All quiet on the Western front ... a little too quiet for some
Derek Fisher officially met the media Friday afternoon, once again a Laker. But given how things have gone this summer, Kobe Bryant again dominated conversation across the hoops universe (you know, aside from the allegations that a referee had helped fix games, calling into question the integrity of an entire professional sport). Kobe took no steps Friday to clear up the whole Lakers-or-no-Lakers question when he met the media as a member of USA Basketball. He admitted his Grand Radio Tour sent mixed signals, but feels this isn't the time to clarify his position, even when given a few cracks at it by an old friend. Still, he said lots of nice things ... just not the nice thing.
We've all spent a lot of time trying to decode the tea leaves on this one, and even Fish said people shouldn't read too much into his return to the Lakers, at least as it relates to Kobe. At this point, unless the answer is, "I'm committed to staying in L.A. and trust management to do the right things," he's probably better staying mum on the subject. By doing so, it'll continue to fuel speculation that he wants out, but that can't be avoided, especially if Kobe's still harboring some issues with the folks in El Segundo. He is right that to turn the USA Basketball season into a Laker Circus isn't fair. And even if Kobe does say he wants to stay, there's an element of distraction, too. "Are you happy with Mitch? Can this group win a championship? Do you still want Jerry West?" And so on and so forth.
All of this is a consequence of how things went down this summer. That Kobe repeatedly said he wished things had gone down differently is sticking to the plan of keeping things in-house is a positive sign. It might cause the rest of us to wonder out loud, but clearly it's better than the media-frenzied alternative. The more public this spat becomes, the worse it is for everyone.
But since all that's left is for us to speculate ... let's do it. I wonder if Kobe really knows what he wants. I doubt he's gained a lot more trust of management, specifically that a championship-caliber team can be assembled around him quickly. On the other hand, he clearly understands the fallout from everything that went down didn't make him look good, and he is trying to repair the damage. And I think Kobe understands the team isn't going to move him. So that leaves a holdout come training camp, and to start talking about that with the media in mid-July is a horrible idea.
Personally, I think he'll be there. With bells on? I have no idea. That he hasn't come out and said he'll be a Laker in October certainly makes you wonder what he wants. Or if he knows.
-- BK
Watching the Blue and White game, how can anyone say we shouldn't have made the deal for JKidd. Best point guard in the game...period!
Posted by: Steve in Denver | July 22, 2007 at 06:45 PM
Kobe dominant in U.S. intrasquad game
Updated: Jul.22, 2007, 9:14 pm EDTLAS VEGAS (AP) -- Kobe Bryant is still the biggest NBA star in Las Vegas.
Bryant scored 26 points, including the go-ahead jumper with 6.6 seconds left, to lead the blue team to a 105-104 victory over the white Sunday as the United States closed its weekend minicamp with an intrasquad game.
Five months after he was the MVP of the All-Star game here, Bryant took over down the stretch in his long-awaited first game in a USA jersey. He scored seven points in the final 2 minutes, including a 3-pointer over LeBron James that tied the game at 101 after the blue trailed by double digits earlier in the fourth quarter.
Bryant also forced James into a tough shot at the buzzer that missed.
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 06:58 PM
Summer Camp
Bynum (Shaq)
Odom (Horry)
Vlad (Fox)
Bryant
Fisher
VS.
Mihm
Kwame (Madsen)
Walton (George)
Evans
Crittenton (Pargo)
VS
Turiaf
Cook
Sasha
Farmar
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 22, 2007 at 07:00 PM
Kobe really lost 19lbs? Doesn't look quite that way
Posted by: Bonez | July 22, 2007 at 07:11 PM
David Stern says they will "take the necessary steps to protect against this ever happening again."
If there were steps that could be taken to protect against this, then he should resign for not taking them.
The Gambino crime family and the NBA together in the news as the FBI drops casual mention of players and other officials... other than that, how was your weekend Mr Stern?
If Andrew, Kwam and C.Mihm stay healthy this year, it will be an upgrade depending on the point spread.
Posted by: Vman | July 22, 2007 at 07:12 PM
In days as today when Kobe show who is the man...the other players in the NBA just have to swalow pride and admit that Kobe is the best player.
In the court nobody matched Kobe intensity/.
Who were in the court playing alongside KOBE in the last 2 minutes?: Durant, Carmelo, Tyson Chandler and Hinrich . (non all stars)
Who were playing in the other team the last 2 minutes?
