Rumors and housekeeping
July 29, 2007 | 11:41
pm
The good news is that Kevin Garnett is rumored once again to be on the move. The bad news? The rumors don't put him in L.A. Instead, Boston looks like the destination du jour, with Danny Ainge's draft-day acquisition of Ray Allen having apparently made Beantown seem more palatable to The Big Ticket. At least he'll be out of the conference.
Also, on the housekeeping end, we'll be in Seattle on Monday. HQ will know, so hopefully everything goes smoothly.
-- BK
On a non Laker issue
Bill Walsh passed away today. One of the great football minds of all time. My prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace.
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 30, 2007 at 01:45 PM
This is a little off topic, but I say the following quote on a Miami Heat board and had to share:
"i like smush for defensive purposes. he can guard the likes of ben gordon/kirk hinrich, chauncey billups, larry hughes better than anything the heat ha last season because he is big, fast, and has long arms."
Apparently SMUSH is seen in Miami as a defensive ASSET. Man that is going to be a terrible team next year...
Posted by: winston | July 30, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Jon Kavulic, I happened to see your post about your posts being deleted. I don't know if anyone else posted this afterwards but I have made some posts which never appeared as well. At first I thought they were being deleted but I think it has something to do with the program that is being used.
Anyway, what I ALWAYS do now is type up my post on Notepad, click "Start", then "All programs", slide up to "Accessories", then slide over and down to "Notepad". You can type your message on the Notepad, then when you are ready to post, click at the top on "Format", and then click on "Word Wrap" to turn the word wrap function off, so the words scroll off your screen, then copy and paste it here for posting. After you have posted, you can go back up and turn the word wrap function back on but you leave the notepad open until you check back here to make sure your post actually appears. You could also save it if you wanted to, but this way, you would have a backup in case something goes wrong, which has happened to me a couple of times so far as well.
Posted by: TaosHum | July 30, 2007 at 01:47 PM
Weave-Man:
I'm glad you've been able to enjoy my "completely fictional" stories.
Posted by: hal9000 | July 30, 2007 at 01:51 PM
BREAKING!!!!
TRADE IS COMPLETE - AP HAS JUST CONFIRMED BOSTON AND MINNY HAVE COMPLETED DEAL -----
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | July 30, 2007 at 01:52 PM
Thank you mothership!
Playing with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce is still way better than what he has in Boston...so you can't really blame the guy. However he's still gonna be under a "celtic"(s) current culture of losedome...so not so much.
Be smart KG, come to LA!
Good post Jandro, props!
Posted by: Faith | July 30, 2007 at 01:53 PM
done deal......BOSTON GLOBE confirming:
"CELTICS GET GARNETT"
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | July 30, 2007 at 01:58 PM
LakerBake,
Hey I agree with you man, Totally. I tried to say the same thing a week or so ago and a guy had the nerve to tell me that everyone agreed that it is not best to trade Bynum & Odom for lets say, an Oneal. Oneal would bring the defense and the offense and rebound. and your right, i dont see IT in Bynum either.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: tripgame | July 30, 2007 at 02:00 PM
At this point, i kinda hope KG goes to the Celtics...
The Timberwolves would then be crap for years to come...
Jefferson? - in the west, he a undersized PF. A undersized Boozer. He is going to compete with a Oden/Aldridge frontline? please...
Green? - raw talent, could be good. nice piece
Theo Ratliff? - cap space, but damn, who's going to come to Minn.? really
Telfair? - when he gets a jumpshot, then we'll talk about him.
So now, Minnesota basically gets a top 3 pick next year cuz they suck so bad.
Foye
Green
Brewer (solid player, no star though)
Jefferson
Blount(?)
Telfair
Ricky Davis
woooooooowwww, what a terrible freakin team that's going absolutely knowhere ...
I encourage McHale to make that trade, set his franchise back another 5 years, and prove to be the worst GM of all time.
Posted by: Korey | July 30, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Throw in the towels, Mitch's isn't going to make anything happen this year. True KG was a long , long shot at any rate but this just showes that we had little chance of upgrading with the pieces we have to offer. Bynum this is your year, step up give us something to say "we were wrong about you kid" otherwise... its going to be just another year of being a die hard Laker fan.
this reminds me of being stuck at school and everyone else went home for the holidays.
