For those readers concerned Luke Walton was severely overpaid
July 5, 2007 | 10:16
am
This will hopefully ease your minds. While I sincerely congratulate Mr. Carroll on a hard-earned windfall, you can't tell me Walton isn't worth at least 500K more per season. ESPN's John Hollinger would agree.
Again, doesn't mean that 5 mil a season shouldn't sound staggering for a role player who may come off the bench. It just means that salaries are all relative in today's NBA.
-AK
TaosHum,
total speculation, but i have a feeling when kg spoke with kobe and asked kobe directly if his arrival would ensure kobe remains with lakers, kobe's response was either:
"nah, i'm gone no matter what"
or
"do what you gotta do kg"
or
"i don't know"
and at this point in kg's trophyless career, kg needs to know he is going to a better situation.
apparently, kobe didn't make kg feel too secure about joining the purple & gold.
i guess we will see...
Posted by: tha show | July 05, 2007 at 03:26 PM
Andy B:
Your post bringing up Yi Jianlian grabbed my interest. I think it is obvious that China and Yi’s agent are not going to sit back and allow their prize player to go to the Bucks. They are going to force the Bucks to trade Yi for sure. The likely target locations for Yi would be San Francisco and Los Angeles, both of which have large Chinese-American communities and extensive business contacts with Chinese companies. Without a doubt, here is a situation that is tailor made for the Lakers to take advantage, just as Derek Fisher’s being released by the Jazz.
How good is Yi? If you judge certain reports, he is a potential superstar. One thing for sure he will be a big draw marketing wise if a member of the Lakers. What would the Bucks want? They have Bogut at the 1, backed up by Gadzuric, Villanueva at the 2 and Simmons at the 3, and free agents Mo Williams, Charley Bell, and Earl Boykins. Their weakness is at shooting guard, which is why their point guards score so much, but they are also very thin at both forward spots. It is not impossible to think that they might be interested in Vlade, Cook, or Luke. Maybe we could even include Charley Bell in a sign and trade deal so we get Yi plus a point guard in return. At any rate, we should be talking to Yi’s agent right now to see what kind of deal the Lakers could pull off to get Y1.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 05, 2007 at 03:26 PM
Luke's 30 Mil is a complete waste. Better to have risked losing him, and clearing some cap for next summer. Let me break it down for you - This guy makes 0 impact. When he was out last year, yes the team struggled. But Lamar and Kwame were out too and the team never returned to its 26-13 form.
With or without Luke, all things being equal, this team may squeak into the Playoffs and be eliminated in the first round. At least Radman was able to actually make an impact once.
Posted by: HTJ | July 05, 2007 at 03:28 PM
G1 -
"I think he was hit over the head with some melons a while back."
Probably while he was admiring some front porch.
I keep waiting for the new PBS show: "Adventures in Lechery, with your host, Dr. Jerry Buss."
"Hello... I'm not Rip Taylor. I'm Dr. Jerry Buss, physicist, real estate mogul, poker champion and owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Also, I like boobies."
Posted by: The D | July 05, 2007 at 03:28 PM
RDaniel,
"I am sorry I can't help you if don't have Firefox. Though if you are using IE, I strongly suggest switching to some other browser anyway. IE is terrible from a security point of view."
and he should give you his login ID and iP Address too. Then you can post using his computer, right?
Posted by: gunner | July 05, 2007 at 03:32 PM
LakerTom,
The Bucks franchise guy is Michael Redd, a 2 guard. And Villanueva is a 4, maybe 3/4 combo.
I for one think it would be cool to get Yi, but I think it's b.s. that his agent and camp are trying to force the Bucks hand. They entered the draft knowing that they could end up anywhere. To make a stink now is just crap in my book.
Anyway, Yi would cost us Bynum plus draft pick(s). I don't think we have anything else they might want, although they might want to get out from under Bobby Simmons' contract and if they want it bad enough we could trade Kwame's expiring and two future 1st round picks for the rights to Yi and Simmons. That might be the only way we can do it.
Posted by: Andrew Z | July 05, 2007 at 03:34 PM
"Hill also considered the Pistons, Heat, Mavs and Spurs but went with the Suns to hopefully win a championship"
No Lakers? And we suppose to have the greatest player on planet Pluto? Or maybe, Kobiatch destroyed every free agency move possible.
KG - No, it's either Suns or I'll stay in Minny
Rashad Lewis - I'm going to Orlando
Grant Hill - I want to win a championship. I'm going to the Suns
Billups - I'm staying with Piston
D Fish - I'm going to Cleveland.
Who else?