Jason Kidd, Bosh, Prince, Redd, Lebron James. (3 all stars)
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 07:23 PM
Did anyone see the USA scrimmage? It was better than th all star game because the players were really working hard all game. JK was balling. He only had 2 points (i think) but he had control of the game from the start. I was quite impressed with Durant. The young man can ball with the best in the NBA (Today). But Kobe was the game MVP and won it in the last few seconds. That's the way he does it. No matter when...no matter where.
Who do you think will make the team?
Posted by: tellitlikeitis | July 22, 2007 at 07:32 PM
Im not back, still enjoying my summer and loving my girl.
But did you guys see Kobe!!!!!! OMG!!!!, I was just happy to see him bounce the ball!!! Like Ive been saying you cant keep arguing why Kobe should not be traded with those that want him to get traded. All you have to tell them is go look at some Kobe tapes and you will understand why we aint gone let Kobe go anywhere.
I so miss BBALL!!! But that was refreshing!!!
Hope all of you are enjoying your summer.
Posted by: wow | July 22, 2007 at 07:37 PM
For those of you that watched the scrimmage, can you imagine Kobe and Kidd on the same team? WOW. If this duo could dominate an all-star squad, imagine the damage they could do together against the guards in the Western Conference. Radmonivich would become a dangerous weapon all of a sudden. With Kidd, Lamar, Vlad and Kobe, our fast break would be lethal. One of the team's major weaknesses, our perimiter defense, would suddenly become our strong suit. I am really embarassed to quote Tiffany, but "it could have been so beautiful".
Posted by: Mitchell | July 22, 2007 at 07:48 PM
Two side of the coin: Lebron or Kobe?
Faceoff: Post staff writers debate hot topics.
Q: Who should be the face of USA Basketball - Kobe Bryant or LeBron James?
One pick Lebron, other Pick Kobe and both say why.
Chris Dempsey: LeBron James
LeBron presents flawless front NBA needs
The Face cannot have blemishes.
This means no news conferences on other people's time talking about your problems. No instances of bashing teammates, demanding trades, slamming management or otherwise shady behavior.
Thus, Kobe Bryant cannot be the face of USA Basketball. During a critical moment in the tournament, can we really be sure he won't snatch the ball from Carmelo Anthony's hands, call play 2-4 and take over? Will he wave off a Coach K play, clear out the side and "take this inferior player to the rack?"
Anyone think that's out of the realm of possibility? No. That being the case, Bryant can't be The Face.
Expectations of class, humility, on- court excellence, sportsmanship and leadership go into being the face of USA Basketball. By my count it's Le- Bron James 5, Bryant maybe 2 in those categories. Will there be more media present at a Kobe news conference than a LeBron news conference? Absolutely. But media clamoring to hear what you have to say doesn't mean much if the words are, "I'll talk about that later" or "I didn't say that" or "I shouldn't have said that."
When have we heard that from James?
The 22-year-old star is wise beyond his years and arguably the best player on Team USA - and he does it all without toting a bunch of personal baggage. He dances on stage at the ESPYs, will host "Saturday Night Live" and meshes all of it with basketball in a seemingly effortless way. And we like to see him - not in train-wreck Kobe fashion - but because we actually like to see him.
No Clearasil required.
Marc J. Spears: Kobe Bryant
Talent says it all, so Kobe only choice
I asked 10 NBA all-stars last season who they would choose as the league's most talented player. Eight picked Kobe Bryant.
So KOBE BRYANT: His superstar skills are too much to ignore. If Bryant is considered the most talented player in the NBA, the best league in the world, he has to be considered the face of USA Basketball.
Bryant proved his staying power by overcoming a sexual assault accusation and regained his popularity among the most heralded athletes in the world.
When he displayed a distaste this summer for the direction the Lakers were taking, the NBA world stopped and listened.
Bryant led the league in scoring last season. He has three championship rings. LeBron James is just getting started. While "King James" truly is a talented player, he has a long way to go to match Bryant's résumé.
While the Nuggets won a game against NBA champion San Antonio in the playoffs last season, James couldn't lead his Cavaliers to even one victory in the NBA Finals. As great as the Spurs are, Bryant could have willed the pitiful Lakers to at least one victory.
James has yet to show an all-around game that can transfer to international play. He averaged six points fewer than the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony for Team USA last year in the world championships.
Kobe? At the FIBA Americas Championship tournament next month, expect him to lead Team USA in scoring and get the last shot in clutch situations.
Bryant not only is the most talented basketball player, his jersey is the hottest seller in the NBA. Expect his USA Basketball jersey to be the hottest commodity, too. He simply has greater fan appeal.
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_6434175
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 07:52 PM
Kevin Durant: Kobe is one of my idols.
While USA team is loaded with stars, Seattle rookie and USA swingman Kevin Durant seemed most in awe of Bryant.
