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
POST #1 - From the Laker Fan in Me
We've got to take decisive action and NOW. We NEED to get West or Magic in as "special consultant" (or whatever will save Kupcake's ego) to negotiate with Bird to give us JO for Kwame and LO. Indy gets a solid defender whose contract is done next year if they don't like him, plus a prolific scorer and ballhandler at either forward spot. We get to give Bynum his big shot without depending on him to be the frontcourt star since we have JO at the 4. Works for both teams. Its just that Bird thinks he can take advantage of Kupcake like he did when they were playing against each other, and we need someone like West or Magic that he respects to get him to seriously consider the deal.
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 01, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Send Kobe packin'. It's time to build a T-E-A-M.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | August 01, 2007 at 09:17 AM
POST #2 - From the lazy guy in me
Would make it easy for me if the Lakers were actually dumb enough to trade Kobe. Then I can start rooting for my local team (the Warriors) and stop taking sh*t from my friends for being a Laker guy.
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 01, 2007 at 09:18 AM
5 Year Tipping Point
All the sensible minds on the blog check column A in the "trade Kobe" questionaire. None of the Laker brain trust see it that way. They understandably don't want to admit to a failed experiment or they're sensible, experienced, NBA basketball businessmen.
So we trade Kobe. Next year's lottery won't be as strong as this year. Meanwhile, compete with the Clippers for fans at twice the price with Rambis and BYnum on the cover of the media guide?
On Kobe watch, any string of wins or losses this year could tip the franchise one way or that other for 5 years.
Kobe Bryant and TIm Duncan are the last faces of their respective franchises. Will Duncan be the last face smiling? Does any NBA player even care about such things?
Posted by: Vman | August 01, 2007 at 09:20 AM
BK,
I agree, no team that trades away a superstar ever gets the better end of the deal. The Bucks didn't when they traded Kareem to LA. Shaq has won a championship since moving on.
What are the Lakers chances of getting a Ron Artest or a Jermain O'Neil type player? I would prefer Artest even if he can be a headcase. I don't think there is mcuh talent out there to be had that would make the Lakers that much better.
By the way, does Kevin McHale secretly still work for the Celtics? ; )
Posted by: MOLaker | August 01, 2007 at 09:21 AM
Maybe KLBEAST stands for Kupchak Lakers Beast. Maybe he is Mitch Kupchak. No wonder he hates Kobe Bryant.
Anyway, my take on the trade is that both teams did well, even with a 7 - 1 trade. Celtics will have a chance in the East now as long as he trio stays healthy. There aren't any good teams in the East that can match up well with KG at the PF spot, except maybe the Pistons. Heat doesn't have it, and Cavs doesn't have it. So considering this I think they will be the team to beat. Just my analysis...
Minnesota gets young players, and as somebody already mentioned earlier at this blog "This minnesota team is building for the future". They all have young players that are very skilled and talented. They all played a system for at least two years together so they will easily gel together and play good ball. They are continuing to make cap room so that is a big plus come next year when there are lots of notable Free Agents in 2008. So overall I think they did very good.
Now back to the Lakers...KG is a tough player to get considering our current situation. We just don't have the players to match up with what the wolves wanted. Mitch is still sorry for not making any big moves, but Mitch is Mitch.
This is to all the bloggers.
Whos should we try to trade for now, now that KG is out of the market?
Juno
Posted by: Juno | August 01, 2007 at 09:23 AM
KLBeast:
"CHUCK HAYES TO KOBE BRYANT: "F-U"
Who the hell is Chuck Hayes?
Posted by: hal9000 | August 01, 2007 at 09:24 AM
Kobe is much, much bigger and better than the Los Angeles Lakers. None of this stuff fazes me. I'm a fan of whatever team Kobe plays for. Right now it's the Lakers. Next year, it will be another team. Why would I have loyalty to an organization that doesn't give me 100%, that doesn't work to improve every offseason, that doesn't take any risks, that hasn't shown it has the capability to be the best? I would rather back the PLAYER that is giving 100%, improves every offseason, and shows the capability to be the best. And I do.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | August 01, 2007 at 09:25 AM
I want you bloggers to get up, get up now and go to the Staples Center and say:
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
Get up, get up now, go to the Staples center and Say :
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 09:26 AM
I'm sorry some of you can't understand or believe things unless some reporter writes it all out for you. Garnett just made the whole Kobe situation as clear as day.