Posted by: gunner | July 05, 2007 at 03:37 PM
LakerTom,
"At any rate, we should be talking to Yi’s agent right now to see what kind of deal the Lakers could pull off to get Y1."
Realistically don't you think we should be talking to the BUCKS?!? I'm just sayin'. When did Yi's agent become a GM? I'm not just asking you either. This is ridiculous. It's not like the guy didn't have lofty expectations already, now he's pissed on an entire US city.
Posted by: Andrew Z | July 05, 2007 at 03:40 PM
i personally think kobe's offseason antics ended up costing the lakers kevin garnett.
i know, i know...kupchak sucks. so does jim buss. i get that, completely agree.
however, when kg heard (as we all did, kobe made sure of that) kobe wanted out of la, what reason would he have to join the lakers?
kobe WAS the only reason kg would join the lakers.
yet when that only reason began to waiver, so did kg's yearning to play in la.
kobe did more damage with his comments than most laker fans think.
seriously, if you were a quality free agent or quality player on the trading block right now, WHAT REASON (IF ANY) WOULD YOU HAVE TO JOIN THE LAKERS?
they got no money (borderline luxury tax payroll).
they got below average talent.
they got a malcontent superstar who wants to be traded.
they got two jokers running the front office.
these are sad days in lakerland, damn.
Posted by: tha show | July 05, 2007 at 03:46 PM
As I'm always saying, the Lakers must bring European Star Juan Carlos Navarro. Not only for his skills and immediat impact, also because he is best friend of Pau Gasol and having Navarro in the Lakers will help a lot to bring Gasol!
Other Teams are moving, I don't see any move of the Lakers:
"A handful of teams have contacted the Washington Wizards about trading for guard Juan Carlos Navarro who recently negotiated a way out of his contract with FC Barcelona of the Spanish Pro League.
The Wizards drafted Navarro in the second round of the 2002 draft and have retained his NBA rights. The Wizards can offer the 6-foot-4, 170-pound Navarro a contract up to their full mid-level exception (a first-year salary of about $5.8 million depending on the new salary cap, which will be released next week.)
According to one league source, the Miami Heat has long been interested in Navarro and would consider a sign-and-trade deal involving free agent forward James Posey, an excellent defender who averaged 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds last season."
Posted by: Alexinho17 | July 05, 2007 at 03:47 PM
A Vision of the Future
http://getgarnett.com/blog/?p=485
Free Agency: Hill Picks Phoenix
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22607.shtml
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Laker Tom,
Youre one of the reasons that some of these blog posts show 0 basketball knowledge? HELLO
THe Bucks have Michael Redd who dropped like 45 points on the Lakers earlier this year at the 2 guard, and balled up Kobe.
By the way, the Center position is the 5, the Power forward is the 4, small forward is 3, shooting guard is 2, point guard is 1.
The reason I would ask the Bucks about Yi is that they really dont have a spot for him. He's apparently a 3, but probably not athletic enough, because he is so damn tall, so he has to pay the 4, like Dirk. Dirk was initially a 3 but became a 4.
But they already have Villanueva at 4 and Bogut at 5. Where does that put Yi? They probably more than anything need a decent 3. Unforuntely the Lakers have nothing to offer the Bucks in terms of a small forward. THey cant trade Luke yet and Radman isnt proven, nor young enough to trade Yi.
The Bucks had to be the worst team to draft the guy. He really doesnt fit in on the team, unless they move Villanueva to the 3, but thats sort of a stretch as a long term solution.
Posted by: I Miss Van Exel and Eddie Jones | July 05, 2007 at 03:55 PM
It kinda sucks for the Bucks...cause they lost so many games just so they can get that pick (haha), and they pick a dude whose whole country doesn't him to play there. Still I have a feeling he'll end up playing there for a year, then they'll find a way to get him in another team.
Incidentally Sun Yue is supposedly ecstatic to have been picked a Laker.
Posted by: Faith | July 05, 2007 at 03:56 PM
I suppose Kobe Bryant is the reason Derek Fisher wants to play for the NY Knicks instead of the Lakers. Must be.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | July 05, 2007 at 03:58 PM
Gunner-
"No Lakers? And we suppose to have the greatest player on planet Pluto? Or maybe, Kobiatch destroyed every free agency move possible.
KG - No, it's either Suns or I'll stay in Minny
Rashad Lewis - I'm going to Orlando
Grant Hill - I want to win a championship. I'm going to the Suns
Billups - I'm staying with Piston
D Fish - I'm going to Cleveland."
