Eddie Money had two tickets to paradise
The Celtics now have one Ticket, a purchase made with the intention of traveling to the same destination that Mr. Money had in mind. Needless to say, this is pretty gosh darn huge. "Big enough to make David Stern stop weeping about Oden and Durant playing for two teams nobody ever sees" huge. "Big enough to make Bill Simmons stop weeping about acquiring Ray Allen" huge, especially considering Jesus Shuttlesworth reportedly played a big role in pitching Beantown to Garnett. Hell, it's even "big enough to overshadow the Lakers signing Coby Karl" huge.
OK, the acquiring of George Karl's undrafted son might have flown under the radar under any circumstances (although it's actually a more inspirational story than KG getting traded). But when it comes to inspiring Laker fans to sing a tune with an excellent guitar riff, the newest Laker likely won't cut the mustard. Karl's presence also appears a long shot to prevent Kobe from licking old wounds, a reaction that could make things rather unpleasant. Thus, it begs the question of where to go from here.
Well, for fans, a trip to El Segundo armed with flaming torches and a cry for Mitch Kupchak's head is unwarranted. I'm not being a front-office apologist, just realistic. Disappointed as I am to see Garnett land elsewhere, I don't think this situation is reasonably on Kupchak's shoulders. By all accounts, an aggressive pitch was made for Garnett. A failure to put him in purple and gold didn't seem due to a reluctance to part with chips, simply a lack of said chips. I've said a zillion times that I didn't think the Lakers had the pieces to make KG a Laker. Here's proof positive. Sorry, but Boston's offer was better than the Lakers' best counter. Compare the particulars and it's obvious:
Kwame Brown represents an expiring contract worth 9 million bucks. Theo Ratliff's is worth 11.7. I'm hardly qualified to teach mathematics at MIT. I can barely do long division. But I remain confident in my belief that 11.7 is more than 9. Bynum is a promising post player. Al Jefferson is a promising post player who's more developed than Drew. That doesn't mean Jefferson's a lock to end up the better player, but it does mean he's pretty a tough commodity to refuse, especially in a holdout for a less-established big man. In addition to draft picks, the Wolves receive youngsters ranging from "all upside" (Gerald Green) to "potentially solid role player" (Ryan Gomes) to "soon to be blessed with a lot of free time to shop for new guns" (Sebastian Telfair). All contracts end in 2008, providing a team that won't likely be good for a few seasons some low-risk, short-term options. And since they won't be solid anytime soon, why take on Lamar Odom's big contract and allow his PT to stymie the growth of Corey Brewer? Even with the Lakers theoretically willing to take Marko Jaric or Mark Blount's bad salaries, the Celts package makes more sense for a rebuilding team. If you wanna blame Kupchak for not having the requisite pieces on hand, fair enough. But otherwise, you're basically blaming him for not being able to con Kevin McHale into taking a clearly less-desirable package. His moves over the years show McHale may be dumb, but the man ain't stupid.
Assuming Kupchak can enter his office without a private security detail, what should he do while at his desk? Hopefully not sign off on a panic move that shows fans (and a certain shooting guard) that he's willing to "make noise." Yeah, noise often reeks of "bold and decisive." But noise also typically precedes a thumping headache. The powers that be are already gobbling Excedrin. No need to willingly end up in rehab for an aspirin addiction. Jermaine O'Neal, for example, is the likely name to pop up in rumor mills. Last time he was sewing circle fodder, the deal involved exchanging Odom and Bynum (unless you're counting the Odom-Bynum-Brown for JO-Troy Murphy proposal, but I don't since it was asinine to even consider). Landing JO gives the Lakers a bigger "name" and certainly brings the much-ballyhooed "noise." But would it also bring bring the funk? I don't think so.
JO might shore up the D a bit in between nursing injuries (which happens quite a bit, for those keeping score). But I don't think he'd transform the Laker hoop into a fortress, either. In the meantime, you lose what LO provides the offense, especially in turns of it running smoothly. Yes, offense isn't chief among Laker concerns, but that's assuming it functions at peak capacity. Remove LO from the equation for a less versatile option and you may downgrade the O more than the D actually improves. JO is a more consistent scorer, but this still strikes me as a sideways (and expensive) move, and I don't know if it's worth trading two of three pieces with any value simply because it represents "bold action." Driving headfirst in a brick wall at 90 mph is bold. Doesn't mean I'm itching to do it. And save the theoretical move for KG, the only way the Lakers were "one player away" was through adding a high-quality player to the mix, not swapping talent. If the Lakers pick up a quality player to accompany Kobe and JO, that's perhaps another story. But I'd hate to see the team dig itself further into a hole so fans know they're "serious about building a winner." "Serious" and "smart" are two different things. I prefer the latter.