Goto the Boston Celtics news conference for the Garnett signing on NBA.com, I can't figure out how to make tinyurl work. At the 30:00 mark, Garnett talks about how he owns a house in LA and then references the "Kobe situation".
Stop right there. BEFORE the draft, BEFORE the Celtics got Ray Allen, the Garnett rumors were flying, the Lakers and Minny owners had talked and it was reported by several sources that Kobe and Garnett spoke. Minny was going to move Garnett where he wanted to go because of his loyalty. Boom! After Garnett talks with Kobe, the talks stopped cold.
Now, flash forward to July 31, and Garnett references the "Kobe situation"???
Put 2 + 2 together. If Kobe had told Garnett to come, "me and you, that's what I want" then WHAT "KOBE SITUATION" is he referring to?
There wouldn't be a "Kobe situation" if Kobe had told Garnett to come to LA and that he would stay if Garnett came here.
The truth comes out.
These are the actions of a...
FRANCHISE KILLA!!!
Posted by: TaosHum | August 01, 2007 at 09:27 AM
BK,
"But does it change anyone's perspective on how to handle Kobe?"
It definitely shows the level of return that could reasonably be looked for.
The question is, are there any teams out there that could provide that level of return, teams for which the addition of Kobe would make sense, teams which would want to make that trade, and teams to which Kobe would be willing to go.
I doubt that any teams meet all four of those criteria.
The Lakers need to decide what is the lowest return they will accept, and if they can't get at least that, then just be willing to let Kobe go in two years.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 01, 2007 at 09:27 AM
Mamba, Thanks! I'll try repeating your mantra throughout the day and hope that it helps.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 01, 2007 at 09:32 AM
Mamba 24/10,
You are truly the Spongebob of the blog. You always find the sliver of hope and that approach is as sensible as any.
All the smart trade Kobe scenarios will make more sense next year, unless the team gets as far as losing to the eventual NBA champs in a seven game second round loss.
Another bad year and we'll all be ready to let him go. But why pay interest on misery in advance?
Posted by: Vman | August 01, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Alot of you that are making the assertions that Kobe had something to do with Garnett getting not been here have to watch the press conference. KG did not say Kobe told him not to come to LA. He just said the situation in LA was up in the air and was not clear. And in all, the Celtics put themselves in a better place to aquire KG by making a trade for Ray Allen. And I think it has been reported that Kobe and KG never talked. I know when things like this happen, we all look for someone to blame, so know your facts before actually start blaming.
BK,
How is it Kobe's fault that the lakers are in salary cap strapped because of Kobe. I mean that makes absolutely no sense. Its ridiculous to blame him for the salary issues we have in LA at all, his making the money his suppose to make as a superstar. I mean who decided to pay Kwame 9 million?
Anyways I think we should all wait and see what happens. There hasn't been any report out there wheather Kobe is still demanding a trade. Everything is all speculation with no certainity. I think it would be easier if the lakers or Kobe state their position, but we don't know for sure. We just have to wait till September October to really have a grasp of whats going on unless someone official states anything significant till then.
There really isnt any trade out there that is good for both parties. No matter where Kobe goes it wont be a contending team, and not matter what player the lakers get, they wont bring the same fire to the lakers, or a caliber talent like Kobe.
Posted by: wow | August 01, 2007 at 09:38 AM
socalife,
You would be right about JO (playing behind Rasheed) and Bynum (playing behind Kwame) except for the fact that JO was 21 and Andrew is still only 19. I will agree with you in 2 years if Bynum hasn't progressed, but HE'S ONLY 19.
By the way, I think that O'Neal played center behind Arvydas Sabonis , not forward behind Rasheed.
O'Neal's stats as a 19 year old, primarily playing against 2nd stringers:
4.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.0 bpg, 13.5 mpg, .485 FG%, started 9 games.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?statsId=3120
Bynum's stats playing as a 19 year old against first and second stringers:
7.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 21.9 mpg, .558 FG%, started 53 games.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?statsId=3936
The stats probably favor Bynum slightly, but at this stage of their careers they do not mean as much. The key for a young player is his work ethic. In a competitive league, he has to work hard to improve. Last year, Andrew's work ethic was supposedly in question. This summer, he supposedly has been working hard. (Maybe he's maturing.) Only the Laker FO knows for sure, but if he works hard in a couple of years he could be as good as JO is now or better. If that's too late for Kobe, so be it.
