Need some extra painkillers?

"The procedure will entail the modification of larger, stronger hands. It will be performed by Dr. Sean McNamara of McNamara/Troy."
-Ajax

Bobcats Is The Third Team!!!

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/specials/draft/2007/06/26/bobcats.draft.ap/index.html

Bickerstaff also indicated they would be interested in getting in on any multiple-team trades involving superstars Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Garnett of Minnesota. While both players are unlikely to end up in Charlotte, the Bobcats could be helpful in a deal because of their wealth of salary cap space.

"I think we're going to defer talking about those players. I will say we have no problems being facilitators," Bickerstaff said

The problem with Kwame Brown is the expectations was just to high.
If he was a late first round or second round pick, it would have been more realistic.

His defense is adequate. His offense will be catch and shoot, and not a create type game.

What you have is what you have.

Kwame can be a decent defensive player clog the middle type. He can guard the bigs.

And if he hangs around the basket he will get his share of dunks.

I wouldn't give him away for nothing, for he can do the job.
Not try to do too much, but in the flow.

Any word on whether he's spending more time under the knife than, "Faceoff" lol, jk.

Heal well Kwame! Try to get moving as quickly and as gingerly as possible!

I am so tired, I need painkillers!

KG, please come to LA. I can't take this anymore!!!! :-(

Expecting a 7ft NBA center to be able to be able to catch a basketball, shoot a basketball and play basketball for one full season is expecting too much? How about averaging more rebounds than the SG, PF or even the backup C?

If Kwame were to enter the draft now with Turiaf, knowing what you know about their game, who would you draft in the second round?

Lakers got rid of problem child 1, time to get rid of 1A.

Time for a reality check. Today was the perfect day to slide some more bad news past the Laker's fans. With everyone fixated on the KG trade drama it was announced that Kwame will have surgery on his shoulder. This after recent surgery on his ankle. Wow, his trade value is going through the roof!

Kwame Brown might be the most perplexing player ever to wear a Laker uniform. Has the look of a star, Hell, Jordan picked him #1 straight out of college. They thought they had a franchise player. Sadly, it takes more than a 'NBA body' to compete at this level.

Kwame came into the league with no training in fundamentals, no post moves, no understanding of team defense. Well all these years later Kwame still has no grasp of fundamentals, no real post moves (a dunk is not a post move) and clueless as to team defense and switching responsibilities.

How can someone learn so little in all this time? HE DOES NOT CARE!!! Kwame is a paycheck casher. He does not play the game because he loves it, no, because fools will pay him millions. To get some one to improve they first have to care.

His apathetic approach allows him to rationalize sitting out games. Stubbed toe, Can't play.... hangnail, take a day off.. hemoroids, take a week off...

Kwame will not play in pain. (you wonder why he gets such little respect from Jordan and Kobe) How is he going to react to the eventual pain when rehabbing from surgery. Will he put off rehab because it hurts too much?

Lakers are really in a tough spot. With all these faults, Kwame is still our best inside defender and the only person we have to match up with Duncan and Stoudamire. WE CAN"T TRADE HIM! He has almost no trade value and we don't have a replace ment. So all we can do is hope that we can get KG. The doubleteams on and boxouts on KG may give Kwame some opportunities.

So it looks like the Kwame supporters can have their cake and throw it too. lol WHAT SAY YOU?

According to Sports Illustrated we had four of the worst GMs in the league working on the Garnett deal ... it was bound to fall apart.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/kelly_dwyer/06/25/gm.rankings/index.html

Mitch Kupchak, Los Angeles Lakers

Pluses: Did a solid job in the summer of 2003, finding two contributors at No. 24 (Brian Cook) and No. 32 (Luke Walton) in the draft, while getting out of the way as Shaquille O'Neal leaned on Gary Payton and Karl Malone to come to the Lakers and aid in a potential championship run. Persuaded owner Jerry Buss to bring back Phil Jackson in 2005 after letting Jackson walk following the 2003-04 season.

Minuses: Despite two rings as the standalone boss in L.A., Kupchak hasn't made many solid moves. He's shown a lack of understanding for how his coach's triangle offense works by adding misfits like Isaiah Rider, Mitch Richmond, Slava Medvedenko and Kwame Brown. Save for 2003, he couldn't cash in on all the semi-stars who would have loved to play alongside Shaq and Kobe Bryant and for Jackson. The O'Neal trade, while needed, set the Lakers back mainly because they actually took on more salary than O'Neal would have cost them -- O'Neal's Lakers contract would have come off the books in 2006, while Brian Grant's deal (acquired for Shaq) won't come off the ledger until this summer. Trading Caron Butler for Brown seems almost comical at this point, and Kupchak's moves have so frustrated Bryant that his pleas for a trade have actually fallen on sympathetic ears.

Bottom line: Any addition of a superstar will cost them at least Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum, making any move a lateral one at best. The Lakers don't appear willing to make the right move -- trading Bryant for a series of talented, low-cost parts -- and it's hard to see just how this team is going to improve should it hold serve.

Danny Ainge, Boston Celtics

Pluses: Without the luxury of a single lottery pick, Ainge has put together one of the better young rosters in basketball. Al Jefferson and Gerald Green are potential franchise cornerstones given the right bit of coaching (though Green's lack of development in his second year was worrying). Lightly regarded lower-rung picks like Leon Powe, Rajon Rando, Ryan Gomes, Kendrick Perkins, Delonte West and Tony Allen aren't just showing promise because they get big minutes -- these guys can play.

Minuses: Why no lottery picks? Because Ainge has refused to submit to a wholesale rebuilding effort, choosing instead to bring in guys like Raef LaFrentz, Wally Szczerbiak and Gary Payton to keep the C's on the fringe of the playoff picture and the payroll ridiculously high. And last year, Ainge gave up a shot to draft eventual Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy for Sebastian Telfair, who wore out his welcome in 10 months with the Celtics. Meanwhile, Ainge bid against himself in giving Brian Scalabrine a ludicrous five-year, $15 million contract, and his insistence on retaining Doc Rivers as coach makes little sense on any level.

Bottom line: Ainge has never offered a cogent plan for the team he has run since 2003. We appreciate his fine efforts in the draft and refusal to fall in love with the remnants of a team that made the conference finals in '02. But he has more than mitigated his strong touch in certain areas with an ever-changing plan of attack that could either have Boston trading its assets for an All-Star this summer or adding more inexperience by grabbing a youngster from the Chinese Basketball Association with the fifth pick.

Larry Bird, Indiana Pacers

Pluses: Though it's hard to tell where Donnie Walsh's influence ends and Bird's decisions begin, Walsh spent the overwhelming majority of his career being heralded as the Eastern Conference's version of Jerry West, while Bird has overseen some pretty iffy transactions since taking over as Pacers boss in 2003. Outside of picking up two solid mid-first-round prospects in Shawne Williams and Danny Granger and making two solid coaching hires in Rick Carlisle and Jim O'Brien, Bird hasn't really done much to distinguish himself.

Minuses: To avoid the luxury tax after the 2002-03 season, Bird hung on to Al Harrington and instead dealt Brad Miller to Sacramento for pennies on the dollar. Harrington offered his usual solid play the next year, but Miller had back-to-back career years with the Kings. The obsession with Harrington continued: In July 2004, Indiana traded him to Atlanta for a much-needed shooting guard in Stephen Jackson, only to reacquire Harrington in a sign-and-trade deal with Atlanta last August. Finally healthy but mediocre in '06-07, the Pacers sent Jackson and Harrington to Golden State for Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy and Ike Diogu. Dunleavy and Murphy are horrid defenders and inefficient offensive contributors with two of the worst contracts in basketball. Diogu can play, but you get the feeling the Pacers don't know what they have in him.

Bottom line: Bird should have blown it up in the summer of 2006, but he overrated his own talent and now the team is stuck in the doldrums -- capped out and struggling to survive in the NBA's toughest division. The young talent will actually make things worse: Bird's acquisitions are good enough to want to extend their respective rookie contracts, but they'll only worsen the overall salary-cap picture. Bird needs to take a torch to this mess.

Kevin McHale, Minneosta Timberwolves

Pluses: Took Kevin Garnett's game seriously when he entered the 1995 draft. Did as well as could be reasonably expected when Stephon Marbury came out with a trade demand before the trade deadline in March '99 (Minnesota acquired Terrell Brandon and two first-round picks). Managed to pick up Sam Cassell just before a career year and Latrell Sprewell in '03-04, which resulted in a trip to the conference finals that could have been even more if Cassell hadn't gotten hurt in the playoffs. With Garnett's deal limiting his maneuverability, McHale was often able to find cheap role players (LaPhonso Ellis, Reggie Slater, Dean Garrett, Ervin Johnson, Kendall Gill) who worked well within former coach Flip Saunders' offensive schemes.

