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
RJaneel - interesting post. Thanks I think...have to check that out.
LakerTom you are an awesome source of information and I have to say this place benefits greatly having your posts. The MIlwaukee draft was crazy and might jst be our silver-lining this off-season. I apologize for stirring the pot again, too much rude behavior here and and there, I sense the need for a sermon evey now and then. I hope the RJaneel post works.
Defense, quickness and ability to learn the triangle as well as mesh with the huge personalities of Kobe and Phil are what we need. KG is really a good fit but his contract is not. Artest is another 3 but we need good players period. A lot of good ideas here, keep up the good work - Loyal Laker fans!
Posted by: Pete Maguire | July 05, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Long Time Laker Fan and Kobespiracy, please don't blind yourselves to the truth.
Like Taoshum said, KG HAD TO SEEK KOBE OUT to discuss coming to the lakers. He obviously wouldn't have called him if he wasn't considering coming to the Lakers.
And then, why would KG need to talk to Kobe in the ifrst place? Because he wants to go to a winning team, and if Kobe leaves, the Lakers will not be a winning team. So all KG wanted to know is if Kobe would stay if he came. It's that simple. If Kobe said yes, KG would be a Laker right now. If Kobe said "no" or "I don't know", KG would not ask to be traded to L.A..... it's not called a conspiracy, its called reading between the lines and adding 2 and 2 together. You guys did pass the 2nd grade, right?
Posted by: hal9000 | July 05, 2007 at 07:09 PM
well put edwin.
Posted by: the WOLF | July 05, 2007 at 07:12 PM
RETHINKING OUR OPTIONS:
Now that we’ve drafted Javaris Crittenton, Sun Yue, and Marc Gasol, re-signed Luke Walton for $30M over six years, but still not pulled off a deal for Ron Artest, Kevin Garnett, or Jermaine O’Neal, where does that leave the Lakers at this point and where do we go from there?
First, it is clear that the Lakers are NOT going to trade Kobe despite his demands. That is a clear sign that Jerry Buss has taken over the reins of the franchise and is making the decisions. This is obviously not the time to allow Jim Buss to practice his general manager training wheels. Without a doubt, Jerry taking over hands on was an absolute necessity if the Lakers were to emerge from this crisis unscathed. So where we are now is the Lakers resolutely moving ahead with their plans to build a championship team with Kobe as the centerpiece.
Where we are going then is to try and surround Kobe with am improved roster that can compete for a championship in the wild Wild West. There are several factors that will determine what happens over the next month or so. Here are what I think are the variables that are in play:
1. FREE AGENTS – We appear committed to trying to get a veteran point guard to replace Smush and help mentor Farmar and Crittendon and Yue, if he makes the team this year. It is obvious that it will take the full MLE to get anybody good. Our primary target should be Derek Fisher, who would be the perfect match. He knows the triangle, is a great leader, and is respected and liked by Kobe. He also appears to still have a strong game and would be a dramatic improvement in multiple areas over Smush Parker. He is, in fact, the Anti-Parker.
We smartly re-signed Luke Walton, which is a no-brainer, and should do the same with Chris Mihm. I am hoping that Luke’s deal was structured to give us the opportunity to include him in a trade any time rather than having to wait three months as usual. There was a reference by Kevin Ding in his column that Luke could be available as a piece if we were to trade for Kevin Garnett. We need to lock down a deal with Chris Mihm also, either signing him to play for us next year or using him in a sign and trade deal with the Bulls to get Thabo Sefolosha, who I believe has the potential to become a first team All-NBA defender who can guard 3 positions.
2. TRADES – So far, we have struck out trying to get KG as well as JO. Surprisingly, we have not made any effort to make a deal for Ron Artest or Pau Gasol, both of whom are more affordable. Maybe our goal was to try and make the big deal and we did not want to give up hopes of getting KG or JO by using some of the pieces to go after Artest or Gasol. Right now I would call the bluffs of the Pacers and Wolves and start talking with Sacramento and Memphis. The Kings need to get rid of Artest and Pau Gasol might really love to play on the same team as his brother. And getting Ron would truly earn favor with Kobe. Turning our talk to lesser players will also make the Pacers and Wolves rethink their positions. The Lakers offers are the best that have been given to them. Put pressure on them and they may crack.