Your argument is specious. By your reasoning, I could say that Shaq and Dwyane Wade scared off these guys. Or Duncan. Why else wouldn't Hill sign with the Spurs? Because nobody wants to play with Duncan! Why hasn't Cleveland signed any top free agents? Oh, everyone hates Lebron! Why haven't I dated a supermodel? They must be afraid of my intelligence!
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | July 05, 2007 at 04:01 PM
RDaneel,
Thanks, dude.
RMA
Posted by: RespectMyAuthoritah | July 05, 2007 at 04:04 PM
RMA:
"Buss is just a 'cans do' kind of guy."
Yeah, he usually nips stuff right in the bud.
The D:
"Probably while he was admiring some front porch."
Did he udder anything while doing that?
I'm seeing Hugh Hefner as a guest star on that show. He could be the Andy Richter to Jerry's Conan.
Posted by: generic_one | July 05, 2007 at 04:05 PM
Undeniably the best trade left out for the Lakers is grabbing Gasol with Bynum as the centerpiece has to be it. The Grizz would continue with their youth movement, to go with guys like Conley, Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry, Hakim Warrick. They would also make room for Stromile Swift who shares a position is Gasol. The Grizz GM wants his team to gell and grow up together, and adding Bynum would do that. Besides, Andrew would be with guys closer to his age and probably would feel more comfortable.
If I am a Laker fan (Which I am) I tell Kupchek to convice to the Grizz that Bynum is their man. Bynum is a future 20/10 guy (sort of like zach randolph) and an inside presence. They would need him against the likes of Greg Oden.
Second, Mike Conley Jr needs a solid big man on the inside to command double teams and find open players to get buckets. Remember how Conley used to go around Oden screens? Also, say what you want about Bynum, but the kid can pass very well. That gets often overlooked. Hes a great passer when hes on it. He does that Shaq move where he holds the ball out in one hand away from the defender. Bynum and Conley=good mix good potential.
That would allow us to get Gasol, hopefully not by including Odom.
A team of Gasol, Odom and Kobe would be very formidable. Gasol is a smart guy and is a way better version of Luc Longley. Gasol can hit that midrange, and drive past a slower defender. He's a spacing kind of guy, and that would also free Odom for the dirty work that he does.
If they kept Kwame, they could also use his expiring contract next year for a point guard or for a better bench. And when Kobe walks away after a western conference finals berth, the Lakers would still have Gasol and Odom, and potentially somebody like Gilbert Arenas or a couple 10-mi players.
Posted by: I Miss Van Exel and Eddie Jones | July 05, 2007 at 04:06 PM
Don't feed the trolls - they're just attention-whores...
Posted by: hariyahu | July 05, 2007 at 04:10 PM
id love to see Darko on the Lakers.
PS I dont know where I saw it but wasnt it 17,505 a sell out at the forum?
Posted by: Laker Lover | July 05, 2007 at 04:12 PM
Espn Magazine: KG haven't talk to Kobe, because Bryant change his phone and cellular numbers.
That's what I 'm reading right now in the paper version of Espn Magazine.
I don't know how accurate are their sources, but that's whtat is printed.
Posted by: jorema | July 05, 2007 at 04:19 PM
Andrew Z:
How could I have forgotten about Michael Redd? The guy who made Ray Allen expendible. My bad on that one.
Anyway, the thing about Yi is that his agent is Dan Fegan, who also represents Shawn Marion, Jason Richardson, Jason Terry, and several other top grade NBA players, and China are set on Yi not ending up in Milwaukee. In the end, the Bucks made a dumb move drafting a guy they were not even allowed to try out and were actually told NOT to draft by the player’s agent. There is no way that Fegan and Yi’ Chinese agent are going to allow him to go to the neverland of the Bucks. Wait and see. A trade will happen and the Lakers should be one of the logical favorites to benefit. At least that’s my take.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 05, 2007 at 04:28 PM
hari=samir
"Don't feed the trolls - they're just attention-whores..."
yes, cover your ears and say "nah, nah, nah". you mad cuz i called you out.
Posted by: KLBeast | July 05, 2007 at 04:45 PM
kobe apologist
"Your argument is specious. By your reasoning, I could say that Shaq and Dwyane Wade scared off these guys. "
Didn't GHill say that Miami was a possible destination?
Posted by: KLBeast | July 05, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Hari = Samir from Office Space
"Don't feed the trolls"
Minimum wage is tough huh. Everyone wants you to fix their computer for peanuts. Make you feel like a whore, huh?
I have a computer glitch right now. Can you itch it?
Posted by: gunner | July 05, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Generic,
Buss doesn't have time for a TV show right now.
He's spending all his time trying to figure out the best way to augment the front court.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 05, 2007 at 04:48 PM
tha show
"i personally think kobe's offseason antics ended up costing the lakers kevin garnett."
