him to exceed my expectations. If you are short, you need to have blazing speed and superb dribbling ability, which Farmar does not. Farmar is a decent shooter, and passer. I feel Crittenton is a definite upgrade. Of course, I say that, never having seen him play.

Question about drafting foreign players. I know you can keep their draft rights, even if they end up playing overseas. However, to do so, do you have to offer them a contract, and then have them not accept it, before it is legal? If you do offer a contract, are you stuck with them on the roster, or faced with the possibility of forfeiting your rights to them? It seems, that if they don't take up roster space, but can continue to develop overseas, that drafting foreign prospects is a good way to go.

Roger

Here is a deal that I would propose to Sacramento:

Kwame Brown, Maurice Evans, and Jordan Farmar for Ron Artest and Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

They get $10 million in expiring contracts and a young PG since it seems they want to move Bibby.

We get Artest who is very talented but crazy and in our favor is his relatively cheap and very short contract (softens the blow of losing Kwame's expiring) and SAR who would be nice veteran post scorer off the bench. Sacramento would like to get our from under his contract, and he could give us a nice 20 minutes a game.

It would of course move Andrew Bynum into the starting center role, but before any deal is done this year the front office will have to determine what they feel they will get out of Andrew production wise this year. Every move will be made accordingly.

But I do think Artest would be a good fit with LO and Kobe.

Another thing I might consider doing is looking at a deal for Toronto's Jose Calderon. I think he would be a nice PG for us.

In the end none of this matters ...

The only thing that matters is the problem of Kobe Bryant, where those in Lakerdom prefer to treat cancer with aspirins. The cancer remains.

It's pure, unadulterated ignorance to think that the Lakers will improve in any discernible fashion with BallHog24 on the team, regardless of who the team trades for or drafts. It's a mute point.

He has single-handedly destroyed the last ounce of Laker chemistry. Trust me, it's only a matter of time before the last of the Kobe Apologists realizes this. When the last lifeboat on the Titantic is handed out there will be a mad scramble to trade him.

rocky

"This guy's only 19 years old and he felt he had to make it a point to point out that he doesn't like the Lakers because of Kobe, but because he's a Magic Johnson fan. Crittenden was barely born when Magic was in his final years, and Magic has made a more positive impression on him than Kobe has?? That is sad."

dude, kobe suck. Magic the far and above kobe in every facet of the game except being selfish and a bum.

George Apodaca

"KOBE RULES!!!!"

kobe sucks.

AK/BK

did you delete my post on the "invasion"??

KL-

Yes.

BK

I find the Lakers draft interesting. The first thought that popped in my mind was that by drafting Crittendon and Gasol they maybe are thinking of moving Bynum and Farmar in some kind of package deal for a player. It makes some sense - you get a couple guys that duplicate in large part what Bynum and Farmar bring to the table, and if you do trade Farmar/Bynum you have a couple youngsters to assume their roles. The moves - while not awe inspiring to say the least do seem to give them some room to possibly make a move.

Eagleboy

BK,

would it matter if they were my peeps? probably not, so i'll let it go. thanks for answering. you need not post this if you choose not to.

Rocky,
"This guy's only 19 years old and he felt he had to make it a point to point out that he doesn't like the Lakers because of Kobe, but because he's a Magic Johnson fan."

If someone states that he "is a Laker fan - watches alot of Kobe" how on earth is that critical to Kobe in any way? The desperation of you haters to use anything as ammunition against Kobe is pathetic.

A little Bynum perspective:

There seems to a concensous that Jarvis Crittenton (AK - I believe his last name is spelled with a "T" not a "D") was a good selection.

Comments are that he may get some time next year and being only "19" has time to develop.

Bynum, who already has 2 years in the league is ONLY 3 months older than this kid. Yes it's about winning now, but you don't trade Bynum. If Bynum had spent the last 2 years at UCONN he would be easily the #3 pick.

AK/BK- have you been able to talk to any of the lakers about the draft? What is their reaction? Also what is their take on the Kobe situation? The only thing Ive read is Luke saying its Kobe being Kobe and wanting to win.

I still believe that Kevin Garnett isn't going anywhere. I don't think the Suns are going to get him. Kerr seems satisfied with the team as is.

The Lakers just may still have a shot.

mitchell

"The desperation of you haters to use anything as ammunition against Kobe is pathetic."

keep working it mitchell. your client sucks and you know it. turned a good situation bad when shaq left, then worst my making the laker front office unable to do its work effectively. you can forget about a KG-type player coming to LA. instead we get Theo Papa-John. Who's pathetic?? look in the mirror bro. BTW, i signed the Kobe Petition and i told "kobe to stuff the petition us his a$$". haha.

Repost- I will be posting this every day to remind people who really got us into this mess. However, if we land KG, this post will immediately be removed.

For all of you who continue to defend management's ineptitude, the following is a rap sheet of the front office A.W. (After West):

1. Allowed Jerry West to walk. They simply let the greatest Laker of all time to leave the organization without a fight. West saw the politics and disarray of the front office once Jim Buss came into power, and wanted no part of it. The Lakers have been on a downward spiral ever since.
2. Allowed a horse training drug addict to have full authority over basketball decisions. Am I in the Twilight Zone? Did this really happen? Will we really be stuck with Jim as the basketball brain of the Lakers for the next few decades?
3. Traded Shaq for a package that included Brian Grant's ridiculous contract.
4. Was not honest with Shaq. Shaq may have been lazy, but he was a major factor in resurrecting the Laker legacy, and deserved at least some honesty from the front office. When we retire Shaq's jersey, will he even want to come back to an organization that showed him such blatant disrespect? (By the way, Shaq's new show is pretty entertaining.)
5. Traded Caron Butler/Chucky Atkins for Kwame friggin’ Brown.
6. Drafted Brian Cook in the first round over Josh Howard and Barbosa, despite our scout, Ron Harper's desperate pleas to management to draft Barbosa, calling him a sure fire star. Thanks Jim and Mitch. Our starting lineup could have been Barbosa, Kobe, Caron and Lamar plus a free agent defensive big man. I’m gonna cry!
7. Re-signed Brian Cook (a soft big man that can't jump, move laterally, rebound or play any defense, and disrespects a HOF coach).
8. Seemingly content with Smush friggin’ Parker as the starting point guard for two years.
9. Resigned Sasha Vujacic (you talkin' about PRACTICE?)
10. Signed 60 year old Vlade Divac. This signing was a bigger flop than Divac's defense on Shaq.
11. Signed 50 year old Aaron McKie (the same guy that couldn't even get any minutes on the Sixers).
12. In desperate need of a point guard, signed Shammond Williams.
13. Placed the "untouchable" tag on Bynum after promising Kobe that the team will NOT rebuild. (the tag was subsequently taken off after Kobe's statement after game 5 that he wanted a contender NOW).
14. Refused to trade for Mr. Triple Double - Jason Kidd to hold on to Andrew Bynuwakandi (further confirming that rebuilding is a higher priority than winning NOW).
15. Jim Buss stated publicly that Kobe can be traded and criticized Phil’s coaching. (Who in their right mind would even mention trading your superstar or insult your hall of fame coach in public?)
16. FO insider (Jim) LIES to the media to deflect the blame away from the FO and redirect it at Kobe.
17. As of today, no accountability or punishment for the insider (Jim Buss). Publicly addressing the “insider” issue would lessen the tension between the FO and Kobe. What is the FO waiting for? Fire the insider!
18. During a Lakers crisis, the owner is caught for drugs and a DUI, than flies off to China.
19. Johnny Buss wishes Kobe good luck “wherever he goes” on a MySpace blog.
20. Lied to Kobe that the FO plans to contend NOW, and have NO PLANS to rebuild. Kupcake than asks Kobe how he thinks Bynum will be in ten years? In Kobe’s words “are you friggin’ kidding me?!?!” Can the FO really be this clueless? Uh..scratch that last question.