We also may have an opportunity to make a sign and trade deal with the Bulls for Chris Mihm, whom they are interested in signing as a free agent. We need to make sure Chris is in our back pocket so that we get the chance to match the offer or to turn it into a sign and trade deal so that we get something for our Bird rights. In fact, a sign and trade of Mihm to the Kings for Ron Artest would make real sense for both teams. And it would still leave the Lakers with Kwame and his expiring contract and Bynum.
Finally, we may also have an outside chance to trade for Yi Jianlian should his agent be successful in forcing the Bucks to trade him to a team in a city with a large Asian-American population. China has been extremely careful about making sure that their stars go to places where there are strong Asian-American populations. In the end, Yi’s agent is not going to give up the lucrative income he would get from Yi being in LA or SF, both with large Chinese communities. The Bucks will be forced to trade him and the NBA will make sure of it in order not to alienate China, which will be a wide open market for the NBA. Wait and see.
3. BYNUM’S DEVELOPMENT – The Lakers open play in the Las Vegas Summer League. We have heard rumors that Andrew has been working out very hard at the Lakers facilities. I would not be surprised to see him display greatly improved play and attitude in the summer league, maybe enough to make the team change its opinion on whether to trade him or not. I just think that Andrew has an inner competitive streak that is going to make him very motivated to show Kobe and everybody in the league that he is for real. It may well be that the Lakers have not made a big deal yet because they want to get a hint of what Bynum could be next year before deciding to give him up. If Andrew can make the next big jump, then everything changes. We may ditch the KG and JO objectives and instead go after Artest with a passion. He still is the one player that I think you could add to the mix without losing Bynum and still maybe have a winner. I could see Kobe and Derek at guards, Artest and Lamar at forward, and Bynum and/or Mihm at center. That would be a very competitive lineup if Bynum could give us an entire season of what we say in his first month last year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 05, 2007 at 07:21 PM
Edwin,
The Lakers have only done one thing voluntarily this offseason, and that was to re-sign Luke Walton. The draft doesn't count as action because every team in the league has to pick players in the draft, so you're whole "DAY 8" montage is meaningless.
The bottom line is that the Lakers have failed to pull the trigger on any trade or free-agent signing since last season began. Sure, they made some phone calls and got some offers, but unless they finalize a deal, it means NOTHING. And if the Lakers continue to do NOTHING, they will get NOTHING next season. While re-signing Walton was a good move, maintaining the status quo will be the death of the Lakers.
Posted by: hal9000 | July 05, 2007 at 07:24 PM
When will people realize that Mich Kupchak is a terrible GM?
He has yet to make a great decision. At most average decisions.
The list goes on and on.
Get rid of Horry, Fisher.
Trade Shaq.
Trade Butler for Kwame.
Sign Valde, Valde, Cook, Smush, Mckie, blah blah.
Draft Brynum when there was immediate help avaliabe.
Draft Sun Jue, Marc Gascol.
Kupchak has yet to make a good move.
After all this years.
If this was my bussines, he would be moved.
He is a great guy, a loving guy .
A wonderful person.
But he is a lousy GM.
When will the Lakers realize it?
Look at the data and results.
Posted by: Lee | July 05, 2007 at 07:44 PM
Long Time Laker Fan
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.
Calm Down Man They Still Time For The Lakers To Make A Move To Get KG, MLE And Probably Chris Webber With The Veteran Minimum So Wait A While We Still A Whole Summer Man.
hal9000
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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Thing We Don't Know What Was Said On The Phone Between Kobe And KG So Let Not Jump To Conclusion About This There Still A Week For The Lakers To Get KG Let Just Wait A While Until McHale Come Back And Let See Who Get KG.
Taoshum
not to beat a dead horse... but LET'S BEAT A DEAD HORSE!!! I can't believe some people are still defending Kobe and acting like his little outburst AND VIDEO trashing of a fellow player, didn't set off reverberations around the league. WHO wants to come into this situation until it is settled. Is Kobe going to continue to push for a trade or not? Kobe isn't clearing anything up and here we are in the middle of the free agent period. Are people asking for MORE money to come here because of the unclear situation vs. if they were going into a more harmonious situation, the money demands might not be as high? What about the Garnett situation. Garnett has to track down Kobe, Kobe doesn't call to recruit Garnett and AFTER Garnett talks to Kobe... Garnett says he prefers Phoenix?