YES, YES, YES.........an unbiased intellegent blogger. For once i'll knock off the rhetoric and say that we had a opportunity to get KG and i would have relented on Kobe if kobe was able to convince KG to play in LA. Hell I would have said that a KG for Shaq swap is worth beting embarassed for the last 3 seasons. But in the end, it wasn't about the lakers, it was about kobe bryant. Sad really.
BTW, on a side note, thanks for calling me out when i get out of line. I enjoy what you and Utzworld have to say because you are farily impartial to kobe and very partial to the laker team.
Posted by: KLBeast | July 05, 2007 at 04:50 PM
Kobe Apologist = Kobe's Toilet
Don't worry. We signed Luke. Luke is your hero.
Luke is a great free agency pickup. We can win a championship now.
You feel better?
Posted by: gunner | July 05, 2007 at 04:50 PM
The Big Chameleon: Phil Jackson.
In 2005 said: Garnett is maybe the best player in the NBA.
A few years ago I read an interview with Phil Jackson, one of the most successful coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association. In the interview, Jackson said that a major influence on his life was John Heider’s book The Tao of Leadership. I happened to find the book at the Starseed Shop on Main Street in Oshkosh. I’ve never been a fan of modern adaptations of ancient wisdom, but in this case I must say that Heider’s application of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching to contemporary leadership situations is inspiring. Almost every passage in the book’s brief 81 chapters has some relevance for leaders. I now find myself placing a passage at the end of a list of announcements I provide department members at our monthly meetings. Heider even has good advice for dealing with an angry WACMer: “The person who initiates the attack is off center and easily thrown. Even so, have respect for any attacker. Never surrender your compassion or use your skill to harm another needlessly . . . In any event, the more conscious force will win.”
(Tony Palmeri)
Phil Jackson famous quotes:
==========================
"We thought we were one player short of being elite at one point," Jackson said. "At this time, we might need a couple players. I'm not sure who they are. ... We're really confident that we're going to get this thing done -- make strides to do the right thing."
=========================
"There seems to be no quality, no value at all, for what we expect for Kobe Bryant, and that's understandable," Jackson said. "Kobe's got to respect what this team has to do, and we're trying to work our way through this."
=========================
"We thought we were one player short of being elite at one point," Jackson said. "At this time, we might need a couple players. I'm not sure who they are. ... We're really confident that we're going to get this thing done -- make strides to do the right thing."
==========================
"However, it's my unshakable feeling that Kobe will be a Laker next October … when training camp opens."
===========================
"I think Kobe and I probably have irreconcilable differences at this point. No doubt the guy has all the talent in the world, but I'm done wiping his nose and changing his diapers. It has been a rough year for him, particularly in comparison to what Shaq has done and perhaps he has matured, but new blood for me and new for him would probably be best." (2005)
========================
"Minnesota is very appealing. They've had a tough season this year, but they are still a very talented team. With just a couple of personnel moves, I could have this team hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy in the near future. Kevin Garnett might be the best player in the league, one of the very best ever.
On top of that he's got that competitive passion and drive needed to win a title. He's very coachable and would do very well in the triangle offense. " (2005)
http://www.realgm.com/src_feature/20/20050322/an_intimate_interview_with_phil_jackson/
Posted by: jorema | July 05, 2007 at 04:53 PM
How Phil Jackson will handle Ron Ron Artests?
Maybe with the same approach he used with Rodman:
"It's true that I like grace much better. One thing about issues of management, leadership and discipline is that you are always dealing with a dynamic situation, not a static one. And you can't always make a moralistic judgment of right or wrong, good or evil. It seems to me that the tenor in which things are done makes the difference - that you approach issues with compassion and love, and that if you have to mete out discipline, you do so in such a way that its an encouraging force, not a punishment that's meant to hurt. Punishment can be done, there's no doubt about that; it's held in reserve, for when a person wants to isolate himself from the rest of the group. You have to sever relationships with people if they are not willing to continue in a partnership.
Dennis is someone who has made this issue dynamic. It's almost as if Dennis has a diode that's not connected. This has kind of unified us as a team, because we have to protect this person who is very talented as an athlete and a competitor but who, perhaps as a result of all the things that have happened to him in his life, doesn't have all the equipment to handle the stresses of life. He's kind of like the little kid in the neighborhood who's always been the runt everyone else has to protect. But from a day-to-day standpoint, Dennis is a lovely person to deal with."
Posted by: jorema | July 05, 2007 at 05:03 PM
ex, G1, The D:
Time to go to practice, so I must say...
wait for it...