I can go on forever. The rap sheet is so long, that I didn’t even mention Samaki Walker, Jason Tierre, Bobbit, etal. Kobe did not put us in this mess, as many of you blindly believe. The mess started the day Jerry West left, and Jim Buss, along with his puppet Kupcake came into power. Five years of ineptitude, and now you blame Kobe for this mess? He had a golden opportunity to sign with the Bulls or Clips, and would have been an instant contender. Instead, he put his faith in Jerry Buss' promise, and signed with the Lakers. During those three years, the Lakers have sold out every game, every jersey, had the most nationally televised games, and had high ratings for local telecasts, despite the fact that the team was mediocre. In other words, Kobe has generated tons of money for the Buss family. He has lived up to his contract and than some. Is it too much to ask the FO to keep their end of the bargain? I agree with you haters that the FO is "trying" to do the right thing this summer, but is it too late? I hope not, but where was the urgency in prior years?

Now this blog is infested with the haters citing every negative personality trait imaginable. “Kobe’s a jerk, he’s not a role model, he’s selfish, blah, blah, blah.” This BASKETBALL blog is turning into a Dr. Phil episode. It's pretty pathetic really. Kobe's stubbornness is the very trait that allows him to average 50 points, while carrying the entire injury ridden team on his back to eke into the playoffs. This man pours every ounce of strength and will onto the court and was a major factor in bringing three banners to LA after a seemingly endless drought. He has provided us with countless hours of entertainment and awe. Yet people are so quick to abandon their support simply because he is trying to force management to stop the disastrous trend of the past FIVE years, by "selfishly" demanding a trade? Somehow, Kobe is selfish and backstabbing the fans and his teamates because he does not want to imitate KG's career? Gimme a friggin break! The most ridiculous posts are the bloggers that actually think the team will improve somehow if Kobe is traded. My goodness! Come to your senses people!! Look at the above list and you will see who really is to blame for this mess.

P.S. “Good times are ahead”

GM's use the media to start false rumors to their advantage. I think Mitch is up to something good.

I may be wrong, but I'm not convinced KG is going to the Suns.

troy
"The Lakers just may still have a shot."

whatever "shot" the lakers had with KG was compromised with kobe's behavior. why would KG come to LA and play alongiside a malcontent kobe bryant who's till talking out of his a$$ (via Ric Bush-eater) about leaving EVEN IF KG PLAYS IN LA?

Drug Test, Anyone?

To those who have been defending Mitch and the front office, I ask two things:

1. What are you smoking?
2. Can I have some to improve my outlook for the Lakers, howerver distorted?

Thanks.

Roger:

However, to do so, do you have to offer them a contract, and then have them not accept it, before it is legal? If you do offer a contract, are you stuck with them on the roster, or faced with the possibility of forfeiting your rights to them?

As far as I understand, you don't have to offer them a contract. Much of the time, the foreign players are still under contract from their overseas teams. When they are ready to come into the NBA they speak with the team that has their rights and then that team has one year to sign them or forfeit their rights. I'm assuming that the players and teams probably reach an agreement about when that happens exactly and if the team decides they aren't going to sign them, they let the rights expire.

Mitchell: "Show me the money, I love black people"!
Kobe: "yeah, that's right boy"
Mitchell: "You still my client eventhough Chicago told you to go to hell?
Kobe: "yeah, you my only friend right now"
Mitchell: "kobe, you complete me"
Kobe: "i love you man"
Mitchell: "I love you, too"

LT Lakers,
"If Bynum had spent the last 2 years at UCONN he would be easily the #3 pick."

If that is the case, then the Lakers would have been able to trade Bynum for,say, the 3, 4, or 5 pick. Do you think they tried? I believe that you are way over-rating Bynum's value.

Rocky,

"This guy's only 19 years old and he felt he had to make it a point to point out that he doesn't like the Lakers because of Kobe, but because he's a Magic Johnson fan. Crittenden was barely born when Magic was in his final years, and Magic has made a more positive impression on him than Kobe has?? That is sad."

In all fairness to Kobe, I read yesterday that Crittenden was a student of the game. I read that he has a collect of all the great point guards on tape. He could easly be referring to his study of Magic from his collection of tapes. Plus he's a point guard.

One thing is for sure. This is a smart kid.

mike

Mitchell,

Well actually its different than that one kid Rodney Stuckey who said he loved dwanyne wade...its not like Crittenton said I love Kobe.

Andrew Z,

I dont know why you insist on an Artest trade. The Maloff bros. have continuously said that they wouldnt trade Artest or anybody else to the Lakers. So stop wasting time finding a way to trade Artest to the Lakers for our junk.

Draft,

I am assuming the only trade the Lakers make this year is for Jermaine O'neal. I would believe that the Lakers would trade Crittendon, Bynum and Kwame for JO, since it appears the Lakers want to get rid of Bynum for a star, since I don't think Larry Bird is coveting Lamar Odom. The Lakers dont want to get rid of Odom, and essentially become the same team over again. So what is probably happening is the Lakers would trade Marc Gasol, Crittendon, Bynum, Kwame, for Jamall Tinsley, Jermaine O'neal. Bird wants to get rid of Tinsley at the same time. Crittendon was a lottery pick on some people's boards. Gasol and Bynum is to replace O'neal and Kwame is for the contract.

You guys who are suddenly concerned about the Lakers' business and Jerry Buss's pocketbooks should also note that while Jordan Farmar is no Chinese icon, Farmar is a fan favorite too and is one of the higher jersey selling Lakers, sort of like Luke Walton. Walton is loved because he is some surfer-dude pretty boy white guy who brings people like Brittney Spears to the games. Farmar is a local guy and fans love that oo.

troy,

KG is not going to the Suns, they have already said they are keeping their core intact and giving it another shot. They feel that they were very close to beating the Spurs and then having their shot at walking over the Cavs. To be honest, they're right. I think they have to be included in the favorites to win it all next year again.

However, the teams that I feel are most likely to beat us out for KG are Chicago and Golden State. Chicago has the youth and after Sunday can use Nocioni and PJ Brown in sign and trades (although either signing up to go to Minnesota is strange) and GS has some really good young talent in Biedrins and Ellis and the newly acquired Brandan Wright, and that $10 million trade exception is BIG TIME. That's like an expiring contract without having to take up a roster spot!!!

Ultimately, I think it comes down to dollars and which owner will have the stones to pay what it's going to cost to bring in and keep KG.

Mitchell, "For all of you who continue to defend management's ineptitude, the following is a rap sheet of the front office A.W. (After West):"

OUTF*CKING STANDING. Man I was feeling so down till I came to your post.
I cliped one similiar it might be the same last week or so. God I haven't had
such a Cathartic laugh in a long time. I will cut this one out and take better
care of it. I'll say it one more time. OUT F*CKING STANDING KUDOS!!!

Rocky,

Here it is:

"1) Javaris Crittenton:
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/players/draft/1225725

Overview

Tech won a heated recruiting battle for the services of Crittenton, the player the coaching staff called the most highly regarded point guard to enroll at the Schoolsince Stephon Marbury in 1995. Unlike most players at his position, he is a muscular performer with good strength, demonstrating an excellent first step and the explosiveness that makes guarding him one-on-one a difficult task.

The turnaround the Yellow Jackets had in 2006-07 while compiling a 20-12 record after going 11-17 the previous season was a byproduct of Crittenton's ability to break defenders down off the dribble, getting into the lane, to the basket and making his teammates better. He is blessed with an excellent competitive drive, always striving to get better, and has shown the ability to make big plays at key moments. A student of the game, he likes to study game tape and has an impressive collection of film of great point guards."

It was posted yesterday. The guy has an impressive collection of film of great point guards. That's where he got his Magic introduction.

mike

troy,

KG is not going to the Suns, they have already said they are keeping their core intact and giving it another shot. They feel that they were very close to beating the Spurs and then having their shot at walking over the Cavs. To be honest, they're right. I think they have to be included in the favorites to win it all next year again.

