flea broke it down, a little emotional, but he broke it down nonetheless.

dig deep lakers...c'mon lake show!
________________________________________
as for KL, i think he knows his basketball.

then again, i could be wrong because all he chooses to write about is kobe bryant.

KL, as mark jackson would say 'you're better than that.'

you really don't need to keep pointing out ad nauseum that you don't like kobe bryant.

it's an established point.

feel free to move onto something else, really. (please)

quit shooting fish in a barrel, you're better than that.

Kiwi,

I think there's a 0% chance that Fisher asked out of his contract, or used his daughter's illness to do so, as a reason to get out of Utah.

For one, he had a very, VERY bloated contract. He just walked away from a guaranteed $21 million dollars. I know he's a great guy and a savy vet and will provide leadership to a team, but he's not going to get the full MLE from anyone, and if by some chance he does, it will be for two years max, which would cause him to give up $10 million dollars. He's never been a "max" guy, so that's a lot of money to walk away from.

Second, he said numerous times how much he liked playing on that team and leading the young guys in the playoffs. There was no bad blood there.

Third, the Jazz will be one of the better teams in the West next year. Fish has always wanted to play for rings and he'd have just as good of a chance there as anywhere.

I truly believe this was all about his daughter and his family. Basketball and money just really aren't that important in the grand scheme of things.

JJ and Ex,

Depth charts and rosters are two different things. Ronny Turiaf takes up one spot on a roster, but he might take up two or more on a depth chart. Just my translation.

KLBeast,
First of all I am not a Kobe loyalist, I am a Laker fan. If ever Kobe leaves the Lakers I will hate him forever. I will never wear those jerseys that I collected. I like him because he's a Lakers, but as soon as he don another uniform and play with another team I will only wish him the best of "bad luck" and pray He will never win any championship until he retires.
What are you talking about? I just told you to divert your time and energy to other positive things and stop attacking the bloggers that is "pissed off" of your post, then you begun attacking Kobe again. I don't need those information about Kobe from you. You're just a hopeless case. Look at those post about you. It's not about the Lakers anymore , it's all about the responds of the bloggers regarding your idiotic, senseless, full of hate for Kobe. Stop those post about Kobe. We already know what you gonna say, same thing over and over again. Get another topic so your enemy here will not multiply anymore. For all I know those bloggers, like me is beginning or already hate Kobe now.

As I'm sure most of you are well aware of by now, I enjoy torturing myself. So, once again... I have ventured into enemy territory to get the views, comments, and thoughts from Jazz fans on our very own Mr. 04, Derek "D-Man" Fisher.

Keep in mind... these are only a SMALL PORTION of the posts I found.

"This is pretty unexpected news....... I hope everything is OK with the Tuna and his family......."

"In my opinion, I will miss Derek. Even though he didn't play like the way he used to with the Lakers, I think he brought more to the team than just basketball. I wish him and his family the best!"

"This is really sad to listen to - Fisher is 100% class, and his leadership and example will be sorely missed. It sounds like the Jazz won't be paying anything more to Fisher, but this is a tough loss."

"Fisher is losing 20+ million bucks by doing this. He isn't going to get paid another cent from the jazz. He is never going to get a deal worth half of what he making now.

He is doing this to take care of his daughter but will play for an nba team for another couple years if he can. How can you blame him for doing that? He still is a very capable player that just gave up his only big money contract of his career. He said he will try and play for one of the few teams that work for him this year, but if they wont have him then he will retire.

Fisher COULD just retire and keep getting the pay checks from the jazz for the next 4 years and then just stay home and take care of his daughter. There is nothing stopping him from doing that other than his morals. Instead he is making the jazz not pay him his contract WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN DONE IN HTE HISTROY OF BASKETBALL!

Class move by fisher, and by the jazz. Anyone whos says different doesnt understand the situation."

"But on a serious note we should be thankful for the leadership that Fish has provided to our young team, and we sould be hopeful that everything will work out for him and his family. Basketball will take care if itself in a little while."