Does that mean I wanna stand pat? No. The front office should aggressively go after any good player on the market and those reportedly untouchable. But I don't think they should move heaven and earth, no questions asked. Especially if the primary motive is making Kobe happy, since the odds are low, anyway. Garnett was the guy he wanted. That's no longer a possibility. I don't picture any other moves that'll automatically put a smile on his face. Except, of course, trading him. Which, as I've said before, I think the Lakers should seriously consider. Not because I "want" to trade Kobe. Nobody really "wants" to trade the league's best player still in his prime. I'd much rather put a team around him, all things being equal. But this isn't about what I want. It's about what I think is best for the Lakers, and sometimes what you want to do and what you should do are two very different things.
If you can't utilize Kobe's abilities to their fullest by building around him, there's no real point to having him here, especially if he's counting down the minutes (perhaps in a vocal and distracting fashion) until he can bolt. You're simply avoiding the inevitable, and procrastinating could limit whatever returns are possible for Kobe. Like it or not, the Lakers may be in a position where rebuilding is the unattractive but necessary solution. If that's the case, you're better off obtaining (and retaining) the most pieces and options to make it happen. No Laker will fetch more loot than Kobe. Were I Mitch Kupchak, I'd keep my ear to the ground for possibilities. But if I'm hearing nothing but silence, I would approach Kobe and lay everything on the table. If we acquiesce to your wishes, will you widen the list of reportedly acceptable destinations beyond "Chicago" and "Chicago" (although the Bulls could very well be more interested in a Kobe trade these days, now that Boston's a legit three-headed monster)? As stubborn as he can be and as much as he hates relinquishing control, Kobe might be open to a compromise focused around speeding up his wishes. Or he might take that stance as a sign of weakness and relish having the Lakers by the short and curlies, aping how Shaq handled his trip out of town. But if I had to guess, a cooperative olive branch is more likely to help than hurt. And it may be the best move for the franchise (if a bitter pill for fans to swallow).
In any case, I'd be lying if I said I'm not curious about what comes next. I'm already exhausted thinking about how many hours I'm gonna be chained to my laptop writing about it. But curious nonetheless.
-- AK
BREAKING NEWS: "INSIDER" CONVERSATION BETWEEN KOBE AND SHAQ.
After the Shaq trade...
KOBE: Who's your daddy?
SHAQ: You're my daddy.
KOBE: Who's your daddy?
SHAQ: You're my daddy, i got it fool. You won the battle. You're finally the #1 in LA. Be careful what you ask for.
After Miami won the 2006 Championship....
SHAQ: Who's your daddy?
KOBE: @#$@#$-U. I'm still your daddy cuz you're out and i'm still in.
After Shaq beat out kobe on ESPN's Who's Now?
SHAQ: Who's your daddy?
KOBE: Shut up, shut up, you're a meanie. i don't like you.
After 3 embarassing seasons for the LA Kobes
SHAQ: Who's your daddy?
KOBE: I want to quit. Nobody wants to play with me....boo-hoo-hoo.....i want mommy.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 01, 2007 at 12:47 AM
This trade will affect directly Shaq influence in the East.
Miami can't compete with Detroit, Chicago, cleveland and Boston.
Shaq retire now, please, before you make a misery of yourself on the court.
Posted by: jorema | August 01, 2007 at 12:47 AM
"KOBE = BIG MICHAEL JACKSON"
man, kobe ain't even LaToya Jackson....
Posted by: KLBeast | August 01, 2007 at 12:51 AM
Another Shaq "See you later aligator"?
This time...Pietrus
It's less likely that Golden State Warriors free agent swingman Mickael Pietrus will sign with the Miami Heat.
"He's not going to take half the mid-level," said Pietrus' agent, Happy Walters. Pietrus' qualifying offer from the Warriors is $3.5 million, above what the Heat can offer.
Posted by: jorema | August 01, 2007 at 12:52 AM
Wizards still trying to deal Navarro, maybe to Lakers.
Washington Wizards continue to field offers for guard Juan Carlos Navarro, whose former team (FC Barcelona) informed GM Ernie Grunfeld that he has until the end of the week to trade Navarro. If a trade is not worked out, Barcelona will retain Navarro and his buyout with the team will go from $2 million to $14 million.
The Miami Heat is one of at least eight teams to express interest in Navarro but will likely drop out of negotiations after signing guard Smush Parker on Friday. According to a report, Parker's former team, the Los Angeles Lakers, could have interest in Navarro.
Posted by: jorema | August 01, 2007 at 12:54 AM
KLBeast,
"Please give us more to talk about and have a nervous breakdown. Please give us a few more laughs when you prance around pumping your fist when you break another meaningless scoring record."