Posted by: lakerfaze | July 30, 2007 at 02:07 PM
Look what GMs of other teams are doing to improve their rosters, while Mitch does nothing. Don't tell me re-signing Luke, Mihm, and Fisher makes difference. We're about the same, mediocre team, especially when other Western Conference teams improve quite a bit.
As Kobe ranted, Mitch and the Laker FO are all talks, no actions. They put a lousy roster here and, along with some fans, expect Phil and Kobe to fix it into a contending team?
Posted by: gdchild | July 30, 2007 at 02:11 PM
* I knew this day was coming whenever Kobe talked to KG on the phone - There was no way KG was coming to LA b/c, I believe, Kobe told KG he was gone so there was no reason to come to LA.
* I guess it's just about the end of "GetGarnett.com," then?
* It is absolutely, 100% TIME FOR KOBE TO GO, NOW. I don't care if we got Artest, O'Neil, etc. We're at best the #5 team in the West next year, and we will be fortunate to get to the second round (again). It's over. It is time to ship Kobe out and pick up some young pieces to build around Bynum. There is nothing else responsible to do. No more 42-40 years with poor draft positioning and losing in the first round. Yes, we might take a hit the first year Kobe is gone, but then we'll have a shot to take a young star in the lottery and actually be relevant again.
Doc Buss - No More Mediocrity. Time to move on from the Shaq past and let Kobe go and chase a ring somewhere else.
Posted by: fakerz | July 30, 2007 at 02:12 PM
-I REFUSE to believe the rumor that KG is headed to Boston. Until the trade is official, I will go by statements from REAL people, not inside sources. As KG's agent stated, KG wants to go to either LA or Phoenix. If KG holds to his stance, Lakers have all the leverage. I am guessing (desperately hoping?) that this rumor is nothing more than a ploy set up by McHale and Ainge to gain leverage with the Lakers. There is still hope. KG belongs in LA.
-What is up with everyone's obsession with the Big Silly Puddy - Andrew Bynum? To those of you who think he is better than or even comparable to Al Jefferson, all I can say is, you have not seen Al play. He is light years ahead of Bynum on both ends of the court. The FO announced that Bynum looks great and is working hard this summer. Yeah right. I'm gonna have to see it to believe it. It is in the FO's best interest to hype up Bynum as much as possible and address his laziness issues to the press in order to increase his trade value. Unfortunately, most GMs are not buying it. The only ones that are buying it are the Laker fans. :{
JK,
Nice post. The optimisim on this blog can be refreshing at times, but it's time to face the truth. This team is not a contender. In the last three years, the talent on this team has not improved. I'm sick of the excuses every year (i.e. we're waiting for Yao, Amare, etal., salary cap issues, CBA, GMs hate the Lakers, BLAH BALH BLAH). This is a pivotal summer for the Laker franchise, and thus far, all I hear are more excuses. You are abolutely correct. The FO needs to produce NOW, or the future of this franchise will be very bleak.
Posted by: Mitchell | July 30, 2007 at 02:16 PM
mamba 24/10
"Mitch has a surprise or two in store
for all us Laker Fans"
I'm with you and I've heard the same thing, but the options are getting limited. It would have been historic to watch KG run with Kobe. Last year's all star game got me salivating.
THE LAKE-SHOW
1] Try decaf. 2] Season tickets are double other teams but another early playoff exit would make them worth half. Making a bad investment and rooting for your team are different subjects. As a matter of fact, it's extremely "fan like" to expect Laker ownership, who are extremely solvent, to spend and acquire players that support our star asset and the fan base who are paying jacked up prices so keep the finaancial ship afloat.
Posted by: Vman | July 30, 2007 at 02:21 PM
It's said that Boston is willing to give Garnett a 5-year, 125M extension. Game, set, match.
Posted by: gdchild | July 30, 2007 at 02:21 PM
its official! kg is a celt!
