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
VMan, more about the ref. According to local news, he may name names (other officials, even players) of others that did what he did/helped him.
Posted by: Faith | July 22, 2007 at 10:25 PM
Lake Show,
"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."
How do you know that? What level of organized basketball have you played? How long did you play basketball? Can you give us your real name and google your scores and your game? It seems that you all know the facets of the game, perhaps you can conduct a basketball clinic "how to watch a basketball game?" for ordinary fans who did not play organized basketball.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 22, 2007 at 11:01 PM
Edwin,
Wow, you are a hypocrite. Laker Larry IS Right. Youre picking a fight with me. I wasnt even talking to you.
I also take it, that you havent seen my later posts, nor the posts before that.
But since you suddenly want to join the foray...
I talked about playing organized ball because I have a little instruction on what team ball is and how Kobe plays on the court.
Kobe plays at the top of the key, which in a spread out puts the team in a bad position. Why? Because theres a shot clock. Also the Four Corners style of ball isnt very good anymore because unless you have a bunch of guys who nail the 3, its horrible against Zone defense, which has been an Achilles heal of the Lakers. They can beat the zone. This is because of players being a little bigger and stronger now. For example, how do you play 4 corners against Stoudamire and Marion? Those guys are largely athletic and long armed, and much faster than Kwame/Luke/Cook. They have much better close-out speed on defense. So when Kobe does a clear-out at the top of the key and dishes out to a teammate after being double teamed, the player has two options: Shoot the 3 or take it to the basket. If they take it to the basket they get one of the two big men coming right at them. And since the Lakers dont have athletic 5 and 4, then they get destroyed.
So when I meant I was talking about playing organized ball, I was takling about Kobe and his odd role on his team. He doesnt play within the team. I said this in the context that people on this blog purely look at Stats as a determining factor of how good a player is. Thats the worst thing you can do. I mean there are tons of NBA caliber players that could score points and do it great. There are Street ballers AND 1 players, College, semi pro, Summer league, European guys who can all hit an open shot, dunk etc, but its all about basketball 1Q. If you look purely at guys stats, shooting, point scoring, etc thats a bad way to evaluate someone's impact.
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 22, 2007 at 11:12 PM
Van exell
Maybe you should coach the lakers instead of Phil.
Maybe you should replace D'antoni for instructing Kobe today to take over the game.
Maybe, per you request, we should repeat with you that Durant is the best player in the game.
Maybe, to satisfy your ego completely, we can let you dictate what to say or not in this blog, because you're the only one that had played "organized basketball".
Maybe we should let you ttake the blog for yourself, so that you can promote a entrance to the hall of fame for van exel and eddie jones.
Posted by: jorema | July 22, 2007 at 11:29 PM
Lake show,
I don't call you names, I just picked the phrase you put in your post. I ask questions because it seems that you are an expert and telling us how to watch the game? Once you address yourself to this blog, you cannot isolate your conversations, you are addressing to everyone reading the blog. If you want to call me a hypocrite, I really don't care, I don't claim of supriority to others. You mentioned Magic and Kobe, these are two different players with different styles one is a PG and the other one is a SG. However, I am not a player, a coach just a mere fan who learned basketball by listening to late Chick and read newspapers about the game so I'm interested on what I can learn from you. I just believe people have their own opinions and sometimes they see things differently. Since you claim that you know better, that's fair, no competition Lake Show.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 22, 2007 at 11:42 PM
tellitlikeitis
“Now, this blog's constant Kobe bashing is really getting old. I'm all for free speach, but this is a little rediculous. It seems a little crazy to me that a "Laker" blog would be so negative toward its star player.”
With all due respect, our “star” player happens to be the same person who single-handedly destroyed the laker dynasty. I don’t care how much money shaq said he wanted, all shaq really wanted was respect which kobe would not give to shaq. I believe shaq’s $30M demand was an indirect way to have management trade kobe away in 2003. it’s too bad that shaq had to go and kobe stayed because all the veteran players who would have played with a dominant shaq + any robin (Penny, Kobe, etc) would have given us several years of championship runs. Instead, we have kobe breaking scoring records, whoop-dee-doo.
“A guy who works harder than any player on his team or any body elses.”
This “working hard” thing is really a red herring. Kobe crap to make shaq look bad. Look, shaq may have been lazy or WHATEVER, it doesn’t matter cuz we were competing and winning championships. Kobe can work 25 hours [25 hours is a joke BTW] in a day and it won’t matter if the laker team sucks……..which BTW, it does under kobe’s reign. Too bad so sad. Kobe wanted to be the “man” in LA and forceibley got his wish and now he wants out cuz he can’t handle the heat. COWARD. I think this USA Team thing with kobe is his way to try out with D’Anotni’s Suns. Kobe=The Big Robin Always.