Ta-ta for now.
Hold . . . hold . . . and release. Oh!
Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure doing your business. I'll be here all week.
Posted by: RespectMyAuthoritah | July 05, 2007 at 05:05 PM
I MISS VAN EXEL AND EDDIE JONES,
"Phil Jackson wont be around for more than 3 years most likely, and so will his triangle offense. So that means we have a Luke Walton that wont be any effective for 3 years. Luke Walton is highly one dimensional. Maybe not skill wise one dimensional, but systematically. Thats much more important. Remember its all about the right fit. "
LUKE CAN ALWAYS BE TRADED DOWN THE ROAD, DONT GET IT WRONG ALOT OF TEAMS WOULD LOVE TO HAVE HIM, HIS CONTRACT IS NOT A BAD ONE AND WILL NOT FEND OFF ANY TEAMS IN A TRADE
CHECK MATE
Posted by: Violater | July 05, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Repost
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 = Kobe Publicist
"Shaq...Most dominant ever (his own calling)
Kobe the best basketball player( Entire league opinion)"
AND YOU FORGOT ONE MORE THING...
SHAQ - 4 RINGS
KOBE - 3 RINGS
J-COOL
"No I Not The Third K Bro I Just Born To Do This."
KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DOING BRO. I LIKE GETTING THE ARTICLES AS THEY COME OUT. THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE.
KAREEM RUSH TO THE PACERS
The Indiana Pacers signed former NBA player and Lithuanian League star guard Kareem Rush, along with guards Andre Owens and Stephen Graham.
The 6-foot-6 Rush was the Baltic League Final Four MVP last season and has played for the Lakers, Bobcats and Sonics in the NBA. Rush will help the Pacers with their outside shooting needs, although he's never met expectations in the NBA. All three players will participate in the team's rookie-free agent camp starting Thursday.
ZEKE GOING AFTER ARTEST
Isiah Thomas and the Knicks are reportedly interested in acquiring troubled forward Ron Artest from the Kings.
With Zach Randolph on board, the goal of having "good character" guys in the locker room is out the window. And after the Jared Jeffries' failed experiment, and Quentin Richardson's bum back, the Knicks could actually use Artest at small forward. But if there are already concerns about chemistry with Eddy Curry, Stephon Marbury, Randolph and Jamal Crawford on board, Artest would clearly push the Knicks into unchartered waters. Guys like Nate Robinson, Jeffries and Randolph Morris are being shopped, as will Dan Dickau and Fred Jones when they have been with the team for 30 days. If the Knicks were to acquire Artest, it would be almost impossible not to be interested in watching the team every night. Especially if you like drama.
NONE OF THESE PLAYERS WON'T TO PLAY IN LA. THANKS KOBIATCH
WOW
"Shut up. I consider you to be below KL, so no need of worrying about you. Nobody on ths blog seem to care what you say seriously.
OBVIOUSLY, I HIT A NERVE BECAUSE YOU KEEP REPLYING. THANKS FOR SHOWING YOUR SUPPORT OF ME. BTW, GUNNER STANDS FOR THE EXCESSIVE SHOOTING OF THE BALL HOG BRYANT SO I TAKE IT AS A DISRESPECT TOWARDS THE PERSON WHO'S HURTING THIS FRANCHISE.
NICE CHATTING WITH YOU.
KL,
"Haven’t you heard of rewarding the big guys so they’ll play harder? please consider that kobe Bryant is not a leader and is not cut out to be the #1."
Can you say, Lebron James? Exactly what he did with his big men this year. Rewarded Varejeo and Gooden and they played harder for him. You're right on the money my fellow blogger.
RAY,
"wouldn't u say that there are nice qualities about Kobe"
Yes, he got a $20 million dollar contract. That's what every American would love to have. Outside of that, the nice qualities have shredded away year by year. I would say #1 spot is nice quality for a player. But, not Kobe. Sorry
G1
"Yeah... the Cavs really played well against the Spurs."
Oh my little pad one. Cavs got to the finals didn't they. Do you see players leaving the Cavs team going elsewhere? I think they like LeBrick so well, they are resigning contracts to stay.
Why nobody but Luke is has resigned in LA since 2004?
JOREMA
how's that PR job. Kobe paying you well?
I truly believe you should take John Black place.
Your Jedi mind tricks work well with the Lakers. You can blow a smoke screen over Kobe and his tantrums easily with your 2001 Forbes magazine articles.
LOL!!!