I tell you, the Ringley Bros., Kobe, Barney, & Bailey circus is about to start up again. I can feel a tantrum or nervous breakdown coming soon.
Kobiatch spotted in Chicago? "Please Mr Paxson. Kobe "F-U" go back to LA"
Posted by: Gunner | August 01, 2007 at 12:55 AM
Long time laker fan,
Well i wont be able to bring you a "news source"
But I recall that the 4 team deal involved
Minnessota getting Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ratliff, Boston draft picks
Lakers getting Garnett
Indiana getting Bynum, Kwame, Farmar? Laker draft draft picks
Boston getting O'neal
Because this trade does work on the ESPN Trade machine if you would like to check.
Perhaps i read this in some Newsday trade speculation.
However, the problem with this wasnt Glen Taylor or even McHale. Danny ainge didnt want to give up Jefferson for Jermaine O'neal
Posted by: The Lake-Show | August 01, 2007 at 12:56 AM
Edwin,
"Well with due respects with your views, you have the same thinking as Kupchak, always thinking for the welfare of another team to match salaries, as if trading players is a crossword puzzles. If it doesn't fit, don't force it. We lay the blame today on bum roster with over the cap because of that kind of thinking."
Well, with due respect with your views, your thinking typically involves unfeasible trade proposals that are often CBA-illegal or totally one-sided. The former can't be done because of league rules. The latter count on the other team's GM being a complete fool or, as you often put it, "salesmanship" (which is basically saying "the other team's GM being a complete fool").
Also, the idea that I'm "thinking about the other team's welfare" is absolutely absurd. I couldn't care less if the other team gets a worse deal than the Lakers. And I imagine I speak for Mitch Kupchak when I say he feels the same. Unfortunately, the other team DOES happen to care about its welfare, which is why most of the trades you propose wouldn't have a prayer of being accepted.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 01, 2007 at 01:02 AM
KLBeast
"man, kobe ain't even LaToya Jackson...."
MY BAD...HOW ABOUT TITO JACKSON?
Posted by: Gunner | August 01, 2007 at 01:04 AM
Gunner
"Kobiatch spotted in Chicago? "Please Mr Paxson. Kobe "F-U" go back to LA"
i find it interesting that 3 teams that kobe mentioned as a possible trade possibility (Chicago, Pheonix and Dallas) expressed ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST IN A MALCONTENT COBY BRYANT.
When shaq was traded away because of kobe, i knew it would be bad for the lakers, but i really didn't think it'd be this bad.
Coby Bryant is a classic great player who's a jerk and selfish. Coby's lucky to have played with shaq otherwise, kobe would be the laughing stock of the league with NO RINGS.
Have faith, kobe will be a distant memory and we can truly begin to rebuild. How sweet would it be if we could land Wade or some other impact player once the Big Kobe is gone. Kobe=Joke.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 01, 2007 at 01:07 AM
PJ BROWN TO KOBE: "F-U"
With Kevin Garnett off the table, the Suns are still looking for a big man to replace departed Kurt Thomas, and may have their sites set on free agent P.J. Brown.
Posted by: Gunner | August 01, 2007 at 01:07 AM
AK/BK
i want to express my appreciation for your work. i can imagine the nut laker fans (like myself) driving you nuts with all of this drama.
for what it's worth, i appreciate your time.
KL Out.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 01, 2007 at 01:09 AM
AK,
Can you write up a book or an article about the die-hard Laker fans. You know, amongst this KG talk, and the media's obesssion over the "Need" to have the Celtics and Knicks relevant again, the implied message is that the west coast doesnt have die hard fans, nor do we have tradition. Same goes with baseball (even though both LA teams are at the top in terms of attendance). For some reason, LA fans are blamed for losing pro football when clearly it was the owners.
But where else will you find Laker fans blogging at 1am??? I mean seriously???
When can we start a West Coast Bias??? Can you help us with that??
Posted by: The Lake-Show | August 01, 2007 at 01:12 AM
KLBeast,
"i find it interesting that 3 teams that kobe mentioned as a possible trade possibility (Chicago, Pheonix and Dallas) expressed ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST IN A MALCONTENT COBY BRYANT."
It seems like those teams figured Kobe A$$ out long before he figured himself out. They realized what a jerk he must be to trade away his only chances at winning more titles. I think that's when those teams realized that the boy had screws loose in his head.
"Have faith, kobe will be a distant memory and we can truly begin to rebuild. How sweet would it be if we could land Wade or some other impact player once the Big Kobe is gone. Kobe=Joke."