"(Thursday) night we had a team meeting and Kobe walked in. I was like, 'That's Kobe Bryant,"' Durant said.
"It kind of hit me, but then I had to cross back to reality because we are out here competing and trying to get better. I can't look at it as he's one of my idols. We're playing basketball together."
http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_6434144
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 07:58 PM
TaosHum
Thanks for clarifying that you are not a hater. But, I'd like to comment on your concerns:
1) He asked to be traded only because the FO is unable or unwilling to get the kind of talent that will put the lakers in contention for a championship. He should not be condemned for that. He was right that they were unwilling to trade for JK, which after seeing JK today, we all should be mad at the FO.
2) He said that if the lakers had a chance to get JK they should have given up Bynum. I understand why he said it. Byunm has not shown that he has the work ethic to be great, only good. Too bad it was on video, but he didn't know that and he apologized to Bynum. He shouldn't be condemned.
3) Yes, Kobe Bryant takes over games (period). He took over the USA scrimmage today too. And, they won.!!! The difference is that his laker teammates choose to stand around and watch. Talented players (i.e.Darant) get in on the action and contribute. Kobe shouldn't be condemned.
I humbly submit, Kobe is not the problem with the lakers, inferior talent is the problem. He cannot make inferior players good enough to win championships, no matter who good or great he is. He is not GOD. BTW, he is not a PG a la JK, he's a 2 whose job it is to score.
Someone please explain to me why Kobe should "make the players better", when the FO can't or won't?
Just my take.
Posted by: tellitlikeitis | July 22, 2007 at 08:01 PM
Kobe single-handlely defined the outcome of this game.
Back to the action in Las Vegas on Sunday. Jason Kidd and LeBron James led the White team, while Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony lit it up for the Blue team. There was plenty of fun for everyone, though.
The White team led most of the way before Kobe Bryant hit a go ahead shot with six seconds to go. LeBron's answer clanked off the backboard letting the Blue escape with the win.
Kobe made the game and showed that he could will USA Basketball to a gold medal if that is his focus. Kobe single-handedly turned up the intensity of the game by playing crazy D on several possessions while matched up against both Kidd and LeBron. His effort forced both to raise their game. I became convinced there were some heavy side bets on the line for the final outcome.
Kidd looked rested and ready to lead, as well. He had several spectacular passes that weren't converted to assists simply because Dwight Howard and LeBron James aren't used to having the ball delivered on time when they don't appear open.
Kevin Durant had a sensational stretch of playing time in the second half. His bench press numbers didn't seem to slow down his outside shot or interior moves. More than once, I thought he was a more seasoned pro and caught myself saying, "Wait a minute, that was Durant?" Plus, he knows how to play the game, passing, spacing, running the break, the little things. Durant more than held his own finishing with 22 points while playing down the stretch for the Blue team as they pulled out the win. Super Sonic indeed!
Is Mike Miller always this good? Dude was fabulous for the White team (quit laughing, J.J. Reddick and Kirk Hinrich were on the Blue team). Miller was bombing away nicely which is expected, but he also mixed it up inside a bit and had a couple of sweet fast break finishing dunks. He sure would fit in nicely with Jim O'Brien's plans.
The 17 player team has to be cut down to 12 for the late August Tournament of the Americas. Should be tough since guys like Deron Williams and Mike Miller appear to be solid contributors. Plus, all the bigs played great which included Dwight Howard, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, and even Tyson Chandler. Greg Oden will try to join the team late, but I can't see him cracking the 12 man roster at this point. Should be interesting. Yes, I'm aware that I have an unhealthy obsession with the NBA to get so excited about a USA Basketball scrimmage. But let me tell you, it was exciting even if you only have a mild obsession with the L. I have it on my DVR so come on over any time. Odds are me or the boy will be watching the game, again.
http://www.indycornrows.com/story/2007/7/22/221751/750
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 08:04 PM
OMFG!!!
What a game, and what a team. These guys would most definitley hold thier own against Dream Team 1.
KB showed once again that he is the best player in the world, but the level of talent on this team is amazing. Durant looks like he will live up to the hype.
Kidd should have been a Laker!
Posted by: Steve in Denver | July 22, 2007 at 08:12 PM
Jorema,
did you watch the game? All i saw Kobe do was shoot, and get blown by on defense when LeBron took him to the basket. His defense was only effective because of the defenders down low.
How many shots did Kobe take in comparison to his teammates, is there a boxscore??