Minuses: Wasted Garnett's career. McHale has done more than that, but this is about as grievous a misdeed as we can imagine in all of pro sports. Think of all the smooth transactions that the Spurs' brain trust has made to help Tim Duncan, reverse that, add a few 6-2 shooting guards and an illegal signing, and you have McHale's time in Minnesota. More specifically: McHale burned a draft pick from the Marbury trade on Wally Szczerbiak; lost draft picks thanks to an illegal deal with Joe Smith; used first-round picks on William Avery and Ndudi Ebi; acquired a series of combo guards who can't play big minutes at the point (Mike James, Marko Jaric, Rashad McCants, Randy Foye, Troy Hudson, Shane Heal); dumped Flip Saunders; dumped Dwane Casey (the Wolves were 20-20 at the time of Casey's firing last season and finished 12-30 under Randy Wittman even with no major injuries); and refused to entertain the notion of trading Garnett until all other options were exhausted.

Bottom line: There is still hope. A Garnett deal with Boston (for Al Jefferson, assorted other youngsters and Theo Ratliff's expiring contract) would be nice, though we don't see Phoenix getting desperate enough to send Amaré Stoudemire to Minnesota for KG. Chicago is out of the picture unless McHale wants to take on Ben Wallace (we wouldn't put that past him). Meanwhile, right now the Wolves are capped out for 2007-08. They have the seventh pick in this year's draft, but they will have to relinquish a first-rounder (top 10 protected through '11) to the Clippers soon enough as part of the Jaric trade. Whether McHale will be around by then, we don't know -- owner Glen Taylor always seems ready with an excuse or 12 for his team's vice president.

Jim Gray reports Garnett to L.A. is dead - Phx/Bos/Minny 3 way alive

http://getgarnett.com/blog/?p=359

After hearing that he was a subject of the trade and Mike T could not defend Kwame's departure, opted for another surgery to balance his shoulder. What he really needs is neurosurgery or enlargement of fingers. lol!

I heard Ric Bucher on ESPN saying that the deal with KG which was admitted by Mitch kupchak because Lakers don't have any personnel to trade with Minny. Now it goes to Phoenix aas long KG waive his trade clause.

Lakers are not completely lost because there are two superstars still available that can team up with Kobe namely: JO or Pau Gasol. We have three draft picks ;and MLE. well Mitch K. could be creative by combining some of our regular players + 19th draft pick for a lower draft pick. Another idea is to target the three Euros who are really good namely: Tiago Splitter, Rudy Fernandez and Marco Bellineli and this PG from Finland, Petteri Kaponen. Just get two of this four we are back in business. Of course, not in this draft is Theodoros Papaloukas another PG currently on contract with CSKA Moscow.

Look at this scenario, if we have a fast team and a veteran MLE preferably Chauncey Billsups, Kobe, LO and a star 4 or 5 we're not really far behind. In billiards, they call this "preparation for next move" which is next year when KG opts out from his contract and move to any team he prefers.

You gotta be joking. Why would the Celts trade the #5 and Al Jefferson to get Marion? who can opt out after next year? This is ludicrous!

Nathaniel.

That was a great analysis. thanks for sharing it to the blog. However, I have to give credits for Mitch K. for doing his best since Friday. As JKool posted, the deal is not yet dead, it could resurrect again on Bernie Bickerstaff.

To All Bloggers,

I hope you could help Mitch K. make some possible scenarios in a three team trade with Bobcats, Timberwolves and our Lakers. If we can involve Pacers, so much the better. This is the critical time so don't quit on what we have started.....KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE.

J-Cool,

The key here is KG. I think he likes the Lakers because of multiple extention of his contract while others are asking for waive clause but could not give multiple extention that Jerry Buss is going to give. I think we still have hope through Bobcats or the opt-out next year assuming KG will have a banner year again next season. If his b'ball abilities starting to fade, then it would mean a different price like Grant Hill, Chris Webber and Juwan Howard.

Do we have any news on Head/Bonzi deal for Sasha/Cook?

Lee,
"His offense will be catch and shoot, and not a create type game.
What you have is what you have.
Kwame can be a decent defensive player clog the middle type. He can guard the bigs.
And if he hangs around the basket he will get his share of dunks."

Sorry, we're talking about Kwame Brown here. "catch" and "dunks"? Not sure which Kwame you are referring to.

========================================================

(Paul Shirley is a Ex-NBA player who now write a blog for ESPN and suddenly he became a Slate columnist. The guy is a Laker hater, but today in Slate he wrote this large piece that merits some reading from the smart and opinionated Lakers fans. Some concepts are ok, others are very questionable, but worth the reading.)

==========================================================

Kobe and KG
What would happen if the NBA's two most intriguing players ended up on the same team?

by Paul Shirley/Slate

The NBA Finals ended 10 days ago. By all accounts, including my own, they were a disaster—the lowest rated Finals in the history of the world. Bucking my normal holier-than-thou attitude, I tried to watch the games. I should have stuck with aloofness; my strategy of combating boredom with lines of cocaine probably won't aid me in finding a basketball job for the coming season.

Fortunately for the emotional health of the general public—and for the nasal health of me—more important events have come to pass since the Spurs won the title. It has been reported that Kobe Bryant (arguably the league's most marketable player) and Kevin Garnett (arguably its most talented) might … in theory … possibly … be traded … if about 573 variables line up correctly. And now, "league sources" are saying that both guys could end up on the Lakers. In the wake of the Finals debacle, all of this has been sufficient to ignite the requisite sports media firestorm.

I have something of a unique viewpoint on all of this. In the fall of 2001, I lasted three weeks in training camp with Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers before being released and told that I probably ought to go play in Europe. In 2006, I repeated the experience with Garnett's employer, the Minnesota Timberwolves, before being cut so the team could concentrate its financial resources on an alcoholic, a guy who dances like Elaine Benes, and a man who had only that year crashed his SUV while masturbating.

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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Having spent a similar amount of time in the semi-intimate company of both men, I can say confidently that two people couldn't be more different. Kevin Garnett is one of the most impressive humans I've ever been around.

Kobe Bryant isn't.

As a strict contrarian, I wish it weren't so. But in this case, there have been no mischaracterizations. Garnett is noble, loyal, and larger-than-life. And, again, Bryant isn't.

Of course, Kevin Garnett is no teddy bear. When I arrived in Minnesota for camp, I spent my first two days playing pickup games with the team. Upon finding me—a person he had never met before—on the court, Garnett quickly had me replaced by someone from the sideline. Which I certainly didn't appreciate. But after a few weeks around the man, I decided that he had the right to tell me what to do—the court we were playing on was his court. The team playing on it: his team.

As for personal encounters with Bryant, suffice it to say that his replica jersey is not hanging in my bedroom. I related a few details of our brief time together in my book—the multiple bodyguards he employed in training camp, his insecurity, his general surliness toward most of humanity. Feel free to jog down to the local Barnes & Noble and skim the first 30 pages as supplementary reading. (I wouldn't sink so low as to tell you to buy it. That would be despicable.)

Garnett is a throwback superstar, a Bill Russell for the modern age. When some people conjure up Russell they visualize the consummate winner, a man who led his teams to 11 NBA championships. But I link the two men by personality. By all reports, Russell shares Garnett's intelligence, grace, and intensity. And, in his defense, Garnett has never had a Cousy or a Havlicek.

Unfortunately, it could be that the modern age has no use for Bill Russell. One of Garnett's greatest strengths—his loyalty—is laughably out of place in the superstar-focused NBA. Compared, for example, to the Kobe Bryant school of leadership. Bryant has publicly questioned the ability of his teammates; Garnett has never complained about the mediocre supporting casts he's been given. Bryant refused to play for the team that drafted him (the Charlotte Hornets); Garnett has embraced the state of Minnesota like a taller, darker version of Prince. Even this year, with his team in a tailspin and his own game under scrutiny, Garnett did nothing to shift the blame. Meanwhile, Bryant was preparing for a summer of trade demands and pro-wrestler-style pronouncements.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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As for the rumors of a Bryant/Garnett combination in purple and gold: The scenario might be plausible if everyone who's not on the Lakers payroll lost his mind at the exact same moment. Then again, Kevin McHale has long been considered a rather ineffectual GM. It is possible that he would be dumb enough to help create the most unstoppable pairing since He-Man and Battle Cat. But I've gathered that his IQ hovers above the level needed to button a polo shirt in the morning, so I'd wager that he's smart enough to avoid bringing about the basketball apocalypse in his own conference.

Should McHale's neurons stop firing and the trade get made, the resulting cauldron of intensity would be impressive to behold. For all their differences, Garnett and Bryant do share one trait. They might be the two most focused human beings I've been around. In fact, if they were on the same team, they'd probably each reach new heights as a result of their efforts to outdo the other. The Lakers would cease to exist as a team, per se. Instead the "team" would be two dudes screaming at each other while three others ran around trying to avoid their wrath. Should the trade happen, the Lakers' front office would immediately begin a search for players with only one trait: "enjoys being subjected to extreme levels of verbal abuse."

Of course, the most likely outcome of the Garnett/Bryant brouhaha is the most boring one. In all probability, neither player will be traded. Bryant's Lakers will be unwilling to part with a proven cash cow, and Garnett's Timberwolves will struggle to find a partner in a trade. In the NBA, the salaries of the players involved in a trade have to match up, more or less. Garnett is scheduled to make $22 million next year. Last year, the Charlotte Bobcats' team payroll was $41 million. It would take a bunch of Bobcats to buy one Timberwolf.