"I do charity flights for people with medical conditions and I have recently been providing transportation for a little girl with the exact same condition as Fisher's Daughter. Her dad is a police officer and clearly doesn't have the $$ that Fisher has. They travel from SLC to Burbank to get treatment every 3-4 weeks. The procedure is heart breaking and is quite time consuming/draining on the family. The sad reality is that this cancer is EXTREMELY rare and there are only a few places in the country that provide treatment. Basically, the doctors shoot the tumors in the eye with lasers that cause their eyes to swell shut. In the vast majority of cases the patients end up loosing both eyes in an attempt to save their lives. Trust me, if this family could get the treatment in SLC for their child, they would. What they are sacrificing for their child to get the proper care is truly remarkable. This isn't about basketball for Fisher, this is real life."

"If Fisher is walking away from 21 million dollars to be close to his family, that's something special. If the league will let the Jazz and Fisher nullify this contract, that's something unheard of.

It sounds like the only way Fisher can recoup any of his lost cash is to get a job with another team. I wish him the best. And I'm sorry if I doubted him before.

It's kinda sad for Fisher really."

"this is a very serious condition! only a class act such as fish would pass up 20 mil to move and get the correct care his daughter needs! fisher is a class act and is always welcome here! Thanks to fisher for all the great memories and best wishes to his daughter and the rest of his family!"

"Fisher is a good man who's putting his family first."

"He's made money but that daughter of his and his family are precious. I have no problem at all with him making the decision because at the end of the day $21Mil isn't what matters most to Fisher."

"my opinion of Fisher the person has been raised even higher by this.....I wish the best for he and his family and am glad for the leasership he provided the Jazz not to mention the memorable GS game......"

"My father lost an eye to cancer (different type then what Fisher's daughter has), so I can only hope that whatever treatment they are trying pulls through for him."

"I was never a Fisher fan before due to an anti Laker bias, but damn if he's not a great guy.

The guy is remarkable, a man in a million, one of a kind. I respect him a lot.

I wish him the best."

"On the court I couldve been happier with his performance this year. He frustrated the hell out of me at times, and made me love him at other times.

Off the court, he has been nothing but an absolute class act. From day one of coming to Utah, he has talked about his family and how important they are to him. His choice to put his family first is the kind of example the NBA needs. In a league full of crybaby, spoiled little "superstars" who only care about $$$ and themselves, its refreshing to see someone like Derek Fisher who is willing to lose a LOT of money, just to get his daughter the best care available for her medical condition.

Utah has some world renown medical centers, but for this kind of Cancer, there are better places for the treatment she needs. If it was you and your kid, wouldnt you want the best treatment available....at ANY COST! I sure would!

I wish Derek Fisher and his family all the best. He has helped reawaken my faith in the professional athlete. I hope some of the current players and mostly the up and comers learn from his example on what it takes to be a man.....it doesn't come from being able to put a ball through a hoop, it comes from putting the priorities in life..i.e. family, first.

For those who doubt his sincerity, you can F*** off! Fisher has never said or done anything that would make any of his question his character or integrity. He might not have been the best player on the court for us, but I sure wish more of our players, as well as those throughout the NBA, were more like him off the court!

Good luck Fisher family, we wish you all the best!!! Thanks for what you gave us and thank you for reminding us what matters most!"

"I wish D-Fish the best in regards to his family. Laker fans still love him, and how can you not?"

"Hope everything with his family is okay and he can come back halfway through the season, or take a season off or something."

"Unbelievable.

Fisher is really a family man. I mean you would REALLY REALLY hate the place you play in to just walk away from that kind of dough. He loves his family, and I truly respect for that. I hope with all my heart for the best for Derek Fisher and his family.

Kudos to the NBA for allowing them to nullify the contract. That is completely unheard of. I am in disbelief. Do we get use his contract money this summer? If not, how soon does it go back into our bank?

I mean wow man."

"I really feel for Derek Fisher. The man is a stand up class act and approaches the game in a very professional manner. I applaud him for having the balls to walk away from a contract he likely won't see again to care for his daughter. Family should always come first, not a game, not the money. Good luck Fish on this endeavor and I hope your daughter pulls through just fine."

"I don't know about you guys but I believe that the Jazz will sorely miss Fisher. He brought so much leadership to the young team in the playoffs. He showed them how to win in the playoffs. I don't know if the young team is ready to win in the playoffs without Fisher. Not that i'm bagging on Fisher. He needs to put his family first and that is what he is doing. But the JAzz will really miss that guy...