However, the teams that I feel are most likely to beat us out for KG are Chicago and Golden State. Chicago has the youth and after Sunday can use Nocioni and PJ Brown in sign and trades (although either signing up to go to Minnesota is strange) and GS has some really good young talent in Biedrins and Ellis and the newly acquired Brandan Wright, and that $10 million trade exception is BIG TIME. That's like an expiring contract without having to take up a roster spot!!!

Ultimately, I think it comes down to dollars and which owner will have the stones to pay what it's going to cost to bring in and keep KG.

KL Beast, "Mitchell: "Show me the money, I love black people"!
Kobe: "yeah, that's right boy"

Cute lines Beast, but you can't beat facts with humour and the facts is
you can't refute anything Mitch said. But the humour attempt was cool too.

I say the kid could be the opening day starter. Jordan Farmar, to me, is just too small to effective on defense. This kid is the answer as far as the physical side of things go.

mike

Mitchell,

Great post and the "Bynumwakandi" rip is funny!!!

However, here is my take. And I will agree the Kobe is currently all heart on the court, but off the court is another isssue.

1) Jerry Buss has lost his fire and his age is showing regarding his mastery with running the team. (i.e. sipping on gin and juice with a 23 year old 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 a spoiled brat. Kobe can publicly bitch for one day. Any time after that is too much. He is the common denominator between rifts with: Shaq, Karl Malone (including wife Vanessa), his own parents not wanting him to get married too early which lead the Colorado incident, not informing Laker officials about his knee surgery, Gary Payton has voiced his concerns which people forget, and now publicly putting his GM and teammate Andrew Bynum down in this digital age of cell phones having camera recorders. Plain and simple, great on court, horrible ingrate outside!!!

Kobe is an example of the employee who works hard and gets his way because of his sales numbers; (pardon the sales pun) at the same time ruins his interpersonal relationship with other clients and co-workers because he gets his way because of his skill....

Charles

exhelodrvr

I think Bynum would have been a major player in the Big East. Look, Spencer Hawes went #10. Bynum would go at #3.

By the way, Sacramento gets it. They know they are going to need a big man to match up with Oden for the next 10-15 years. This is another reason why we need to keep Bynum.

Mitchell please read

I can understand your anger towards the front office, but what advantage or productivity does that make? NOTHING. It's not like Jerry Buss is going to suddenly give away his team to somebody. You want the Lakers FO to bash the "insider"? If it is Jim Buss, guess what? HIS DAD IS THE OWNER. Would you bash your son like that? Perhaps Jim Buss is not very good, but maybe Jerry Buss isnt a jerk dad. It appears now that Jerry Buss is having a little more control over the situation, so he has probably let his son know that he hasnt done very good at his job. But hes not going to come out, lay blame and call him the reason for the Lakers' demise. I'm sorry dude, but hopefully a father-son relationship comes before an employee, no matter how talented they are.

That also means, and in case you missed last nights interview, Mitch Kupchek is completely hand-cuffed. This isnt the first time Mitch has seemed this way either. If Jerry West was handcuffed at the end of his tenure, how is Mitch supposed to do anything? Clearly that guy isnt even allowed to speak other than say "its been the organization and Kobe". Its not even between "me and Kobe". He's a puppet, but you cant get mad at him for it. The only thing he could do is resign, but that does nothing for him, and does nothing to improve the Lakers' situation.

That doesnt make Laker fans feel any better, obviously. But spending time ranting about hating the FO and wanting them to fire somebody or resign, or give up the franchise is a COMPLETE waste of time. Buss has a lot of assets in the Lakers, and he has no reason to sell the team. He's made millions off it, and hes led the Lakers to a bunch of chapionships and 26 out of 28 playoff appearances. Name another owner with that resume. If you were a manager at a company for 30 years and 27 out of 30 years you came down with lower production, would you think you deserved to be fired???

Instead we Laker fans should begin working with what we know. Kobe wants out. We either build around him, but if we cant, then we trade him and get what we can for the future.

Lead singer: In my heart of hearts...I know you'll be there.

Back-up singers: Are you kidding me?

Lead singer: In my heart of hearts...I know you love me.

Back-up singers: I'm telling you he doesn't!

Lead singer: In my heart of hearts...I believe you...you believe in us.

Back-up singers: Get rid of Walton and maybe he'll think about it.

Lead singer: Now you're talking about my true heart of hearts.

mike

i was watching marc gasol highlights on youtube and he reminds me of slava medvedenko.

KL: Kobe and Kevin are good friends, but Kevin isn't Kobe's agent. If Kobe wants to stay and play with the Lakers, so be it. If not, that is his decision. Remember, KL, the vast majority of NBA stars have already been traded from their original teams. Why not Kobe?

Kobe has his reasons for either staying or leaving, and as fans, we can only appreciate him while he's here. In this, KL, Kobe is within his rights. Some fans may call him selfish for wanting to leave the Lakers; but aren't those fans really the selfish ones for wanting Kobe to stay with an employer that he doesn't trust, like, or respect? Is it our place to chastise another human being for wanting to leave a job because he's no longer happy? Do we have that right? Would you like to be criticized, insult, and antagonized just because you want to find another job?

For example, I am a special ed high school teacher. I've developed relationships with my students, and their families, over the years. As difficult as my students can be, I really like them, and am proud of their development. If, by chance, I should have a severe disagreement with my school's principal, I'd have to make a decision. Stay at that school and be there for my students, or leave the school because I cannot function under the system the principal has set up.

The way I see it, I would leave the school, because my students rely on me to give them 110% of myself day in and day out, and I cannot do that if my mind and my emotions are preoccupied trying to deal with a principal and a system I couldn't stand. I'd wish my students well, tell them they'll do just fine, and I'll find another school with more students to nurture.

This is how I see the Kobe situation.

Mitchel,

Your post is a source of brilliance and inspiration. Keep it going.

I miss Van,

The Maloofs have about four really bad contracts, a very promising young group of players, and absolutely no chance of making the playoffs next year. It would be in the best interest of that franchise to make the best trades possible to add more young talent and bail on those "trouble" contracts.

The deal I proposed rids them of TWO of their problems, gives them a talented young point in Farmar. He's not a superstar or anything, but a hard worker and role guy. They clear a bunch of cap space at the end of the year, and both Kwame and Mo Evans would provide SOME value during the year.

Believe me, they have one of the best GM's in the league in Petrie and if he has a deal on the table that makes good basketball sense for the Kings, he'll convince the Maloofs to do it.

If you learned anything from this week of whirlwind poop in the media, its don't believe everything you read.

Andrew Z,

So, technically, there's still a chance KG can end up with the Lakers. Remember, we can't always believe what we read. Notice how KEY individuals have not made any direct quotes (Kobe, Jerry, KG, Magic). We only have false rumors and ambitious sports reporters to rely on, neither which are sources of legitimate infomration.

Just 2 days ago I was reading how KG was a lock for the Suns. Now, I don't see it.

it's a waiting game at this point...

Mitchell,

You make a lot of great points. And I agree with every one of them. Once Jerry West was allowed to leave, it was J.R. Rider, Slava Medvedenko time...

But how can we disregard Kobe's blatant alienation of his Laker teammates and fans? Especially after we stood behind him through all of his personal problems and selfishness. We stood by Kobe through thick and thin. And what do we get in return? A nice backstabbing with a ribbed blade.

There's no way that this team and Kobe can co-exist anymore. Even if Kobe is traded to someone else, his teammates are going to have in the back of their minds that Kobe could and would backstab them if it fulfilled his best interests.

At this point, I don't see Kobe ever being a leader. He's broken numerous unwritten player code types of rules. He doesn't have the personal respect of even Javaris Crittenden. I remember Phil having to put the hammer down on even Andrew Bynum for not showing Kobe the respect that he supposedly deserved. A coach should not have to do that. And we're talking about young impressionable kids here that Kobe is not even remotely earning personal respect from.

So if Kobe cannot be a leader, (someone other players can rally around), who in the hell is going to be the leader? Garnett is out. JO? No. Lamar has proven that he can lead, but not with Kobe.