“His methods may be uncoventional, but his intent is right on the money”
What!? WHAT!? Right on the money? We went from contenders to pretenders in one summer cuz kobe couldn’t wait his turn. Give me a break kobe a$$kisser.
“If the truth be told, Kobe's public "outcry" probably did put a fire under the FO.”
The truth of the “outcry” is just plain crying over spilled milk. Kobe realized that he’s not the “man” in LA during thoise championship years and now he wants to bolt to ride the back of Dirk, Nash or the Bulls Team.
“The weird part is you "Laker fans". It really seems like a lot of you guys have been drinking the coolaid of TJ and other media pimps.”
First off, TJ Simers’ is my hero. Second, I had my opnion since shaq left in 2004 before I even knew who TJ Simer’s was. Nice try bonehead.
“It is too bad. Instead to rallying around Kobe's attempt to force the the FO to spend some cash and get us a championship caliber team, you proudly send him pacifiers.”
Hey smartguy, why was kobe so quite when shaq was being shopped by the lakers? I’d send kobe a bag of crap if I could since that’s what he’s lead us to the past 3 seasons chasing Jordan’s legacy.
“I'll never stop reading this blog, but sometimes I just do not need to hear the HATE.”
JUST SCOLL DOWN. I DON’T NEED THE LECTURE. WE ALREADY HAVE LAKERTOM TO LECTURE US.
“Faith, Laker Tom, Tspere, are there other blogs out there that do not hate so much?”
Why don’t the four of your start your own little blog?
Posted by: KL | July 22, 2007 at 11:43 PM
mitchell
"KL and Gunner are NOT LAKER fans, they have admitted several times that they are CLIPPER fans."
Dude, i've been a laker fan for 20+ years up until 2004 when shaq was traded away because your guy wanted to chase Jordan's legacy. Nice try. BTW, i acknowledge your silence towards me (lakertomgirl too) as a form of cowardice cuz you can't debate my points. all you can say is that KL is a hater and KL is stupid. i believe those arguments are called ad hominem arguments. In case you don’t know what an ad hominem is: it’s when one can’t argue points, one makes personal attacks. You go on believing kobe’s the Jordan Apparent. Kobe ain’t even in Pippen’s class cuz Pippen didn’t destroy a championship club for self-serving purposes. No matter how you spin it, you can’t argue that fact. KOBE BRYANT PUT HIMSELF ABOVE WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS AND KOBE IS NOW CRYING OVER HIS MISTAKE. I say good riddance to kobe in 2009. For now, I’ll enjoy wating the Human Highlight Reel Part Two.
Posted by: KL | July 22, 2007 at 11:54 PM
Breaking down the Team USA Scrimmage
Opinion: Kobe dominated the game.
Opinion: No he didn't.
Fact: His three-pointer brought the Blue Team from behind and tied the game.
Fact: His two-pointer gave the Blue Team the lead.
Fact: He blocked James' final shot that could have won the White Team the game.
I saw the entire game. It was a joy to watch. Great basketball players playing great basketball.
Jason Kidd was amazing. So was LBJ, Michael Redd, and Mellow.
Kevin Durant is going to be a monster.
Kobe did what Kobe does. He played to win. He played to be dominant. Love him or hate him, Kobe comes to play. Kobe's greatness does not detract from the greatness of others.
I, for one, don't buy the premise that basketball is a team game in the purest sense. Football yes, basketball no. The level of play in the scrimmage was basketball at its best, five great players on the floor for each squad at virtually all times. We love to watch these players excel as individual athletes when they have the ball, whether it is Jason Kidd making a great pass, LBJ blocking a critical shot, or Kobe making a great shot. It is these individual efforts at any given moment that make the game.
At the end of the day, who the hell cares about such a debate? Those of us who watched were well entertained by great athletes. That's why I turned on the TV.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 22, 2007 at 11:55 PM
Kobe Bryant looks like he is 22 years old again with that new lean and mean body of his! Does that mean we going to see the old high flying Kobe!
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 22, 2007 at 11:57 PM
sonnybelfast
"You are absolutely right. I just do it for fun. Besides, the last time "Fart Breath" (your new name) could have been deemed an insult from me, I think I was in the 3rd grade. What grade are you in?"
Funny man. LOL. You can call me Fart Breath too; especailly after eating good Mexican food.
Posted by: KL | July 22, 2007 at 11:58 PM
Jorema
I am pretty sure other people here play GM, saying that Mitch Kupchek cant do his job, etc. How is that different from saying Kobe should so his job different???
