Kobe and O'Neal II: Electric Boogaloo?
That's the talk on the street right now. But will such a sequel, this time a pairing of Kobe Bryant and Jermaine O'Neal, come to fruition (and will it match a level of sequel excitement that's 100% Ice-T approved)? The issue remains up in the air. For that matter, what O'Neal actually said in regards to his desire to relocate West is also being debated, mostly by the man himself. While attending an L.A. charity hoops game, O'Neal let it be known that he'd be more than cool with a trade that paired him with the Mamba, that he'd opt out of his contract in a season if things don't pick up in Pacer Land, and even played a little backseat G.M., saying he doesn't want to play for a new team that's been gutted, a likely scenario if Larry Bird gets his way.
Well, maybe he said all that, because O'Neal was pretty quick to clarify and/or soften stances. For starters, it's not a trade "demand," per se. Just a concept that he's open towards. As for the critique of Larry Legend (who issued a statement of his own), JO maintains those words never even left his mouth. In any event, the Lakers (and maybe even Kobe) would consider moving Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum as a solid example of "gutting," which is reportedly the root of any holdups.
And finally, for any Laker fan losing sleep over the notion that a divorce would prevent Rick Fox from ever appearing on "Ugly Betty" with his ex, you're now back to getting eight hours a night again.
(Also, we're on the road again today, but we've let mission control know. Hopefully, the comments will go through at a reasonable clip.)
ATL Laker fan,
You said: Ok, so now Kobe has to be the shooting guard AND the point guard? I see your point of you wanting him to be like Wade (a scoring point guard converted into a 2-guard) or Lebron (a point guard in a power forward's body).
Over the weekend, I watched an old Bulls game from their first 3-peat, and with the players around Jordan on that team, they (the role players) did something well that the current Lakers team does not know how to do, something that Jordan couldn't teach the Bulls or that Kobe can't teach this Lakers team: move WITHOUT the ball. It's something that the Lakers 3-peat team did well, and that this team hasn't opened the memo on. It's what makes contender teams CONTENDER teams. Think of Phoenix and how well they can freestyle with Nash running the show, and everyone else knowing where on the court to be. That's not all Nash, that's smart basketball players.
Moving without the ball is something this team needs to learn how to do better. Is that on Kobe? Given that he's not a point guard, NO.
As the leader of the team, should he look to give advice on what to do to improve upon that? YES.
Does he do it? YES
To the level of diplomatic satisfaction and political correctness that you and ESPN and half of the emotional pieback players that are in the league now? OF COURSE NOT, but then again, none of the above mentioned are at the practices or in the huddles. I'm just saying.
Don't do this. While KL has certainly mellowed recently, it is observable from KL, Gunner & others that their opinion of Kobe has
*NOTHING* to do with fairness. They believe in conspiracies which Dr. Jerry Buss, Shaq & Kobe have publicly and categorically
denied/refuted. The consistently disregard statistics and comparisons which disprove/deny their derogatory statements about
Kobe. When presented with these comparisons ... like Shaq as the #1 option vs. Kobe as the #1 option [ Kl, yes I am talking about you. ]
which refute their position [ Shaq as #1 did more than Kobe as #1 ] they ignore the post and continue with the tired mantra that
Kobe is a ball hog. Kobe is a horrible leader. Kobe broke up the team. Kobe needs to make his teammates better.
Save yourself! Don't waste time responding to their posts. Kl will politely respond. Politely agree to disagree without addressing
the stats. Then continue with the aforementioned "tired mantra": Kobe is a ball hog. Kobe doesn't make his teammates better. Kobe
broke up the Lakers. Do you homework. Know the truth. Relax your mind. Let your conscious be free.
To the one who said the same to me: Thanks for the tip. I try to listen to your advice. :)
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 08, 2007 at 07:55 AM
Wolf,
"ship his ass"
Where the a*s goes the body must follow.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 08:05 AM
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
(1) Laker Tom (2) Marty (3) Hobbit (4) Fearless Whack Job (5) Mamba24/10
(6) David Whang (7) BD (8) Dan Dan the Laker Fan (9) Long Time Laker Fan
(10) Roky (11) JoninJapan(In Canada) (12) JUNO (13) KEIFO
ANYBODY ELSE WANT TO GET ON BOARD
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 08:07 AM
David Whang,
"55-wins baby.. we can do it this year."