Even so, all of this trade talk is good for the NBA. David Stern loves when the NBA knocks baseball off the front pages in the off-season. It gives basketball fans something to talk about. And it gives them hope after an awful, boring season. And sports is nothing without hope. Hope that the Cubs will win a World Series. Hope that a two-lap lead will be enough. Hope that the starting outside linebacker will stop impregnating 17-year-olds. And, this summer, hope that a very tall, very athletic man—good or bad, noble or not, hero or archenemy—will come to town to save the day.

Edwin G.

"What he really needs is neurosurgery or enlargement of fingers. lol!"

Maybe we can get Rachel Ray's man hand? lol.

Jorema,

Can you include the link for that piece? Thanks. Nice find, by the way. If it's from the Slate, I'd have never thought of looking there for NBA material.

I totally forgot about Shirley's preseason "days" (if you want to call them that) as a Laker. Blast from the past. haha

AK

Edwin

You Forgot About Marion He Probably Don't Want To Go To Boston.

AK here is the link:

http://www.slate.com/id/2169154/

Cool. Thank you.

AK

P Ang,

"Maybe we can get Rachel Ray's man hand? lol."

LOL!

The deal is done. Mark my words.

Let me give a heads-up on what is going on here.

Kobe - just like he did a few weeks ago when he went on his radio tour - made a huge PR gaffe. Then, it was saying that he was going to leave the Lakers on Stephen A's show. This time it was publicly saying KG wasn't enough after also publicly proclaiming he wanted out b/c the front office wasn't trying to make the team better.

Well, trying to get KG is trying to make the team better. Someone on 'Team Kobe' told Kobe to shut his mouth, just like they did a few weeks ago which is why Kobe changed his tune on the next radio show. So that's why it seemed like Kobe might be ok with getting KG. He's not, he wants to go to the East, but he knew he was taking another PR hit and changed his tune.

Kobe talks to KG on the phone, tells him he (Kobe) is out, and so don't come to LA. Now all the sudden Jim Gray is 'breaking news' on the KG-to-LAL deal is dead. Who do you think gave him that info? Who's interest does that serve? Who does Gray serve as a lapdog for? Why is Bucher saying "Well, Kobe's 'gone dark' and 'if LA gets KG, Team Kobe will have to think about that,' etc.

It's spin time. Kobe wants out, will be gone/will sit out and now it's time for Kobe's enablers in the media to try to make Kobe look good while at the same time doing their best to make sure the KG-LAL deal doesn't get done (Both Gray and Bucher are all over 'killing' the deal, for Kobe's sake).

The deal isn't happening, for several reasons. But the main reason is that Kobe doesn't want it to. He wants to go to the East, period. He knows his days are numbered and he wants the easy road to The Finals. Period.

Now why is Char getting involved? They're in the East, right? Maybe they want to make their own play for Kobe, or more likely, try to keep Kobe in the West and not let another Eastern rival get him.

There is a lot of intrigue going on right now, a lot of feints and ruses. Gotta keep your eye on the ball.

Kobe Bryant is looking at this as a possible PR hit if the Lakers were to get KG - it would be more difficult for him to say that he 'has to' leave. But he's leaving, or sitting out, or whatever. The only thing, IMO, that will compel him to play next year if he's still on the Lakers is that he doesn't want to lose any possible stats from having to sit out (career points, ..).

But let me repeat: KG is not coming to the Lakers, at least not to play with Kobe. And Kobe has played his last game as a Laker, barring a miraculous turnabout (larger than getting KG). All the signs are there, and 'Kobe's guys' are out doing their jobs according to the boss' orders.

Kobe Bryant is a great role model, father, and husband.

Kobe Bryant has NO illigitimate children, a la Shaq O'Neil, is not nearly as promiscuous as Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberline, or probably 80% of the other NBA players, he attends church, is active in his children's schools, and is very charitable to local communities (do the research on that one).

As a young man, in his early 20's, he was tempted by court-proven scandoulous woman. He cheated on his beautiful wife, but he's not NEARLY, and I mean NEARLY alone in that endeavor. Reports I've researched have the percentage of men cheating on their wives anywhere between 22% to 78%. It's safe to bet that number goes up with celebrities and athletes.

Kobe's wife had a clear cut opportunity to divorce him and take 1/2 his assets. Her family had the opportunity to trash him pubically. His family had the opportunity to abandon him. However, all reports show that Kobe and his wife are deeply in love, had brought another beautiful daughter into the world (post Denver), and have reaffirmed their love and devotion together through family support and through their devotion to their religion. Some say Kobe bought her love. Uh, no. His wife could have divorced him and bought herself hundreds of diamond rings. But she stood by her man because she recognized a good man who made one mistake.

As far as the incident in CO itself, read this very carefully. No one but the two people who where involved truly know what happened. I cannot speculate because I wasn't there, and neither can anyone else. There is circumstantial evidence that make both Kobe's story and his accuser's story shaky (again, do the research). I do know that educated and professional people brought this case to a court of law. The legal system operated without flaw, and the only conclusive, court documented results were that fallacies in the accuser's case were so strong that the case was dismissed. As such, I have rationale to believe Kobe Bryant was innocent, because a strong case would have seen him convicted.

However, at the very least, you cannot pass judgment upon Kobe and ignore the fallacies in his accusers case. There is no justification to do this, and no viable argument to support such an act. To do this plainly, and without debate, shows clear and precise prejudice and bias against Kobe Bryant. There's no other way to approach it.

Since the Denver incident was unresolved, I don't see the legal or moral right anyone has to implicate either Kobe Bryant or his accuser, as per my aforementioned contentions.

What I see now is a man who has remained happily married (can you say that?), has two children that love him, whom has the love of both families, and attends church. As such, I stand by my statements that Kobe Bryant is a good father and husband.

As far as role model, Kobe doesn't drink and party like Shaq and other NBA players, he doesn't sexually harass women (remember Shaq had to apologize for a sexually charged, public statement he said about Serena Williams- oh, I guess that has that been conveniently forgotten), he doesn't do drugs like Lamar Odom, he doesn't beat up his women like Allan Iverson and Charles Barkley. He works hard, he prays, and he loves his family. He made one mistake, he paid the price. His wife and both sides of the families have forgiven him, so what right do I, or anyone else, have not to?

Kobe Bryant is a great husband, father, and role model. Millions of people agree to that, which is why he's admired and loved throughout the world, it's why his jersey is the number one seller.

Case made...case supported...case close.

Kobe Rules. Get over it.

Lakers will have leverage over Kobe if they trade for the big ticket?
That's what Oly Sandor of Hoopsvibe think.

"There are two things worth noting here. First, the Bulls are making the right move by pulling out of the Bryant sweepstakes. Chicago, with their young nucleus, is on the verge of something special. You could see it in the way they fought back from a 0-3 deficit against the Pistons in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Sure, they eventually lost to Detroit. But their playoff run was a positive sign-a step in the right direction. The Bulls, if they want to swing a major trade, should go after a low post scorer and steer clear of Bryant.

Second, the drama and gossip have created a buyer’s market for Bryant. With everything that’s occurred, the Lakers can’t get equal value for #24. However, if the Lakers acquire another superstar-like Kevin Garnett-they’ll back Bryant into a corner.

Seriously, what would Kobe do if L.A. lands The Big Ticket?

Bryant’s upset because the Lakers haven’t surrounded him with talent. He’s complained to Stephen A. Smith. He’s complained to team management. He’s even complained to two random guys outside a California restaurant. Depending on your perspective, Kobe’s actions may or may not be justified.

His complaints wouldn’t hold weight if K.G. came to Hollywood. The Big Ticket is a legit superstar-a first ballot Hall of Famer. Together, Bryant and Garnett would form a lethal 1-2 punch, capable of dominating the Western Conference.

Kobe would risk a huge backlash if he continued to push for a trade after the team acquired Garnett. In fact, he couldn’t do it. The guard would be forced to resume his playing career in L.A.-whether he wanted to or not.

Trading for the Big Ticket would appease Bryant. But it would also do something else. It would give the Lakers leverage over their superstar."

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/l-a--lakers-would-corner-kobe-bryant-by-acquiring-kevin-garnett-ar44417.html

Let me just expound on something I didn't make quite clear in the last post: Kobe is 'going dark' because he can't keep from saying something injurious to his image, so it's better to let the sycophants do their jobs for him while he gets to pretend to be 'above it all.'

In public relation terms, Kobe has what's known as a 'tin ear.' He has an amazing knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Somebody convinced him - after the radio tour flip-flop debacle and now the "KG is not enough" disaster - that he REALLY needs to keep his mouth closed while the Lakers go out and do what Kobe said they weren't doing.

Hence, Kobe 'goes dark.'

At least he's getting some decent advice, finally.

Marion, please say no to Boston... please....Boston Sucks Marion!!!!!

Amare, Garnett and Nash... God I hope not...

This would decimate the Lakers...

If this does happen, Kobe is gone. It would take at least 5 years at best for the Lakers to recover. That team would be a SUPERPOWER!!!!

bd

Troy,
"guy's a great father, a great husband, and a role model for youth around the world. "

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT TYPE OF FATHER YOU MUST BE. "A RAPIST, ADULTERER, AND LIAR"

A lot you folks are too influenced by the media. You listen to them and they have NO accountability. They say stupid things like trading Andrew Bynum for Jason Kidd.