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 08:13 PM
Photo of Kobe shooting for the win against the tough defense of Tashaun Prince
http://www.nba.com/gallery/photos/070722_3.html
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 08:16 PM
u guys saw the game? Kobe is a masterpiece. I think the press should just shut up and stop calling lebron the best player in d league. Kobe rules
Posted by: Tosin | July 22, 2007 at 08:21 PM
by the way, LeBron also stuffed Kobe on a break-away Dunk.
On my one positive Kobe note of the night...he has a slimmer look and I believe he said he lost around 20 lbs...he looks like the old Kobe, and perhaps a little more conditioned/durable so that he doesnt fade away late in games in the playoffs as he did againt Phoenix.
Btw..im watching this game on tv taped delay...and all Kobe does is SHOOT..he and Carmelo seem to believe that they're the only ones on the team, but even Kobe makes Carmelo seem like Jason Kidd.
BTW...Kevin Durant looks REALLY GOOD. Dude makes those little plays. Like getting through box outs and rebounds, hitting open shots, make smarts passes. He looks like a winner..sort of like Tayshaun prince with an offensive game..already.
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 08:22 PM
Watch the video with the shot.....
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2893693096944814137&q=nba+usa+team+2007&total=36&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 08:25 PM
So much for putting the Kings, or any NBA team in Lost Wages.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | July 22, 2007 at 08:26 PM
It was nice to see that above D Stern's scandal statement of policy on the NBA site, there was a basketball game, stocked with new and old familiar stars, playin' the game for the pride of their country. Nice.
Watchin' Durant shine, I wonder if Portland is starting to get that old familiar Sam Bowie feein'.
Posted by: Vman | July 22, 2007 at 08:28 PM
Jordan Farmar's Israeli link
Los Angeles Lakers player Jordan Farmar and Israeli step-father Yehuda Kolani talk about Israel, Judaism and, of course, basketball .
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3425115,00.html
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 08:33 PM
Jorema,
That article..was a HORRIBLE misreprensentation of the game..In fact..did you WRITE that yourself???
how is 26 points dominant when 5 other guys had more than 20 points???? Carmelo, Durant, Howard and even MIKE freakin Miller had more than 20?????
damn..those Kobe lovers even infiltrated the journalists..but..somehow I you wrote that..
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 08:43 PM
Edwin,
What a hypocrite you are. I thought I just read a post from you in the last day or so, in which YOU said the bloggers need to stop making "personal" attacks on each other. If you go back and reread my post you will notice I did not call "you" stupid. I did not personalize my comments to you. I merely took the liberty of assuming you believe Mitch and the FO are stupid based on the personal attacks you make on them every chance you get. While you may not have directly referred to them as stupid, I believe that is what you think.
Also please note, I am fairly well versed with the NBA Salary cap. I completely understand the basic issues the cap creates, however, the CBA is a very complicated contract. I am not a professional in this field, nor do I wish to be. On occasion I am wrong in my understanding of a clause, or I've simply overlooked a paragraph. If I misstate something it is a misunderstanding on my part, but again, this is not my field and I could care less about knowing every single nuance of the agreement.
I do try to apply common sense to the issues that are raised here on this blog. Many days I just read and don't post. Some days I don't have the time to even read. When I do post, I do so because I have a passion for the Lakers and the NBA in general. I've been watching the pro game for almost 50 years and that, in and of itself, certainly qualifies me to post my comments regarding proposed trades, real or hypothetical.
It is very irritating when you constantly piss and moan about the owners, the manager, the FO, the players. You demand trades, you want changes, but you are not considering what a complete shambles we would have in a couple of years if some of your trades were actually implemented. That's not meant as a personal attack on you, it's just an observation on my part. None of us know what the actual trade negotiations were, who was offered, or not offered, for whom. None of us know what baggage was trying to be included with a player you, or I, may have thought we could use on our team. I just know that it doesn't work to "gut" your team to get 1 player, especially if that player is at, or approaching the end of his career. What do we do in 2 years if J-Kidd is gone and Kobe opts out? Maybe we just move the D-league team up to the mother ship and hope for the best.
Big time trades seldom work out for both teams. One team will usually make out okay, the other usually won't. As little trust as you have in the FO, Mitch and the Buss family, I'm really surprised that you continually call for them to make a big trade.
BTW, regardless of J-Kidds performance today, I still don't trade for him if the trade pieces still include LO and Bynum.
Posted by: LakerLarry | July 22, 2007 at 08:53 PM
http://www.nba.com/usabasketball/boxscore.jsp
For those of you who are Kobe lovers, check out his comparisons to Kevin Durant.
KD35 had more rebounds, fewer turnovers, and a much higher field goal percentage compared to Kobe. Not to mention that Durant hardly got the ball because nobody seemed to want to pass the ball to the rook.