The only other option in this salary cap era is to trade Kobe and start over. I agree that we need another GM and Jim Buss needs to be out of the picture. I'd rather see Jeannie Buss than Jim to tell you the truth. But the bottom line here is that Kobe needs to go whether this whole mess is his fault or not.

You can not trade Bynum if it doesn't bring in KG!!!

NO KG, trade Kobe and start over..

Mitchell, Troy, other Kobe Lovers

Why continue to bash the front office when it wont do anything????? What does that solve??

Do you care more about Kobe's rep or the Lakers moving on from all of this and winning?

I have never paid as close attention to the NBA in the off-season as I am this year. It is an increasingly frustrating avocation. Too much speculation, not enough information. Although we are aware of how little information we have, we feel compelled to keep jumping at shadow play, like Plato's cave-dwellers. It's getting ridiculous. And depressing.

sort of interesting, analyzing things that remain cryptic and ambiguous - but- as proof I have too much time on my hands, I checked out KB24.com...and they've put up a whole piece on Jarvaris Cittendon with an excited tone----they've also taken down the self serving letters from the fans.......hummmm...........a lot to think about (maybe its time to get a job, lol)

Rick Friedman,

"1. What are you smoking?"
Answer: Same thing Mitch is smoking.

"2. Can I have some to improve my outlook for the Lakers, howerver distorted?"
Answer: NO, Jimmy smoked it all, his daddy is off to Hawaii to get more Maui-Waui.
LOL

Vent.

Kevin Garnett won't be traded this offseason.

My Andrew Bynum Story,

LT LAKER FAN,

While I still support Andrew Bynum, I have to share an intresting story about the guy.

The kid lives in Westchester, literally a block or two away from Loyola Marymount University where I attend. Kid lives with his mother in a nice two story home, in this family neighborhood.

I've seen this kid in person, both at his house and at my campus, where he worked out sometime last year and was checking out the school.

The guy is obviously tall, a 7 footer. But what was very interesting is that this guy is not at all built. He has a small frame, and really looks his age--19.

He is also kind of shy and scared, and apparently freaked out when some other guys that I know drove by his house to get his autograph.

Honestly, I hope Bynum does great, but his demeanor and small size really does bother me. He doesn't have HOF or anything like that written on his face.

Many NBA teams practice at Loyola Marymount the day before a game agains the Lakers. I've come across other big guys like Theo Ratliff, Lamarcus Aldridge, Chris Wilcox, who in person are imposing as hell. Bynum not so much.

Troy your said "KL: Kobe and Kevin are good friends, but Kevin isn't Kobe's agent"

What makes you say that? Curious I havent heard that before.

hey
brevin knight just got released from the bobcats
maybe we could pick him up for 1 or 2yrs.

Face it the Lakers suck and will suck for a long time. They never should have traded Shaq.

GO Warriors !!!

Ha Ha times have changed, we have now officiallly switched places.

Warriors UP, Lakers DOWN

I miss Van Exel,

I'm not completely sold on Bynum, I have no problem saying that. But there has been a noticable difference in his physical stature from his first year in the league to the second. I take that as a plus and hope for the future.

I don't see Bynum as a franchise guy, but I can see him as a top 10 center in the league. There is a definite ceiling, but I could see him as a 15-10 guy for his career, which would be okay.

That being said, I'd move him in a heartbeat for the right player, no problem.

i think the spurs will win the title next season.

maybe they lakers should just trade kobe and start over with the young kids. it doesnt really matter who we get because it still wont be enough to beat the san antonio spurs. ok never mind the spurs. we still wouldnt beat phoenix, dallas, houston, utah.....and so on and so forth.

Whatever our opinions are, we can't do anything, the die has been cast. Our next concern are those foreign players: Marc Gasol and Sun Yue do they have working visa to work in NBA? Remember the Immigration Bill was not passed, if they don't let other nationalities work, these foreign nationals are affected as well. No amnesty, don't steal american jobs, that's the Republican (patriots) way. lol!

Only time will tell but Mitch K. bypassed several other opportunities on players chosed after Crittenton:

Green
Dudley
Afflalo
Davis
Splitter
Fernandez
Smith
Almond

Remember those names in three to five years down the road. That's the best grading system for Mitch K. On the other hand if Mitch is still the GM of the lakers in five years' time, indeed, we are in the DARK AGES. Here is the analysis of Fox Sports of Mitch K choice on #19

"DIME'S TAKE: Interesting pick for LA. They need a point guard badly, but we thought they'd go with someone a little more experienced, like Spain's Rudy Fernandez. Kobe must love the idea of another young project...
SCHRAGER ON THE SCENE:Crittenton follows a long line of Georgia Tech point guards to be make the jump to the NBA. Like Kenny Anderson and Stephon Marbury before him, Crittenton left early. Well, Kobe wanted Garnett or Jermaine O'Neal. He got...Jarvaris Crittenton. Hey, we don't always get what we want. Meanwhile, somewhere in a mother's basement far, far away, those two creeps who were trying to sell that "Kobe video" earlier this week just fired up another game of WarCraft. Or is it Dungeons and Dragons? What are nerds into these days?"

as for the warrior fan here. your team sucks. your team will never have anything over the LAKERS. keep dreaming.

LARRY(MAMBA24)

“Cute lines Beast, but you can't beat facts with humour and the facts is”

I will take a look Mitchell’s post later. it was way too long and I’d probably agree with him in some instances. take care.

TROY

“Is it our place to chastise another human being for wanting to leave a job because he's no longer happy?”

actually, I do agree with you. if kob doesn’t want to be here, lakers should ship him away.

“For example, I am a special ed high school teacher. I've developed relationships with my students, and their families, over the years. As difficult as my students can be, I really like them, and am proud of their development. If, by chance, I should have a severe disagreement with my school's principal, I'd have to make a decision. Stay at that school and be there for my students, or leave the school because I cannot function under the system the principal has set up.”

hey, thanks for sharing. much props for what you do, I know it’s a tough job and probably underappreciated. you’re doing good work. man, now i feel ike an a$$ for some of my jokes directed towards you. hopefully none where too offesnive....if some were, it wasn't the intent and i apologize.

“This is how I see the Kobe situation.”

fair enough, although I will say that if I put you side by side with kobe, I’d probably appreciate you 100x more than kobe. anyhow, thanks for sharing. I believe this is our first sincere chat.

Six One

If by "title" you mean the award for the most irritating team in the league, then you are correct.

"Ha Ha times have changed, we have now officiallly switched places.

Warriors UP, Lakers DOWN"

Would someone mind informing me when we were ever in competition with the Warriors? Was there a rivalry that I'm not aware of? If it was sometime between the fall of 1996 and summer of 1997, I might have missed it as that was my freshman year in college and I believe I was drunk that entire time. Otherwise, I can't remember a time in my history as a Laker fan when I ever saw the Warriors as a rival. Is that how their fans see us?

Mitchell,
I support you a 100 percent. People like KLBeast should be forgiven because they have a low IQ and tend to believe the media completely.
The KG trade was doomed from the start because you have two GM's (KM and MK) who are unrealistic in their expectations. They both feel that they have leverage in any trade, which is a false belief. KG will only come to LA Lakers if a third intelligent GM gets involved who doesn't want KG but wants something that the have. This is a long shot. The only other option is after KG opts out of his contract that he states that is coming to LA Lakers. This is a Longer shot unless Kobe does a good PR number on him.
The reality is that the Laker front office needs to be changed. Don't know if Jerry Buss has the balls to do this.
Terry

I will start psoting every day to support the Kobe against Rocky, KL etc. I hope Kobe gets traded so he can come back and drop 50 on the divisional last placed Lakers. The kid drafted at 19 is a point gaurd, he's going to love playing for the same team as the greatest PG of all time, thats not a knock on Kobe. The Sports Guy thinks drafting Noah enables the Bulls to lose Wallace in a trade to the Lakers for Kobe. Please trade Kobe to the bulls so he can ball with Deng, Noah, Thomas, Nocioni and Duhon/Hinrich. I mean the lakers would still have a decent team to compete Kobe for Wallace, Gordon and Duhon/Hinrich, in fact throw in Kwame and the Bulls would give up PJ Brown in a sign and trade. The bulls would then be my team. Kobe, Deng, Thomas/Nocioni at PF and Noah/Kwame at Center.