The media said that Washington trading Rasheed Wallace was a great trade because the Bulletts/Wiz needed a VETERAN. Well it didn't work, Strickland has retired ... Rasheed is still a force ... pretty dumb.

J-Cool

You Getgarnett.com getting the love From Eric Pincus of Hoopsworld

========================================
Eric Pincus....."GetGarnett Blog Leading the Way"

"In early May of 2007 three friends got together with a single, simple purpose . . . bringing Kevin Garnett to the Los Angeles Lakers. Of course none of the trio were in position to directly impact the Minnesota Timberwolves or Lakers, so they set out to do the next best thing: blogging.

Thus was born GetGarnett.com.

The site immediately garnered a following, receiving over 10 million hits to date.

Whether or not they've made an impact in the "real world" is hard to gauge but recent reports indicate the Lakers are in fact working on a deal to get Garnett . . . and the Wolves may actually be willing to play ball.

"GetGarnett.com represents the spirit and a dream for better days for Lakers fans," says 20-year old Chris Manning (LD2k). "GetGarnett represents the passion that Lakers fans will always dream. That's the beautiful thing about the site, the fans check in every day for news, reports, and our takes. We are fans too and even if Garnett is traded elsewhere, someone has to carry around the torch."

Manning serves as "The Video Maker." His partner Kam Pashai (hZm) is the "The Graphics Maker" - and Jaime Murdoc (The Nugget) is "The Code Maker."

"Before the site was created, I let a few people know about the idea," says 19-year old Pashai. "They thought it would be a bust. Luckily Chris and Jim shared the same passion."

While Pashai was confident GetGarnett would be popular, Murdoc (the eldest at 24) was surprised at how quickly it became a hit.

"I remember when I got the call on my cell from Cameron that we were mentioned on NBC," says Murdoc. "I started to scream at PetSmart. Everyone thought I was having some sort of panic attack."

The fans have responded to their dedication. The guys keep their site constantly updated with news on the Lakers, Garnett and NBA in general.

"We're all online daily and Jim set up a great blogging system that makes it extremely easy to get an article up in a matter of seconds. Lakers fans are a connected, loyal bunch. I get text messages from friends every day," says Manning.

There's been no shortage of topics considering Kobe Bryant's trade demand and word Kevin Garnett may actually be on the market.

"I personally love the fact the Lakers are making a push for Garnett," says Murdoc. "I mean, it's the reason why we started the site."

"It's the news we've been waiting for all these seasons. This is the closest that we've ever been," gushes Pashai. "Its honestly a breath a fresh air seeing that management is actually going for it; attempting to get a big deal like this done. It's pretty much like a roller coaster ride right now. We're clinching onto anything that we hear from any news outlet because it looks like this time around we really can get the Big Ticket here in LA.

Manning urges the Lakers to trigger a deal, regardless of the price, "The question is not what is too much; the question is what is too little? Not making a move for Garnett may be worse than overpaying. The West is strong and getting even stronger. It will take more than just Bryant and Garnett, but like the Shaquille O'Neal-Kobe Bryant days, role players and chemistry guys will get onboard for the opportunity to win."

Not everyone at GetGarnett agrees, especially if the price is Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Kwame Brown and the 19th pick in Thursday's NBA Draft.

"If that trade went down, I wouldn't be happy about it. I am not sure how this team would do," says Murdoc honestly. "I want the team to be good but with that trade, the Lakers would be giving up too much."

Pashai's take is similar to Manning's, "I would do that in a heartbeat. I love Lamar to death, I like Kwame and Andrew too . . . BUT I would not hesitate to trade those guys for one of the best players in the league. If you build it, the free agents will follow."

But can the Lakers and Bryant make amends? Will Bryant back off his trade demand?

"As fans all we can do is believe. I think relationships can be fixed. No one would've thought Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson would've grown this close," says Manning. "But the time for change is now. The fans believe, and who knows, maybe they might just 'Get Garnett' after all."
So for you, the site is about faith?

"Absolutely," replies Manning. "We're the fans; we're trying to lead by example."

For Murdoc, GetGarnett represents "Hope. Hoping for another championship. Hoping for another shot to beat the [Phoenix] Suns in the playoffs. Hoping to have a great team that we can be confident in, that can win it all."

Pashai summarizes GetGarnett with one word, "Passion."

And if the Lakers actually land the former MVP?

"Relief!" says Pashai.

"If our mission is accomplished, then we'll have a few surprises for the website up our sleeve," says Manning.

They'd like nothing more than to change the name of the site . . . to GotGarnett.com."

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22457.shtml

Kobe is a horrible role model - he is a liar, a phony and an adulterer. He is a man who settled - that is, did not pursue his acquittal - in a rape case. He has cheated on his wife, accused his teammates of hitting on his wife, and ratted-out another teammate to the cops.

Kobe is a social pariah, a scourge. He has very serious social/interpersonal issues.

We went over this the other day, Troy. Your repeating hollow words changes nothing. Kobe is what he is - a hero to the sneaker companies and the 'and-1' nation who celebrates high-flying over winning. The 'it's better to look better losing than look bad winning' crew.

Kobe is an embarrassment, and I can't wait until he is gone from my team. He is a drama queen, spoiled baby. He tries to buy forgiveness with $4 MM rings. I respect his talent and his work ethic, but I could have said the same about Dennis Rodman. I'm SURE AS HELL not allowing any children I know to look up to him.

Husband? Adulterer.

Man? Rapist?

Father? Dishonorer of the children's mother.

If you think Kobe dunks well, that's great. Save the rest of the crap for the crowd that doesn't know any better.

This is the type of talk that concerns me most about Kobe, the 'Kobe Goose-steppers.' It's like he's a god, and can't do any wrong, despite all evidence to the contrary. You people are frightening, and I'm not making that up. How can any logical person say that Kobe is a good husband or man? At best he is a fallen son, a young man needing redemption yet who isn't seeking it honestly.

You want a great man? How about Derek Fisher? How about Lamar, with what he overcame this year both physically and personally?

Kobe? No, don't even bring that junk in here. That is an insult to anyone with a shred of intelligence.

I have hard time believing KG is going to the Suns.
First because I hate the Suns. :-)
Second, they have to give up Amare, and seriously, I would rather have Amare than KG. Because he's younger.
I think the Suns problem is not something KG would solve. Amare is getting better, so I think next year Suns will be the team to beat.
Plus, the Suns are cursed, they need to be humble in order to him a championship. So KG, you will not be a champion there! :-)

I am still positive about KG coming to LA.

P. Ang,

Haha, Rachel Ray man's hand that was really funny now we just killed Kwame's trade. Come to think of it, I believe it's not Kobe who will sit next season but Kwame who will be the next Chris Mihm.

What the heck do we do now Laker nation??!!!!!!!!!!! It doesn't look like we are getting KG, Kobe is close to leaving. Man, dark, dark day to be a laker fan.

THIS CAN HELP THE LAKERS: PAUL PIERCE REQUESTING TRADE IF CELTICS DON'T BRING ANOTHER SUPERSTAR.

Pierce's patience running out
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports

As much as Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge wanted a bigger return for Al Jefferson and the No. 5 pick in the flat-lined, four-team blockbuster trade proposal that died on Monday, little was done for the franchise's trampled image when Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal turned out to be one more star privately disclosing disdain over the prospects of playing for the Celtics.

First, it was Phoenix's Shawn Marion insisting that he didn't want to go to Boston.

Then it was Minnesota's Kevin Garnett.

And now it's O'Neal.

Here's the problem for Ainge: According to a league executive, Paul Pierce has finally told team management that unless the Celtics come out of this week with a talented veteran co-star for him, they should expect him to make a public declaration soon after Thursday's draft that he wants a trade.

"Danny is under tremendous pressure, from inside and outside, to get a deal for someone done this week," one league executive said.

Oh man, I just saw that the trade for KG has been "tabled" and now the Suns are back in the picture. :-(

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2917781

All I got to say is this made me so mad and frustrated with Kupcake that I finally had to post here after reading the past few years. God please help us!!!! Mitch MUST go if he can't get this done!!!!!!!!!!!

Shammon Williams is busy like Kobe: teaching in his own camp.

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20070626/NEWS/706260315/1051/NEWS01

On am 570 this afternoon, the consensus seemed to be that nothing would happen this summer. Any talk for Garnett was nothing more than talk and, with regards to Bryant, he isn't going to be traded. Even if that means watching him sit out, Jerry Buss would be willing to let him do just that. While Kobe can finanically afford to not get paid, he most likely does not have enough dough saved up in his PR account...and Buss knows this. Either Bryant plays out the season and Buss cashes in on one huge (if unproductive) cash cow of a season or Kobe sits out, fully realizing the bad guy rep he's been trying to live down. In both scenarios, Buss comes out a winner. The team, coaches and fans may not get much out of it, but that may not be Buss's immediate concern. If, three years ago, Buss bungled the Shaq situation, he appears intent on not repeating mistakes of the past.

As far as I'm concerned, as a fan, I would be thrilled to see the Lakers go into next season led by Lamar Odom and anchored by Andrew Bynum. When the Lakers were eliminated by the Suns, Odom stood by his locker, holding back tears, and said he hoped that he did enough to remain a Laker for the rest of his career. Kobe, on the other hand, began to execute an offseason plan that, by all apperances, had been worked out long before the season ended. I would get more satisfaction out of watching a true rebuilding project with the core of Bynum, Farmar, Turiaf and Walton, as opposed to the unreasonable goal of trying to win a championship every year at the expense of never developing young talent.