Posted by: Jeff | August 01, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Rick Friedman,
" Mamba, Thanks! I'll try repeating your mantra throughout the day and hope that it helps."
My pleasure Rick. As you can see from my last post, I need to repeat it a few times myself.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 09:42 AM
Lands: "...our team could have looked something like this with little effort: Kobe, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Carlos Boozer, fill in the rest..."
Marty: 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.
I don't recall it that way Marty. Both Boozer and Davis were free agents when they signed with their current teams (as I remember). Boozer bolted from Cleveland for sure once they were dumb enough to free him up. I'm fairly certain that Baron was released as well (or traded for next to nothing). And they both reportedly wanted to come to LA - Baron for sure!
Posted by: Lands | August 01, 2007 at 09:42 AM
I can't see why we can't acquire Jermaine Oneal by offering Kwame, Bynum, Farmar, and Evans. In comparison with the Garnett deal, I believe that offer is very comparable. Moreover, Garnett is the better player. Point is, we should be able to land a quality piece with any combination of Kwame, Farmar, Bynum, and Evans.
Posted by: fkillah | August 01, 2007 at 09:43 AM
"how much young depth does any team need? Ainge and the Celtics have discovered it doesn't count for much. Now McHale and the Timberwolves are about to realize that just because they're very young now, it doesn't make losing any less painful."
From Joe Smith to this? McHale should not be employed.
Posted by: Vman | August 01, 2007 at 09:43 AM
TaosHum,
There weren't any reports out there that Kobe talked to KG. The report out there was that KG called Kobe but didn't reach him. Stop fabricating stories to look good and get people mad at Kobe because you hate him. And a report was out there that said if KG was to come to the lakers, that it will alter Kobe's position at that time, and he would have to think about his trade request. And that is why KG said the situation in LA was in the air, because he did not know what Kobe wants.
Posted by: wow | August 01, 2007 at 09:45 AM
Vman,
"You are truly the Spongebob of the blog."
I resent that Vman! I've always considered myself a dashing Tele Tubie.
Sort of an older Tinky Winky ! LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 09:52 AM
TaosHum,
You said: Remember the phone call from KG TO KOBE because Kobe wasn't trying to call KG before the draft? Remember how everything died out after that phone call?
I believe that no such phone call actually took place. Do you have some sort of link that points to the phone call?
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 01, 2007 at 09:52 AM
Please trade KOBE. Please. Lakers fans don't want him, he doesn't want to be here. Please trade him.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | August 01, 2007 at 09:53 AM
I'm sure Kobe's going to take the fall for this one too. People are looking for a scapegoat.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | August 01, 2007 at 09:54 AM
HobbitMage,
" believe that no such phone call actually took place. Do you have some sort of link that points to the phone call?
Of course he does Hobbit. He also has links to President Bush,
Tony Blair, Putin and if you press him he has links to those
little green men on mars as well as the lone gunman. But his
most important link is to Belview Mental health Center.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 09:59 AM
******************* I'M NOT KIDDING BLOGGERS*************************
get up, get up now and go to the Staples Center and say:
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
Get up, get up now, go to the Staples center and Say :
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 10:01 AM
AK,
"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").
I would rather accused as a salesmanship fool rather selling the interest of the team. There are league rules and we as bloggers are not an attorney of CBA like you and others here, however what I'm saying in the past if the proposition we're taking is not feasible then think of something that is FEASIBLE. AK, if we have that kind of thinking again with due respect to your opinion no inventions will be thought, Bill Gates will not think of softwares because it is not feasible, Edison will not invent electricity because it's not feasible etc. There are experts who are hired to interpret the law, it's the GM who makes the dynamic decision. If you consider the taking of Brian Grant 13M escalating contract to 15M as Longtime Laker said a "deadweight" in the post is dynamic because you're in line with the league rules, then we have nothing to argue. Three quarters of the posters here do not agree with your General Manager kind of thinking.