-------------------------
Thursday, June 21, KG rejects trade to Boston
Friday, June 22, Kobe meets with Kupchak, Kobe reiterates trade demand.
then the rumors and leaks start flying about KG to the Lakers:
June 26, daytime: Garnett seeks Kobe out. Kobe is NOT calling Garnett, Garnett has to seek Kobe out. Then he got ahold of Kobe...
June 26 - on ESPN tv
Jim Gray reports that Kevin Garnett spoke to Kobe Bryant to find out if Kobe would stay with the Lakers if Garnett was acquired from the Timberwolves in a trade.
----------------------------
Poof! All Garnett to the Lakers talks cease! The leaks stop. Nobody in the Garnett camp is saying, "boy! KG talked to Kobe and he's telling the front office that, that is where he wants to go!"
----------------------------
June 30, 2007 - The Suns figure to remain at the forefront of the KG Sweepstakes because the desert, as ESPN.com reported last week, is where Garnett wants to end up if he's forced to leave his beloved Minnesota. If a deal gets close that doesn't involve the Suns, they'll almost certainly be given an opportunity to get in one final bid,
----------------------------
so... AFTER KG talks to Kobe, the story is going around that KG "prefers" Phoenix and FOUR DAYS LATER, with all of these reporters circling around like vultures, updating from various "sources" every 15 minutes... nobody picked up on this and nobody from the KG camp leaks info that KG REALLY wants to go to the Lakers...
and you're saying I've got it wrong... LOL! you're telling me Kobe put on the full sales blitz, despite the fact that he didn't even try to call KG, that KG had to track KOBE down and when they finally talked that Kobe made a major sales pitch for KG to come here and then... KG... despite being the one who tracked Kobe down and was all gung ho to come here... let's the story ride that he prefers Phoenix? Not only that... FOUR DAYS LATER a story comes out that says PHOENIX will get the final bid on KG and... here it is, July 5, and NOBODY from the Garnett camp has challenged this in any way? There's leaks everywhere and we've seen no indication that Garnett REALLY wants to come here anymore - AFTER talking to Kobe...
no, something is wrong. KG ain't coming and he isn't pushing for a trade to the Lakers either, though obviously, if he REALLY wanted to be here, especially after talking with Kobe, he would say something... Buss already guaranteed to extend Garnett's contract so... odd don't you think?
Did You Check Out The Philadelphia Inquirer About KG Want To Go To The Lakers Man? Also If He Go To Phoenix After One Season With Them He Opts Out And Go To The Lakers.
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 07:47 PM
for everyone who wanted the fish:
a member of the media asked dfish about what happened after either a playoff loss or something to that end the last season he was here. i seem to recall fish saying to "go ask kobe, hes the GM". this was pretty controversal at the time. everyone took it as a stanch critism of kobe. and i think thats what started all the "nobody wants to play with kobe" talk. later, other members of the lakers was interviewed about how they felt playing with kobe and most of them declined to comment. if anyone remembers this please chime in. thats why i think fish wont come back.
Posted by: the WOLF | July 05, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Staples24,
Generally only first and second year players play in the summer league, so that's probably why
Bynum won't be playing. Though older vets are allowed to play - I remember that Ron Artest
played some summer league ball when he was coming back from an injury.
Mihm's not under contract to the Lakers, so he can't play.
I think Sun Yue will be playing, but for the Chinese national team.
And I think Marc Gasol will probably stay in Spain for another year or so.
I think the only way you'd see Sun Yue or Marc Gasol play for the Lakers this year is if they
managed to trade for KG and needed a couple of warm bodies to add to the team (especially
Gasol since they'd probably have to trade away Kwame, Bynum, and Odom to get Garnett).
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | July 05, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Hal9000,
My montage on Day 8 was not meaningless because a lot of Laker fans were expecting movements and trading of draft picks combined with our regular players for the high picks as solemnly promised and pronounced by Mitch Kupchak way in advance. Everyone was excited and nothing happened. Up to this time, people are wondering why he chose two PG's, this is like Danilo Pinnock in the making rather than trading our second pick, waste it with a??? or may be the future hope of the Lakers under the hands of Sun Lue and Marc Gasol.
Faith & Wolf,
Thanks and at least you understand my sentiments.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 05, 2007 at 08:20 PM
hal9000 & J-Cool,
"...and AFTER Garnett talks to Kobe... Garnett says he prefers Phoenix?"
This was just reported in the ESPN magazine I received today:
"Kevin Garnett did try to contact Kobe once word of KG's possible trade to LA surfaced.