I saw a post on another board that pretty much sums up 1/2 the posts here.

"MITCH Do something now even its wrong!!!"

LOL! That just about says it all, doesn't it? Crittenton was a good pickup at #19, he and Farmar can be our "Thunder and Lightning", big guy/small guy combo. Somebody here was screaming for Mitch to take Gasol at #19, LOL! Who here thinks Gasol even plays for the Lakers next year? Raise your hands. One... two... that's it? Yup!

Somebody has to ask the question, how does this team mesh if Kobe comes back? and don't give me this BS about they're all professional athletes... Kobe threw them ALL under the bus during his tirade and hasn't come out and said, "I want to play with so and so..." notably Odom. The only thing we've heard from Kobe is Bucher saying if the Lakers got Garnett, Kobe would have to "re-consider" his stance. KOBE HAS NOT CORRECTED BUCHER and we've seen how Kobe reacts if somebody misquotes him or puts him in a bad light. Remember the Charles Barkley, text message episode? Kobe blew our shot at Garnett, what else is there to say at this point? The guy is sabotaging us, WHY would we get Jermaine ONeal at this point? Especially giving up Bynum AND Odom? That's a MONSTER ripoff!

The D

it's just a fact. irritating or not, they are a championship caliber team year in and year out. im sure if your team was winning championships, you wouldnt really care how they did it. scoring 120 per game or 70...getting it done means getting it done.

mitchell
"20. Lied to Kobe that the FO plans to contend NOW, and have NO PLANS to rebuild."

mitchell, you're full of $hit. nobody LIED to kobe but kobe to himself.

--kobe was LIEING to himself believing kobe was responsible for the laker championships.

--kobe was LIEING to himself when he had the audacity to think that trading the greatest center in kobe's sad lifetime would still result in the lakers still contending.

--kobe LIED to himself believing that management was at fault when free agents chose not to come be kobe’s biatch in LA.

--kobe LIES to himself everytime he looks at himself in the mirror.

KOBE LIED AND THE LAKER DYNASTY DIED

Terry

"People like KLBeast should be forgiven because they have a low IQ and tend to believe the media completely."

first off, welcome to the blog and second off, bugger off. i love personal attacks when one can't argue facts. Terry, i beleive you have your head up Kobe's a$$ as well. Let me tell you something friend, Kobe's deflection to management is called a red herring. It's that simple. Who's the sheep?

JERRY BUSS'S 20-MINUTE PHONE CALL WITH GLENN TAYLOR, OWNER OF THE TIMBERWOLVES

--15 minutes spent comparing 23-year old ass in LA versus 23-year old ass in Minnesota--

-4 minutes recapping Jerry's vacation to China and where Glenn should go for the best dim sum in Shanghai--

FINALLY...

Jerry: So about this Kobe trade...

Glenn: Nah, I'm good. I've already got a guy that plays his ass off and fills up seats, whether we're winning or not. I just sit back and let the money roll in.

Jerry: WORD! Well let's have our GM talk it over anyways. McHale still over there?

GlenN: Yah. Mitch still with you?

Jerry: Yup!

--BOTH LAUGH--

-CLICK!-

well....first off i like kobe very much. obviously i grew up watching him play and i do believe he is the best player in the world. However, we have to think resonably when it comes to this situation. I would not trade bynum in order to keep kobe happy, that's suicide. Bynum is 19 years old and shows great upside. At 19 that gives the lakers about 7 or 8 years to build a team around bynum when he peaks. At 29 and disgruntled the lakers are running out of time to build a team around kobe. Lets face it, the lakers are nowhere near contention for an NBA title and by the way things are looking this team is only getting younger. We have two potentially great talents in jordan farmar and andrew bynum. I know it will take a while for them to be impact players on this team, but if the lakers have nearly no shot at making a trade that would put them in contention in kobes era, theres no point in giving away our prospects to keep him happy.

RC that was a great breakdown in the last thread.
I was doing a lot of searching to find out about our picks and I just have to say thanks for the awesome post. It is great to read posts here with so much useful information. Much better than most of us malcontent whiners~!

We might have some great potential again, is it going to be the same kind of potential that Bynum is though? 2-3 years of waiting. We should know by now that the league is not buying Bynum...his college days at UCONN didn't happen and more than likely if they had happened he would still be in college hoping to learn how to hustle and dominate, we are stuck with him. Fragile and Frail, no legs, no heart, no time left to wait on his ‘development’. Gasol might be better in talent than every big man we have. Hope he can get into shape and be a contributor. Another weak and slow big man, just what we needed.

The draft has been so horrible in years past for the Lakers that we missed a number of truly impressive professionals who are contributing already on their teams. That is what hurts, we have missed on the draft and free agency, bad scouting no doubt. Players have not become what we had hoped for and overall the level of development is stagnant with Phil’s approach to younger talent. Mentally anyone playing on the floor next to Kobe has to battle a million demons daily because they know thay can contribute but are scared to take a shot because Kobe is so much better that if they miss it looks as if he should have taken that shot –again! I give Kobe credit this year for trying to Magic up his game but the confidence given to his teammates by the coach and his staff obviously was not where it needs to be for true player development. Farmar might have been a better guard all year had he been starting all year long. Bynum got his minutes and showed us all of his potential –whew thank God we know now…IMO get his butt outta here.

Mitch I think this draft ends up being your retirement party.

Kobe better get on with Lamar and start pumping him up because that guy becoming a stud for the first time in his NBA career could be the whole difference in us forgetting all about JO and KG. I believe LO is just as good but he doesn’t know how to bring it every night. He is a slow learner so maybe this season it will click in when he should be dominating his man on offense. Phil has to post this guy down low more and he should be smoking guys baseline with thunder dunks, he has it all – but he doesn’t do it. He is one of the most athletic big 3 SF in the game, he should be an All Star this year. Actually Kobe’s calling him and Kwame out. From all the hype we blew up these ladies skirts they should be ready to deliver this year barring injury. Luke was a nice piece who helps make the triangle work but Vlade (snowboard victim) should have gotten the majority of his minutes, …back to Coach Phil, the future, player development etc…I do believe in Mo Evans and Ronny Turiaf, both great energy players with a nose for the ball and are hustling defenders.

We all watched the past season and the truth is we lost games on defense and lazy mistakes. Smush is gone – there goes 20% of the horrible mental mistakes of any given game. Lamar, Vlade and Kwame will be healthy and ready by seasons beginning point and with a MLE and maybe one or two pieces this team could begin to show some more improvement. The management is staying put as always. They are blind and living in a land of extreme optimism, I suggest we adopt this attitude and realize that Dr. Buss is happy to make a profit and is content with the championships that Kobe-Shaq and Magic-Kareem brought him. Some old people rest on their laurels bragging about the past- that seems to be Dr. Buss and family. Disappointed by the draft again.

PAPALOUKAS, THEODOROS

what happened with all the hype on this guy?

Sun Yae doens't look too bad in this clip. Apparently, he's called the "chinese magic johnson" in china.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvs45ZykkN0&eurl=

Draft Comments

I agree with Dick Vital in believeing that this may turn out to be a deeper draft than even the 2003 draft that brought in James, Anthony, Wade and Bosh. So many players have so much potential and upside for the future. Because many of the players were younger, the certainty of their future is what has many still on the fence concerning the quality of this draft. However, I believe that in time, many will begin to see the true quality of the players in this draft class.