"And I imagine I speak for Mitch Kupchak when I say he feels the same." - AK
If you speak for Kupchak, I think you're one of the Laker insiders referred by Kobe trying to prop up the Laker management at the expense of the fans. haha! j/k only ok
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 01, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Rocky,
Kobe and KG have *NEVER* spoken about KG coming to LA.
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 01, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Does the state of Minnesota exist only to feed basketball's historically greatest powers? First they give LA the Lakers, then they give Boston Kevin Garnett. Hey, Minnesota: if the Sixers, Knicks, Spurs or Bulls come knocking, just pretend like you're not at home.
Posted by: The D | August 01, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Michael A
"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."
--------------------------------
Again, get your facts straight. espn, si, Kobe, and KG have ALL said that KG and Kobe never spoke on the phone.
If you're going to make up vindictive conspiracy theories about Kobe, at least rearrange them to fit with known facts.
Here's the way you should be spinning this if you want it to be plausible:
"KG ruled out LA because he couldn't get in touch with Kobe and Kobe didn't try to contact him to let him know that
he would stay in LA if KG was traded there."
That might not be completely factual (we don't know if Kobe tried to contact KG and failed, we do know that the
two of them didn't speak about the potential deal of KG to the Lakers), but at least it doesn't contradict known
facts.
You guys like Michael A and Gunner and KL would sound so much less like idiots if you would at least base your
conspiracy theories on fact instead of just making something up.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 01, 2007 at 10:07 AM
ESPN.com news services
Updated: June 26, 2007, 5:21 PM ET
According to the Times, Lakers owner Jerry Buss and Wolves owner Glen Taylor spoke on the phone for about 20 minutes on Friday. Buss then suggested that Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and McHale carry on the discussions on Monday.
ESPN's Jim Gray reports that Garnett and Bryant "have been in touch" since reports surfaced that the Lakers were trying to obtain Garnett from the Timberwolves.
======================
July 31, 2007
Garnett after being traded to Boston says he owns a home in LA but... "THE KOBE SITUATION"...
======================
I mean... does somebody have to have video of this to put 2 + 2 together? If Kobe told Garnett that he would stay and that he wanted Garnett here...
WHAT "Kobe situation" would Garnett possibly be referring to, since Kobe would have cleared this up IN THE PHONE CALL if he really wanted Garnett here?
So, Kobe goes on the radio, says nothing is getting done, demands to be traded, calls the owner an idiot, then when the Lakers make the big move... KOBE PULLS THE RUG OUT FROM UNDER THEM?
FRANCHISE KILLA...Killa...killa...
Posted by: TaosHum | August 01, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Edwin Gueco,
"I would rather be accused as a salesmanship fool rather selling the interest of the team"
Third best line of the week. Bravo Edwin, Bravo! I salute you sir.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Kobe Apologists: You've been Pwned...
KL & Gunner: Congratulations for holding the line and being the voices of reason and sanity.
They tried to tell y'all but you wouldn't listen. Never put ONE MAN before the TEAM.
Damn the 3 rings. Damn the 81 point outburst. Damn the scoring titles. Kobe Bryant is a CANCER. It is time to do reconstructive surgery on the mighty Purple & Gold and ship his @$$ out to Chicago. He's clubbin' over there now anyways...
And when the deed is done and you Apologists abandon ship, the TRUE Laker Fans will steady the course doing what we always do: Chanting D-Fense with the Laker Band tooting those horns in the background.
Purple and Gold 4 Life!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | August 01, 2007 at 10:09 AM
To all who don't believe Garnet's Press conference statements:
A month ago when he didn't want to go to Boston, they didn't have Ray Allen yet. This makes a huge difference.
Posted by: zen | August 01, 2007 at 10:10 AM
GODD*NMIT MIKE T.
WOULD YOU HURRY UP WITH THAT BUSS EXPOSE!
THIS SH*T HAS TO STOP! AND IT HAS TO STOP NOW!
I'M AS MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Kobe
Fisher
Walton
Oneil
Kwame
"Your line up gets beat in the 1st or possibily the 2nd round. Why would you give up Bynum and Odom to lose in the 2nd round?"
BECAUSE WITH THE STATUS QUO THE LAKERS LOSE IN THE FIRST ROUND AGAIN.