Oh but wait I cant do that, right? Kobe off limits, but everyone else ok?
Look if you dont like constructive criticism, fine by me. Dont listen to me. Fall in love with some basketball player who scores a lot of points. Im just entitled to my opinion just as you are to yours.
you guys all blast me for saying how Kobe was dominant in the game. Well to me and the webster's dictionary, dominant is a relative term, meaning that to be dominant you are head and shoulders better than everyone else, and that he affected the game where it was in his control.
I disagreed, because if you watched the game, you know that wasnt the case. Not to mention that Kobe actually should have lost the game if it wasnt for the referee bailing Kobe out on the last play. (Kobe called a timeout and thats illegal in international play). But as far as points, effect in the game, and so forth, Kobe wasnt dominant, didnt elevate his teammates.
I only say this because I use my own experience to talk about things. Its kind of like when I use my life's experience to analyze and talk about things on the news or hardships that other people, friends, family face. You know, thats a common practice.
But if you somehow think a person cant use their life experience to analyze a situation, then dont listen to me.
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 23, 2007 at 12:01 AM
wes
"You just added yourself to that short list of people who have trashed Kobe's children. Congratulations."
i'm happy to report that i've never trashed kobe's personal life. My gripe the Big A$$hole is only limited to his professional life. Personal life is off limites. Even KL has a heart. I will say that i've made a joke about the $3 million ring, but that was only as a joke.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:02 AM
Jorema,
in fact..
Maybe you should be the Lakers GM instead of Kupchek
Maybe you know how to organize the salary cap because you know better
Maybe per request that Kobe is a God
Maye we can all follow Kobe's every move with your constant updates (who knows how many times you enter "Kobe Bryant" into Google each day)
Posted by: The Lake-Show (former known as I miss van exel and eddie jones) | July 23, 2007 at 12:03 AM
angry,
what's up brother? we haven't sparred for a while, so here we go....
"Why do people waste you time responding to people who will never change their opinions and continue to spew their hate. "
like it or not, us so-called "haters" are here to stay while the lakers continue wallow in mediocrity while our star player acts the fool.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:09 AM
kobe scored the last 7 points of the game. I don't miss van exel & eddie. the alien and most unclutch player in the history of the game after luke ridinour and doug christie. I actually enjoy watching the best player of my generation play. I guess one mans pis is another man's treasure. oh well.
Posted by: greek dude | July 23, 2007 at 12:10 AM
dice8up
"and what do you make of the MIAMI HEAT who has ALL STAR starting five and yet was sweep in the FIRST ROUND?"
Please enlighted me on who won the championship in 2006?
I know, it was luck, the refs cheated, Dirk gave it away, Wade got too many free thows......
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:12 AM
Awesome finish to the NBA Big Time Summer League, Everyone's hero wins it with a few clicks on the clock!
Kobe, man this guy gets it. What a competitor. Do your best try hard and win, he was pretty good at being unselfish and seemed well liked by everyone.
... the Jason Kidd trade that didn't happen just hurts that much more after watching how well he can adjust to his new team and help others. Great point guard work.
Posted by: Pete Maguire | July 23, 2007 at 12:13 AM
Laker Scoop
"Lakers legend is having to see how incredibly stupid so many fans are. I guess being a Laker fan today means going the 100% Paris Hilton route. No class and no more rings."
First off, welcome to the blog and please continue to give us your opinion.
Second, have faith with true laker fans (as oppose to kobe fans) because us old-school types still believe in the team-above-the-star philosophy which got us the championships. We'll be back WITH OR WITHOUT KOBE BRYANT.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:18 AM
juanman888
"KOBE didnt enter this league to win sportmanship awards, he's a baller... Only winning is his agenda..."
I ask you, Juanito, how has kobe performed as the #1 since shaq's departure? 50% is like kissing your cuñada.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:21 AM
fkillah
"Now that there is definitive proof that games are fixed, the Lakers may get the calls that they deserve."
i have a towel for you to clean up your spilled milk. i guess you're referring to the Shaq-led championships in 2000-2002? Should we give the Finals MVP to kobe and award the championship to Nets, Sixers and Pacers? BTW, what proof? Has anything been proven guilty in a court of law?
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:24 AM
lakerdawg
"Or maybe getting swept in the first round of the eastern conference because thats all the LAZY FAT BUM is capable of acheiving togetehr with taking advantage of some kids to make a buck and get on TV a little more."
BTW, who won the championship in 2006? Please pull your head out of kobe's a$$. You like how it smells?