I'm sorry to see Fisher go, but proud to see where his priorities are. It's a shame that he won't be on the court for us this coming season."

"I am glad Fish is doing what's most important and hope he finds a place on another team. He is good for the NBA."

"Man... I feel so sad Fisher... this is so tough for him and his family. I wish him the best, and if I could write him a letter to somewhere, I really would. I will investigate a bit on that. But for now, do your best Fish... do your best. Never forget SLC."

"All the best to Derek Fisher and his family. It is atleast nice to see in times like these, with so many athletes having their priorities all messed up, to see someone who gets it. God bless."

"And also a sad day for the Jazz franchise. Yes, his play was spotty at times, but he was a major contibutor this past year especially in the playoffs, and he will be missed."

"Fisher--even if Sloan used him in ways that we were not the biggest fans of--provided a lot of valuable elements to this team, and he will be missed from a leadership standpoint most, as well as his mostly steady play at the backup PG spot and his shooting (even if it did run hot and cold).

Fish is the man. I hope everything works out fine for him"

"Yes, Fish left $21 million on the table. He may be able to make some of that back by signing with another team, but he won't make NEARLY that much. He sacrificed plenty of money to do this.

It's a very nice gesture on his part. As far as playing with another team, I've read he'd like to play for NJ or NY, to stay close to his daughter's cancer treatment. If they don't want him, he'll retire.

Fisher deserves no ridicule here. He deserves the opposite. A lot of players would have just retired and leave the team with the debt."

"I do feel empathy for everything that Derek Fisher, the human being, is going through. A lot of other people also experience the pain of watching their child go through hell. No parent should ever have to experience that. I am sincere when I say that I hope that his daughter recovers."

"first of all, props to fisher for doing the right thing for his family. secondly, props to the jazz for being bigger than just contracts and 'the job', and letting Fish go.

I hope that things work out for him and his family. i'm sad to see him go, i wasn't a fan of derek fisher at 27 mpg, but i think i would have been a fan of him at 15-20 mpg playing back up point guard. we won't get a chance to find out. i think he was better for our team for his locker-room stuff, and being such a great mentor who had championship experience and was respected -- than anything he did on the court.

He will be missed. I wish him well, and pray for his family."

"I will never forget game 2 when Fisher showed up even with everything that was going on and helped us win the game.

I know, I rarely ever have reason to get tearied eyed anymore but that definitely was one of those moments. It was so selfless and heroic. Fisher is a real man! His intentions have always been honorable. Even when he was reluctant to come here, you realize now just how sincere he was about not wanting to move his family. He's one of those rare men that truly love their families more than their own personal success. In other words, not many men out there would leave that much money on the table for their family. I would hope that most men would do the same as Fisher.

I also would like to offer my prayers to his daughter and the Fisher family. He was truly the best example we could've hope for our young players. This event only solidifies just how amazing of a man he really is. I can totally understand why Larry was so emotional about it. I'm sure he and Sloan can relate because of what Jerry just went through and how close I'm sure Sloan and Larry are from over the years. Noone likes to see anyone else suffer; least of which someone else's little girl. I really do hope this inspires future players to be less greedy with their buyouts and contract negotiations. I also hope that Fisher is able to remain in the public domain as ambassador of good will. If he can't get on a team then I'm sure the league will find something worthwhile for him in the front office. Maybe he could be molded into the next NBA Commissioner? Who knows? Take care of you family, Derek. We will miss you.

fisher's departure (believe it or not) makes the jazz a worse team, in the short term. he was better than solid as a backup pg (although less than adequate as a starting sg). yes he frustrated a lot of people here at times but stood tall at the right times for us as well... just not tall enough to guard the premier 2 guards around the league."

"I'm sure he'll find work elsewhere next season. good luck and good health to him and his family - you gotta be pulling for the guy."

"All the best to fish. (he'll probably turn into the guy who never seems to miss a shot now that he's not playing for us anymore.)"

"I feel bad for his child and his family and I hope things turn out well. Whatever it takes to get his little girl well should be his focus and that's exactly what he is doing."