Not to mention that Kobe failed to PASS in the final couple of minutes. Missed a wide open Carmelo anthony on a fast break just so that he could shoot himself.
Kobe also had the benefit in that final shot of having one-on-one coverage since everyone else was capable of hitting the shot...
By the way, Kevin Durant, if you caught the game, was ridicuously good. He doesnt seem to be full of himself on the court, knows his role, and just makes plays. If he gains like 15 pounds of muscle, dude will be top 5 player.
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 08:53 PM
The Lake-Show,
When will you learn that 2 points in the first quarter is much different than 2 points in the final minutes of a close game????? WHEN????
Posted by: Mitchell | July 22, 2007 at 08:56 PM
Lake Show, the box score is at http://www.nba.com/usabasketball/boxscore.jsp
Please read it carefully. How does Kobe make Carmelo look like Jason Kidd? By shooting 2 less times than Carmelo? By having the same amount of assists (4) as Carmelo? Or is it Kobe's 6 steals? Kobe really did take over in the last minutes of the game. There's also this quote on the NBA.com blog : My man Mo Brooks (you know him as Mr. Rankings) just IMed me with, "Kobe is the best I've ever seen."
So how was Kobe's performance misrepresented? This is why we normal objective people call you "haters".
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | July 22, 2007 at 09:00 PM
I hope Kidd's contract with the Nets is almost over. I bet he will sign with the lakers. Kidd seems like he wants to play with Kobe.
Laker Show,
You are a HATER period. You are full of hateroade.
Posted by: wow | July 22, 2007 at 09:00 PM
Didn't take long for the haters to come out. miss van exel, you are a moron. Your one positive, he looks slimmer? All he does is shoot? If you actually watched the game you would know how dominated and forced the outcome. He played within the offense, took the open shot, and was very intense on D. I could almost hear you squeeling with delight when Bron stuffed him on that dunk.
Kidd was right there with KB, and if not for KB's will, Kidd would have won that game for the white.
Pull your head out
Posted by: Steve in Denver | July 22, 2007 at 09:02 PM
wow just watched the usa challenge and kobe showed up.. i believe it was his first usa game/scrim as well.. its could to see him make the winning bucket and stopped lebron from making the winning shot in the game.. it showed he can be a leader for the usa team and after asking to defend the best player from the opposing team it showed that he can and should
Posted by: kball | July 22, 2007 at 09:04 PM
Mitchell,
"When will you learn that 2 points in the first quarter is much different than 2 points in the final minutes of a close game????? WHEN????"
Oh, cool!! So it doesn't matter when the Lakers get the crap knocked out of them every third quarter, lose the halftime lead, and fall behind, as long as they win the fourth quarter!! In that case, sign me up for the 27-loss bandwagon!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 22, 2007 at 09:05 PM
Boy does Kobe look good out there in Vegas.
Man of man!!!
The guy's competitive juices are vintage Tiger Woods like.
His jumper is like a layup now.
As he gets comfortable at this light weight he is going to be every bit as good as the last 2 and then some.
That clutch shot could be a signal that he's nailing more big ones this yr than ever.
Can we get JO for Bynum and Odom and start balling!!!
Posted by: LakerBake | July 22, 2007 at 09:08 PM
Kevin Durant looked good but Seattle is gonna be in the lottery again and lose a TON of games.
He is still a deer in headlights compared to the veterans.
He can play, works hard and can shoot. The strength issue is kinda credible. His rebounding is not like with the Longhorns.
He's gonna be a fine player but can't come close to Kobe or even LeBron/DWade/Melo right now.
His body needs to fill out a bit.
Great skills though
Posted by: LakerBake | July 22, 2007 at 09:10 PM
Mitchell,
Did you watch the game????? If you did, then you can talk.
If you want to give someone credit for winning the game..its probably Kevin Durant who had 20 SECOND HALF points and about 10 when their team was trailing by 9. Now thats not 2 points in the first half. Give me a break.
Kobe can be credited for making that tough shot at the end..but seriously..you dont think anyone else on that team can make a last second shot with one-on-one coverage??
Im not saying Kobe didnt play well, but he wasnt amazing, wasnt the best player on the court, and wasnt the "key" for them winning.
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 09:13 PM
Hey Laker Tom,
I feel your enthusiasm and optimistic feel but I can't believe you want to wait and see Andrew before moving him.
This kid they call Socks would not even go hard all the time from an energy standpoint and intensity standpoint while being coached and pushed by a legend (Kareem) and playing with a great role model for work ethic in KOBE.