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:25 AM
taliq
"wow, talk about a verbal smack down. KLBeast, gunner, sunny, um y'all need to umm idk, umm i guess just hug someone next to you ... lol"
all i have to say is Tsphere who? call me all the names you want but kobe still sucks and can't lead a team to a championship.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:27 AM
mitchell
"Kobe hit the tieing 3 pointer in the final minute, and the game winner over Lebron with 6 seconds left. He also defended Lebron on the final play, a lebrick.
whoope-dee-doo. let's award kobe another All-Star MVP award. anymore meaningless accolades for kobe? i'll settle for a second round appearance.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:31 AM
kobe apologist
"I hope all the Kobe Haters were watching the Team USA scrimmage today. The best of the NBA was playing, and they were playing hard. Who was the best player on the floor? Kobe Bryant. Who led his team to victory? Kobe Bryant. "
I agree, let's award kobe a second straight All-Star MVP. Can you think of anymore meaningless accolades? Listen, I'll give kobe the Laker MVP award if he can lead a laker team past the 1st round.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:33 AM
rocky
"My particular interest was, of course, Kobe. Seeing this man play basketball is just breathtaking. He busted the game winner on Tayshaun, then he d'up Lebron to help make the final stop. It was vintage Kobe. "
as i recall it, lebrick crossed over kobe and chandler affected lebrick's shot. nevertheless, i will give kobe credit for the clutch J over Prince. I'll give credit where it's due.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:35 AM
dice8up
"There's a toughness to Kobe, an edge," Colangelo said. "And that's something we didn't have last year. That's what I am talking about! Do you hear it KL,gunner...etc...??/ Grow up you KOBE and Laker hater!"
i heard it, how about kobe leading a laker team past the 1st round. i think kobe's trying out for the Suns with this USA Team thing.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:37 AM
hobbit
first off, i recall you said in our last conversation that you're rehabbing a bad knee (meniscus). hopefully all is well......now for the gibberish.
"In previous conversations you've indicated doubts about Kobe's leadership in conjunction with being able to win. Others, myself included, have argued that Kobe's teammates did not do their part."
i will give credit where credit is due. kobe looked very good out there. Kobe and Melo were both ballhogs, but I'm not going to take anything away from kobe's clutch J over Prince. I will qualify my statement by saying that Team USA is meaningless. i want kobe to lead the lakers. is that a fair statement?
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:41 AM
You Kobe haters need to seriously chill out. He had a great game and is representing team USA. If you are to biased to not see that, then keep your mouths shut.
Posted by: fkillah | July 23, 2007 at 12:42 AM
taoshum
"I don't know how I got lumped in with the "Kobe haters". Once again, Kobe was clearly the best player on the court out there. The concerns that I have posted, as far as being a Laker fan is:"
i will vouch for Tao that he is not a kobe hater.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:42 AM
wow,
"Im not back, still enjoying my summer and loving my girl."
please take care and don't let stupid bloggers (like me) affect your personal life. life's too short. please take what i, or anybody, say on this blog as shtick. take it easy.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:44 AM
Hey eveyone...
After seeing the highlights of the intrasquad game on nba.com, I really wish I had NBA TV... and I can guarantee that Kobe's Team USA jersey will definitely be the highest selling USA jersey ever. Btw, he did look thinner -- almost back to the size of his mini-fro days. That should help with his endurance...
Two0one7 asked me to repost my "Chronicles of Sgt Kobe" series, so I'll do it tomorrow... if enough people want me to. I don't want to clog the thread with reposts if nobody wants to read them.
Posted by: hal9000 | July 23, 2007 at 12:46 AM
jormea
"Kobe single-handlely defined the outcome of this game."
this is the kind of crap that encouraged kobe to be a selfish prick (aka ballhog). it was a team effort, not kobe doing it all.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:46 AM
steve in denver
"What a game, and what a team. These guys would most definitley hold thier own against Dream Team 1."
i don't think so pal. There is only one Dream Team. BTW, this was an All-Star Game. Big deal. Let's see them win a gold now and a gold in '08. Then i'll be impressed. This is like playing your own team in practice, then congratulating yourself of how awesome you were.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:48 AM
FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK. SORRY FOR ALL OF THE POSTS, I SCANNED 250 POSTS.
I know, i'm a loser with no life. Actually, i drank a moster drink at 9pm and i'm still jazzed, i might go lift weights right now.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 12:50 AM
Lake show,
I saw the end of the first half and all of the second half.
The only time I recall Kobe holding the ball for the whole shot clock at the top of the key was the final play for the Blue team,
where he hit the game winner. What I saw for the Blue team was first Deron Williams and then Kirk Hinrich being the main
initiators of the offense for the team. Kobe moved around to try to get open shots and passed off more often than he shot.