"I applaud Fisher for his class, professionalism and family-first mentality. He's everything a pro athlete should be. Coming back for the playoff games was truly above and beyond. I wish him and his family well and hope Derek can remain involved in the league for years to come.

Fish was a great vet to have around - well respected around the league, and a good example for the young players. He'll be missed."

"I live in LA and HATE the Lakers, but not Derek Fisher. He's always been a class act. In the era of selfish, amoral athletes, Derek and a few others have been true professionals and ambassadors of the game. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. Lesser men would have just demanded a LOA from the playoffs. It was certainly justifiable in his case. Whether he originally wanted to come to Utah is irrelevant. He gave us 100% last season, even when his daughter was going through life-threatening surgery."

"While I did not like his contract (like many of you), and play sometimes, I'll always appreciate what he brought to this team. There's no way this team makes the Western Conference Finals without Fish. He brought an expectation of winning, rather than going out there and hoping to win like in the couple years previously. I'm glad the Jazz were able to acquire a quality person like Derek Fisher, even if it was for one season. I think he left a postive impact on this team.

D-Fish, you'll be missed (at least by me). Get better soon, Tatum."

"I will miss him and that infectious smile."

"Take care, Mr. Fisher. I wish the best to you and your family. Thanks for your one-year service at Jazz."

"I'd again like to thank Fisher for being such a great big brother for all our young guys. You've got a great heart and I hope wherever you go you're appreciated and that your family is well taken care of. Good luck, Fisher family!"

"Now that Fisher is leaving, I think he's helped us more than hurt us. He passed on his valuable experience, but will step aside at a perfect time to let the young guys step up. We did need a vet who had championship experieince last year. I don't think memo quite filled that role.

So Fisher thank you for coming, we wish you the best for you and your family. God bless your daughter's health."

"no one can replace Fisher's heart. Game 2 of GSW series was amazing enough, but for him to walk away from $20+ million in guaranteed money to take care of his daughter... NO ONE does that. Hell, I don't think I would. But that's why Fish is Fish and I'm me."

"Dude is a class act, and I'm sad to see him go. I just hope he plays basketball again, even if it's for another team. Doesn't matter who he's playing for... I'm sure the SL fans will give him a warn welcome in any uniform.

Peace, Fish."

"I know allot of people criticized the Jazz for picking up Fisher's contract because of his age and defensive lapses, yet I think Derek took us to a whole new level last year. He was absolutely crucial to the Jazz during the playoff run as well as during the regular season and his presence and leadership were invaluable to this young team on and off the court. We needed a leader and a warrior and we got one, alas only for a season. My hope is that all of the Jazz players have learned from Derek and will carry on his class and leadership on and off the court. I wish him and his family the very best and hope to see him play again. Thank you for everything, Mr. Fisher.

P.S. My favorite Fisher moment from last year: game one of the regular season against the Rockets, where Derek stripped the ball from Yao with just seconds to go assuring our first regular season victory and the beginning of what turned out to be a great season."

"Fish will be missed by the team. His leadership and character are unmatched by anyone in the league. I mean, no one has had the guts to stand up to Larry Miller and he did it in his first season here. Class A+ guy."

"one thing i really hope is that his 1 year positive impact in the locker room carries over the next few years. hopefully he has already rubbed enough of his values to our new leaders in the team.

thanks DFish"

"Great decision making passes, questionable at times shooting, great leader, big heart. Fisher, you will be missed."

"Fish is a great character, is well spoken and probably the best looking guy in a Jazz uniform"

"Derek Fisher the man surprised me a bit. Even tough I followed pretty closelly the Lakers and their rumblings when Karl Malone played there for a year and you could see that Fisher seemed like a good person I was still surprised at how nice a guy he seemed to be in the one year he passed here. Let's just hope his daughter is alright. That's the most important thing in this whole issue."

"Goodbye to The Fish That Saved Salt Lake."

"As fans I don't think we appreciate him as we should. We see his subpar performances, and have started wondering what we can do with the extra cap space. But if we asked Deron or Booz if they appreciated having him last year and wish they could have him back assuming everything was right with his family, what do you think the answer would be? I think it would be a heartfelt yes, and their opinions are worth a whole lot more than anyone posts here."