Problem is, Kobe had just changed both his cell number and e-mail address, so,
contrary to reports, the two All-Stars didn't speak before negotiations fell apart."
So can we stop all these little "Kobe told KG not to come to the Lakers" fantasies
you guys are indulging in?
I think we'll find out where KG is really going in a week or two - McHale was smart to go
out of town for a week. It gives all the teams that are trying to bid for KG a chance to line
up all their deals. Then when he gets back he can just listen to everyone's offers and
pick the one that suits him best.
To be honest, even if the Lakers make the best offer, I think it's unlikely that McHale would
choose to send Garnett to the Lakers unless 1. Phoenix or Dallas couldn't make a good
enough offer, 2. Kobe contacted KG and told him he would stay if Garnett came to the
Lakers, 3. Garnett asked Glen Taylor to let him go to the Lakers, and 4. Glen Taylor told
Kevin McHale to make the deal with the Lakers work. That's a lot of ducks that would have
to be lined up in a row, but I don't think it's completely out of the question.
Just to place one final positive thought on the concept...
If Kevin Garnett doesn't have any interest in coming to the Lakers and playing with Kobe,
then why would he bother trying to call Kobe at all?
The fact that KG even tried to call shows that he is interested in coming to the Lakers, even
if he would prefer to go to the Suns.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | July 05, 2007 at 08:28 PM
free agency starts .......all we got is Coby dick ??? ........and good FA gone fast .......PULL the Trigger please!!!!!
Posted by: Farmteam | July 05, 2007 at 08:28 PM
Lee,
Wondering if you know Mitch Kupchak personally. You write, "He is a great guy, a loving guy .
A wonderful person." I confess, these are qualities I don't care about. They are not relevant to the issue.
You also write, "If this was my business, he would be moved." I'm hoping you mean out the door.
Kupchak has presided over the destruction of a championship NBA franchise. At least we agree that it is time for new blood.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 05, 2007 at 08:30 PM
Tom,
I hope Bynum has an awesome summer league so we CAN trade him.
That will increase his trade value and let us get into the JO or Gasol talks without including Odom.
Remember, Nikolai Schitizvili also tore up the summer league. So did Marvin Williams. If your teams rookies/young players dont kill the summer league then thats something to be worried about.
Posted by: Korey | July 05, 2007 at 08:33 PM
Edwin Gueco,
"So what is this Lakers all about: ALL TALK & NO ACTION"
Well, I think the Lakers primary target is still KG. Until he actually agrees to sign with some other
team, I don't think they'll complete any other deals. They wouldn't want to trade away some player
and then find out that Minnesota would have wanted them in the trade. Also, if they get him, the
players they acquire with the MLE and veterans minimum may be different than if they don't get him.
And Kevin McHale went hunting for a week. So until McHale gets back from hunting, you will hear
that the Lakers spoke to this player or the Lakers are interested in that player, but I doubt you'll
see them actually sign anybody or trade for anybody until either the Lakers or some other team
gets Kevin Garnett.
And seriously, I'd much rather they make an aggressive pursuit of KG than pay the full MLE for
Steve Blake or Darko Milicic or someone like that.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | July 05, 2007 at 08:35 PM
"go ask kobe, hes the GM"
this quote was attributed to chucky atkins, who's no longer on the team :) i never recalled fisher saying any ill words toward the lakers.
Posted by: John | July 05, 2007 at 08:40 PM
KOBE BRYANT TURN OF EVENTS:
Sportscenter reports a face-to-face meeting with Kobe and Kupchak where Kobe tells Kupchack "I'm sorry".
Also, he says isnt thinking about being traded from the Lakers.
LOOKS like Kobe sees there is nothing he can do about to force himself anywhere. He knows he comes out looking like the fool again.
MOST OF ALL, He knows his loud talking was a major reason we couldnt get any trades done to improve the team.
(I HATE TO ADMIT IT AK/BK, but yall were right on that one).
So hopefully, Kobe can meet face to face with Bynum, and patch things up. Bynum needs to know that Kobe is sorry for being such an asshole!
Posted by: Korey | July 05, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Bryant says he apologized to Kupchak
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakersbryant&prov=ap&type=lgns
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 08:48 PM
welll.....interesting.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-kobe6jul06,0,5934200.story?coll=la-home-center
I already know both sides are gonna interpret this in their own ways....but I honestly think it's as the article says. Kobe had his (Terrible, terrible pun) beef, and it was a heat of the moment, huge lety out of emotion. Now the healing can slowly begin. Baby steps.