David with your enthusiasm 55 wins is a cinch. Don't ever
lose that Laker Pride!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 08:11 AM
i have a strong feeling jermaine o'neal is not coming to the lakers. and before KL Beast and Gunner chime in with "it's because of kobe" - please stop.
if the plan is to build around bynum and HOPE that he becomes a good player, i say fine.
if bynum is now the franchise, time to ship kobe for the best deal possible (and maybe that is what they are doing).
just quit saying that kobe is the cornerstone of this franchise, and continue to make (or not make) offseason moves that prove the opposite.
the lakers seem to be happy/content with their three peat with shaq & kobe, and will continue to run this franchise with one star and average players until THEY DAMN WELL FEEL LIKE investing in better players and trying to win another title.
yet when one of their minority owners (magic johnson) is expecting more moves in this shrinking summer window and those moves include bringing back fisher and re-signing walton and mihm...it proves that dr. buss is privately content with mediocrity. i love the fisher signing, as well as keeping walton and mihm. however, all 3 of those moves handle the role players department. we are still lacking another superstar.
and lamar odom is not a superstar, much to the chagrin of many lamar lovers on this blog. UNIQUE DOES NOT EQUATE GREATNESS!! and bynum is a long shot in terms of becoming a superstar.
even after the kobe drama earlier this summer, we have a 6 time all-star power forward begging to play for the lakers. yet kupchak keeps that stupid, blank stare...scouting development league players who might be a "right fit" for the lakers.
he signsa long shot, coby karl, a guard - the position we do not need help with.
while rod thorn is probably already making calls to bird to work something out.
kobe was stupid for going public with his thoughts earlier this summer (there is no disputing that), however those very same thoughts are dead on right.
one last time, lamar odom is NOT a better player than jermaine o'neal. you are either a simple laker homer or a big time lamar fan if you think that.
and for those dreaming of kobe, lo, and jo on the same team - it will never happen. jerry buss will not shell out the luxury tax loot that would be required with having those 3 players on the same roster.
i am taking a break from the blog until some real news happens.
and with the current jokers at the helm of the lakers f/o, that could be a very long break.
time to fish or cut bait. and it looks like the lakers will be gone fishin next year too.
cheers to mediocrity!
Posted by: tha show | August 08, 2007 at 08:25 AM
Thanks BK for your clarification, the blog is getting bigger, the intensity becomes fiercer in voicing one's point of viewand the hosts are just two. You have been doing a great job in almost two years of existence.
http://blogs.indystar.com/pacersinsider/archives/2007/08/whose_controver.html
In the aforementioned link, it is an example of poker politics of playing hardball and gotcha' in sports and life. The spinsmeisters have their own take and interpretations just like the attorneys of OJ Simpson that he didn't do it. This time, Bird, JO, Indy Star sportswriters are making their various retractions.....he said: trade.....No, he didn't say trade, he was misinterpreted. This is what makes the world go round, there is such thing as honest statement, then it becomes tempered, afterwards it's calculated, then it turns into a white lie, finally, it ends a lie - he really didn't say it. I believe poker should have its own sports, it should not interfere with basketball. Let the players choose where they want to play and all contracts should be renewable annually. It should be laissez-faire, let alone policy.
Now if Mitch continues playing poker with bynum and lamar as his chips plus the known scrubs, it will be status quo cuz' Bird will reciprocate poker politics & gotcha' with him until somebody opts out next year, JO may be coming in but it'll too late cuz' Kobe will be pissed may be going away, Lamar's contract may opt out too on his last year. Lakers will start fishing again in the vast ocean of indecision. In one year's time, we become the Sonics of today but with players who have the mentality of the Knicks - always dreaming but never achieving.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 08, 2007 at 08:28 AM
The skinny on ODOM (If someone not covering the Lakers Beat can see this then you know it has some legitimate weight.)
Is thist the guy the BLOG beloves??