Posted by: the WOLF | July 30, 2007 at 02:22 PM
Another condolence to the family of Bill Walsh. Mamba 24, you're right he's a walking a legend that placed the 49'ers the team to beat with Montana. At 75, he is too young to die as a great coach, all that he left behind are the memories of great strides.
However, I know someone who was only 45 when she was diagnosed with this dreadful disease, Oliveview UCLA Medical Center referred her to City of Hope and through stem cell plantation coming from her sister, she survived it, now in remission from leukemia. I'm proud to promote this little hospital in Duarte Ca that has work wonders to many cancer patients. Of course, every individual is different in their response to theraphy, this situation could be attributed to luck and prayers.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 30, 2007 at 02:22 PM
KLBeast
"Looks like old-kobe ain't getting what he wants
*No Jerry West
*No trade to Chigago, Pheonix or Dallas
*No KG
*No "shipping out" Bynum
*No JO
*No firing Mitch"
AND YOU FORGOT ONE OTHER THING....NO LEGACY! HA HA!
Posted by: Gunner | July 30, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Angry_Laker,
My apologies. I had you confused with someone else. you and I actually agree on a great many things. I actually see you as somehwat of an ally.
F-Killah,
My second post came after I didnt get to read what you posted..it was a continuation of my first post..but I did get to read what you wrote afterwards...so my apologies as well. However, relatively speaking I believe that Kupchek is still doing better than Isiah and McHale by far. REmember, a few weeks ago people in Boston were pissed over acquiring Ray Allen for Jeff Green. They said this was the dumbest move ever, but now they might change theri mind???
KLBeast and F-Killah
"Who wouldn't want to play in the East with a line up that features Ray and Paul?"
This is actually a big F-U to Kobe. I mean who would want to play with Ray and Paul...shouldnt KG rather play with Kobe..the best player on the planet???? The East is actually not as easy it was last year once Wade gets healthy, the Nets get healthy, the Knicks have better talent, the Pistons, Bulls are still solid, the Cavs are the defending champs and Toronto is getting better. It wont be a walk in the park next year..so shouldnt Garnett want to go the Lakers still??? Or are Ray Allen and Paul Pierce better than Lamar and Kobe??
Posted by: The Lake-Show | July 30, 2007 at 02:33 PM
wes
“Could you guys [KL and Gunner] sum up in a sentence or two why you don't like Kobe and if you're Lakers fans?”
I'm an old school baller who remember when the Lakers use to win with 4-5 players in double figures. When there was different high scorer everynight and when Magic showed everyone how you can be a champion by getting everyone on the team involved. I think everything Kobe has done for the past 3 years and this summer is a slap in the face to the Mikahs, Jabbars, Johnsons, Worthys, Chamberlains, and others.
Posted by: Gunner | July 30, 2007 at 02:35 PM
An absolutely brilliant offseason for the Celtics. Unbelievable. I hate the Celtics, but I respect them. They should win the East this season if injuries don't come into play.
If the Celtics were able to put together such an amazing turnaround, it's a shame our management wasn't able to do likewise.
Bynum really needs to step up this year. He better be the real deal.
This year's model is better than last year's model, but, man, it sure would be nice if we could replicate the kind of work they're doing in Boston.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | July 30, 2007 at 02:38 PM
So KG is going to the Celtics. Most lakers have felt KG would be the savior for the lakers for the past 2 seasons. But for now KG is off table, so whats next for our beloved lakers. What players are out there on our team currently that will lead the lakers back to Kobe with Kobe at the helm of leadership? This KG deal leaves the lakers in an unclear future, since KG was our future this past two seasons. I do know that it will work out at the end.
Again Im not back.
Posted by: wow | July 30, 2007 at 02:39 PM
MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT THE FLUCC IS GOING ON????????
WHY EVERY OTHER TEAM IN THE LEAGUE MAKING MOVE'S BUT USE???????
IM SO FLUCCING PISSED...............
OH BUT.......... WAIT...... WE RESIGNED.......... LUKE WALTON.
MITCH IS A FLUCCING JOKE....
THE LAKERS F.O. ARE CLOWNS..