Baby steps to the Elevator, Baby steps towards training camp, baby steps to the season.
Props to anyone who got the reference there.
Posted by: Jeff | July 05, 2007 at 08:53 PM
the WOLF-
That was Chucky Atkins, not Fish, who said the GM quote.
Posted by: Jeff | July 05, 2007 at 08:55 PM
I Am Very Proud Of Kobe For Apologizing To Mitch For This Because It Could Been Out Of Control So The Front Office Can Get Back To Acquire Players.
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 08:57 PM
Laker Tom makes some interesting comments....the only problem is that I doubt Chicago or anyone else will want Mihm bad enough to not only pay him above a MLE, but get rid of a player along with it. He's coming off of injury and too big of a risk to have to give up a player along with the deal. He'll resign with the Lakers or take an MLE someplace in the league.
And a trade for Artest...as if going after him *with a passion* is realistic. Sacto would be very loathe to trade him within the Western Conference....let alone the division for goodness sakes. And the Lakers don't have the assets to bring him in anyway. Everybody seems to think that there is some rule out there that requires that you do business with Kupchak and Buss when in reality, there are going to be better deals out there than what the Lakers are going to offer.
Nobody wants to help make the Lakers strong by taking the LA's problems onto themselves. Odom is a known player at this point in his career.....if you have a KG, you can do better than to take him on. Bynum....he is just potential and not proven.....a risk if you're giving up a superstar. And the others....dime a dozen type players.
Posted by: nba analyst | July 05, 2007 at 08:57 PM
Many of you know I've been for Kobe staying. But I have one thing to say about this whole Kobe apologizing to Mitch K thing...
Apologize to the fans Kobe. You did US wrong, not Mitch. In fact I'm still of the opinion that you lit a fire under their hinnies...but you devastated us. We've been behind you, we've supported you, and we didn't deserve this. Be a man and apologize to the fans, your fans, Laker fans.
Posted by: Faith | July 05, 2007 at 08:59 PM
Hey Wolf,
That wasn't Fish in 2004, that was Chucky Atkins in 2005. Get your facts straight. Now here is some of what other players said about Fish, back in the 2001 playoffs:
Robert Horry: "The key to this whole thing is right down there (pointing to Fisher's locker). When that cat put his uniform back on, it all started to come together."
Rick Fox: "Nobody on the club is more respected than Fish."
Let me throw a couple more facts out there:
--- Fisher is the only active former Laker that has publicly expressed fond memories of the championship days.
---Kobe text messaged Fisher during the playoffs, encouraging him and telling him to go get them (the Warriors).
---Fisher reportedly agreed to do some color commentary for Sparks games this summer. It probably won't happen after all, due to the situation with his daughter, but the fact that he wanted to be involved in the Laker organization again says a lot.
Posted by: hal9000 | July 05, 2007 at 09:00 PM
Edwin,
I hope you're not comparing Danilo Pinnock with Javaris Crittendon!
If Crittendon stays in school one more year he is a lottery pick!
Posted by: Korey | July 05, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Edwin,
You're right... all the Laker fans expected -- and wanted -- the F.O. to do something big on draft day, and they didn't. That's my point. All they did was what they had to do, which was draft some rookies. Sure, they may have some potential at the PG position, but it's a crapshoot. Thats not enough to appease Kobe.... but more importantly, it's not enough to turn the Lakers into a playoff contender.
Posted by: hal9000 | July 05, 2007 at 09:07 PM
Kobe eases back on throttle
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-kobe6jul06,1,2230844.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-lakers
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 09:08 PM
gunner,
[ As KL would say, "I'm a team basketball fan first, Laker basketball fan second" ]
Can we deduce from above that you're a fan of the suns or spurs? In which case pardon our french when we tell you that you can take your comments and shove 'em up u kno where
Posted by: Taliq | July 05, 2007 at 09:11 PM
Crazy how it's been 3 years since #34 was traded and he's still being talked about.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | July 05, 2007 at 09:12 PM
LongTime Laker Fan:
I sure hope you're right about Kobe and KG not talking... that's one conversation that I hope didn't happen... but, like you said, the fact that KG tried to contact Kobe shows he has an interest in the Lakers.
Posted by: hal9000 | July 05, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Just a thought to bring the current state of the Lakers into perspective.