I saw Kobe pass out of double teams several times rather than force up a shot. I also recall him driving the lane and then
kicking out to Carmelo for a three. The one time Kobe forced up a shot against a double team I recall was when he came
down the court and juked past Jason Kidd and didn't see LeBron, who came from behind and blocked him soundly.
And before you go calling him ball-hog, bear in mind that he didn't even take the most shots for his team. Carmelo did.
Kobe most definitely played within what offense they had, but they didn't have a well-oiled machine of an offensive scheme,
which isn't surprising considering they only practiced together for two days. If Kobe had wanted to dominate the scoring,
he certainly could have jacked up 30 or 35 shots and scored 40. Because he is one of the top offensive players on the
team, yes he took more shots than people like Tyson Chandler (who's not an offensive player) or Deron Williams (who was
making the most of his passing game, since that's what Deron does best).
Now I wish I had captured the game so I could put together a short film showing Kobe passing the ball off 10 or 12 times
to show how ridiculous your statements are.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 23, 2007 at 12:58 AM
TJ SIMERS IS MY HERO. MR SIMERS' SPEAKS FOR THE ORDINARY LAKER SO-CALLED "HATER" WHO WANTS ANSWERS FROM THE BIG PACIFIER NAMED KOBE BRYANT.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/columnists/la-sp-simers21jul21,1,5247926,full.column?coll=la-headlines-sports-columnists&ctrack=3&cset=true
Wrestling with Bryant, who's tough to pin down
July 21 2007
LAS VEGAS — Never saw this one coming.
I'm on vacation, spending time with the 7-Eleven Kid, learning a lot about "time out," so knowing what I do about babies, I thought why not take a day off from vacation and check on the Kobester.
I figure here we go, the baby crying right from the start because he's wearing No. 27 and someone else has No. 24, but he says, "It means everything … being in this position now to represent our country, is special."
It's a friendly gathering, because no one wants to irritate the superstar, so someone wants to know why he's lost 19 pounds, like everyone can't figure it out — you're going to lose weight running from radio station to radio station while fretting about your future.
He says he's 200 for the first time since '98. He says he ate a pepperoni pizza, had a grape soda, felt bloated, tried to do some running and felt a little heavy. The fear of being the next kid to go on Shaq's TV show was apparently too much for him.
He says what you expect him to say about the refereeing scandal, and then someone lobs him a softball: "How are things back home with the Lakers?"
"Right now I just want to keep focus on what we're accomplishing here," he says, and dodgeball seems to be his new game of choice.
"Will you be at training camp?" someone asks, and instead of saying, "Of course," he says, "When the time is right, I'll be more than glad to address that."
I've kept quiet so far, because I figure that's the way he likes it, and no reason to put a quick end to this little cheery soiree, but I can't take any more.
"Have you apologized to Dr. Buss for calling him an idiot?"
"Excuse me," he says, while turning to see who is asking the question, and who is now repeating the same question.
"Dr. Buss and I have had several conversations," he says without a hint of exasperation. "But we want to keep things between ourselves."
"Don't you think your image has suffered by coming across as a baby?"
"Yeah, I had a whole bunch of pacifiers sent to me; one of them was actually sent from you," he jokes, and for the first time in two years we're not only having a cordial conversation, but he's poking me in the ribs like everything is cool.
Someone else asks about the Lakers, but he won't go there, so I say it's his fault. "You gave a mixed message to everyone."
"Yeah, I understand it would seem like that," he says.
"Was it a mixed message?"
"Absolutely," he says. "I think if I had to go back and do things differently I would. The right thing to do now is try to handle the situation the right way." My, my — they do grow up fast.
"Do you think "Fisher, Mihm, Crittenton and Walton are a championship upgrade?"
"I think they're a hell of a basketball great addition," he says, and that sounds like a different tune being sung.
"I think it was important to keep Luke, and Fisher and I talk all the time. We're extremely close. I'm extremely happy for him and for his family. I'm happy for Chris as well. I reached out to him because he went through a lot; that was the worst ankle injury I've seen."
"Does this satisfy your misgivings about this team's ability to win?"
"Right now is not the time to talk about that," he says.
"All you have to say is 'I'm going to be playing for the Lakers.' "
"I know what you're saying," he replies, but he says he's not going to be a distraction — even though saying nothing makes him a continuing distraction.
Someone asks about the chances of the Lakers still making the roster more appealing to him, and he says, "It's not really about me. It's just what Mitch [Kupchak] and them feel they need to do to improve the club; you need to ask them."
He hears my voice again, yet doesn't bristle. Next weekend we'll probably be double-dating. "Have you come to the point where you're resigned to playing for the Lakers?"