I look at it this way. Just in time for Shaq to step down and take his place as a true HOF. And just in time for Dwade to figure out that it's time to move on from Miami. And what sweet way for the FO to sell the chance to stomp on all so-called legacy of Kobiatch by bring in Wade and allowing him to show what a true #1 can do for the Lakers.
Posted by: Gunner | August 01, 2007 at 01:17 AM
To further that note,
IF the Celtics NEEED to be relevant again, and so do the Knicks, what is the purpose of the Grizzlies, t-wolves, raptors, Bucks, raptors, Hawks, Sonics, Kings, hornets, etc??? Why dont we just contract all those teams and leave only "important franchises" around??? I mean if thats what the NBA wants in the first place whats the point of wasting time with other teams.
Why dont we just contract all the baseball teams and leave the Yankees and Red Sox?
It's ridiculous. Boston doesnt have an inalienable right to be good, important, relevant or whatever in terms of basketball.
On a second note....I am not a racist, prejudice bigot, and its not the first thing i think about...but..
Is the city of Boston going to be as in love with these guys as their old beloved legends??
I mean they had Bird, Havilec, McHale, Heinson, cousy, auerbach.. I mean sure they had the ultimate in Bill Russel, and i see KG in him. But there is no "working class white guy" on the Celtics this time around. I mean Ray allen is an amazing professional, and I guess paul pierce never got in trouble either,, but does this quite fit the Boston fantasy????
i mean the city likes big papi and manny, but they loved schilling, damon, varitek and the "idiots"
the only guy on the Pats to them is Brady and Bruschi
will Boston fall in love with this team??
Posted by: The Lake-Show | August 01, 2007 at 01:20 AM
I never was in full motion praise of the Garnett trade.
Why?
Garnett is interested in money. That's it.
He doesn't care about rings. We know that.
He even say to press: Stop suffering for me...I'm ok playing in Minny.
I said also that If Garnett wanted he could forced Mckhale hands since trade options started.
Reality?
Garnett is afraid to play with somebody who will be named the best in the team over his head.
My prediction...
Celtics will go to East Finals and Garnett will implode.
Ray Allen will be injured by that time and Boston is swept by New Jersey Nets.
Posted by: jorema | August 01, 2007 at 01:22 AM
Start your engine...
Kobe will be trade in two weeks. to Chicago.
Posted by: jorema | August 01, 2007 at 01:23 AM
KL,
You are definitely not a laker fan but just a Kobe hater. You are just a very simple minded person. All you talk about in here are kobe,kobe,kobe and all his "faults"...man, why dont you just start being constructive in here. Also, you take offense on everybody who criticizes you. Get a life.
Ron L
Posted by: ron l | August 01, 2007 at 02:29 AM
It sickened me that KG was traded to the Celts and not to the Lakers. But please, everybody remember that Free Agents usually follow the dictates of No. 1, and go to where their services are wanted and will be well-compensated (whether by money or rings). KL's "F-U" rants are thus unwarranted and disgusting.
Posted by: batman | August 01, 2007 at 05:01 AM
JOREMA
You made excellent points that I have never seen on the blog when you said of the 3 Miami Heat that led them to the playoffs before Shaq arrived.
Only Caron and D-Wade have made the ALL STAR team.
THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT LAMAR ODOM.
You've got an excellent radar on exactly what Odom and Bynum's value really is.
We need to wake up.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 01, 2007 at 05:30 AM
Exhelodrvr
I can understand what you're saying. Yes you would choose trading KOBE on the big question of KOBE or not KOBE.
However at least you UNDERSTAND that if you don't trade him we need to change up the MIX.
AK
Although thoughtful, is trying to have 1 foot in the water to REBUILD and another foot in the water to CONTEND.
Can't do both and I think he's even written that before.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 01, 2007 at 05:34 AM
Generic_One
I don't know what you're talking about playing Real GM.
You mention building throught the draft and how the Spurs did it.
Yes they got the ping pong ball for David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
Check your history, they also picked off TONY PARKER and MANU GINOBILI at the end of the 1st round and at the end of the 2nd round.
You say the Lakers draft in the 20s or the middle of the pack.
WE DON'T PICK RIGHT. So there is a TON screwed up so no need of a loose comment about "playing REAL GM"
We missed Parker and Manu and we miss free agents.
We need not miss Jermaine O'Neal - an ALL STAR or FORMER ALL STAR.
NO one on our team has sniffed the ALL STAR game but KOBE
Posted by: LakerBake | August 01, 2007 at 05:37 AM
You West coasters have a competitive advantage.
You guys blog while we wind down.
We blog in the morning while you sleep.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 01, 2007 at 05:37 AM
ok.. this is the thing... if we can't get garnett and kobe is going to be unhappy, i agree to trade him.
now i know about his no-trade clause and stuff.... well...
i don't know if anyone else thought of this but....