After the last championship of the Showtime Lakers in 1988, it took them 12 years to get
back to a championship. And that was with Jerry West as the GM and without a horse
trainer telling West what to do.
Their two major opponents during the Showtime era were the Celtics and the Pistons.
Detroit's rebuilding took a similar amount of time - 14 years from 1990 to 2004. It's been
21 years since the Celtics last champsionship. Houston won back to back championships
in 94 and 95 and haven't been back to the finals since. The Bulls won their last championship
with Michael in 1998, and are just now getting back to being close to competing again, though
they're not quite there yet.
It takes awhile to rebuild a championship team. It helps to start with an excellent player like
Kobe, but I think it's unrealistic to blame Mitch or Buss or Kobe or any one individual for the
Lakers not making it back to being championship contenders in 3 years. To be honest, I think
it would be amazing if they made it back to the finals in 5 years.
Be a little more patient. Enjoy the performances Kobe gives when he's on fire. Enjoy the soap
opera and know that Kobe's not the first one to go off on a rant to the media. The Lakers are
a good organization that players want to play for, and if Mitch can't pull some magical deals to
counter some of his blunders, then you'll eventually get your way and he'll be sacked. If Kobe
wants out, the Lakers are smart enough to trade him away before all of his value evaporates,
and the team will go on.
I'm enjoying the fireworks in this offseason and 4th of July's already over.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | July 05, 2007 at 09:16 PM
The Kid manned up.
I honestly didn't think he had it in him...
Posted by: utzworld - The Banner-Holder | July 05, 2007 at 09:20 PM
Faith: "Apologize to the fans Kobe. You did US wrong, not Mitch..."
Hell to the MOFO'ing YEAH!!!
Posted by: utzworld - The Banner-Holder | July 05, 2007 at 09:24 PM
Faith
I Got To Disagree With You He Shouldn't Have To Apologize To The Fans The Front Office Should Be Apologize To Kobe For Lying To Him And To The Fans For Not Doing Nothing To Build Around Kobe So If Anybody Should Be Apologizing It Should Be The Front Office Not Kobe.
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 09:26 PM
Jeff,
Nice What About Bob reference. Always appreciated.
That movie is Exhibit 3,245 in support of the proposition that you can add Bill Murray to just about anything and he will make it awesome.
Posted by: The D | July 05, 2007 at 09:27 PM
Wow... I am so glad to hear Kobe say something positive for once.
We all have to remember that he's human -- he's not an angel, and he's not the devil. We all make mistakes and say things in the heat of the moment... the important thing is that we acknowledge our mistakes and make amends, and that's what Kobe is trying to do.
For those of you who don't know... Kobe actually apologized to Shaq in a televised interview a while back, saying he was "sorry for any harm he caused to Shaq and his family" during their tumultuous 2003-04 season.
Posted by: hal9000 | July 05, 2007 at 09:29 PM
Faith,
Keep the faith. Kobe's comments about Mitch indicate that he's returning to earth. He will embrace the fans and thank people like you for your support. It will come.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 05, 2007 at 09:45 PM
I must say I'm pretty surprised at all the comments about Fish and Kobe being great friends. They are not. They are ex-teammates who are on a cordial speaking basis, nothing more, nothing less. I know for a fact that Fish was not particularly fond of Kobe or Shaq when they played together because he felt they were both jerks.
Posted by: LakerLarry | July 05, 2007 at 09:46 PM
Faith,
I mildly disagree. Kobe should apologize to the man who's ability and judgement he ridiculed as the lead story of every national sports broadcast for weeks. He upset the fan base, but not many fans suffered career embarassment.
Mitch knows it comes with the dinner, but that was cruel and unusual, above and beyond. I never thought Kobe would go so I don't feel emotionally cheated by his antics, just upset at how this has dragged down the off season.
Posted by: Vman | July 05, 2007 at 09:49 PM
“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.” Chinese quotes.
I think is Ok to see Kobe like a human.
Humble and caring for those that he could hurt in any moment.
That's looks to me as a person who can correct errors and move on.
He still sustained that the team needs upgrade. That's isn't changed.
Now...most people who dislike Kobe, will bash him for being upfront and honest and for let Mitch nows that nothing is personal, because they prefer to see him in auto destructive mode.
Remember, this apologizing happened one week ago. So, is long gone and done.
If like Faith say...he has to apologize to fans, he can do it.
Now, lets focus in the task in hand, improving this team and making it competitive again like the old days.