I'd lose a LUNG to be in that kid's position playing for "CAP" (Kareem).
He showed me enough last yr.
Pull the trigger Mitch!
JO for Bynum, Odom, and either Sasha or Farmar to make the contracts work.
Our defense improves as JO anchors it, and we have a guy who can score down low in the clutch against the premier bigs in the league.
With D-Fish on board, I am on board for this trade. It makes more sense now than earlier this summer.
Let's do it Mitch, what you think Laker Tom, Ex??????
Posted by: LakerBake | July 22, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Wow, you Kobe haters are unbelievable.
Awesome game by kobe. That was better than any allstar game i've ever seen. What a game!
Posted by: two0one7 | July 22, 2007 at 09:19 PM
Three observations about the USA scrimmage - mostly involving our dear Kobe Bryant.
1) Kevin Durant is going to be a monster in this league. Not in 5 years, not in the 3 years - this guy is ready now. To be able to compete and have an impact in a game filled with NBA All-Stars, NBA Champions, and Future Hall of Famers speaks volumes for this kids talent. I was amazed at his poise, skill set, and overall focus. I always thought that he was the better player between Oden and himself. But this certainly solidified my thoughts.
2) Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd together probably wouldn't work. I'm probably going to be crucified for saying such blasphemy for those who supported the possible Kidd trade - but after watching Kobe pass up an easy play to a wide open Carmelo Anthony in the waning moments of the game may prove my point. The play would've given the Blue Team a lead - but Kobe either didn't see him or decided to take matters into this own hands. His track record would prove that he decided to take matters into this own hands. The reason why I think Jason Kidd wouldn't be a good fit with Kobe is becaus Kidd needs the ball in this hands to create and so does Kobe. Now - of course, they weren't on the same team this time around so my argument could be a moot point if and when they play together. But Kidd and Lebron had great chemistry going and I just can't see Kobe functioning the same way. He's always been the type of person that creates for himself and I just can't see him as a Rip Hamilton/Reggie Miller type of player. As good as Kobe is, there's an area in his game that is a bit lacking - and that's movement without the ball. I've just never really seen it from him.
3) There is not one person on the court today that matches Kobe's intensity and competitive spirit - Kidd may be a close second. Again, perhaps it's his reputation as the "best" player in the league or his inability to recognize other team-mates, but it just seems as though everyone sort of surrenders themselves to him in the waning moments. It could be that he becomes more of a Black Hole than the Black Mamba once the ball is thrown to him in late game situations - but you can just tell how they just look to him to lead the way. There's not one person on this USA team that I would trust with the ball with the game on the line than him - no one. If you don't believe me, just watch the last 6 seconds of the game and see what Lebron does.
Just my 2 cents.
On a side note - Jessica Biel has the best backside in the business.
Ahlayn
Posted by: ahlaynu | July 22, 2007 at 09:25 PM
Kobe was so damn dominant in playing for USA. Kobe made the last seven shots including the game winner!
That game showed why Btyant is the best palyer in the game.
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 22, 2007 at 09:27 PM
"KD35 had more rebounds, fewer turnovers, and a much higher field goal percentage compared to Kobe. "
Duh - he's a CENTER! Of course he had more rebounds and a higher shooting percentage - he's playing three feet from the frigging basket! And fewer turnovers - do you think the fact that Kobe's a guard and handles the ball more has anything to do with that??
Posted by: SBPimp | July 22, 2007 at 09:39 PM
Vman,
I just got back from the beach so I missed the game. Anyway, there will be more scrimmage and also the Zebra Scandal stories.
Federal charges or FBI inquiry is a serious infringement for them to get involved. It is about time that they clean up the sports, this is no longer the roaring 20's when Mob control everything from the outside and within the instiutions. Remember the White Sox scandal, it took years to rehabilitate baseball, then the gamblers from Mickey Mantle to Pete Rose. In basketball, there were such stories too, there were suspicions on gambiling habits of MJ, college sports trying to fix the games but I never heard of the Zebras in NBA except this day and age but it is quite apparent that calls are very suspicious and the interpretation of rules are somewhat personalized. One referee will look it the other way around while the other will focus on those conflicting traveling calls. Another problem is nobody is above Stu Jackson and David Stearns, it like a combination of Idi Amin and Napoleon Bonaparte issuing edict or decrees, there is no appellate court or supreme court above them. What they rule is always final. This time, the fans together with the federal authorities are on the offensive. Since Derek Fisher is the President of Players Union, it's also about time the union should join the inquiry? Who else is involve in this scandal? Any other referees, any players part of the loot, any coaches, any team officials & owners, once a probe starts, it does not end. On the contrary, we still have a law in this land on the rights of accused for defense. Let's us hear everybody's side before going to rash to judgement. We don't know the evidences that will be presented unless there is a verdict, we have to assume they are still innocent.