I say we try to trade him to every sorry team for all their pieces. just as a show... like an atlanta or something... if kobe rejects them all.. he will lose face because then he's saying that he only wants to play for a good team. he's showing that he is truly being a lil punk.
he will then have a dilemma.. either take the trade or admit that his situation is not as bad as he thinks and try his damn best to make HIS team better.
i say we try to trade him to EVERY team that he DOES NOT want to go to.
Oh yeah, and please, DO NOT GET JO by giving up Odom.. stand firm and Bird will eventually weaken his stance and take young pieces of Bynum + ...
DO NOT GIVE UP ODOM...
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: David Whang | August 01, 2007 at 06:01 AM
Congratulations, Celtic fans, you now have a fun team to watch. I will still be hating your team, but probably not as much as I hate Wuss and Kupcake.
Posted by: Chris White | August 01, 2007 at 06:29 AM
Jorema,
"Celtics will go to East Finals and Garnett will implode."
Now if KL or Gunner became apologists, this is the kinda crap they'd say. Step your game up boy, Garnett is a stud with a hall of fame career, that boy is not going to implode anywhere.
I understand ya got love for Kobe dawg and so do i .... but game recognizes game though. you'd never hear kobe calling garnett wack cuz on the court kg gives his all and you really can't ask for more than that
Posted by: Taliq | August 01, 2007 at 07:07 AM
Jorema,
I do not believe that Kobe will be traded to Chicago. I believe some guards are about to leave.
We're trump tight on guards. Particularly now that KG is in Boston, Kobe is the *ONLY* chance
the Lakers have to be competitive. Especially since he dropped the 19 lbs and is looking like
an F5 tornado. The problem for me is, I don't know what type of defensive player they're trying
to get.
Garnett will not implode. Ray Allen will. The Celtics will not get past the Cavaliers, Raptors or Bulls.
Barring injury, I look for the Lakers to end the season at the 5th seed.
Gunner,
With some trepidation, I respond to your post to KL. The reason why Chicago, Phoenix and Dallas
showed no interest in Kobe, is because they know they'd have to gut the team to get him. They're
extremely well run organizations who are fiscally sound. They're also already challenging for
championships. There's no reason to blow up a contender to get Kobe. Particularly when the
Lakers' FO is doing their job for them. i.e. With the personnel moves they've made and stuffed
roster *AGAIN*, if they don't make it past the first round Kobe will walk away and they won't be able
to stop him. He'll then go to another team and lead them to multiple championships. Porky Pig will
be proven right that Jerry Buss has become a terrible owner.
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 01, 2007 at 07:10 AM
Reality check time - I don't think the comparison holds. Pierce is younger than all of those guys, KG doesn't have the wear and tear that Barkley did, and Ray Allen has more left in him than Akeem did. Besides, that team was really filled with scrubs around them; let's see what Boston continues to do this summer. They have cap room.
So KG ruled out LA because Kobe told him he might not be here? That's beautiful. And by beautiful, I mean completely destructive to the team.
Posted by: Michael A | August 01, 2007 at 07:16 AM
The Lake Show,
"the media's obesssion over the "Need" to have the Celtics and Knicks relevant again"
You're missing the point - L.A. is relevant; three relatively recent championships, an additional trip to the finals, playoffs the past two seasons, and the best player in the league who has performed at Jordan-like levels the past two years. Boston and NY are specks in the Lakers rear view mirror when it comes to relevance.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 01, 2007 at 07:18 AM
10million dollarzen - I couldn't agree less with Hollinger, who forgets the basketball side of things for his precious numbers, a lot. There's no doubt that the Celtics will be in salary-cap hell in a couple of years, but for those years they will be title contenders. Where were they going to be this year without the KG deal? And what's the point of playing without having a shot at a title?
Miami is going to struggle a little until Shaq's contract is off the books, no doubt, but THEY WON! They had a three or four year run where they could seriously think about being champions. More than worth it to me; I'd rather that then spend so much time being ok, but never having a shot.
Posted by: Michael A | August 01, 2007 at 07:29 AM
reality check,
You are not allowed to raise the points about Kobe's "basketball age" and the number of high-level years he has left. It is one of the unwritten rules of the blog. Kobe will be able to play at this level for at least 30 more seasons.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 01, 2007 at 07:31 AM
Hey Jorema, if you're right and Kobe gets traded, does that mean you'll stop posting here? I'm curious.
Posted by: Michael A | August 01, 2007 at 07:37 AM
Lands: "...our team could have looked something like this with little effort: Kobe, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Carlos Boozer, fill in the rest..."