Posted by: jorema | July 05, 2007 at 10:06 PM
Thanks For Clearing That Up Guys. I Dont Even Want To Remember 2005. Hal, Whats Up Your Ass? It Was A Honest Mistake. Im Glad Mature People Corrected Me. If You Want To Start Talkin Shit, Ill Be More Than Happy To Make You Look Like A Fool. Prick.
Posted by: The Wolf | July 05, 2007 at 10:07 PM
The guy who can force the hand of Minnesotta is Garnnet.
He is the one who can impose some kind of will in McHale.
Buss already could pay him as needed and probably could sign a extension for him
Posted by: jorema | July 05, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Im with Faith, why is Kobe apologizing to Mitch? and his "I just felt like as a man, it was important for me to tell him, `I'm sorry it came out that way," come on 5 weeks later, thats not the way a real man handles it.
Posted by: Laker Lover | July 05, 2007 at 10:20 PM
Kobe didn't have to apologize, but he did. It shows how inspiring this man's character is. It just reaffirms what I and millions of others all around the world know...
Kobe Bryant is a class act and truly a role model for some.
Posted by: troy | July 05, 2007 at 10:21 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2927333
Kobiatch finally realized that his fans were turning on him. SEE THIS IS WHY PEOPLE LIKE MYSELF, KLBEAST, THA SHOW, EDWIN, who talk about Kobe being immature and stupid are RIGHT. At least he finally admitted. You know Kobe apologists, you've just been served right??
AK,
Where's the thread on this??
Posted by: I miss van exel and eddie jones | July 05, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Troy,
Kobe is a jerk who finally realized it.
Would you say the same thing about a criminal?
"I just want to come out and apologize for holding up that liquor store. My family really needed the money"
What a great role model
PLEEEASEE!!!
Posted by: I miss van exel and eddie jones | July 05, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Korey,
This is what I said: "Danilo Pinnock in the making rather than trading our second pick, waste it with a???".
It was clear I was not referring to Javaris Crittenton. lol that was the only best pick that we have. Currently, we have three PG's in the making and we're still looking for more PG's. What is the grand plan? A team with 5 PG's plus Luke Walton and Kwame Brown, is this the Lakers after Kobe?
Longtime Laker Fan,
Granted Kevin Mchale was on a hunting trip, what is our contingency if Mchale comes out 0 in hunting trip and would not trade anybody because he was mad as hell. We are caught again with the fate of another team, it seemed we cannot create our own team. Oh by the way, I forgot to include in my previous post we signed the son of Coach Karl, what is his name again? What a great resume for a do-nothing GM.
Faith,
Kobe apologized to Mitch K. for what? a GM who could not make a decision without the blessing of Jim Buss and/or Phil Jackson. Yes, you're correct what about the fans for keeping up with these two extreme individuals? one is over motivated and the other one is under motivated. Fans who are waiting for these two individuals to help one another and make the Lakers contending and competitive. What have they accomplished so far except ALL TALK & NO ACTON.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 05, 2007 at 10:50 PM
Bloggers
Calm Down And Let Me Say This Kobe Should Not Apologize To The Fans Because The Fans Have Supported With All This And They Agree With Kobe That The FO Needs To Make Changes So They Still Loyal To Him Not The FO. It Is The Front Office That Need To Apologize Not Kobe Again.
Posted by: J-Cool | July 05, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Why shoulkd Kobe talk to Garnnet now? Garnnet knows already that Kobe and the Lakers need upgrades. I remember sometimes this year that Stephen Smith talk about Kobe probably wanting him in LA.
Also the agent from Kevin say he want's to go to Phoenix.
Since Phoenix doesn't want to pay the penalty kicker trade and renew his contract, Kevin is looking for another option.
I say:
Garnett if you want to comes to the Lakers, just make the choice.
Money wise, endorsements wise you will see your name as popular as never had being before.
Posted by: jorema | July 05, 2007 at 10:57 PM
"Although he didn't rescind his trade request, Kobe Bryant softened his stance somewhat Thursday night, saying he had apologized to Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak in person for the way he handled his upset feelings five weeks ago"
PREDICTABLE.
Sounds like Kobiatch realized there was no other team that wanted him but the Lakers. So, let me get the pressure and blame off myself by apologizing to Mitch and make it look like I'm doing the right thing. Once again. HE'S PREDICTABLE.
Posted by: gunner | July 05, 2007 at 10:58 PM