As for the K brothers: I've never addressed you two in this blog space (mostly because it never occurred to me), so I thought I would take a moment to thank you for the blog. Having a chance to converse with a couple of reporters who are actually within shouting distance of the Lakers organization is pretty cool. Kudos!

Martin

Thank you Jorema for sharing Paul Shirley's article. It was well written and true to experience analysis but his conclusion is flawed as you said it navigates on negative assumptions that Superstars cannot be tamed. I think they can also embrace the reality of infallibility. Kobe was a good person until he got involved w/ the Colorado sexual escapade, for sometime he was also a good Laker until he got frustrated w/ smush and Kwame and this Jim Buss taking at helm in trying prevent Kidd-Bynum trade plus that insider political intrigue blaming Kobe during the Shaq trade. It compounded all the suspicions on both sides. I also believe Kobe is a good father and husband and that the sexual temptation in Colorado can happen to any men who have innate cravings and sexual desires at the heat of the moment. I hope those who hate Kobe's attitude should separate his gifted ability to play basketball and many laker fans in this blog are also entertained by this player. We have to find balance in our criticism and always provide a room for forgiveness just like the way we treat an erring brother or a juvenile delinquent son. There are really no perfect human beings.

NOV, 7, 1991
*****************

It feels exactly like November 7, 1991, Johnson shocked the world with the announcement that he was infected with HIV and would immediately retire.

Lakers are falling to abyss of early 90's. It is very very depressing.

I am speechless........ just staring at this damned monitor................

Nice post, JOREMA.

Now, lets here the sports media talk about how selfish Paul Pierce is.

The Celtics are giving up the 5th pick to get Marion???? Why would they do that?
Plus I thought Marion said No extention in Boston or Minn?? I haven't heard otherwise? If you were Marion would you sign off on Boston?? I didn't think so..

This is going to be a roller coaster but LAKERS still have a shot at Garnett!!!

bd

fakerz... how do you really feel? jk

i think you hit the nail on the head when it comes to Kobe (the person). I read posts from his supporters ignoring all the known facts and granting Kobe off court cedibility he has not earned.
I have also repeatedly said that he may be the most TALENTED player i've ever watched play the game.
That statement, however, says nothing about him as a man, teammate, father or husband. I trully think there is a direct link between this "off court falibility" and the player he is on the court.
IN HIS MIND, kobe is infallible. This creates the person we all watch on the court, able to score 81 points (from the perimeter, no less!). Trully unstoppable. It also creates Kobe's reality, where Kobe can justify his actions and the things he's said. He feels no remorse. He's the one who's been betrayed (in his mind). can anyone say "egomaniac"?
I couldn't agree more about your Lamar statement. LO appears to be a true stand up guy. I'd like to see a team built around him. I know most of the bloggers will label me a fool, but I would like to see the "good guy" win once. I'd like to believe that good guys like Lamar can be trusted with a team.
I ask: does anyone see more similarities between current champ Duncan and Lamar, or Duncan and Kobe?

Martin,

This is my opinion only. Walton is over developed, he need to be exchanged. While the history of the Lakers goes against what you are saying, Lakers always compete for the playoffs and if possible in the Conference Finals or The Finals. That could be the reason why they refuse to trade Kobe or cut off ties with PJ who's paid $10M. Why will Hollywood pay $2200 courtside seat just to watch Bynum, Farmar, Turiaf and Walton commit gargantuan turnovers! If you want to cheer a team always developing, then go for small markets or Clippers. i like Bynum, Farmar & Turiaf and also Odom but if you talk of KG coming to the Lakers, why kill the idea on the eve of the draft day? Never say it cannot be done until the deadline. However, you can have a company with AZ who also believe in developing players. I am sorry if I was too critical to your post, it is just my opinion that you posted at the wrong time when Lakerville is at its height of excitement.....

Hey Ventriloquist.....watch yourself brother, or get your perspective in order: Nov 7 1991 was a much more serious, life impacting event (particularly for Magic himself) than the Lakers not being able to get Kevin Garnett in a trade (espcially, when, in 1991, people didn't have hope to live at least 16 years on from that viurs). At the end, no matter what, we follow baskeball and the Lakers as a fun, interesting diversion; but life can be tough.

Fakers,

As Vic the Bric would say, step out of the darkness and see the light. You're living in too much hatefulness, too much frustration and anger.

Kobe isn't nearly as bad as you think, and he doesn't deserve such anger from you. He cheated on his wife, just like many men do. His wife forgave him. There's nothing else there. Why do you want to keep judging him on this sin? Why don't you judge Shaq, the adulter, James Worthy, who cheated on his wife with a prosittute (remember that?), Magic Johnson, who cheated on his wife and contracted HIV, Michael Jordon, who left his wife of over 20 years to run off with a Las Vegas showgirl, Jason Kidd, who cheated and beat his wife. Fakers, please tell me, why don't you ever mention these player, or the many other who've also cheated on their wives. Why don't you, Fakers?

The case in Denver was a wash; there was a ton of evidence that suggests the accuser was lying and motivated by money. Why do you ignore this? If Kobe was guilty, he would have been found guilty. But he wasn't found guilty, Fakers. So why do you assume he IS guilty. Please, explain this to me. Will you?

Kobe settled because he didn't want to drag his young wife and his young daughter through such an ordeal. Oh sure, he shouldn't have been screwing with that foul woman in the first place, but we've covered that already. And, as far as an acquittal, not east, not easy to get a 12/12 vote for an acquittal under the circumstances Kobe found himself in. Remember, he was in Denver, CO, not the most hospitable climate for Kobe Bryant.

And how can you call Kobe a social pariah when millions of fans all over the world love and adore him? He's got the number 1 selling jersey in the world. People love Kobe, Fakers. Don't you know what a pariah is? A pariah is avoided, not celebrated. Maybe you were just confused.

He's spoiled? How so, Fakers? Explain why Kobe is spoiled? And explain how Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnet, Alan Iverson, Jermaine O'Neal, Shawn Marion, and many other NBA'ers who demanded to be traded are not spoiled? Tell me, Fakers, what has Kobe asked for to make him spoiled? Explain, please.

Kobe ratted out a team mate? What, the Shaq was paying prostitutes for services? Why not criticize Shaq for breaking the law by soliciting whores, as well as cheating on his wife? Why not, Fakers?

He has personal issues? How do you know this, Fakers. Have you spoken to Kobe. Are you his therapist. Or is this just your unsubstantiated opinion?

Accused Karl Malone of hitting on his wife. Why is this a negative for Kobe? Why would he say such a thing if it weren't true? From what I read about that, his wife make the accusation, and Kobe confronted Karl about it. You know Karl, the same man who said he's never play on the court with Magic Johnson because he thought he'd get HIV. Why would you blame Kobe for defending his wife?

I've put forth facts, you put forth opinions. Compare. Kobe and his wife are in love. Fact. Kobe has the love of his family and his inlaws. Fact. Kobe is involved in charity. Fact. Kobe is involved in his children's school. Fact.

Now, refute my facts. Better yet, compare what facts you listed in your post to the ones I listed. Fakers, just how many facts did you really have in your post?

Well, I've set the table for you, now, cut and paste my responses to you, and refute them. I'll be waiting. Okay?

Phoenix big mistake.

If Phoenix trade Marion, they are doing a big mistake.

Marion is the most versatile ofensive and defensive guy in Phoenix, to the extent that he did a pretty god job in Kobe and later guarding Tony Parker.

They will gain in Garnett, more points and rebounds (with him maybe the best in the league) but Marion can spread the defense, because he can shot wll the 3 point.
Defense in the guard area will be a disaster. Kg is a big guarding guy and not mbile like Marion.

So, you would expect a upgrade in defense from Steve Kerr who knows what it takes to reach championship.

Also will be intersting to see if Phoenix are willing to go almos twice over the cap, with penalties from the trade kicker.

Well...can Lakers work the phone with Ainge to restart negotiations?
Who will be a better pick for the Celtics....Marion or O'Neal?
Giving how mediocre GM Ainge is...he will take the Suns trap.

Unbelievable!

breaking:

ESPN says Garnett to the Lakers "trade dead" ESPN NEWS cites sources "The T-Wolves have told the Lakers they no longer will discuss that matter"

The Big Adulterer can sit his "egomaniac" azz out this season if he wants to.

We'll be better off with out him.

The Big Adulterer 24 made this bed now he needs to lie in it!

The deal is off the table cause LO coming off surgery, Bynum, and 19th pick is a joke compared to getting Marion, Kurt Thomas, two drafts picks, and ATL's 08 unrestricted pick which will prob end up being in the top 10.

To be honest though...I doubt the Wolves were ever serious about trading with us anyway. This was probably just them putting the pressure on the Suns to get a better deal.

Err...lol I'm getting pissed off! If the Suns get KG, we have to trade Kobe and start over. There's no way we're winning anything in the next 5 with a roster of KG/Amare/Nash.

Wait a minute ... We were looking to make a four-way trade for Garnett, and the other GMs involved were the 1980s Celtics?