That's selective memory. Odom was the piece that needed to be traded for Boozer, and I believe he was the piece for Davis as well. So no, we couldn't have had that roster. We could've had Kobe and Davis, or Kobe and Boozer, but definitely not all four.
Posted by: Marty | August 01, 2007 at 07:44 AM
The logjam at PG for the Lakers reminds me of the mid-'80s Jazz team that had Rickey Green, Darrell Griffith and some upstart 2nd-year guy named Stockton. It was Point Guard by committee, with the three freely substituted for each other. By the end of the year, Stockton was the breakout guy, and went on to make history.
Do we have someone in our backcourt who might break out and be our star point? If so, who is it?
Posted by: Marty | August 01, 2007 at 08:00 AM
What is Mitch's job?
Posted by: Micah | August 01, 2007 at 08:18 AM
Lakerbake,
"AK, Although thoughtful, is trying to have 1 foot in the water to REBUILD and another foot in the water to CONTEND. Can't do both and I think he's even written that before."
You keep saying that and I don't think that's what I'm proposing at all. I'm not even sure why you think that's what I'm doing. Can you explain what you mean by that?
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 01, 2007 at 08:19 AM
KLBeast,
"SHAQ: Who's your daddy?
KOBE: I want to quit. Nobody wants to play with me....boo-hoo-hoo.....i want mommy."
--------
You left out the next line...
SHAQ: Now bring your daddy a pizza and some more twinkies.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 01, 2007 at 08:31 AM
*************************************************************************************
ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY IS FROM (100 - 1) TO (5 TO 1) I
************************************************************************************
VEGAS ODDS THAT BOSTON WINS THE TITLE BEFORE KG. SIGNED 100 TO 1
VEGAS ODDS THAT BOSTON WINS THE TITLE AFTER KG SIGNED 5 TO 1
I THINK THAT SAYS JUST ABOUT ALL THAT EVER NEEDED TO BE SAID ABOUT
SHOULD WE HAVE TRADED FOR KG OR NOT.
BUT…….. KEEP HOPE ALL ALIVE!! WE DON’T HAVE KB BUT WE HAVE CK!
YEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! BOO HOO BOO HOO WHAAAAAAAAAAA
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
MOTHER OF GOD CAN THIS BE THE END OF RICO!
MAKE HIM AN OFFER HE CAN’T REFUSE
I’M AS MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!
GET UP, GET UP RIGHT NOW GO TO THE STAPLE CENTER,
GO THERE RIGHT NOW AND YELL:
I’M AS MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRE!
*********** LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WE ARE EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL
DIFFICULTIES. THAT ENDS OUR NEWS FOR TODAY ROLL CALL FOLLOWS
IMMEDIATELY****************************************************************************
AND NOW ROLL CALL
FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, KIWI, ,
WOW, PEACE, J_COOL, DAVID WHANG, ADAM KILEY, LAKERSRYDEORDIE,
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Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. JOVA, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY,
JEFF, ANDY B., SWANWORLD, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, BENNY BLANCA
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 08:36 AM
ex-
"Boston and NY are specks in the Lakers rear view mirror when it comes to relevance."
You are too right and thank goodness! I get real tired real quick of brutal Knicks/Celts bruisefests. I get even more tired of their pasty, insular fans and their annoying mustaches. Even the mens' ones. Those teams are only entertaining when their sportswriters are reducing to crying in their beer and reminiscing about a distant past. They're the blues artists of journalism, and deep down, no one wants to see them joyful.
As disappointing a summer as it has been in Lakerland, and as mediocre as the team has been since the passing of the great Chick Hearn, let's never become pathetic like NYK/BOS fans.
Posted by: The D | August 01, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Well, it's been a long time
KG being traded to another team was inevitable. The Lakers' pitch was DOA. But if KG had been acquired, he would not have transformed the Lakers into a contender in the West. Nor will JO, who isn't in KG's class. The Lakers don't have the cap room or the tools to manufacture a contender. The franchise player is unhappy. The FO is silent. Free agents are signing with other teams every other day or so. We're now 8-9 weeks away from camp.
The doomsday scenario -- no moves made, Kobe sitting, the team tanking -- is becoming remotely plausible.
This ain't over yet, but it sure ain't looking good.
Somebody give me a plausible scenario to get this ironed out before October.
Posted by: Peace | August 01, 2007 at 08:37 AM
For me, the interesting question is if this changes anyone's perspective on what to do about Kobe. I think the number one priority is putting as good a team around him as fast as possible... but we've all seen that the Lakers aren't exactly flush with desirable pieces. So they've built a team that is difficult to improve via trade (which explains in part why they need to improve in the first place, by the way) and are capped to death for a while, in part because of Kobe.