Around the League: New York made a very aggressive trade that could turn out to be the story of the draft. However, the value of the trade won’t be clearly seen until Randolph has had some time to adjust to New York City. It is still quite early and uncertain as to how he will respond to the fast life of NYC. Boston was also aggressing in the draft, choosing to go in an entirely different direction than most thought that they would. This may turn out to be a great move for them. It will depend a lot on the adjustment Paul Pierce is willing to make in order to fit Ray Allen into the lineup. The one aspect of this trade in question is the choice of parting with West. Perhaps Seattle was unwilling to take Telfair instead. Portland was probably the most aggressive team in the draft choosing to go a young as possible. They are going to be one of the most exciting teams next season, while being one of the most inexperienced teams. It will be interesting to watch their development over the next 2 or 3 seasons as this team grows up together. Seattle appears to be attempting to have their own version of a young cast of high potential youth. They are going to be interesting to watch as well.

Los Angeles Lakers

First, to judge the Lakers selections solely on face value would be a great error. It highly probable that each selection was based on a larger plan expected to be completed later this summer. That plan could conceivably include Andrew Bynum, Kwame Brown, Jordan Farmar and Pau Gasol.

Second, the evaluation of the 3 selected players can be highly subjective and thus should be handled carefully.

Javaris Crittendon: Based on the reports, he is a prototype point guard for a Phil Jackson coached team. Both Offensively and defensively he possesses all of the qualities to eventually be a starter in Phil Jackson’s system. Based on his college performance, he has the ability to impact a team in just the way the Lakers need and desire. He also possesses several intangibles including his knowledge of the Traingle Offense and his ability to take over a game. When viewed in perspective of the Lakers current situation, he instantly becomes the best point guard prospect for the Lakers going forward. He possesses all the qualities of Jordan Farmar including his ability to slash and score, and his knowledge of the Traingle Offense. He also possesses a few attributes that Farmar doesn’t including a more consistent perimeter shot, a bigger body and tougher defense. There is no reason to not believe that his arrival instantly makes Farmar expendable.

Sun Yue: I must admit that initially I was very surprised by this selection. Having not heard of this player, I was unaware of his abilities and potential. However, after reading a little about him and watching a highlight reel of his past performances, he becomes a better selection. I realize that many will look at who was still on the board when he was selected. That is natural, however, we have no idea what the plans are for the Lakers going forward. It is highly possible that he could be part of a larger plan concerning the Lakers improvements this summer. At the very least his abilities and size, make him a reasonable possibility as a future small forward contributor for the Lakers.

Marc Gasol: The moment I saw him still on the board at the start of the second round, I wanted this guy. Those that are critical of him just have no idea what this guy is capable of bringing to the Lakers. Considering the majority of concerns listed during the season in relation to the center position, Marc Gasol satisfies every single one of them. The Lakers looked to Brown and Bynum to supply consistent low post offense, solid passing, strong low post defense, mid range shooting potential and overall stability in the paint. Neither Brown nor Bynum possesses all of those things, yet Marc Gasol does. Furthermore, taking in account his age (22) and experience (international), his addition instantly makes both Brown and Bynum expendable.

Is it possible that drafting those 3 players is really part of an elaborate master plan like the one listed below?

Step 1 – Lakers trade Farmar, Bynum, Brown and future pick(s) to Memphis for Pau Gasol.

Step 2 – Lakers trade Brian Cook and Sun Yue to Houston for Luther Head and Bonzi Wells.

The Lakers would still have their MLE at this point to finish off their roster. Here is what it would look like before they use their MLE.

PG: Head, Crittendon, Vujacic
SG: Bryant, Evans
SF: Odom, Wells, Walton
PF: Gasol, Turiaf, Radmanovic
C: Gasol, Mihm

The MLE could be used for somebody like Magloire or PJ Brown. This would be a team ready to compete next season.

I miss van exel,

It's widely known that the Laker front office has failed on many fronts. This is a shared sentiment around the league.

I wouldn't consider myself a Kobe Lovers. Kobe is nothing more than another man who's a great basketball player. I think he could be a role model for some, perhaps not for others.

I'm more interested in defending a person who I feel is getting unfairly attacked. I did the same thing with Smush. It's in my nature; to defend those who are unfairly persecuted.

I'm more or less neutral about Kobe the person. I do admire certain aspects of him, other things about him I dislike. I think he is a bit arrogant. The difference between me and others on this blog is that the people who hate Kobe seem absolutely obsessed about it. I don't know what the mental rationale is, but wow, it's a bit scary. I don't get obsessed with admiring or hating another person. As I said before, my wife and my family are the only people who get a passioned response from me.

What I don't understand is why the people who dislike Kobe have to go on and on and on and on and on about it. " Why can't it be, hey, I hate Kobe", and then leave it there.

Would you agree with me that there are bloggers here who go overboard with their obsession with disliking Kobe Bryant?

Mitchell,

That was an excellent post. I agree with every point you've made. I just don't understand how people can say, "lets trade Kobe Bryant". It makes no sense to me. As almost everyone who actually plays in the NBA agrees, Kobe Bryant is one of the best players in the game. Now, some of you guys who are couch scouts who watch the game from home may disagree....But you know, I'm going to take the word of individuals who actually play or have played the game. Now, question to all the haters...How are you going to replace a star like Kobe out in the west? Do you guys realize how deep the west is right now? Without Kobe, this team will be the Boston Celtics of the west (actually worse).
When you have a player who other teams have to game plan against, who draws double and triple teams....you don't trade him...instead, you build around him. That's your quickest way back to the top. It makes me laugh when I read post saying, "ship Kobe's behind out for some nice young, good (unproven) talent". While their are good players out there, most are not on par with a talent like Kobe. And guys, out west I think its pertinent you have a superstar on your team to contend. You need that guy, i.e. Duncan who teams have to account for with double and triple teams, who you can go to at crucial times in the game. Now, tell me who is willing to give up their superstar for KB. Exactly! So, unless we want to be the Irrelevant Lakers for the next ten years, I suggest we do whatever we can to get talent here to play along side Kobe and let bygones be bygones. Feelings were hurt, I agree, but these are grown men and they should be able to get over it. Get Kobe help (KG) and lets watch this team rise to the top. I'll end my post now.

Mitchell you just inspired me to write this long diatribe.

Andrew Z

Finally a great trade proposal, I will personally send a thank you note with a fine Armenian Conjac to Mitch K is he get's that don....

Let's Prey

LakerLover,

I think my point was that whether or not Kevin becomes a Laker should have no bearing on Kobe's decision to leave.

If we get Artest in the proposed trade Andrew made... I would not hesitate to send Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum to Indiana for Jermaine O'neil.....
Also Trade Cook for Head
And you got yourself the team that would compete

Head
Kobe
Artest
JO
Vrad or Turiaf

Man that's a good team....

MITCHELL, I am officially on your DYCK!! Yeah I said it..MONUMENTAL POST!! I would chest bump you if it were not for the 44DD's!!! LOL

Rocky, I love van ex,

A bigger waste of time is "ranting about hating" Kobe, and coming up with trade scenarios. I am only ranting about the FO because the media, along with the LA Times "journalists", chooses to ignore the FO ineptitude at every turn, and unfairly places ALL the blame for this mess on Kobe. Phil, Magic, Jerry, Jeannie and Kupacke have all stated that Kobe will not be traded. Please accept it, and let's move on.

I did not suggest that Jerry Buss should sell the team (although it's not a bad idea), but he needs to address this FO problem. If Jim Buss continues to have full authority over basketball decisions, this franchise is doomed. In Kobe's initial public statement, he stressed that he wanted Jerry West back with "full authority". Kobe obviously wants a more competent GM, but more importantly, he wants a GM that has the basketball decision-making authority over Jim Buss. All of us fans should demand this as well if we care about the future of this once-proud franchise. Even if Jim Buss is not fired (which is understandable since he is Jerry's son), he needs to allow the basketball people to make the basketball decisions.

I am very appreciative towards Jerry Buss. His impressive resume says it all. But please remember that the Lakers that we ALL grew up with and came to love was led by Jerry Buss and Jerry West. The Lakers of the past five years have been led by JIM Buss and Kupcake. This is the main issue that needs to be adressed.