RAY RAY
"Shaq was demanding over $20 million and if you look at NBA salaries Kobe does not make $20 million. "
Well, if I was the GM and Shaq was the key to winning us 3 NBA Finals, and 3 Finals MVP and an almost dynasty that has now been destroy by the Kobester, I would have paid Shaq that money in a heartbeat and told Kobester to shut his mouth and deal with Shaq.
Or
If i was the Kobester, i would have called Buss up as soon as i found out he was trying to shop shaq and said, "are you idiot" (since he's already use to calling Buss and idiot) then told Buss to keep Shaq because we need to keep moving towards a dynasty.
Don't you think Magic would have done the same if he knew Buss was trying to ship Kareem out?
EX
"Of course, you make that valid statement and then try to twist it to be against Kobe; in fact had you pursued that statement to it's logical conclusion you would find that it is appropriate for Kobe to be taking the number of shots he is, because as a group the rest of the team is relatively weak offensively."
THAT'S THE MENTALLY OF A BALL HOG. YOU SEE YOUR TEAMMATES AS A WEAK OFFENSIVE UNIT BEFORE TRYING TO LIFT THEIR LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE BY ATTACKING THE DEFENSE AND GETTING TEAMMATES IN BETTER POSITIONS TO MAKE HIGH % SHOTS.
Not Kobe! Ball moves across court to Kobe and what the ball hog do? He dribbles back to the other side of the triangle where 3 other teammates or standing and the spacing is jack up then and guys are standing wondering what he's going to do next. So, no confidence or reaction from his teammates because their are only 4 seconds left on the shot clock and the offense is out of sync.
END OF STORY.
GDCHILD
"The Laker FO failed to build a contender around Kobe"
No, Kobe fail to make his teammates better. Your logic is just like apples and oranges.
EX,
"Apparently the only time you have played basketball is on your computer, where you can make all the teammates have exactly the same capabilities. "
How that NBA2K7? You have to stop making all those dream rosters setup. You'll always be fooled by what team basketball means. Oops, did i let the cat out of the bag?
FAN OF KL AND GUNNER 24
“I would like to nominate KL BEAST and GUNNER 24 for laker blogger of the year"
Stop that. I'm just a role player on this blog. I don't won't to get named the Big Egomaniac like Old man Kob.
TROY,
"A challenge was issued to the Kobe haters on this blog, and not one of them could take the challenge. "
I'M STILL WAITING TROY FOR YOU TO ANSWER MY QUESTION. HOW MANY LICKS TO IT TAKE TO GET TO THE CENTER OF A TOOTSIE ROLL POP?
You might ask, what does that have to do with anything? Exactly.
No logic behind my question and no logic behind yours.
You can't ask a question and then say "Beside Shaq, who else blah, blah, blah. "
That's like a reporter talking out the side of his neck. Trying to call out Kobe faults first in the question and then ask the reader who else?
When the faults are the reason why he's lying in this pile of poop and the team struggles is because him.
SO THERE, I ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. SO ONCE AGAIN YOUR LOGIC IS JUST LIKE APPLES AND ORANGES. IT DOES NOT ANALYZE NOTHING BUT THE TWISTER MIND OF YOURS.
JEFF,
"There were several reasons we lost the 2004 finals. -Shaq finally ran into a defense that knew how to handle him"
NICE TO MEET YOU. I THINK I'LL GIVE YOU A REFRESHER COURSE ON THE 2004 FINALS. PLEASE READ.
"They almost never doubled Shaq and actually doubled Kobe much more. Kobe started out that series passing a lot and guys like GP and Fish were SO off, they were literally barely getting rim. I'm talking serious serious bricks here."
Game 1: Kobe 10-27 (37%) Rest of Lakers 19-46 (41%)
Game 2: Kobe 14-27 (52%) Rest of Lakers 24-53 (45%)
Game 3: Kobe 4-13 (31%) Rest of Lakers 23-61 (38%)
Game 4: Kobe 8-25 (32%) Rest of Lakers 25-53 (47%)
Game 5: Kobe 7-21 (33%) Rest of Lakers 24-54 (44%)
There are the facts. In every game but one, the rest of the Lakers shot far better than Kobe did. Yet he kept taking far more shots than everyone else (at least 25 shots three times!) and only averaged 4.4 assists (and 3.6 turnovers) per game. If they were doubling him far more, then why didn't he pass far more and shoot far less? This series shows how his selfishness had taken over well before he had a lower-quality team, and demonstrates why the Lakers fell apart the way they did.
CASE CLOSED.
Posted by: gunner | July 05, 2007 at 05:16 PM
The Phil Jackson and Jeanie conspiracy theory.