"I know you're like me on a basketball court," he says. "I try to figure out every possible angle to score, and that's what you're doing and I respect that. You try to figure your way through traps and double teams, but I'm just not going there."
"Don't you think Laker fans would like to know what's going on?" But that gets nothing. "Come on, you came across as a big baby, so here's your chance … "
"You're going to [call me] that anyway," he says, and sometimes it's hard to argue with the guy.
Someone asks whether he's spoken to Phil Jackson, and he says he has, and so I want to know if he told Phil he's happy.
"I went fishing and he was fishing, so we were both happy," he says.
I try a different tack.
"I take it your positive comments about the team's signings make a difference?"
"I love every one of those guys," he says.
"Did you apologize to Andrew Bynum?"
"Yeah, I spoke to Andrew. We're fine."
"I worry about the reputation of [ESPN's] Ric Bucher, your spokesman, who says you will never play in a Laker uniform again. What do you make of that?"
"Why don't you go to the craps table and blow off some steam?" the Kobester jokes.
"The newspaper here says you were spotted snacking on frozen grapes at the Bare pool lounge, the topless place at the Mirage — is that a good place to blow off steam?"
"The what?" he says. "I'm everywhere. I was in Yugoslavia yesterday. You listen to people, I'm everywhere."
Interview over, and the Kobester adds, "Say hi to Tracy and Fred."
Sure thing, and maybe next week we'll all get together on the morning radio show away from Team USA and make some sense out of all this. Yeah, right.
Posted by: KL | July 23, 2007 at 01:05 AM
Cmon guys, lets lay off The Lake Show. He's not a true Kobe Hater like gunner or KL... he just takes everything that Kobe does with a grain of salt. I also disagree with most of his comments, but he is right in that Kobe's game wasn't "spectacular" compared with what we've seen him do in the regular season and playoffs. At least he admitted that Kobe is the best player on Team USA. Lets just hope that Kobe's performance in the next couple of weeks will keep The Lake Show from joining The Dark Side.
Posted by: hal9000 | July 23, 2007 at 01:15 AM
Kobe - Worst game-winning shot EVER! Hopefully, Coach K comes to his senses and cuts this stiff.
Posted by: Jman449 | July 23, 2007 at 01:50 AM
Faith,
Yes, I saw that. Buckle up, this thing is pickin' up speed. One more ref and a couple of players maybe, and this season may be called while they sort out how far it all goes. It's an election year.
The silver lining, you know there always is one, is that when the smoke clears we'll have a better system and understanding of what a foul is and isn't devoid of rookie or star descrimination. We might get instant replay, challenges like in tennis and the NFL. Obviously ref sanctity is a thing of the past until further notice.
Posted by: Vman | July 23, 2007 at 01:57 AM
How to spot a Hater 101
Flip the script.
If Lebron had risen up over kobe to take a 1 pt lead with 6 seconds to go, and then kobe had driven the lane and missed the game winner you could put your life on the haters being out in force.
This blog would be filled with about 200 more posts, each hater slobbering all over themselves speaking about how kobe is no lebron and he's selfish and he shoots too much...what a choke artist kb is and so forth.
This was a scrimmage. Kobe was dominant. He is the greatest in the game, but the score in the scrimmage is not huge. Jason kidd had a monster game too. If kobe misses that shot, he still had a great game, but the fact that he made it is exactly what puts him on another level.
Durant was awesome, kIdd was great, lebron is a monster, so is howard, but Kobe is the Man, simple as that, we don't need to nitpick and select favorites at the expense of the other players. Hopefully they will be a team. Can you imagine when kobe is flanked by lebron and kidd....OMG i hope he never passes. those two magic like players could make anybody look good... giving the ball to kobe--watch the --- out! US basketball is gonna be sick this year! Go USA. How bout next year with wade back?? and marion?? how sick will we be then... its gonna be fun.
Kidd/ billups/ williams
Kobe/ wade
Lebron/ durant/ melo
Marion/ Chandler
Howard/ Amare
so sick
Posted by: jandro | July 23, 2007 at 02:56 AM
VMan, gotta agree with you. I'm just catching up to the comments, but I can't believe more people aren't talking about the scandal. This will get worse before it gets better. Already, it means this year's playoffs don't really mean anything; Donaghy worked Suns/Spurs game 3, one that people thought was atrociously refereed as it was.
If David Stern, who is one of the most arrogant people I've ever run across, doesn't do something before the season starts to deal with this issue, the game will be seriously hurt.
They should have been listening to the fans who told them there was something wrong years ago.
Posted by: Michael A | July 23, 2007 at 04:24 AM
Wow! a scrimmage and you apologists saying kobe was dominant?