"Truth is the man was good for the team. His off court leadership was something unquantifiable, His on court play was rough at times. His head-down charges to the basket and uneven shooting at times frustrated me too.

However I do believe that if it were not for him, we would not have had the playoff success we did last year and that is why we signed him in the first place.

I am sad that he's gone.

So long Fish-man we will miss ya."

And finally, one last one from a wayward Celtic's fan drifting amongst a sea of Mormons.

"Good luck to Derek from a Celtic's fan. I've got two boys and I don't even want to imagine having to go through what he's going through now. I hope everything works out for the best, and quickly."

exhelodrvr,

"If a player is going to be GREAT, asopposed to GOOD, they will almost always show in increasing number of games that take your breath away. Bynum hasn't done that. If you could show 20 games from last season with box scores similar to those five, I might agree with you. But so far he looks like he is on track to be a decent player, but not a consistent all star."

While I think that Bynum hasn't really had many games that you can consider "Great", I don't think that you necessarily have to have games that take your breath away to be great. Bynum's game doesnt really translate to "astonishing" performances. I think his game is closer to the Tim Duncan-type fundamental play (meaning: boring) than the Amare-type physical and athletic play.

Being able to put up some double-doubles is certainly a start and a good sign of things to come (especially since we don't have any dominant rebounders), and while I'm not sure about what kind of player he'll be at the end of the day, I'm encouraged by what I've seen.

One interesting thing to consider is that in the buildup to the draft, an analyst (I think it was Hollinger at ESPN) said that age is a huge factor, meaning that a 23 year old has pretty much hit their ceiling as opposed to a 19 year old. Bynum will be 20 this season. He's still got a lot of room to grow. I say you keep him unless you can get KG (and only because that will keep Kobe in town). Given the crappy centers in the league, its not that hard to be an all-star (remember, Mehmet Okur and Magliore were BOTH all stars). I honestly think that something like 18-12 can get you there, and I definitely think that Bynum can get there.

wow,

All I have to say is wow! Your hate for KL is making you spew a mountain of gibberish.

"Be a man and don't say cowardly things on a blog behind a computer screen knowing that you are protected and then say the Bill of Rights protects me too. "-wow

Is that a threat? Talk about hiding behind a computer screen talking gibberish. Bill of Rights?? Are you mentally ill?

Don't let your fanatical love for Kobe blind you to the fact that you're a Lakerfan first. Kobefan second.

My Opinion = Lakers > Kobe

JJ said:

"I would hate to trade Bynum and have him become the very player you don't think he will become. What would you say then when Kobe is nolonger able to do it?"

JoremA SAY:

i WOULD HATE TO LOSE TO THE PHOENIX SUNS AGAIN.
I would hate to wait 5 or 6 years without improving this team and later will find out that all that
waiting time was in vain.

I would hate to trade "the possible good player that Bynum should later be and represent", but I hate being a looser more than anything.

I would hate to plan for big things, not knowing if I will ever see another tomorrow...because I surely know that "living the moment:" is the appropriate way of thinking.

I would hate to trade Bynum, but he is the only tradeable piece with have with some value to obtain a solid star veteran.

As Kobe I hate to be in a team that just play the second bananas script.

DEREK

“Kobe can make a one-handed half court shot using only his left hand with a big mac in the other hand. I bet you cant.”

HomerKL would say “hum, Big Mac” followed by drooling. LOL. Good one.

UTZWORLD

“KL, you're my man, but this thread was neither the time nor place to go on another anti-Kobe rants.”

you know, as an afterthought, you’re right. My bad.

“Like I said, you're my man (very misunderstood by the folks who antagonize you daily), but I had to tell the truth. Nuff said.”

you’re one of the blogger that I actually give respect to, so point well taken.

DASCILLA,

“First of all I am not a Kobe loyalist, I am a Laker fan. If ever Kobe leaves the Lakers I will hate him forever.”

I stand corrected.

ROCKY

“My Opinion = Lakers > Kobe”

Lakers will always be greater than any one individual.

Taoshum....

If Oden wears down...is ok.
If Bynum wears down is ok.