We need to get McHale, Bird and Ainge in a room together, sitting around a dinner table. Rambis, smoothly confident, starts pacing around the outside of the table.

RAMBIS: Enthusiasms ... Enthusiasms ... What are mine? What draws my admiration? What is that which gives me joy? Baseball! (Rambis produces a bat; the Celtics begin laughing nervously.) A man ... A man stands alone at the plate. This is the time for what? For individual achievement. There he stands alone. But in the field, what? Part of a team. Looks, throws, catches, hustles. Part of one big team. Bats himself the live-long day, Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and so on. lf his team don't field...what is he? You follow me? No one. Sunny day, the stands are full of fans. What does he have to say? l'm goin' out there for myself. But... l get nowhere unless the team wins."

By now, Rambis is positioned squarely behind McHale, hands gripping the bat.

Lakers, it's time to play hardball.

this is gonna suck big time if KG lands in phx, and all they had to lose was marion...

how can cupcake not find any other player to throw in the deal along with bynum and odom, throw in walton on a sign and trade, throw in kwame, vlad....whoever...everyone was availble....except kobe..

some people might say you are gutting the team for KG...who cares....we need KG...more than we need the other guys...

you hear it all the time that the suns want to win now with steve nash in his "prime"...well..so should the lakers...with kobe....there is no need to save anyone on our roster..lets win now.....or at least try too....

screw this...

bottom line if we dont get KG..we are done..what else can we do?

move what where how?

our only hope is Bynum hearing the kobe slandering of him and use that as motivation to become a BEAST.

odom i am happy about him staying..if he does indeed stay.

but again EVERY TEAM OUT THERE WILL BE UPGRADED..except us....

sad..sad day in laker land so far.

all indications point to us struggling to make the top 10 in the west next year unless we can pull something out of our assess and QUICK.

kupcake sucks.....fo sucks..kobe is a big whinning baby....everything is in disarray..

where is MAGIC???

i wanna hear his voice of reason for once...did he call KG personally?

KG COME TO LA!

When the Lakers were eliminated by the Suns, Odom stood by his locker, holding back tears, and said he hoped that he did enough to remain a Laker for the rest of his career.

THIS IS SO TRUE.

that is why ANYDAY..ALLDAY..EVERYDAY..i will take WARRIOR ODOM over kobe...who cares if kobe is a hard worker...81?..whatever!

i want ODOM on my team..he is a warrior..he was hurt and never got in the groove after that..

i wouldnt mind seeing him and bynum still being lakers..call me crazy..

even at the expense of kobe....let him sit out..whatever....he will still be at 2 years to opt out....wont help him any..and his image even less.

anyway....

ODOM = TRUE LAKER

benny..EXACTLY.

think about ODOM operating without kobe..we saw it early in the season.

the man is a TRIPLE DOUBLE MACHINE WAITING TO BE UNLEASHED.

I want odom to stay....KG is great and all..but ODOM should be a LAKER FOREVER.

I have learned over the years to keep things on an even keel - don't ever get too high based on rumors nor too low when they prove to be false. While it appears that the KG deal is dead, I'm not giving up on other improvements. I still think a deal for JO that does not involve Lamar would help us - does it get us to the championship? Probably not, but it gets us closer. I still say a deal with Indiana that includes Bynum, Brown (for his expiring contract) the 19th pick, and either Radmonovic or a sign and trade with Walton is doable. Let's face it, Indiana doesn't have a draft pick in what is considered to be one of the deepest drafts in history. Getting the 19th and Bynum (the equivalent of a top 5 pick) is to their advantage. I don't know why people are down on JO - I love his game, he Odom and Kobe would make a great tro. Even though Kobe may be playing his last year, he won't tank, he is too proud and competitive to do it. If he sees the potential in this lineup, who knows what happens next year. There is no way a Kobe deal happens this year- nobody could pull the trigger and maintain a team any better than LA last year.

Keep your heads up Laker fans, it's how we roll!

"The Timberwolves, Suns and Celtics are having discussions about a trade that would send Kevin Garnett to the Suns, Shawn Marion to the Celtics and the No. 5 pick in Thursday's draft (along with some players) to the Wolves.

Talks between the Lakers and Timberwolves were cooling, as a story broke Monday about the two teams bringing KG and Kobe Bryant together in L.A., so the Wolves have apparently turned their attention to the Suns. The latest trade might be hinging on whether Marion would agree to a contract extension with the Celtics, ESPN's Jim Gray reported. Marion (like Garnett) can opt out of his contract after the 2007-08 season and has said recently that he isn't interested in playing for the Celtics.
However, the Suns have spoken to Marion about the deal, so there's actually a chance this could happen."

IF THEY GET KG AND AMARE STAYS IN PHOENIX IT'S OVER!!! WE MIGHT AS WELL START REBUILDING!!!

Lakers stay on Garnett watch

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers27jun27,1,6566258.story?coll=la-headlines-sports&track=crosspromo

Lakers fans might be in for the bait and switch

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers27jun27,1,4263313.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

For Lakers, it's deal or no deal time

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-heisler27jun27,1,440326.story?coll=la-headlines-sports

A/K B/ K

Do we really need blogers calling other bloggers rapists like gunner24 was allowed to post about Troy? I really do not feel like there is a place for that here. I know you have a lot of posts to read but really, thats uncalled for.

MH

numerous sources are telling ESPN that a Minnesota - Phoenix- Boston trade is being seriously discussed right now.......

Lakers still in the mix for Garnett with Atlanta and Indiana

Latest in this Garnett saga is that Lakers are working with Atlanta and Indiana to make something happen, according to Bucher in ESPN.

We could always bring Bynum back in two years.

Urgh.

God, please give us Kevin Garnett. I want to see his banner hanging from Staples.

GO LAKERS!

Here is the LA Times story og KG deal.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers27jun27,1,6566258.story?coll=la-headlines-sports&ctrack=6&cset=true

We can still do it with Bernie's or MJ's Bobcats. Lakers should open the lines with JO and Pau Gasol that's our great last hope.

KUPCHAK is the proverbial... DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS. Only armed with the nuts of a mouse. Good Riddence Mitchelle

"I would get more satisfaction out of watching a true rebuilding project with the core of Bynum, Farmer, Turiaf and Walton, as opposed to the unreasonable goal of trying to win a championship every year at the expense of never developing young talent"

Martin,

While it may be true that you would just as soon not recieve kudos from me, I think you have eloquently touched on the matter that many Laker fans need to have a good look at, and in a nutshell, for a multitude of reasons, Kobe just isn't a good fit.

I also agree and am appreciative of the K's. I just wish they could be persuaded to move north.

I don't believe the KG to LA deal is dead.

A 3rd team in play, and the deal can be done.

Kobe and KG as 1-2 punch, and the Lakers will win several NBA championships.

Exactly what are Paul Shirley's credentials for being a commentator on who or who isn't a good person? Who is he supposed to be? Does sitting periodically on an NBA bench in street clothes qualify somebody as a Humanity Judge?

Just a thought, KG took the time to talk to Kobe. I have not heard of him talking to Nash or anyone on the Bulls. KG wants to come to LA. You will never hear it from him. He has no pimp like Bucher to promote him. I would think that the Wolves are going to take Garnett's wishes seriously.

KG would like an extension now while hes healthy. Who knows what could happen in the next couple years. If he gets hurt then his chance of a long term extension goes out the window. Buss has already agreed to an extension.

I think the Wolves are seeing how far they can push the Suns. KG would settle for Phoenix because its close to home and has a better roster. The problem is that the Suns want no part of his trade kicker or extension.

Eventually I feel the Wolves will SETTLE for what we can offer. It most likely will not happen until after the draft. Good things come to those who wait. WHAT SAY YOU?

Troy,

Did you know that pedafiles go to Church, donate to charities, work at schools, and are active in their community?

Yes, They are role models too.

And while you're at it, ESPN recently did a great story on Pacman Jones, on how he was a great kid, goes to his high school to motivate young people, goes to church, and donates large sums of money to the local police and fire department in Nashville.

Pacman Jones is a great role model too.

Yes, do some research.

Dear Mr. Kupchak,

Getting Garnett was the silver bullet, your last bullet, which could have pulled our beloved Lakers out the misery and at the same time erase many unfortunate blunders from your record. But it looks like you failed AGAIN, and as the result; the once glamorous sports franchise is falling deeper into the abyss.

Sir, please have the decency and RESIGN. You are not made for this job. You may very well be a wonderful person and a caring family man. But certainly and obviously you aren’t the right man for the job. YOU ARE NOT JERRY WEST. Accept the fact and live with it. It doesn’t make you a lesser person.

I agree; you were at the Lakers’ management post to “witness” the last 2 NBA titles. But that was not your accomplishment. It was Jerry West who built the elite team and left for you to disassemble and destroy piece by piece.

Today, you have an undesirable collection of mediocre players supporting a disgruntled superstar on his way out. Nobody will give you anything decent in return. Lakers are doomed, you’re doomed and we, the fans, are doomed.

You missed many opportunity to land great players but you passed and puzzled all experts with your missteps. Regrettably, you have failed and it seems failure is becoming a habit of yours.

Sir, please have the decency and RESIGN, it’s time to just let go. Just let go, you feel much better about yourself and again; it doesn’t make you a lesser person.