P.S. "Good days are ahead"

Troy, Mamba24, Terry,

Thanks for the kind words.

Never knew post season will be more fun than the NBA finals. I agree that if Lakers can't get KG they should trade Kobe and start over. JO is not an answer specially if Lakers have to give up Bynum. Bynum has too much potential to be traded just because Kobe asked to make changes. MITCH KUPCAKE AND JIM BUSS NEED TO be replaced.

I think we need to let Luke Walton go and sign Matt Barnes. He is a free agent. He can do everything Luke can do, plus he can play defense and is more athletic. I think that is a small move that could do a lot for the Lakers.

The reality is that Lakers fans are out of touch most of the time. How about people get a grip and let the professionals do their jobs. Things take time. How many people have ever played professional sprorts that post on this forum? Probably none. How about managed any pro sports teams? Franchises? Some things are obvious (Smush stinks) and take just a simple knowledge of the game. Other things (complex evaluation of talent, salary structure, etc.) do not. Armchair GM's around the country officially have a voice with the internet, and the din of their voices is a cacophonous nightmare to those sane fans in the world who enjoy the sports and not the incessant garbage media attraction and gossip that surround American sports today.

Mitch Kupchak’s post-day interview

http://getgarnett.com/blog/?p=414

Boston Globe: KG talks will resurface on Sunday

http://getgarnett.com/blog/?p=413

Did we draft the “Chinese Magic Johnson?”

http://getgarnett.com/blog/?p=409

Lakers drama gets traded for boredom

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/pros/lakers/columns/article_1748516.php

Troy I agree with that Id like to see KG here in LA with out without Kobe but you cant gut the team for him

I Miss Van Exel and Eddie Jones

Where does Crittenton say " I Love Magic Johnson?"

ATL-LAKER FAN

“I just don't understand how people can say, "lets trade Kobe Bryant". It makes no sense to me.”

easy to answer, you live in Georgia, the mecca of professional sports.

LAKERSRYDEORDIE=LAKER-NOODLE

“MITCHELL, I am officially on your DYCK!! Yeah I said it..MONUMENTAL POST!! I would chest bump you if it were not for the 44DD's!!! LOL”

I hope you’re not a dude on roids.

Hmm, let’s see:

“1. Allowed Jerry West to walk. They simply let the greatest Laker of all time to leave the organization without a fight. West saw the politics and disarray of the front office once Jim Buss came into power, and wanted no part of it. The Lakers have been on a downward spiral ever since.”

Jerry West was a total wreck by that last season with the Lakers, when he was physical unable to watch a single game from the finals. He needed a break from basketball period.

Here’s a solid article from the time: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2000/08/07/west_retires_ap/

Why he didn’t return a year later is open to conjecture, but I, for one, would assume it is for the same stated reason that he said no this summer: loyalty to Kupchak (although I think that this loyalty is misguided and Jerry would be doing Mitch a huge favor by coming back into the fold).

“2. Allowed a horse training drug addict to have full authority over basketball decisions. Am I in the Twilight Zone? Did this really happen? Will we really be stuck with Jim as the basketball brain of the Lakers for the next few decades?”

Only one person has final authority and that’s Jerry Buss, the same guy that’s brought us 8 championships.

“3. Traded Shaq for a package that included Brian Grant's ridiculous contract.”

Grant’s contract was necessary to make the trade work and we had to make a trade fast. It’s not for nothing that Kobe signed the day after this trade was made.

“4. Was not honest with Shaq. Shaq may have been lazy, but he was a major factor in resurrecting the Laker legacy, and deserved at least some honesty from the front office. When we retire Shaq's jersey, will he even want to come back to an organization that showed him such blatant disrespect? (By the way, Shaq's new show is pretty entertaining.)”

Disrespect to Shaq? Shaq was the one who decided to delay his surgery so that he could recover on company time. He was also the one who screamed at the team owner at a game to show him the money even though he still had 3 years and $90 MILLION left on his contract.

“5. Traded Caron Butler/Chucky Atkins for Kwame friggin’ Brown.”

Yeah, they traded the worst of our 3 guys who needed the ball in their hands to be effective for a young big with tremendous physical attributes. I love Caron, but him, Kobe, and Lamar together did not work at all. As bad as Kwame’s hands are, he’s made us a better team… when he’s been healthy, that is. You know that whole defensive post presence without which you cannot be a legitimate contender deal. People says dude’s got no heart, but he played for us on an ankle needing reconstructive surgery and a shoulder needing “a bursa sac, bone chips, and other scar tissue” removed (see http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/acn4086927.htm).

“6. Drafted Brian Cook in the first round over Josh Howard and Barbosa, despite our scout, Ron Harper's desperate pleas to management to draft Barbosa, calling him a sure fire star. Thanks Jim and Mitch. Our starting lineup could have been Barbosa, Kobe, Caron and Lamar plus a free agent defensive big man. I’m gonna cry!”

Yeah that’s a balanced line-up. Four guys who need the rock to play, none of whom is an efficient ball-handler.

“7. Re-signed Brian Cook (a soft big man that can't jump, move laterally, rebound or play any defense, and disrespects a HOF coach).”

He’s also a 6’9” pure shooter who can create match-up problems for the defense if used properly. Seriously, dude shot .400 from 3 last year. At $3 mil, he’s a deal.

“8. Seemingly content with Smush friggin’ Parker as the starting point guard for two years.”

So content that we paid him $750,000/year with no proposal of an extension while drafting a 1 in the first round last year. Somehow I don’t think it was management putting a gun to PJ to start Smush.

“9. Resigned Sasha Vujacic (you talkin' about PRACTICE?)”

Sasha is still playing on his rookie contract.

“10. Signed 60 year old Vlade Divac. This signing was a bigger flop than Divac's defense on Shaq.”

When we signed Vlade, he was old sure. He also had started 80+ games for the previous 5 seasons in a row for one of the best teams in basketball. It’s not like the Lakers could have predicted that dude would slip a disc messing around doing a 360 a couple of weeks before camp.

“11. Signed 50 year old Aaron McKie (the same guy that couldn't even get any minutes on the Sixers).”

Dude had had injury problems the year before, so he didn’t play much. But he was only 32 at the time that we picked him up. So, we took a chance that he could shake his injuries while investing very little. Seriously, we’re only talking about $2.5 mil x 2 seasons for a shot at a dude who had been one of the better defensive players in the L and had a propensity to hit daggers

“12. In desperate need of a point guard, signed Shammond Williams.”

It’s not like we paid Williams big money to be our starting 1. We wanted a cheap veteran who could bring us some shooting and defense off the bench, which he is what he did when PJ actually bothered to play him.

13. Placed the "untouchable" tag on Bynum after promising Kobe that the team will NOT rebuild. (the tag was subsequently taken off after Kobe's statement after game 5 that he wanted a contender NOW).

Are you referring to the fourth out of five games that Kobe choked in the fourth quarter?

“14. Refused to trade for Mr. Triple Double - Jason Kidd to hold on to Andrew Bynuwakandi (further confirming that rebuilding is a higher priority than winning NOW).”

Just what we were going to win… another game or two versus the Suns? And just why is it a bad idea to sign veteran character guys to short, low $ contacts, but it’s horrendous not to trade the best u19 center prospect in the world not named Greg Oden for a 34 year old wife-beater with bad knees and due $55 million?

“15. Jim Buss stated publicly that Kobe can be traded and criticized Phil’s coaching. (Who in their right mind would even mention trading your superstar or insult your hall of fame coach in public?)”

I agree with you here. He should have kept his mouth shut. Just like Kobe should have… maybe West would actually be coming here if he had?

“16. FO insider (Jim) LIES to the media to deflect the blame away from the FO and redirect it at Kobe.”

Talk about inside knowledge. I had no idea you were in the room with Jim Buss when he made that call.