Vman, you and I have discussed this before, while fans are crazy and delirious of these millionaires from players, coaches, owners, managers all the way to NBA office and the game itself.....at the end of the day, David Sterns says it all with his grin, "Cool, that's just part of business, baby."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 22, 2007 at 09:45 PM
All of you,
Please explain to me how Kobe was "dominating" the game.
Kobe was 10-22..thats competitive juices or not being efficient?? So when you were in the playground as a kid and played ball the kid on your team that took all the shots..he was just being competitive right? I mean none of you guys seemed like you would have called him a ball hog, right?
Kobe, when playing, had the ball in his hand the WHOLE time he scored points. At the end of the game when he ran down the court, he would stop a fast break, pull it out to the top of the key and wait for the clear out.
Thats what he does with the Lakers all the time, except, they double team him and then puts his players in a bad position. Kobe throws that top of the key pass instead of penetrating and dishing out to find the wide open sasha, luke, vlad ect. In this game, they couldnt do that because there were 4 other players on the court that would burn a double team.
Unfortunetly, Kobe doesnt know his team when hes playing with the Lakers, none of them are going to burn a double, nor do they even think theyll even get a pass.
I seriously dont understand how you guys dont see this. Maybe its because I've played organized basketball for years and none of you have, and just know basketball by box score stats, like points.
Im not hating on Kobe, but Im trying to point out that his performance tonight wasnt legendary, nor amazing, nor a sign of why he will lead the Lakers to a title.
If you cant accept this then I suggest you get that Magic Johnson fundamentals of basketball tape.
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 09:47 PM
SBP Pimp..
Kevin Durant is not a center..lol..you've officially made yourself look stupid.
You are confused with "Greg Oden"
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 09:49 PM
My USA starting five and 12 man roster!
Chandler/Bosh
Howard/Amare
Durant/Anthony/James
Bryant/Miller
Kidd/Billups/Williams
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 22, 2007 at 09:49 PM
If TJ simers is assigned to Las Vegas...I wonder how he will tall about this game:
"This is the time for the Kobester to try damage control. While others players are just streching muscles, he is playing as if this is a NBA final and decisive game.
Relax Kobester, that's why nobody like you."
Simers...your bitching diatribe is useless.
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 09:52 PM
Van Exel is depress.
Kobe heroics had make his day miserable.
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Ex & Lake Show,
"Oh, cool!! So it doesn't matter when the Lakers get the crap knocked out of them every third quarter, lose the halftime lead, and fall behind, as long as they win the fourth quarter!! In that case, sign me up for the 27-loss bandwagon!!"
I never said the other quarters were not important. I'm simpy stating the obvious, that performing in the last minute(s) of a close game is MUCH more difficult and impressive than at any other point in the game. Just ask Lebron. Kobe scored the last SEVEN points to cap a comeback, and effectively covered Lebron and Kidd in the final minutes. He was the team's main weapon on offense AND defense. Durant had a spectacular game, but I can't understand why a supposed Laker fan would try to downplay Kobe's brilliant performance that WON the game.
P.S. Why the heck is JJ Reddick on the team???
Posted by: Mitchell | July 22, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Mitchell. Steve, Laker Blake, Jorema
I guess I should clarify my position on Kobe.
Do I think Kobe is the best player in the league? Yes. Slim, but yes I think he is the best all around player.
Do I want Kobe on my team? Not if the team is built around him solely.
I think that you guys tend to confuse "best player in the league" with "championship caliber".
Kobe is not a ticket to a title by himself. Now you may say (well thats why we want Garnett, O'neal etc) but you guys still elevate Kobe to that level of not needing a great player. You guys really need to listen to yourselves. Sure Kobe is great, but does having him on the Lakers as the main piece mean anything substantially?
Think of it this way, Kobe is sort of like Dan Marino of basketball. Marino put up the numbers, put up the stats, was nice in the late stages of the game. But did he elevate his teammates? No.
Or try a better comparison. Barry Bonds. Bonds won gold gloves, HR titles, batting titles, great stats. when he comes up it changes how the game is pitched. He will be among one of the greatest players of ALL Time. Just like Kobe. But does he elevate his teammates? No.
There is a big difference between being great and being a great leading player. Sure Kobe can hit shots, make a great basketball play. But can he elevate a team? No, not yet, and maybe never.