Depending on what you believe, the Wolves could have taken better offers for Garnett before (without looking it up, packages from Chicago including Luol Deng, a #2, and more sweetener pops into my head- I'm 99% sure there are more examples) than they eventually recieved. Or maybe they could have held on for a while longer and tried to fix it. One major difference is (at least they say) the Lakers aren't trying to tear it down and rebuild. Theoretically, they want to win now. Glen Taylor decided to go the other way.
Right now, the Lakers hold the leverage. But they won't forever. If it becomes clear that Kobe wants out, then it'll be harder to move him down the road. So the Garnett deal is worrisome on a few levels. But does it change anyone's perspective on how to handle Kobe? There are a ton of variables that go into it (many, many not listed here) from the quality of the team now to future prospects to the notion that historically teams trading the franchise player never get the better end of the deal.
Thoughts?
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 01, 2007 at 08:39 AM
Exhelodrvr,
"Kobe will be able to play at this level for at least 30 more seasons."
Come on EX don't you think you are exagerating just a little. I mean
anybody can see that Kobe only has about 29 and a half seasons left.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 08:42 AM
Exhelodrvr,
"Boston and NY are specks in the Lakers rear view mirror when it comes to relevance."
the line of the week EX!!!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 08:44 AM
KLBeast,
"i find it interesting that 3 teams that kobe mentioned as a possible trade possibility (Chicago, Pheonix and Dallas) expressed ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST IN A MALCONTENT COBY BRYANT."
-----------
puh-lease. Get a clue.
Because there was absolutely no way the Lakers were going to trade Kobe, Chicago made a stock
press statement something like, "I'm not really sure we want to break up the core of our team." Similarly,
Phoenix (I think it was D'Antoni) commented that if they had Kobe, there's no way they would trade him
to another team in the west, and if they did, they'd want the Grand Canyon for him. Those are statements
much like Minnesota's statement a little over a week ago that they weren't going to trade Kevin Garnett.
As for Dallas, I never saw any comment one way or another in the press from Mark Cuban or anyone
else at Dallas, because Kobe never made a public statement that he would allow himself to be traded
to Dallas.
But I guarantee. I ABSOLUTELY guarantee. That if Mitch called up any of those three teams, they would
at least try to work out a package to get Kobe. I'm not saying they could get the deal done, because just
like in the KG situation, Mitch might want more than each team wanted to give up. I think Dallas would have
the best odds, because Cuban would see the benefit of pariing Dirk & Kobe, and he'd be willing to give up
more to get a second superstar on his team.
The third team that Kobe actually did mention was not Dallas, but New York. Isaiah Thomas, at risk of
being fined for collusion by the league, admitted that he spent a bunch of his time trying to cook up
trade packages to offer for Kobe.
Your logic always seems to go like this, "event X didn't happen, so it was Kobe's fault". Let me show you
how that works by using a different subject than Kobe:
"Mitch Kupchack read KLBeast's inane posts and assumed that they must represent the opinions of a significant
portion of LA fans. Thus he decided that everyone blamed Kobe for the condition of the Lakers, so he needn't
do anything significant to improve the team for Kobe. So he hired back his own free agents, and added Derrick
Fisher and Coby Karl. And then he rested. SO IT'S ALL KLBEAST'S FAULT THAT THE TEAM IS THE WAY IT IS.
KUPCHACK HAD DEALS IN PLACE TO GET KG AND RON ARTEST AND CHAUNCEY BILLUPS, BUT HE CANCELLED
THEM WHEN HE READ KLBEAST'S POSTS. IT'S ALL KLBEAST'S FAULT. F.U. KLBEAST"
That's my impersonation of KL when he's in his rant mode about Kobe. Some of the time he's actually rational
and discusses things with a level head, but when he ingests the Kobe hater drug, he gets all wild and ridiculous.
Makes me laugh, though.
Posted by: Long Tilme Laker Fan | August 01, 2007 at 08:52 AM
"So KG ruled out LA because Kobe told him he might not be here? That's beautiful. And by beautiful, I mean completely destructive to the team."-Micheal A
This is so disheartening for a Lakerfan. Talk about sabotaging a whole franchise. Millions of Lakerfans alienated by one person. The balls on Kobe are humongous. This is unprecedented in sports history.
My opinion on what we should do with Kobe: I think we should just hold tight with him. Who cares what he wants. His 'dumb' ass signed that contract. If something comes along where we could gut a team of good young talent, do it. If not, let Kobe face his scrutiny from Lakerland for 2 years, he deserves it for what he's done to us fans.
Damn! I just want to freakin' slap Kobe! I don't care how good he is, HE IS NOT GREATER THAN THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS!