I MEAN HONESTLY WHY ARE WE PAYING MITCH?????????.
SOME-ONE ....ANY-ONE PLEASE ANSWER......WHY IS THIS GUY EVEN ON PAY-ROLL.
Posted by: COMPTON'S FINEST | July 30, 2007 at 02:42 PM
generic_one
"You live up here, too?"
yea unfortunately i moved up here from LA a while back, what about you, how long have you been holdin down the 206 ?
Posted by: Violater | July 30, 2007 at 02:44 PM
KG going to the Celts, guess its time to pull down the getgarnett website.
Posted by: Laker Lover | July 30, 2007 at 02:46 PM
REPOST
It ain't a done deal yet!
WTF?!? Will KG really let himself be McHale's pawn his entire career? Has McHale convinced KG that he's some Minnesota Martyr and therefore has to do what's best for the franchise even at his own expense? I can't bring myself to believe that KG's really sold on teaming up with co-Allstars Allen and Pierce to outdazzle the Leastern Confernce. Yeah, it MAY even work (McHale's got Ainge drinking the koolade too, I guess), but only for one year, and then is Boston really going to fork up that extension, pay THREE max players? Yeah, no biggie for KG either way, some team will pay up even a year from now, magical four-leaf clover ring or not. My point is, KG, of course you're going to make a difference wherever you go (I'm talking to you directly at this point, Ticket).
If the trio-of-stars strategy doesn't work (see Casell-Allen-BigDog Bucks), it's not like it's unchartered territory for you to deal with. You'll start over again, and it will have been worth the gamble... Well if the point is starting over (albeit to contend), why just shoot the moon for only one ring? Demanding to come to LA is more than just joining forces with Kobe and Phil, being in a warm climate, still allowing for the cap-assisting pieces the Wolves need via trade, and getting that badly needed fresh start. It's about starting the right way, being in that winning culture where even in down years (every ringless year) there is still hope and most times even opportunity to somehow pull it off. Yeah, Boston has the tradition too, but we've got present members who were just there and still have that burning fire - and the game/coaching to back it up - to get back to that level, and then sustain it. Age of key players and cap room favor the Lakers for a longer run than what Boston is rubbing their rabbit's foot for. The worst case is that it's the same here as in Boston (yeah, right) and you are free to choose once again. But if it works here, it'll work for years. Even if it doesn't translate to a ring this season, that one year of triangle experience will still leave a big enough window for dynasty potential. Ponder, marinate, demand!
Posted by: lakerade | July 30, 2007 at 02:48 PM
On the positive side of it - lets wait and see how Boston going to pay for this - 60+M for KG-Allen and Pierce trio. It's going to be fun to watch how many ‘Smush-like’ players they should be able to find in Europe/NBDL in order to make minimum 12 players roster next year. Another thing - Boston need to make sure they always have 3 balls available for the next game. If KG thinks by teaming up with proven losers like Pierce and Allen will help him to win the ultimate prise, something definitely wrong with him.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | July 30, 2007 at 02:55 PM
"I find it interesting that when Boston's star respectfully request FO to make some deals, and doesn't thump his chest and act like a jerk, good things happen. "
Oh, and the fact that McHale and Ainge are buddies had nothing to do with
it? You don't think maybe it would have gone differently if Kareem were
the GM of Minnesota?
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | July 30, 2007 at 02:57 PM
I think you can blame Mitch for a lot of bad moves over the years but not getting KG isn't one of them. We basically offered Minny all of out tradable assets and Mchale liked what the Celtics offered more. And you really have to question Mchaels judgement, I do not believe he took the best offer. He chose to work with his buddy instead. And deep down inside he is still a celtic and not a t-wolf. How could we compete with that?
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 30, 2007 at 02:59 PM
More of the same from the FO. What a waste of a perfectly good superstar. The rest of Kobe's career looks doomed to somewhere between KG and AI levels of frustration. It could even be worse...