From a Knicks blogger:
People, don't you read what Im telling you? This Kobe theater is all about Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss trying to wrestle control from Jerry Buss and his son. It's a power play where Phil Jackson is fed up with the organization and wants to take the reigns. By the way its the best thing for the franchise but Jerry Buss wants his son to run things and he is fucking up. That's all there is to it. If Phil Jackson loses this battle he will be gone and then maybe Kobe will be available. If Phil gets what he wants Kobe is staying. All what is happening now is Phil putting pressure on Jerry Buss through Kobe. Nothing more. Lets see how it plays out."
Posted by: jorema | July 05, 2007 at 05:19 PM
yeah, plus Carroll was killing us last year.
Posted by: socalife | July 05, 2007 at 05:20 PM
I miss..
I doubt if we could get Gasol for Bynum without including Odom and/or Kwame.
Posted by: hariyahu | July 05, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Faith...
uhh, yeah well, if you had your pick where'd you go? LA or Milwaukee?
Posted by: socalife | July 05, 2007 at 05:23 PM
Fisher shows that character counts
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_6301145
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 05:24 PM
Ok, modified trade:
Chicago gets Mihm + Dahntay Jones for Sweetney, Thabo
Memphis gets Sweetney + Vujacic + Marc Gasol for A Johnson, Danhntay Jones
LA gets A Johnson, Thabo for Marc Gasol, Mihm, Vujacic
That way every team gets what it needs:)
Posted by: hariyahu | July 05, 2007 at 05:27 PM
It seems pretty quiet on the Laker front these days. I heard Rick Bucher say that our FO still thinks KG is a possibility - that no better offer than Odom and Bynum comes their way. I would add Walton to the deal - that is a legitimate win-win situation. McFrankenstein has to see that is the best deal he can get. If that doesn't happen, I am getting really nervous that after all the pressure to improve the team - the best we will do is Crittendon, Suhn Ye, Mark Gasol and Steve Blake - that has to cost someone (Kupchak) their job. If that is what it comes down to - then we have to make the deal for JO. This unit HAS to change - you know the cliche, if it aint broke, don't fix it, well, what we have is a train wreck. I just don't get it - maintaining the status quo with a few low rent additions? "Where have you gone, Jerry West, a lonely Laker nation turns it eyes to you"
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | July 05, 2007 at 05:57 PM
TaosHum:
Let me repeat that you are right... Kobe holds the key to the Lakers' fortunes, and he says he want the Lakers to support him with quality players, but he won't go out there and try to encourage those quality players to join the team.
What really saddens me is that KG had to seek Kobe out to talk about coming to the Lakers... not the other way around. I should be Kobe trying to convince KG to become a Laker. To go of of what theshow said... I'll bet that when they talked, it went something like this:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kevin Garnett: Yo, What's up, Mamba?
Kobe Bryant: Uhhh... Who is this?
KG: This is your boy, KG... what's up, man?
KB: Oh hey, Kevin, I didn't know you still had my number.
KG: Of course I do... anyway, you know that the Wolves are looking to trade me, right?
KB: Yeah, I think I heard about that somewhere.
KG: Well, they'll pretty much trade me to any team I want to go to, and I was thinking about coming to L.A.
KB: L.A.? Why would you want to do that?
KG: Well, I've seen your frustration with your current teammates and I've heard you say that you want the Lakers to get some quality players. I know what you're going through, man. I've been on a team of nobodys my entire career. And like you, I want to win more than anything. I think we should team up, man. We'd be unstoppable on the Lakers! Are you with me?
KB: (Yawn) Uh, I dunno, man.
KG: What?
KB: Well, I'm kinda not feeling like being a Laker right now. I said most of that stuff about getting better players as an excuse to be traded. If you want to come to L.A., that's fine by me, but I don't know how much longer I'll be here.
KG: Man, I thought I could count on you, but I was wrong.
KB: You're not the first. Anyway, I heard the Suns and Mavs are interested in you. You should give them a call.
KG: I will, you #%$@& jerk.
KB: Ok, later dude..... hey hunny, could you pop one of those Hot Pockets in the microwave for me?... (Click)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by: hal9000 | July 05, 2007 at 06:07 PM
TaosHum,
I love your conspiracy theory about Kobe and KG.
Tell us again how the Mafia killed Kennedy and how the moon walk was faked.
I love this stuff.
Posted by: Kobespiracy | July 05, 2007 at 06:14 PM
----------------------------------B R E A K I N G N E W S -----------------------------
Grant Hill has just agreed to a 2-year, $3.8 million deal with the Phoenix Suns:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmNHEo7XC.7l1s8IpAJ7Zfw5nYcB?slug=ap-magic-hill&prov=ap&type=lgns
Posted by: hal9000 | July 05, 2007 at 06:22 PM
That darned Kobe.