I'm done with this subject, it's enough to make you sick.
Go Lakers!
Freak Kobe!
Posted by: Rocky | August 01, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Every time we talk about the Lakers implosion on this blog, Jerry Buss loses money. This summer's unending series of disasters is bigger than the team's W-L record next season. It is about the destruction of the Lakers brand and that adds up to untold dollars that the franchise will lose if something isn't fixed and fast.
An interesting article on Forbes.com puts this into perspective.
http://www.forbes.com/home/business/2007/07/31/sports-marketing-branding-biz-cz_ps_0801sportsbrands.html
The premise of the article is, "There's more competition than ever before when it comes to vying for the entertainment dollar, making a powerful brand a top priority for many professional sports teams.." It points to the Yankees, saying "The Yankees brand, worth $217 million, has increased in value 44% the past three years and is the most valuable in baseball." That's not exactly chump change.
You can clearly see the categories where the Lakers are not only stumbling, but failing: "mage and prestige--the constitution of a brand--are something management can directly control and alter by dint of performance, marketing, integrating revenue sources and public relations. Increasing a team's brand value is essential, not just for landing the best stadium and sponsorship deals domestically, but for selling merchandise and media platforms abroad."
This is why Kobe is unlikely to be traded. He is all that's left of what was not too long ago one of the truly great NBA brands.
If you have any doubts, the article cites the upside for the Cavaliers of signing LeBron James, and what it has done for a franchise that was once an NBA laughing stock.
When one looks at what happened (or didn't happen) for the Lakers these past few months in this context, it is beyond explanation that the organization has allowed itself to fall so far, so fast. Years of front office bumbling and stumbling when it comes to choosing players and awarding insane contracts has caught up with the Lakers. Jerry Buss's obsession with gambling and young 20-something hotties at the expense of the Lakers brand, as seen in this context, is reason enough to question whether he should remain the controlling owner of the team.
Buss has deprived us fans of the team we expect and deserve, and he has allowed a great brand to disintegrate into disfavor and disrespect. The Boston Celtics have now made a big move to reconstitute their brand and reward their loyal fans. Can the Lakers move swiftly do the same? Or must the team hit rock bottom like a junkie, and successfully complete rehab before it climbs back up out of the NBA gutter?
When I read all the hate and disgust that's permeated this blog since the Garnett deal went down, it is hard to pump myself back up to feel positive about the Lakers immediate future.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 01, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Long time laker fan,
"but when he ingests the Kobe hater drug, "
I'm sorry Long Time, but I must stick up for my friend the Beast.
There is no way KL does Kobe hater Drugs or Drugs of any kind!
KL comes by his hate of Kobe naturally. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 09:02 AM
I thought Garnett was coming to LA...doesnt he have a house in malibu???
Posted by: Kiwi | August 01, 2007 at 09:04 AM
Rick Friedman,
"When I read all the hate and disgust that's permeated this blog since the Garnett
deal went down, it is hard to pump myself back up to feel positive about the Lakers immediate future."
Fear not Mr. Friedman. Take a deep breath and repeat after me:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Now, Feel better? With great astute, intelligent fans like you this organization
may go thru some rocky times but in the end just remember, The Lakers
aren't the Mitch's or The Buss's, The Lakers are Kareem and Silk and you
and me.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 09:08 AM
"trade him to every sorry team for all their pieces. just as a show... like an atlanta or something... "
I almost like the philosophy of the post. the Lakers can't actually "trade" him to those teams, as the deal can't even go to the
league office unless Kobe signs off. But, they could "work out trades" to several teams and get those teams to agree to
a trade and make it very public and then force Kobe to veto the trades so they can show that they were trying to
accommodate Kobe's demand for a trade and that he's not really willing to accept a trade that they can get the other
team to agree to. The point, if I understand it correctly, is to weaken Kobe's position.
The only flaw in that plan is it also publicly vilifies Kobe, and he's already shown that he doesn't like to be shown up
in public (remember the "Laker insider" quote). So if you did the "make trades and force Kobe to veto them" plan, then
Kobe would be more likely to sit out the season (which he's not very likely to do at this point)
BTW. It would be hard to trade for ALL of Atlanta's pieces. They've got a bunch of young talented players who are
mostly underpaid at this point. If Kobe said, "trade me anywhere, I just want out.", then if I were Mitch, Atlanta would
be the first team I would call. They could get back Joe Johnson (a 75% replacement for what Kobe gives to the
Lakers) plus some combination of two of Marvin Williams, Shelden Williams, Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Acie Law,
Al Horford {or one of those plus Tyronn Lue or Lorenzen Wright if they'd prefer some expiring salary).
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 01, 2007 at 09:11 AM