10-22. Who else shot that much?
Let's see everyone else get that many shots and i bet you they will have 26 points too. Scrimmage doesn't mean a damn thing. It's what Kobiatch is going to do back in LA. What Kobiatch is going to do next year at the Olympics.
Lake Show,
"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."
EXACTLY, ONCE PROVEN AGAIN. THAT ANY KEVIN DURANT IS SHOWING YOU HOW A TRUE TEAM PLAYER WILL CARRY HIMSELF DURING A GAME.
BUT ON THIS BLOG WE GOT FANS OF SCORING TITLES. NOW FANS OF CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES.
10-22 IS THE SAME AS KOBIATCH GOING 12-50. AS LONG AS HE SCORES POINTS THEY CONSIDER HIM THE BEST. BUT HIS TEAM COULD GET KNOCKED OUT IN THE FIRST ROUND AND THEY WANT TO BLAME IT ON THE FRONT OFFICE.
INSTEAD OF KOBIATCH!
Posted by: Gunner | July 23, 2007 at 05:03 AM
dice8up
and what do you make of the MIAMI HEAT who has ALL STAR starting five and yet was sweep in the FIRST ROUND?
DIDN'T MIAMI WIN A TITLE IN 2006 WITH AN ALLSTAR STARTING FIVE?
THANK YOU
Posted by: Gunner | July 23, 2007 at 05:04 AM
Laker Scoop,
"We've already seen the best Kobe has to offer and it's all down hill for him from here.
The only thing more lame and cringeworthy than watching Mr. Lower Marion continue to devalue the Lakers legend is having to see how incredibly stupid so many fans are. I guess being a Laker fan today means going the 100% Paris Hilton route.
No class and no more rings."
NICE TO MEET YOU. I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU MEAN. THERE'S ALOT OF PARIS HILTONS ON THIS BLOG
Posted by: Gunner | July 23, 2007 at 05:06 AM
Stat Lines
K.Durant 24:24 9-14 2-5 2-2 3 2 5 1 3 4 0 0 22
K.Bryant 33:38 10-22 4-9 2-2 1 2 3 4 2 6 3 0 26
Proof in the Pudding.
Durant less shots ONCE AGAIN BETTER SHOOTING PERCENTAGE THAN KOBIATCH and almost the same amount of points.
I DON'T THINK DURANT IS BEING NEXT KOBE. HE'S ALREADY KNOWS WHAT NOT TO DO. I THINK PEOPLE WILL BE TALKING ABOUT OTHERS BEING THE NEXT DURANT. HE'S ALREADY MASTER WHAT NOT TO DO TO BE THE NEXT BIG PLUTO.
KOBIATCH 4-9 FROM THE 3 POINT LINE!!!!
SOUNDS LIKE A TYPICAL BALL HOG.
CAN YOU SAY HE HASN'T LEARNED FROM HIS MISTAKES. CAN YOU LOOK AT DURANT AND SHARE THE BALL TO MAKE THE KID PRODUCE BETTER NUMBERS? HE'S SHOWING THAT IF HE GOT THE BALL MORE, HE COULD HELP MORE.
KOBIATCH DEFINITELY STILL NOT A LEADER!
Posted by: Gunner | July 23, 2007 at 05:19 AM
LAKE SHOW,
"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."
YOU'RE DEALING WITH DEAD WOOD. THESE BLOGGERS ARE FANS OF HYPE. NOT CHAMPIONSHIPS. THEY PRAY FOR SCORING TITLES EVERY YEAR AND THEN GET MADE WHEN THE LAKERS GET KNOCKED OUT IN THE FIRST ROUND. TRY TO BLAME IT ON THE FRONT OFFICE.
THE PEOPLE YOU'RE TRYING TO CONVINCE HAS BEEN FANS ONLY SINCE 2000. THEY DRINK THE PLUTORADE.
DON'T WORRY WHEN KOBIATCH GOES, THEY WILL GO.
THAT SCRIMMAGE SHOWED NOTHING BUT KOBE LEGACY IS FINISH. HE WILL NEVER WIN ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP BECAUSE HE'S MASTERED THE GAME OF BALL HOG.
AND NOT THE TEAM GAME. HOW CAN YOU SHOOT 4-9 FROM THE 3 POINT LINE IN A SCRIMMAGE IF YOU'RE NOT BALL HOGGING? YOU HAVE OTHER ALLSTARS ON THE TEAM SO, THERE'S NO REASON YOU SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THAT MANY SHOTS AT THE 3 POINT LINE UNLESS YOU'RE NOT PLAYING TEAM BALL.