This is just conjecture on my part. But I think the only lies that were told were by Jerry Buss when he said that Kobe had nothing to do with his Shaq decision.
“17. As of today, no accountability or punishment for the insider (Jim Buss). Publicly addressing the “insider” issue would lessen the tension between the FO and Kobe. What is the FO waiting for? Fire the insider!”

Dude, some perspective please. This ain’t national security we’re talking about her. We’re talking about leaking the big secret that Kobe didn’t want to play with Shaq.

“18. During a Lakers crisis, the owner is caught for drugs and a DUI, than flies off to China.”

First of all. Way to pimp it Jerry.

Second, guys like Buss don’t go on vacation. Or do you think that it’s just a coincidence that we signed Sun Yue?

“19. Johnny Buss wishes Kobe good luck “wherever he goes” on a MySpace blog.”

Johnny Buss don’t work for the Lakers.

“20. Lied to Kobe that the FO plans to contend NOW, and have NO PLANS to rebuild. Kupcake than asks Kobe how he thinks Bynum will be in ten years? In Kobe’s words “are you friggin’ kidding me?!?!” Can the FO really be this clueless? Uh..scratch that last question.”

Right and Kobe only just discovered this last month… cause he’s frickin’ idiot. No wonder Kupchak shouldn’t ask him what he thinks of his teammates.

BK,

are you disallowing my journal as well?

Hmm, let’s see:

“1. Allowed Jerry West to walk. They simply let the greatest Laker of all time to leave the organization without a fight. West saw the politics and disarray of the front office once Jim Buss came into power, and wanted no part of it. The Lakers have been on a downward spiral ever since.”

Jerry West was a total wreck by that last season with the Lakers, when he was physical unable to watch a single game of the finals. He needed a break from basketball, period.

Here’s a solid article from the time: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/news/2000/08/07/west_retires_ap/

Why he didn’t return a year later is open to conjecture, but I, for one, would assume that it would have been for the same stated that he said stated he would not come back to the Lakers this summer: loyalty to Kupchak (although I think that this loyalty is misguided and Jerry would be doing Mitch a huge favor by coming back into the fold).

“2. Allowed a horse training drug addict to have full authority over basketball decisions. Am I in the Twilight Zone? Did this really happen? Will we really be stuck with Jim as the basketball brain of the Lakers for the next few decades?”

Only one person has final authority and that’s Jerry Buss, you know the same guy that’s brought us 8 championships.

“3. Traded Shaq for a package that included Brian Grant's ridiculous contract.”

Grant’s contract was necessary to make the trade work and we had to make a trade fast. It’s not for nothing that Kobe signed the day after this trade was made.

“4. Was not honest with Shaq. Shaq may have been lazy, but he was a major factor in resurrecting the Laker legacy, and deserved at least some honesty from the front office. When we retire Shaq's jersey, will he even want to come back to an organization that showed him such blatant disrespect? (By the way, Shaq's new show is pretty entertaining.)”

Disrespect to Shaq? Shaq was the one who decided to delay his surgery so that he could recover on company time. He was also the one who screamed at the team owner at a game to show him the money even though he still had 3 years and $90 MILLION left on his contract.

“5. Traded Caron Butler/Chucky Atkins for Kwame friggin’ Brown.”

Yeah, they traded the worst of our 3 guys who needed the ball in their hands to be effective for a young big with tremendous physical attributes. I love Caron, but him, Kobe, and Lamar together did not work at all. As bad as Kwame’s hands are, he’s made us a better team… when he’s been healthy, that is. You know that whole defensive post presence without which you cannot be a legitimate contender deal. People says dude’s got no heart, but he played for us on an ankle needing reconstructive surgery and a shoulder needing “a bursa sac, bone chips, and other scar tissue” removed (see http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/acn4086927.htm).

“6. Drafted Brian Cook in the first round over Josh Howard and Barbosa, despite our scout, Ron Harper's desperate pleas to management to draft Barbosa, calling him a sure fire star. Thanks Jim and Mitch. Our starting lineup could have been Barbosa, Kobe, Caron and Lamar plus a free agent defensive big man. I’m gonna cry!”

Yeah that’s a balanced line-up. Four guys who need the rock to play, none of whom is an efficient ball-handler.

“7. Re-signed Brian Cook (a soft big man that can't jump, move laterally, rebound or play any defense, and disrespects a HOF coach).”

He’s also a 6’9” pure shooter who can create match-up problems for the defense if used properly. Seriously, dude shot .400 from 3 last year. At $3 mil in today’s market, he’s a deal.

“8. Seemingly content with Smush friggin’ Parker as the starting point guard for two years.”

So content that we paid him $750,000/year with no proposal of an extension while drafting a 1 in the first round last year. Somehow I don’t think it was management putting a gun to PJ’s head to start Smush.

“9. Resigned Sasha Vujacic (you talkin' about PRACTICE?)”

Sasha is still playing on his rookie contract.

“10. Signed 60 year old Vlade Divac. This signing was a bigger flop than Divac's defense on Shaq.”

When we signed Vlade, he was old sure. He also had started 80+ games for the previous 5 seasons in a row for one of the best teams in basketball. It’s not like the Lakers could have predicted that dude would slip a disc messing around doing a 360 a couple of weeks before camp.

“11. Signed 50 year old Aaron McKie (the same guy that couldn't even get any minutes on the Sixers).”

Dude had had injury problems the year before, so he didn’t play much. But he was only 32 at the time that we picked him up. So, we took a chance that he could shake his injuries while investing very little. Seriously, we’re only talking about $2.5 mil x 2 seasons for a shot at a dude who had been one of the better defensive players in the L and had shown a propensity to hit daggers.

“12. In desperate need of a point guard, signed Shammond Williams.”

It’s not like we paid Williams big money to be our starting 1. We wanted a cheap veteran who could bring us some shooting and defense off the bench, which he is what he did when PJ actually bothered to play him.

13. Placed the "untouchable" tag on Bynum after promising Kobe that the team will NOT rebuild. (the tag was subsequently taken off after Kobe's statement after game 5 that he wanted a contender NOW).

Are you referring to the last of the four out of five games in the series that Kobe choked in the fourth quarter?

“14. Refused to trade for Mr. Triple Double - Jason Kidd to hold on to Andrew Bynuwakandi (further confirming that rebuilding is a higher priority than winning NOW).”

Just what we were going to win… another game or two versus the Suns? And just why is it a bad idea to sign veteran character guys to short, low $ contacts, but it’s horrendous not to trade the best u19 center prospect in the world not named Greg Oden for a 34 year old wife-beater with bad knees and due $55 million?

“15. Jim Buss stated publicly that Kobe can be traded and criticized Phil’s coaching. (Who in their right mind would even mention trading your superstar or insult your hall of fame coach in public?)”

I agree with you here. He should have kept his mouth shut. Just like Kobe should have… maybe West would actually be coming here if he had?

“16. FO insider (Jim) LIES to the media to deflect the blame away from the FO and redirect it at Kobe.”

Talk about inside knowledge. I had no idea you were in the room with Jim Buss when he made that call.

This is just conjecture on my part (see I admit it when I conjecture). But I think the only lies that were told were told by Jerry Buss when he said that Kobe had nothing to do with his Shaq decision.

“17. As of today, no accountability or punishment for the insider (Jim Buss). Publicly addressing the “insider” issue would lessen the tension between the FO and Kobe. What is the FO waiting for? Fire the insider!”

Dude, some perspective please. This ain’t national security we’re talking about her. We’re talking about leaking the big secret that Kobe didn’t want to play with Shaq.

“18. During a Lakers crisis, the owner is caught for drugs and a DUI, than flies off to China.”

First of all. Way to pimp it Jerry.

Second, guys like Buss don’t go on vacation. Or do you think that it’s just a coincidence that we signed Sun Yue?

“19. Johnny Buss wishes Kobe good luck “wherever he goes” on a MySpace blog.”

Johnny Buss don’t work for the Lakers.

“20. Lied to Kobe that the FO plans to contend NOW, and have NO PLANS to rebuild. Kupcake than asks Kobe how he thinks Bynum will be in ten years? In Kob