Thank you

man, I hope tomorrow (wednesday) is a better day for the Lakers.

I am still thinking positive, a deal will be reached and KG will come to LA.
Let's pray Laker fans.

Just got done watching sports center. The vultures are circling. You could almost see the glee in their faces as they shot down the Garnett rumours. They can't wait to get a reaction from Kobe.

Still holding out hope. Love to see those guys have to eat their words. WHAT SAY YOU?

HOW THE NBA CAN SAVE THE DAY!

We all know how badly the powers that be want a strong Laker team. It will boost TV ratings, revenues, etc. And KG will give us that. So how can they help? Simple.

Tell Minnesota that if they trade us KG they can swap places with the Bucks and play in the Eastern Conference. Instant playoffs for them, instant finals for us, and noone cares about Milwaukee anyhow.

See K bros - who says this isn't a Bucks blog?

ALL WE NEED IS TO TRADE KWAME BROWN FOR MICHAEL OLOWOKANDI!

WE GOT RID OF SMUSH WE JUST NEED TO GET RID OF KWAME.

WE DONT NEED JO OR KG. THE ONLY THING WE NEED IS GET RID OF SMUSH AND KWAME. WE GOT SMUSH OUT, ONE MORE TO GO AND WE WILL BE FINE!

It's all in the packaging

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sports/pros/lakers/abox/article_1743984.php

What Is The Latest On KG To The Lakers?

repost

KOBE APOLOGIST

“Do any of you people even play basketball? Like even at the park, 5 on 5?Are you kidding me? How is Kobe NOT the best?????? It's you losers who can't even score 6 points in a pickup game to 13 that are constanly ragging on Kobe. Think about it, go out to your local park, come back and tell me how many points you scored. I don't even care if you won, even though that's what matters. Just go and see if you can score 6 points before the game is over. Saying you're a "good passer" is the loser way of saying you can't play!!!”

Please enlighten us with yo b-ball resume?? Or are you projecting??

GUNNER24

“I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT TYPE OF FATHER YOU [troy] MUST BE. "A RAPIST, ADULTERER, AND LIAR"

Dude, I think troy’s gone off the deep end now that his hero [kobe] has been thoroughly embarrassed and exposed for what kobe really is, a dumba$$ talented b-ball player who’ll step on anybody including his teammates, fans and now boss to get ahead.

JANICE

“As I said, MJ won in 91 with Pip and a bunch of role players”

What some bloggers don’t understand that truly great players, not wannabes like kob, are able to extract the optimum performance from their role players.

HOBBIT

“Detroit didn't have any all-stars. The best *this* iteration of the pistons have done is 2nd team NBA and that was last year or the year before when Ben was there.”

Whoa, det didn’t have all-stars?? Rip, Sheed, Billups, McDyess, Wallace, Webber…….these guys were at one time all-stars. My point is that at a certain point in time, individual accolades takes a back seat to winning. Kobe won too early and too easily and now we laker fans are paying the price for kobe’s early success on shaq back.

“You have an interesting point about how none of Kobe's team mates
have talked about dying for him. Neither have any of Shaq's..”

I can’t argue one way or another, but my barometer is the guys that sacrificed to play with shaq. Grant and Shaw both played with shaq in Orlando, they came to play in LA. Fox was a starter with Boston and he came to play with shaq. Malone/Payton too. I can go on ad nauseum.

“Lamar has stuck up for Kobe. Luke has stuck up for Kobe. Shammond stuck up for Kobe. i.e. When everyone said, Kobe's not making his teammates better, his teammates said: He's doing his job. We're not doing ours. Lamar said, "When his son died, Kobe was the first to call". Lamar also talked about how Kobe was doing a lot of work with kids, but no one was paying any attention to that. Kobe didn't want to call attention to it.”

You make a good points, but my argument would be to you, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. It's never a good idea to bad mouth anybody in any profession. The cynical side in me tells me LO, Luke et al are being fakers. believe me, i openly complement my biggest enemy in the workplace cuz i know those types (kobe types) will come after you like mad if you cross them. that's my central argument on why guys with real stature turn down playing with kobe.

“I would make the argument that both the Cavaliers and the Warriors are currently more talented than the Lakers.”

I might have misspoken or mislead you. I can argue that Cavs and Worriors have similar talent in aggregate.

“Stephen Jackson may be a head case off the court, but on the court he plays ball. We don't really want to
talk about Smush or Kwame do we? :)”

I can’t argue with you on Jackson, but I was impressed with the loyalty Jackson displayed publicly for Davis. And I don’t think Jackson was pretending either. Again, I appreciate the chat even though we don’t agree.

DAVID PETERSON

“Isn't playing with Kobe a bit like having what you think is mind blowing sex with a porn star, only to have her go out and tell everyone how undersized you are?”

LOL. I will neither confirm nor deny those allegations. I will give you a smile from ear to ear though.

HAHA $hits and Giggles for KL...........

Looks like I've been vindicated with my assertion what NOBODY OF STATURE WANTS TO PLAY WITH KOBE.

KG to PHX=Championship Opportunity.

KB in LA=Circus with the Biggest A$$hole in the NBA.

KB to Bulls=Big F-U Very Much from Paxon

Where are you going to go now kobe?? How about Atlanta or Memphis to win more scoring titles?

Haha! What say you Mitchell, Lakertom, Kobe Apologist, Troy and Samir (aka Hari). i hear crickets churpping (and i don't mean the sport cricket for Hari).

staples24

"ALL WE NEED IS TO TRADE KWAME BROWN FOR MICHAEL OLOWOKANDI!"

i get it, trade one stiff for another stiff......great idea.

"WE DONT NEED JO OR KG. THE ONLY THING WE NEED IS GET RID OF SMUSH AND KWAME. WE GOT SMUSH OUT, ONE MORE TO GO AND WE WILL BE FINE!"

maybe Magic and Worthy will come out of retirement? look, please admit that kobe is an a$$hole who destroyed the laker almost-dynasty by chasing shaq away.

JOURNAL OF NICKNAMES FOR KOBE AND KOBE DISCIPLES (update#5)

*Additions from previous version

Kobe Bryant is the:
Big Whiner
Big Pluto
Big Charlatan
Big Loser
Big Malcontent
Big Narcist
Big Rat
Big Snake
Big Mambo, Mambo#8, Mambo#24
Big Tito Jackson
Big LaToya Jackson
Big Faker
Big Blamer
Big Finger Pointer
Big Du-mass
Big Backstabber
Big Pippen Wannabe
Big Dominic Wannabe
Big Drama Queen
Big Irrelevant (credit to Gunner24)
Big Crybaby
Big Envy
Big Green with Envy
Big “Be Like Mike”
Big $3Million Dollar “to Make You Holler” Ring
Big “Trade Me, Don’t Trade Me, Trade Me Again”
Big Waffle
Big “Right Now”
Big Jerkoff
Big A$$hole
Big Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton
Big Diva
Big KBiatch
Big Primadonna
Big Liar
Big Tantrum
Big Poision
Big Selfish
Big Loner
Big Anti-LBJ and Anti-Wade
Big Unnatural Elbow
Big Dirty Player
Big Love Me, Hate Me Stupid Nike Ad
Big Cheater
Big Adulterer
Most Selfish Ever
Great Individual (credit to Maleke)
Big Self Loather
Big Unhappy
Big Insatiable
Big Conceited
Big Prick (credit to Waterboy)
Big Bad Apple
*Big Transparent
*Big Dynasty Killer
*Big No KG
*Big No Bulls

Kobe Disciples are:
Kobe Apologist=Kobe's Toilet
Mitchell=Kobe’s Agent=Jerry McGuire
LakerTom=KobeTom
Troy=Al Sharpton or Jesse Jacskon
Hariyahu=Samir from Office Space
Ric Bucher=Kobe’s Puppet Not Named Mitchell=Kobe’s Whipping Boy

I remember when there was point in Lamar's first year as a Laker when I dispised the guy. The second year I hated him until the second half of the season when I started to see with my very eyes the fruit of his hard work and dedication. Lamar's game has improved by leaps and bounds. Reading about how Lamar sat in the locker room crying after giving it his all, and him having lost a baby months earlier kind of made me angry at another ungrateful Laker who will remain nameless. Lamar truly is a good spirit. NOW I want a clean swap of Nash for Kobe. Nash will make Lamar an all-star, and clean up the bad Karma of the team. Plus we get to keep all the young talent. Could this trade happen?

C-Kwame?/Bymum/Turiaf?
PF-Radmanovic/Turiaf/Cook
SF-Lamar/Luke
SG-Sasha/Evans
PG-Nash/Farmar
I would make Radmanovic a starter with Nash and Lamar playing at the same time. Lamar is a good distributer but Nash can give it to you wide open. Team basketball can be as fun as a one man show. This team looks like with the personalities involved could have good chemistry. I bet Phil would salivate his chops at the thought of such a collective personality.
Sasha and Radmanovic would most likely thrive. I wouldn't start Turiaf over Radmonovic early in the season unless Radmanovic was playing poorly. Turiaf needs to develop that mid range jumper better.
I like all of these guys's defensive body language but I don't know about Radmanovic yet.

let's be positive,

this time next year, Mitch Kupchak will no longer be employed....