Posted by: Gunner | July 23, 2007 at 05:26 AM
show
Not one player in this league is a ticket to a title by himself. No one is saying this, and admiring Kobe's game doesn't mean we all have blinders on regarding the situation the Lakers are in.
Of course, chemistry is everything, and the way the team is put together is not working. As a professional basketball player, how could you not get fired up, see the potential that's there, and thank the basketball gods that you're playing with the best in the game? You put people like Smush, Kwame and Cook on a team with an ultra-over achiever like Kobe and what's gonna happen? They're going to resent him and bring everyone down. Most people here agree that LO has a lot of heart, but he's more of a role player who tends to disappear when the pressure's on.
That's where the logo excelled, making the pieces fit. Phil's mind games don't work on everyone. They kept Shaq and Kobe on the same page for a while, but the can't give Kwame courage, or Cook heart, or Smush a brain.
And I've never bought a jersey in my life
Posted by: Steve in Denver | July 23, 2007 at 07:25 AM
Lake Show,
"but its all about basketball 1Q. If you look purely at guys stats, shooting, point scoring, etc thats a bad way to evaluate someone's impact."
Well I guess what you are saying to the 8 out of ten players when asked who the
best player in the NBA was - players such as Alonzo Mourning, Dwayne Wade
Lebron James, Amarie Stoudemare and yes even Shaq - that they lack basketball
IQ. Come on LakeShow be real. Even ray Charles can see that Kobe is the
best player in the NBA. Sorry that you don't agree, but I guess the organized
basketball you played is superior to the basketball played by the afore mentioned
players
Posted by: Larry(Mamba24/10) | July 23, 2007 at 07:26 AM
Some of these haters obviously did not watch the game. This was no all-star game. There was good D, some pretty hard fouls, and each team obvioulsy wanted the win badly.
Also, Simers on KLAC basically defending Kobe. Says he goes after him, but there's a lot of joking around between them and Kobe rolls with it. He sounds like he's full of himself...too ;-)
As far as the dream team goes, I said they could hold thier own. I didn't say they could win!
Christian Laettner
David Robinson
Patrick Ewing
Larry Bird
Scottie Pippen
Michael Jordan
Clyde Drexler
Karl Malone
John Stockton
Chris Mullin
Charles Barkley
Earvin Johnson
Posted by: Steve in Denver | July 23, 2007 at 08:19 AM
ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY IS :PICK YOUR CROOKED REFEREE DAY
********************************************************************************************************************************************
06 Jimmy Clark07 Bernie Fryer08 Luis Grillo09 Derrick Stafford10 Ron Garrettson11 Phil Robinson12 Violet Palmer
13 Monty McCutchen14 Joe DeRosa15 Bennett Salvatore17 Joe Crawford 18 Mark Wunderlich 19 James Capers
20 Jess Kersey21 Tim Donaghy 22 Bill Spooner23 Jason Phillips 24 Mike Callahan25 Tony Brothers26 Bob Delaney
27 Dick Bavetta28 Tommy Nunez29 Steve Javie30 Tony Brown31 Scott Wall 32 Eddie F. Rush33 Sean Corbin3
4 Marc Davis 35 Jack Nies 36 David Jones37 Anthony Jordan38 Michael Smith39 Kevin Fehr40 Leon Wood
41 Ken Mauer42 Eric Lewis43 Dan Crawford44 Ron Olesiak45 Joe Forte46 Matt Boland47 Bennie Adams
48 Scott Foster49 Tom Washington50 Olandis Poole 51 Leroy Richardson52 Pat Fraher53 Robbie Robinson54 Derek Collins
55 Bill Kennedy56 Mark Ayotte57 Greg Willard 58 Zach Zarba 59 Gary Zielinski 60 David Guthrie61 Courtney Kirkland
63 Derek Richardson64 Eli Roe65 Sean Wright68 Tony Greene71 Rodney Mott 72 Haywood Workman73 Ed Malloy
MY CHOICES : TIM DONAGHY JESS KERSEY STEVE JAVIE :
AND NOW ROLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLL:
FAITH, WOW, TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, MIKE T Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamab, KIWI, , The D,
TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOO, Bobie, SBPIMP, lakersrydeordie, PEACE
NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, EXHELODRVR, J-COOL,GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY,
JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, DAVID WHANG, KHANG VMAN, KOREY, XTRO,
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Fan of Mamba, , BlackMamba24, FKILLAH, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST), RespectMyAuthorith
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GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack, TheKobeShow, Jay Jay, TaosHum
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Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, MAX, LT Laker Fan, Precious
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Larry(Mamba24/10) | July 23, 2007 at 08:41 AM