Now I dont like Dwayne Wade or LeBron James. In fact, I am haters of THOSE guys mroe than Kobe. But I cant deny their effects.
It started the year they went to the Eastern Conference finals, and his inspirational play continued the next year when they went to the NBA Finals. In Game 3, Wade put on a great peformance and single handedly won the game, like we've seen Kobe do. But the next game, it wasnt even about Wade anymore. Suddenly, players who looked old and slow came alive. guys like Walker, Posey, and Alonzo Mourning were excited, because Wade would carry them. Shaq was awful but somehow they didnt notice.
This year, LeBron's season was actually not that great until the end, and then in the playoffs he just turned it on. He had one great scoring game, (Game 5 pistons) but other than that it was his constant faith in his team that inspired them. He was killed in the media for being too unselfish, but he never changed his style of play. When they finall beat the Pistons, that team full of bad looking players felt like champions.
Kobe while being a great player, does not evoke that feeling from his teammates. And its in his style of play and personality on the court.
Kobe does the clear-outs, standing at the top of the key, sort of saying "get out of my way theres no chance you're getting involved in this final play, I'm the man".
Sure, Kobe might make those shots 7-10, score 50 points in a row, but does that really do anything?
For example after Kobe had that 50 point game run...did the Lakers look any more inspired after that? After LeBron had ONE 50 point game against the Pistons, the next game the team looked and acted like they had been there before when they never were. Kobe had 5 and nothing changed.
Look, you may not be convinced or swayed or even consider what I have to say, thats fine. But if you dont, then Im sad to think that you just fall in love with the next great stat guy, or athllete or difficult shot-maker, because Kobe wont be the last and in 10 years you will find someone else to revere. The NBA thrives on marketing to people like you who buy the jerseys, worship the athletes.
Maybe that is what people truly like, and team doesnt come before player. Its like why people here hate hockey and soccer, because they are more about player then team.
But, in the end, winning is about team.
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 10:07 PM
LakerBake:
If Indy was willing to take Bynum, Brown, et al for JO, I would make the trade in a heartbeat. But soon as they start to include Lamar, I question whether the deal is worth it. For KG, I would do it, but not for JO. Unless I don’t think that Bynum is going to be a superstar, which is obviously where we disagree.
I am willing to trade Bynum even though I think he will become a superstar but until I pull the switch I’m going to be watching his progress very carefully just to be safe. He just might make a big enough jump that we would decide he could help enough right away. I hear rumors that the Lakers are very pleased with Andrew’s work ethic and progress this summer.
I also think there are no deals on the table right now. Everybody seems to be content to get the season rolling to make sure what they have and what they need. There’s a reason why so many teams are interested in Andrew. The Lakers are smart to be sure that what they need to get to the next level is just to not lose patience with Andrew. If he takes a big step and we avoid the disastrous injuries of last year, we could be an elite team in a couple of years due to Bynum.
So until we pull the trigger, we need to keep reevaluating how soon Andrew will be able to help us get to the next level. It just might be sooner than you or Kobe think.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 22, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Laker Larry,
In the other post you communicated with me, you called me an idiot, this time a hypocrite. Don't you remeber us, you scolded us in the previous thread when we were suggesting trade and you vilify our views by insisting that we don't understand the salary cap rules? I replied to your posts telling you that the Lakers are not the only ones above the cap but give you a link of 15 other teams above the Lakers. Do you want me to copy/paste your very statements? Precisely, I am just reminding you the kind of communication we have. You are one of the guys who is irritated by our constant criticisms on F/O, on players, what do you expect from a blog? Always agreeing and full of optimism when we got eliminated two consecutive years on 1st round. Before you posted today, I have discussions with Craig W., Long Time Laker Fan, Rick Friedman, Jorema we all did not agree with our views but were we civil with our discussions? Unfortunately, we are two individuals diametrically opposite with our views, all I ask, if you want respect then be RESPECTFUL with your comments. If you call me a bla, bla, bla blogger, well I'm not one of your minions or the way you address to Mike T., for as long I see an abuse in the use of careless and obscene language, you equally get the same treatment from me. BTW, I never called you names in my post I'm also referring ineptness on the F/O that you favor.
Come to think of it, if there is any ray of hope to our misunderstandings, we are both laker fans, w/ similar passion but different interpretations in achieving the ultimate goal.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 22, 2007 at 10:17 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070722&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1
I know SImmons isn't a Laker Blog favorite but his summation of the recent state of the NBA is spot on.
The game is in trouble and I'm starting to wonder if, in an election year, Congress might not get involved. Extreme? They loved the press on the steroid hearings.
Posted by: Vman | July 22, 2007 at 10:18 PM