KG will be stuck in Minnesota for another year. And Rashard Lewis went to Orlando instead of
coming to the Lakers for 1/3 the money. And I heard LeBron is staying with the Cavaliers this
summer instead of coming to the Lakers. And Tim Duncan isn't cancelling his contract to come
sign with the Lakers for the veteran's minimum either.
It's all Kobe's fault. If not for his ranting we could have had all four of them.
You bastard, Kobe. I bet you killed Kenny, too.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 05, 2007 at 06:26 PM
Socallife,
LA all the way (but that's just me) lol.
Posted by: Faith | July 05, 2007 at 06:27 PM
Whys is Sunyue, Gasol and even Bynum and Mihm not in the summer league?
Only two players to watch that is Farmar and Crittenton.
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 05, 2007 at 06:32 PM
Alexinho17,
"Other Teams are moving, I don't see any move of the Lakers:"
This is what's going on, at the Lakerville
Day 5 from F/A Day - Accomplishments re-signed Luke Walton and cut-off Smush Parker ( a lot of people in this blog think that this team will advance with one signing Luke Walton. People think that Kobe will change his mind because of re-signing of Luke Walton.) If I go on, dissing Luke, I will also be accused as a hater so all my future posts will be bypassed.
Day 8 from Draft Day - Accomplishment of Mitch Kupchak signed Javaris Crittenton and picked foreigners in round two: a chinese and a spanish. People think Javaris will train Farmar or vice versa; Farmar will train Javaris. Some people think kobe will not bolt out because we signed up a PG not named Smush!
So what is this Lakers all about: ALL TALK & NO ACTION
How about their blog? All hating on both sides. The Kobe haters would like to tear up Kobe into pieces for what he did in Colorado, trying to win alone and speaking up his mind. The Optimists & Super Bloggers Club think we should eliminate haters and define bloggers by having an ID. This is like going back to the life in the fifties accusing all blacks as criminals, inferior people and not fitted to live side-by-side in a decent society. This is like the life in the thirties in Germany, the aryan race is the superior race, other opinions are inferior.
Apparently, we cannot understand each other nor live and let live in ONE BLOG?
Just one man's opinion vs. everyone.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 05, 2007 at 06:35 PM
Jorema,
"It's a power play where Phil Jackson is fed up with the organization and wants to take the reigns."
Actually, I wish what the New York Knicks blogger wrote was true. Phil is very circumspect, and both he and Jeannie agree that PJ sucks at office politics. Also, PJ is personally very fond of Dr. Buss and he is not the kind of person who would put the woman he loves in the middle of a family feud.
When PJ was not retained as coach when Rudy T was brought in, PJ was offered an executive position in the Lakers organization, but turned it down because he refused to be associated with the decision to part with Shaq.
It might have been better for all concerned (on 20/20 hindsight) for PJ to have taken the job. Personally, I'd like to see him become GM (on the condition that Jimmy Buss be stripped of all power).
The team, if run properly, would have a line of succession where PJ moves up and Michael Cooper or Kurt Rambis becomes designated as heir apparent to the coaching slot.
For now, Phil is remaining as coach because the organization believes he is their best link to Kobe. They actually work well together now, and PJ is one of the reasons Kobe will return, I believe.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 05, 2007 at 06:37 PM
FINALLY! The shooting stats for the 2004 NBA Finals have been posted! It had almost been 12 hours.
Posted by: Jman449 | July 05, 2007 at 06:43 PM
"You bastard, Kobe. I bet you killed Kenny, too.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 05, 2007 at 06:26 PM"
LOL!
Edwin Gueco, this is a tenous time not only for our front office, but also for us fans. This offseason is not just about winning, it's also about the future. If we stand pat this summer, and do nothing, what does that say about our culture of winning? If we trade Kobe (which is far more likely than what I believe)...how do we reconcile with losing the game's best talent twice in 4 years? If we trade Socks, will we be giving up on our future dynasties? And lastly, as fans, we're realizing more and more that the once bulletproof aura of lakerdome is no more. We're hanging by a thread, we're left to watch players that value that jersey less than what we think it deserve, we're left handcuffed by the salary cap (and continue to do so), we're left deliberating over deals to make this team better while our front office gets outworked. And finally we're left to question the future and what our little lakers will be rooting for once we're gone.
In my opinion this blog is a microcasm (sp?) of what our team is going through. We're just as divided as they are, hopefully we together we can find a solution, and keep the faith.
Posted by: Faith | July 05, 2007 at 07:01 PM