I'm starting to think that Kobe will not go down as "Jordan lite" as his detractors seem to paint him. Rather, he we will be most accurately depicted as Jerry West II. Singularly talented, and an unmatched will to win, but ultimately frustrated by the systems around him. But for that one ring, West would have been branded a mere ticket-selling talent and the greatest waste of an all-around player in the history of the league. Kobe's Shaq-era rings give him similar cover. Nonetheless, the lingering frustration at the lack of additional wins will linger and fester.
The failure to win repeatedly and viciously ate at West. It probably has something to do with why he's the great GM that he is, but as a player, he could be accused of "wanting it too much," and bumping into the constraints of the team around him. He was routinely undone by the "system" squads from Boston as well as the cohesiveness of that famous Knicks squad. Substitute Detroit for NY and the Spurs for Boston, and this is where Kobe is now.
I think this is the root of the "trade me" tirade. I also think, as others have pointed out, it will cause the Lakers to over-commit to an option B, which will only guarantee protracted mediocrity.
Posted by: The D | July 30, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Well this is disapointing. KG to the Celtics. Lamar was a better trade for them. Eveybody knows it. McHale did this ti us I think. Lets see if Bird decieds to play the same game with us for O'Neil.
Whos left out there as an impact player. We don't need Bibs anymore. O'Neil, Artest (which scares me and thrills me at the same time). Thats about it. Bynum had really better be working his ass off or he will have fans calling for his jersey as by December.
T-Woody
Posted by: TWoody | July 30, 2007 at 03:08 PM
The shroud of the dark side has fallen. The Celtics strike back. They won't get anything out of it except a lot of hype. Meanwhile, in Lakerland, all of us are in tears.
Kobe steps into training camp (if we're lucky), and says "what did I tell you?"
Our only, let me repeat, ONLY hope is Socks having an enormous break-through & all-star year. Aside from that, expect to have early summers for the next ten to fifteen years.
There you have it. The fate of the Lakers rests on the shoulders of one 19 year old Andrew Bynum.
The titantic is all but sunk.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | July 30, 2007 at 03:08 PM
So let me get this straight......
just about every other team right now making moves.......making trades.......trying to improve there team to compete in 08-09.
While the lakers signed luke FLUCCING walton........WOWWWW..........
We signed this clown to a 6 year 36 mill contract an the only thing he can do is make the extra pass........How the flucc is this building a championship team?????????.
MAN I JUS WANNA HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA FLUCC............. I JUST WOKE UP MY LITTLE ONE.......MITCH GOTTA GO......
Posted by: COMPTON'S FINEST | July 30, 2007 at 03:09 PM
guys calm down with all this talk about us not getting KG because mchale is a celtic. first and foremost al jefferson is a proven commodity in the nba, secondly the trade wouldnt work with the lakers because of salaries
Kwame+Bynum+farmar/critt adds up to $12.5M give or take depending on who u add.
Al jefferson+ratliff+ rondo adds up to $15.5M
Basically they would have to take a player like radmanovic or someone with a big contract to make it work on our end and thats not going to happen so get over the deal.
Posted by: ose | July 30, 2007 at 03:22 PM
LakerBake,
You're making awfully big assumptions about what I want for the team. I
never said the Lakers should keep Bynum at the expense of Kobe, I
merely said that that was what they appear to be doing.
I think Andrew Bynum will eventually be a very good player, but I would
have traded him and half the team for KG in a minute. I'd even trade him
and Lamar for O'Neal (plus Sasha or BCook to match salary). But I won't
take the O'Neal deal if it involves taking back an average player with an
overloaded salary in the deal.
If you want to speed up the rebuilding process of a team, there are two
main ways you can go - blow up the team and rebuild from the ground up
or try to add one or two really good veteran players around your star. The
Boston-Minnesota deal is a key example of this - Boston is trying to bring
in a couple of good vets (Allen & Garnett), Minne is trying to start from
square 1.
The Lakers' problem is that they're trying to do both at once - they want
to keep Kobe and slowly nurture a group of draftees until they grow into
good players. The problem with that is that Kobe keeps the team good
enough that they're not getting very good draft picks, but the young
players aren't developing fast enough to please Kobe.