THEY CAN"T THROW OUT THE SAME LINEUP FOR THE 3RD YEAR IN A ROW AND EXPECT DIFFERENT RESULTS.
O'NEAL IS NOW A MUST, A MUST
Posted by: timwillis | August 01, 2007 at 10:14 AM
I'll tell you what the lakers should do if they want Kobe to stay. They should trade Lamar and Bynum for Jermain O'neal. Then they should trade Kwame for Ron artest, there sleries match plus with ron's recent 7 game suspension his value has gone down. You may say he has proublems, but we need defense and this team badly. So heres our starting lineup
Kobe Bryant
Dereck Fisher
Chris Mihm
Jermain O'neal
Ron Artest
we are sure to win a championship with this team. I mean we have size, defense, and offence, but lastly a point gaurd that actually knows how to play defense un like that other backstabbing smush parker.
Posted by: kobe824 | August 01, 2007 at 10:16 AM
This just in: Kobe was the second sniper on the grassy knoll.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 01, 2007 at 10:18 AM
BK,
You do not trade Kobe. Period. KL, Gunner & TaosHun won't like that. *sigh*
I'll flesh it out a bit more. Kobe is the BEST player in the NBA and the 2nd
player in the history of the NBA to single-handedlly beat a team. Unlike
Porky Pig, in Miami, his hunger to play the game is growing not fading. He dropped
19 lbs in 3 months!!! In a scrimmage game with the most competitive basketball players
in the world, when it came crunch time He *took* them. He *personally* flat out beat
the best in the world so his team could win. Furthermore, he played team ball while
doing it.
There is no group of guys that the Lakers could *realistically* get that would equal Kobe.
As great as KG is, he hasn't done the following: Been a member of a championship team,
scored 40+ for 10 games. Scored 50+ for 5 games. Scored over 60, scored over 70,
scored over 80.
Any team that would *gut* itself to get Kobe will not have actually been competitive for a
championship. The players we would get for him will not make us competitive in the West.
We're better off trying to build around Kobe. Ship Coby Karl & Vlad/Cook out for any
reasonable defender and we'll be better off. Do *NOT* ship farmar or j-crit.
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 01, 2007 at 10:18 AM
wow and hobbitimage:
Are you kidding? KG never spoke to Kobe? Media reports said that they had a phone conversation, but look at logic as well. KG and Kobe have each other's number, or their respective agents' numbers at the very least. KG has a home in Malibu and originally refused to be traded to the Celtics. Before making any sort of decision about his future, KG would want to directly gauge Kobe's intent and interest. All the momentum went away from the deal after they spoke. Superstar players and their agents get the all information they need to make multimillion dollar career decisions, so don't believe for a second that KG and Kobe didn't communicate with each other.
Posted by: Jeff | August 01, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Edwin,
"If we have that kind of thinking again with due respect to your opinion no inventions will be thought, Bill Gates will not think of softwares because it is not feasible, Edison will not invent electricity because it's not feasible etc. There are experts who are hired to interpret the law, it's the GM who makes the dynamic decision."
That example is not only overly dramatic, but it's not even comparable, since there were no parameters dictating what Edison and Gates could or couldn't do when they sought out to invent electricity and software. There were no laws saying, "you can only use blank, blank and blank while inventing." They could do and experiment with whatever they wanted. An NBA GM, however, has to work within the parameters of the salary and CBA rules, which limits his approach before he even comes up with ideas. Also, coming up with an invention doesn't require the cooperation of another living party, as is the case with creating a trade.
"what I'm saying in the past if the proposition we're taking is not feasible then think of something that is FEASIBLE."
I try all the time. I just can't come up with anything, because I know and acknowledge the value of the Laker trade chips.
"If you consider the taking of Brian Grant 13M escalating contract to 15M as Longtime Laker said a "deadweight" in the post is dynamic because you're in line with the league rules, then we have nothing to argue. Three quarters of the posters here do not agree with your General Manager kind of thinking."