Both are full of promises...but if Oden is the only piece that Portland have to obtain another player that can
booster the team and help compete for bigger things....

Is ok. to trade future, for proven quality like lakers did with Kareem.

exhelodrvr,

There is a big gap between "decent" and "consistent all-star". I don't think we need another all-star to win. Bryant is a perennial all-star and Odom, when healthy, is definately all-star quality. The point I'm trying to make is Bynum is good enough to be our third option. He's no longer a project.

I think he can average a double/double and two blocks a game next year, if he gets the playing time. This season, per 48 minutes, Bynum averaged 17 points, 13 rebounds and 3.43 blocks. His blocks are what is most impressive. He ranked 18th in blocks per game and 10th in blocks per 48 minutes.

So, if Bynum doesn't improve but just stays exactly the same (not likely), and he averages 35 minutes a game next year (walton averaged 33) he'll put up 9.5 rebounds, 12 points and 2.5 blocks per game. Again, that's if he doesn't improve any and his shots per minute don't increase. Bynum is an real threat down low evidenced by his 55% FG and can open things up for Bryant and Odom if they use him. Those three with Walton can be a strong team. Add a veteran PG with the MLE and you've got yourself a contender in a year or two when the chemistry gels.

Andrew Z RIGHT on the money..now if it wasnt for that damn impatient Kobe!

Kiwi,

I'm sure Fisher and the Jazz front office talked and both felt this was the best way to go. I'm sure Fisher probably offerred or suggested it, not wanting to hamper the Jazz from moving forward with his contract on the books and no player to fill that spot.

There might have been other options, but this seems like the best situation for everyone involved.

I said it earlier and I'll say it again, I'm sure the Jazz are happy to have Fish's contracts off the books for the amount and quality of production they were getting. Strictly speaking about his on court production, Derek Fisher was WAAYYY overpaid.

Bynum can play good ofense, some times, for intervals, but again...his stamina and conditioning is one of the worst in the league.

Proof?
A dinosaur like Mutombo ate him alive and blocked his shots 4 times.

The mayor problem is...you can't expect, for his inexperience, assertiveness from him in protecting the paint and playing solid championship defense.

He isn't prepared to be third option in a elite team. He can do that in Atlanta, Bobcats or whatever, but not in the west.

Lakers: Luke Walton Back, Fisher Next?

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22577.shtml

Lakers sign first-round pick Crittenton

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AhKBM.eeqVBy7CAf8CcVZc3cvrYF?slug=txlakerscrittenton&prov=st&type=lgns

Pistons re-sign Billups in 5-year, $60 million deal

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-pistons-billups&prov=ap&type=lgns

generic,

Certainly you are correct.I understand little of the nature of the illness but the decision does not seem to allow for the possibility that she might be well again in 6 months,a year, a year and a half and no longer require such specialised treatment.Thats more what I was getting at and from this viewpoint it seems hasty....whatever the case there is no denying it is a seriously classy move on a number of levels....when I said he wanted out of Utah I wasnt thinking so much to play for another team becasue it is likely to be the furtherest thing on his mind...its more like he has reevaluated and decided he has just had enough of living the NBA life...and as you say didnt want to retire and take the money because its not his style.

Interesting and inspiring stuff to be sure...

Kiwi....

You are free to be attached to Bynum promise.
Free to wait 5 or 6 years more for better things to come.

But promises, dreams....are just that.
Bynum promise is like the second advent of Jesus: Nobody knows the certain day and hour of his coming.

Jorema,

I have meant to write to commend you on some great writing recently...

I have been saying since early last season that Bynum should be traded...in fact I was the first person (that I saw) on this blog to say it. i still think he should be....but at the same time it has to be the right deal and he has to be able to be packaged in the right way...if this cant happen the lakers must wait.i hope there is a deal on but andrew Z is right...the options of who to trade him WITH are not great right now and we probably have to wait unitl something better can be worked out...thats what this whole thing with Kobe is about...he just cant appreciate this line of thinking he just wants the best trade possible right now.Im not bagging him for it...its just the way it is

wow
"This is my last post to the two of you ever. We will let the work on the bball court do the talking. You two are great motivators for people that love challenges. You say so much smack that you inspire your opponents to come back stronger"

TAKE A KIT KAT AND GO TO YOUR ROOM!

jorema
"Shaq...Most dominant ever (his own calling)
Kobe the best basketball player( Entire league opinion)"

YOU FORGOT ONE MORE THING...