I forsee that one of two things will happen. Either Bynum and at least
one of the other players (from Farmar, Cook, Turiaf, Vujacic, or Odom)
will make a big step forward in productivity, in which case the Lakers
will move into the top group of contenders in the West, or they will
basically be forced to trade Kobe next summer, in which case they'll
get reamed because teams will know that they don't have a lot of
choice in the matter. Or of course, they could play Kobe for two more
years and let him walk away for nothing.
If I was running the Lakers, I'd make a choice - either Kobe or youth,
and I'd bust my ass trying to make that plan work as well as possible.
I wouldn't try to do both at once.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | July 30, 2007 at 03:24 PM
it's over.
Posted by: xtro | July 30, 2007 at 03:40 PM
Kwame/Vlad/Cook/Sasha for JO
It's our only hope.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | July 30, 2007 at 03:41 PM
FINALLY!!!!!
A STEP CLOSER TO REALIZATION.... NO KG
LAKERS, WHATS YOUR NEXT MOVE? (MAKE IT YOUR BEST MOVE)
HAHAHAHA
THE SEASON JUST CAN'T START SOON ENOUGH, I HOPE WE WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP AND IF WE CANT I HOPE WE DON'T EVEN MAKE THE PLAYOFFS BECAUSE THAT WOULD SURE MAKE ANOTHER EXCITING SUMMER A YEAR FROM NOW, AND THE FOLLOWING SUMMER AS WELL... REJOICE WE ARE IN FOR ANOTHER 3-PEAT!!
Posted by: VIOLATER | July 30, 2007 at 03:41 PM
"If it wasn't for Phil. This team would have imploded mid season last year. they are putting all this on Phil and Kobe to fix."
Gee, lets see. Brian Cook drops his warm-ups on Phil Jackson. Smush Parker and Andrew Bynum openly disrespect Phil Jackson yet the team didn't imploded because of Phil Jackson? LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | July 30, 2007 at 03:47 PM
time to get jermaine o'neal before the new jersey nets do.
i do prefer this deal:
lamar odom
andrew bynum
for
jermaine o'neal
danny granger
give bird a call, and make this deal.
with jo at the 4 and kwame at the 5, that is some big time size on the blocks.
kg is gone.
jo is still there for the taking.
let's do it.
Posted by: tha show | July 30, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Garnett to the Celtics? That sounds like an NBA clean-up. With all that ref stuff going on why wouldn't the NBA try to clean it up by having a player like Garnett going to Boston? It takes the focus off of the NBA's credibility.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | July 30, 2007 at 03:49 PM
I still have to believe that KG will not give his absolute sworn word to stay with Boston until his contract is up. He would be stupid to do that. He has a chance to opt out this year and play with the best player in the NBA, with the best franchise in the NBA and the best coach in the NBA, and you're gonna pass that up to play for Ainge and the Celtics?
Yuck.
Was that you or me that just vomited?
KG--just say no.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | July 30, 2007 at 03:51 PM
SMUSH PARKER TO KOBE "F-U"?
Parker joining Heat in search for championship ring
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2954886
How sweet would it be for Miami to win a championship in 2008? Man, all you shaq haters please be aware.........okay, i'm stretching a little.
Posted by: KLBeast | July 30, 2007 at 04:02 PM
Jon K.,
I'm sorry to hear that your posts are being deleted. Did you use foul language?.
I personally always read your posts.You're one of the few I'll read all the way through when I see your name.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | July 30, 2007 at 04:04 PM
WHERE IS MITCHELL? CLAP, CLAP............ CLAP,CLAP CLAP?
How's your boy doing? Looks like the only winning kobe might see for a while is on the USA Team playing #2 to Lebron.......
You know, if kobe begs hard enough, Miami might let kobe play backup to Wade in 2 years. Shaq will be on his last leg, but kobe might have a shot a winning a title being 6th Man of the Year on a Miami squad featuring Wade and Smush as the starting backcourt.....
Posted by: KLBeast | July 30, 2007 at 04:07 PM
KLBeast,
And why would I bother rationalizing anything to an irrational man like you?