ANYBODY ELSE NOTICE???

Everything was going great when Dr. Buss spoke to the Wolve's owner....until Cupcake got involved

BTW - ANyone else notice that ESPN keeps pushing this "KG to Suns" deal....there are certain connections there between Steve Kerr and the other writers/reporters

LAKER NATION -

TONIGHT WE SHOULD ALL COLLECTIVELY PRAY FOR A KG TO LAKERS TRADE

WHO'S WITH ME?

IF THIS TRADE DOESN'T GO DOWN, WE'RE DOOMED

AND IF KG GETS TRADED TO PHEONIX, WE'RE DOOMED FOR THE NEXT 6 YEARS =(

KG Missle Crisis - Nobody wants to see us get him

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/06/27/the-kevin-garnett-missile-crisis/

Edwin Gueco,

Worry not, I took no offense to your response, as it was in the spirit of the blog. I too have been caught up in the crazy Laker hurricane for the past few days and would love, as much as anybody, to see Kobe and KG play together. But, based on everything I've read, watched and heard (which, I imagine, is the same as yourself) I just get the feeling that a KG/Kobe duo won't be taking place in L.A. That being said, Bynum, Farmar and Turiaf isn't a bad core to start with. Especially if the Lakers add to the core by trading for Luther Head and perhaps dipping into free agency to get Gerald Wallace. And, come Thursday, if they still have their draft pick, perhaps they can add another promising young talent to the core group. Say what you will about the Laker front office, but they've drafted well the last few years. Walton, Cook, Turiaf, Bynum and Farmar may not be stars (yet?), but they've all developed into players who can contribute and, barring a top five pick, that's about all you can hope for. All and all, for me, it's not such a bleak outlook.

Sonnybelfast,

Your acknowledgment of my post is kudos enough.

Martin

why the hell did we ever trade for this guy? imagine if we had caron. we wouldn't be in this situation and could easily get garnett if we wanted to. i can't wait till his contract comes off the books.

Edwin...

Sure no human being is perfect but the point is...

-compare Kobe to a guy who doesn't do all the above.Just becasue he does it doesnt make him as bad as alot of other people but compared to a lot of people it doesn't make him a 'great ' person....or at the very least it should be obviousl why a lot of people wouldnt have the perspective that he was.

KL,
"Haha! What say you Mitchell, Lakertom, Kobe Apologist, Troy and Samir (aka Hari). i hear crickets churpping (and i don't mean the sport cricket for Hari)."

THE CRICKETS ARE CHURPING BIG TIME FOR THE BIG CHURPER!!!

KL,

KOBE TO PLUTO = THE MOST POSSIBLE DESINATION!

HA HA!

NO KG FOR LA?

"With trade talks between the Timberwolves and Lakers regarding Kevin Garnett cooling down, an old deal reportedly found new life. Reports late Tuesday night said that negotiations in a three-way deal with the Wolves, Suns and Celtics had been revived," according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Could anything be more discouraging?

TJ Simers says, "Right now some Lakers fans are so-far gone that if the team elected to trade Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Kwame Brown, Brad Penny, Vladimir Guerrero and Jeanie & Phil's first born to Minnesota they'd be giddy with delight."

No, TJ. You're wrong.

If the KG deal doesn't happen for the Lakers, fans would definitely giddily trade Jim Buss, Johnny Buss, and Mitch Kupchak to the circus. It's a trio poised to look good in clown suits.

kobe admitted to detectives he had numerous woman in different cities that he had "relationships" with. if that is your definition of a good husband and role model, then kob is your guy. as for me, i will take a man that is faithful to his values and doesn't just fake it for pr reasons.

Amount of time I spend worrying about the moral qualities of professional athletes/entertainers: 0.002 hours/year
Amount of time I spend worrying if the Lakers are going to next field a great team: Way too many hours/year.

People, please quit speculating about the character of these players. We don't know them. Superficial traits like public persona, locker room rapport and leadership issues are clearly relevant, but deeper moral evaluations? C'mon... we are not therapists or even the PTA. Except for recent bouts of loud foolishness, Kobe's been a consistently private guy. Let's leave it at that.

east coast fan, "kobe admitted to detectives he had numerous woman in different cities that he had "relationships"

Fan and i use the word advisedly, whatever relationship kobe had or did not have is
between him and his wife and you don't have a damn thing to do with that. Second
if you are a lkaer fan then you must really be miserable watching the Lakers with
your puritanical ideas so why the hell don't you watch another team. This one man
one wife dieal is just a very recent one so far as civilization is concerned and there
are several countries sects and tribes that still practice it today so if you don't like it
that's cool but don't try to put your morals on anybody else. Damn near every
President of the United States was "UNfaithful" according to your definaition yet
our country still seems to have survived. Who know's their very unfaithfullnes
may have been the thing that made them succeed in their office. Bush, Clinton
Bush, Reagan, Nixon, Johnson, Eisenhower and Truman were all "unfaithful"
according to your definition. The only President in that Lineage that wasn't
according to Scholars is Jimmy Carter.
SO EAST COAST, I GUESS WHAT I AM SAYING IS WHY DON'T YOU PICK ANOTHER
TEAM BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE ON THIS BLOG ARE TIRED OF YOUR CONSTANT
SICK A** WHINNING. BUT I GUESS THAT'S WHAT GET'S YOUR PURITANCAL
A** OFF.
To the rest of the Bloggers I apologize, but we all know what time it is.

With Garnett's contract clause he has to be traded by 7-1. Which means he has to be traded b/4 the draft. Today is the day... Garnett to Suns or Lakers.. It doesn't look good. Our only hope is Marion goes KOBE and refuses extention in Boston.

This could be a very sad day in Laker Land. Marion please say no to Boston..please!!

EAst Coast Fan,

Then the vast majority of NBA players, NFL players, MLB players, NHL players are not good fathers/role models because it historically known that these athletes are permicuous. My point? If you only concentrate your judgement one person (Kobe), and you deliberately ignore all the other athletes (and men in general) who cheat, then you are being biased against Kobe (for whatever given reason), and you cannot refute that.

The D,
"People, please quit speculating about the character of these players."
Agreed. That applies to calling them "role models", too.

********************************************************************************************************
* ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY IS THANK GOD THE DEAL FEEL THROUGH
AND LAMAR IS STILL HERE DAY
*******************************************************************************************************
___________TODAYS NEWS ___________
(1) PARIS HILTON NO LONGER POLITICAL PRISONER, THE POWER OF
THE PEOPLE FORCED THE RELEASE OF THIS GREAT SISTER.
(2) KEVIN GARNETT CAPTURED BEFORE ESCAPING CAPTIVITY FROM
HIS CAPTORS. MITCH NOW DECLARES HE WILL DO ALL IN HIS POWER
TO FREE THIS WARRIOR.
(3) LAMAR ODOM ANOTHER GREAT WARRIOR IS STILL A MEMBER
OF THE ELITE LAKER BRIGADE. TO WHICH LAKERDOM SAID ON
SECOND THOUGHT ILL TAKE LAMAR
(4) BYNUM( SOX ) PREPARING TO SHOW THE WORLD HIS TRUE GREATNESS
WHILE OTHER LAKERS ARE ON VACATION WHERE WAS SOX FOUND LAST
WEEK/? WHY IN THE LAKERS PRACTICE FACILITY IMPROVING HIS GAME

THATS ALL THE NEWS FOR NOW
And now.ROLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL:
Faith, Taliq, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, FATTY, MITCHELL, KIWI, RespectMyAuthorith,
TIM-4-SHOW, WESJOENIXON, TALIQ, BAYWOOD, Khang, Bobie,SBPIMP
NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, WOW, EXHELODRVR, J-COOL
JJ, AJAX, MIKE T., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, DAVID WHANG, GENERIC_ONE
VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, Tha Show, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild, Laker4Life
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, TWOODY, EASTCOASTJESSIE,
Zakee, Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas,
Fan of Mamba, Mamba24Fan4Life, BlackMamba24, FKilla, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST)
Waterboy, Hariyahu, ADAM KILEY,Bynum=The BigLazy, ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24
COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude, J.Walter Weatherman, SOCALIFE,
Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman, Gunner24, GINO,
CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36, PAUL LEE, Jay EL
WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, James da Kingpin, BERKLEYLAKER,
DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, JimBussIsAMoron, JR, Dascilla
GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack, TheKobeShow, Jay Jay, TaosHum
Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER LAKER FANS, wiZo, MagicShaq,
HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO, BikBlonde,
Mfeige, Stples24, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time

ALL TOGETHER NOW
LAMAR AND SOX PLEASE DOT TRADE ALL WE NEED IS
CHAUNCIES FADE.

The D,

The problem with your request is that this blog is innudated with personal attacks against Kobe, that have no bearing on our beloved Laker team.

Personally, I find it very disturbing that people whom have never had personal contact and/or interaction, or have friends/relatives with personal contact or interaction with Kobe Bryant can harbor such intense hatred for him. Isn't that strange?

With all of the malcontents in various sports and in general life, we have people who, for whatever psychotic reason, concentrate their hatred and judgement on Kobe, and they don't even know Kobe.

How can you hate someone so much that hasn't done anything directly to you?