SHAQ - 4 RINGS
KOBE - 3 RINGS

Agent denies Billups agrees to five-year, $60M deal with Pistons

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2925200

Kiwi....

This GM office had 1 year and half dealing with Bynum dilemma and nothing happen, even when PHIL jAckson advised them to do it.

Regarding Lamar...

GM office had being waiting 3 years for a proyected all star showing from Lamar. Even in this exit interview he expressed discomfort in trying to do things different from the way he had being playing. "I guess if they want me to play that way I will have to do it".

Since Phil restarted....He had repeated, Mitch also: "we are one star player away from be serious contender".
2 years and nothing happened?
Still the same need?

So...Don't blame Kobe for loosing his faith in Lakers brass.
He is willing to wait patiently but if in the office running the show we have different people that can be trusted.

That's Kobe point.

They have repeated him: be patient.
Now they repeat...be patient.

When Brian Grant salary comes out the book....
Guess what, we will be free to give the help you need, Mr KObe.
And...now...Kobe wait more, be patient, wait more.

What faith you can have in a office who refused to signed good players because they didn't want to give them more than 3 years, because a big plan was in the mirror.
The time came...guess what.... No changes are needed. That big plan was changed.

No trust. No trust.
You can be patient with somebody you trust.
You can't if the trust is long gone.
You can't if suddenly the plan they both had is changed and they changed it without informing him.

No trust. Patience is based in trust.
Kobe is willing to be patient again, but not with the same person.

Mike Mouintain say:

Lamar is a all-star caliber player.

Jorema say;

Caliber all star players?
Richard Lewis.
Eddie Curry.
Al Jefferson
Tashaun Prince
Luol Deng
Jason Richardson
Richard Jefferson
Gerald Wallace
Ben Gordon

A all stars....is a all star.

Jorema say;

Caliber all star players?
Richard Lewis.
Eddie Curry.
Al Jefferson
Tashaun Prince
Luol Deng
Jason Richardson
Richard Jefferson
Gerald Wallace
Ben Gordon

A all stars....is a all star.

Mike says:

Mehmet Okur

Mike,
your stats prove my point. You had to dig for 5 games that you deemed as great. 5 games out of a 82 game season. Thats such a low % I wont even calculate it.

And like ex said, all of those games werent even "great" games.

Then, you also neglect to point that 3 of those games came in what the 1st two weeks of the season, and then I guess you are saying he had no good games after January? I dont think the season ended in January.

On a Laker team that was big man deprived and desperately needing somebody to do anything positive with Kwame & Odom hurt for most of the season Bynum had ample opportunity to post at LEAST 15/20 games where you said "we have something here with Bynum".

Instead, we are questioning his work ethic, basketball IQ, and "upside". Wasnt one of the good things about Bynum that he didnt play much basketball? So should he learn at a quicker pace since its analagous to kids learning a new language early?

Shouldnt you get better as you learn the game speed, as you play more, as you refine your craft?

We all agree that Bynum will be a solid player. But if you put Amare or Dwight Howard in their first years on last years Lakers team you would have a few "wow" games.

I hope I'm wrong on Bynum, but I cant see him putting up crazy good numbers, ever. Unless you count 15 & 8 as crazy good.

Okur isn't a proven all star.
He was selected because some players wasn't healthy.

If Okur this coming years is selected all star again, he can be called a genuine all star.

Korey,
I didn't say 55 wins made a team a contender, I said 55 wins would mean that only minor changes would be needed to make that team a contender, or that the natural improvement of younger players would make that team a contender. And that is what the 55-win members were saying last summer: "Tha Lakers don't need to make any additions to the roster. Lamar is going to be an all-star. Bynum is the next Kareem. Kwame is going to play all season like he played for ten games in the second half. Walton is going to improve. Farmar is going to be good enough to start soon." And we saw what happened. Injuries would not have made 13 games difference.