Posted by: p ang | July 30, 2007 at 04:11 PM
How come I am NOT surprised we COULDN'T acquire a noteworthy star-caliber player in KG?? How come I am not surprised management has done very little to significantly improve our team?? How come Sasha and Cookie are still on the payroll, How come I already know what the answer to all these questions are?? Cuz Mitch is our FRIGGIN GM is why!
Oh well, I am saying this to say it cuz I am a lakers fan ryde or die, GO LAKERS!! geez!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | July 30, 2007 at 04:19 PM
Lake Show and Mamba you two are living in a dream world. LO better than KG? Winning 55 games next year? A good Core?
Did you hear what Kobe was saying a month ago? Were you even paying attention? Kobe is the FRANCHISE and he is demanding a trade! Does that sound like we are doing fine as we are. The Lakers squeak out 42 wins, the rest of the west gets betters, and we are going to win 13 more games!?
It's really hard to hold the Front Office accountable for blatant mismanagement when you are blindly following. Open your eyes. Do you want the Celtics to win another championship? Because, they now have a better chance at doing that than we do.
And to say LO will outplay KG next year us unfathomable. It's laughable. KG is one of the best big men to EVER play this game. I mean I like LO and he's got unique abilities. But, he's a piece. Certainly not a center piece. In fact, there is nothing other than your blind loyalty to support any of you statements. And it's that loyalty that us making it hard for the rest of us to make head way.
It's almost as dumb as saying, "well at least he's not in our conference anymore" Only a johnny-come-lately Laker fan or a non-Laker fan would say that.
The appeasment and blind loyalty is mind numbing.
Fire the Front Office. Starting with Buss.
Posted by: Laker Front Office Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | July 30, 2007 at 04:23 PM
Craig W.
I agree with your assessment of our D problems. I think that without smush and with some Health this year our D can genuinely improve from within. I simply mentioned Battier, because if we could get a stopper like him or Artest at the 3, get rid of Vlad and have Luke back up the 3 I think that would be ideal.
Defensively this could be interesting
Fish
Kobe
Battier or Artest
Odom
kwame
That lineup could shut some teams down for sure. With Luke, turiaf, evans, Bynum, mihm, farmar off the bench we could become pretty legit. I think Vlad is dead wieght cuz he can't D up and is inconsistent offensively (I hope he proves me wrong this year--cuz he could really help make us more dangerous--but im skeptical).
Even w/o a Defensive upgrade at the 3, I agree Craig W. that our D should be improved.
I'm kinda psyched for the season. I have a feeling Kobe and LO are gonna be something special this year.
To all you real laker fans--Have faith in the purple and gold. Heart coming in with Fish--as long as we've got a few warriors on the court, we still have hope.
KOBE-LO-FIsh-Turiaf
As an athlete these are the kinds of guys that I will go to war with any day of the week and twice on sunday.
Lets go Lakers!
Posted by: jandro | July 30, 2007 at 04:30 PM
This is sick... KG to Celtics, can it get any worse for a Laker Fan??
Sure it can, when Kobe walks out on the Lakers..
There is something wrong in Lakerville..
Has Phil signed his new contract?
Kobe going or staying??
How do you build a solid foundation for a team with so many questions?
This is a mess... I would have to say at this time, KOBE isn't happy...
It's 3 years now and a summer of trading and they still can't build a team around the greatest player on the planet... Throw in the towel Buss, Kupchak and Phil.... you failed...
I am at the point of trading KOBE get as much as possible and not win a game this year and hope to get OJ MAYO or LOVE... this is sick, KG to CELTICS... no way on West watch would that have happened...
I give up... 2 years of Smush and Kwame... Kobe going ballistic and demanding a trade and spitting on Laker Tradition...
I can only hope and pray that Bynum will be King Kong and Critt will be a Superstar who fell into Mitch's lap.
Time to build around the KIDS, Kobe will walk next year... Trade him next year and you will get nothing for him with the type of contract he has..
It's clear the Lakers have decided not to spend and instead build for the future, if true, start now and move KOBE.. I am sick...KG to the Celtics and odds are Kobe walks from the Lakers... I need a doctor..
bd
Posted by: bd | July 30, 2007 at 04:36 PM