I really don't care if they agree with my "General Manager kind of thinking," because the fact remains that league rules dictate you have to match salaries, Brian Grant's salary was a necessity to make that match happen, and the Lakers found themselves in a situation where they needed to move Shaq ASAP or risk losing Kobe, which meant they were trading from a position of disadvantage. Thus, you make the best out of a bad situation. If you want to blame the front office for being in that situation, that's fine. I happen to agree (although Shaq and Kobe bear a large share of that brunt, too). But the trade itself was a situation with options few and far between.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 01, 2007 at 10:20 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.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 01, 2007 at 01:09 AM
Dude, I obviously don't care if you dislike Kobe, but you undercut your own credibility when you just throw stuff out. (SLAP)
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 27, 2007 at 09:25 AM
Posted by: Lakergurl | August 01, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Mamba24/10
"Fear not Mr. Friedman. Take a deep breath and repeat after me"
Larry, you're the Vic Da Brick of the blog "feeling you Mamba" I like your perspective and a refreshing post everyday. While some come in tearing up fellow bloggers or any kind of ideas, in your case you uplift others in the selfless way. Keep it up!
Note: Like Fatty, I will also make time out from the blog and search my bearings. I can't stand the F/O anymore, right now nothing positive will ever come out from my post praising these freakin' Lakers.. See you at preseason time, perhaps by that time the other regulars will be back like Paul Lee, Xodus, Korey, Wizo, Fatty, Faith, Mike T, lakertom, JJ, Pete Mcquire, Gaznazi, purplengold, baywood, bob, Guy O, as well as Tarugo haha!.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 01, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Taoshum
-"Stop right there. BEFORE the draft, BEFORE the Celtics got Ray Allen, the Garnett rumors were flying, the Lakers and Minny owners had talked and it was reported by several sources that Kobe and Garnett spoke. Minny was going to move Garnett where he wanted to go because of his loyalty. Boom! After Garnett talks with Kobe, the talks stopped cold."
so you're telling me kobe didn't want garnett? And when did garnett ever say "kobe situation"
If you're going to talk crazy, at least make it sound reasonable. We all know lakers didn't get garnett cause the t wolves don't want lamar's contract and we don't have enought young players to give them.
Posted by: greek dude | August 01, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Damn you to all sorts of hell for getting that song stuck in my head!
E
Posted by: Emma | August 01, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Cut Sash Vuja'chit' already... we have enough guards!
Sign James Posey [if he's still available] a.s.a.p. we need more forwards who are 'bangers.'
that is all.
-Flagrant Fowl
Posted by: Flagrant Fowl | August 01, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Edwin,
" Like Fatty, I will also make time out from the blog and search my bearings"
Edwin everyone needs to get away from the blog from time to time to maintain their
sanity. But don't stay away to long. We need your sage counsel. And if you happen
to see Fatty during your layoff tell him if I said anything to offend him I apologize
and to come one back to the Blog. And You hurry back my friend and mentor.
Enjoy yourself!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Hey bloggers. I also spoke to Sasha Vujacic this weekend while I was in Vegas. Really nice guy and he very excited about the coming season. He and a bunch of NBA players were in Vegas for a tournament and he is participating in a 5 on 5 tournament at the Thomas and Mack Center.
Asked him about Kobe and he said that things are going to be better this year. He did say that they could have had a better team if everyone stayed healthy. Man we have been saying that all year long. Anyways, the thing that I picked up from him is that he is looking forward to playing alongside Kobe and everyone else, and now including Fisher who originally was his mentor when he first came to the Lakers. He feels that with everyone healthy, the Lakers are considered to be one of the elite teams in the west.
Oh yeah, I gave him one advice and I thin khe took pretty well. I told him to be more consistent as far as shooting the rock and he just smiled at me. LOL
Juno
Posted by: Juno | August 01, 2007 at 10:36 AM
Wow
So learch and the finger biter put one over the lakers, what can anyone expect no one wants trade with lakes. This just me talking, but I would rather see the lakers change owners( but buss's will never give-up cash cow ) and trade or cut kb24, bong boy, cake boy, snow board, hyper boy and just start over.
OUT PK
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | August 01, 2007 at 10:36 AM
**************** NOTE TO LAKERS FANS ************************
KEVIN GARNETT WIL BE THROWING OUT THE FIRST PITCH
AT THE BOSTON RED SOX GAME TODAY!!
It just gets better and beter.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 01, 2007 at 10:39 AM