1. As a facilitator type, Odom often requires half of the shot clock before making his play. This can be a bit dicey when you consider that these maneuvers often are accomplished while Kobe waits on the perimeter, looking too much like an unreasonably optimistic panhandler.
2. While Odom has demonstrated guts and a willingness to sacrifice elements of his game for the sake of L.A.'s star system, he still spends an inordinate amount of time debating with referees and wouldn't go to his right after spending several hours listening to Newt Gingrich.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 08, 2007 at 08:40 AM
Mamba:
Why should I get on the 55 win bandwagon when the Lakers have not made any significant trades and have yet to acquire JO, their last good option? I might as well get on the Titanic without any life rafts or life jackets.
Posted by: hal9000 | August 08, 2007 at 08:41 AM
Hi all,
JO think about it at Porland really wasn't good enough to start, at Indy was one of the fight gang, lets face it this guy is just another over paid loser. The fact is the lakers are a rebuilding team and they have a owner who has slip into a coma and until this jerk sells this is the lakers and yes even KB will be gone in 2yrs too.
,
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | August 08, 2007 at 08:44 AM
AZ,
Much respect on the trade Kobe post. I think we should be able to get more for Kobe though.
It sucks that the "Kobe situation" is looming over any trade possibility. But I think if we could grab O'neal and Granger to pair up with Kobe, Fish and Kwame. Add in a still pretty deep bench. And we have a possibility for a championship.
We'll see what happens.
Posted by: Rocky | August 08, 2007 at 08:47 AM
When I come on here and read the many posts, all I can do is laugh because not a one of you appears to be working with a full deck.
I realize that my statement right there is going to be ripped to shreds by all of you, but guess what....I'm fine with that, because this is an internet website and I never expect to have the misfortune of meeting any of you in person.
By the way....if you couldn't tell......this is my final post on this blog. Yes....I am finally going to take a few people up on their offer and move to another blog where my kind of blogging is the norm.
AK and BK......thanks for providing this blog, it has definitely been an interesting experience. Perhaps one day, I will return, but not likely.
Posted by: JJ | August 08, 2007 at 08:48 AM
Mamba 24/10,
"55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
(1) Laker Tom (2) Marty (3) Hobbit (4) Fearless Whack Job (5) Mamba24/10
(6) David Whang (7) BD (8) Dan Dan the Laker Fan (9) Long Time Laker Fan
(10) Roky (11) JoninJapan(In Canada) (12) JUNO (13) KEIFO
ANYBODY ELSE WANT TO GET ON BOARD"
cricket, cricket, cricket..............
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 08, 2007 at 08:49 AM
BIRD is smart. He drives up the price including Walton whom he does not want his salary anyway in order to get Bynum/Odom.
LAKERS FANS FORGET THAT WE ARE NOT PLAYING FROM DOMINANT STRENGTH POSITION BECAUSE WE GAVE AWAY CARON BUTLER FOR KWAME BROWN.
THIS IS THE BEST MAKEUP WE CAN DO.
We should do this FAIR trade before training camp. (Before labor day)
Trade
ODOM
BYNUM
Farmar
1 million in cash
Receive
JERMAINE O'NEAL
DAVID HARRISON
Pacers 2nd rounder in 2008
David Harrison is a sleeper who to me could be as good as Bynum at Bynum's current pace of escalation.
Pacers 2nd rounder next yr helps considering it will be high.
We're giving up Farmar - a first round guard who would challenge Tinsley perhaps.
They get Odom and Bynum whom the Lakers highly value and the Pacers feel needs to be given to equal JO.
Done deal and move on.
We still have Walton, D-Fish, Turiaf, Crittenton, and Evans in the rotation.
We have an ALL STAR #2 guy since we gave our #2 All Star guy to Washington (Caron Butler) and we're ready to roll.
David Harrison helps us maintain size and we have Kwame Brown's size, 1 on 1 post defense, and his contract to dangle till February for 1 more piece that costs about 5-7.5 million. It would be a potential #3 star at best but someone that could help us.
That's fair guys.
I think we can squeeze a 2nd rounder and David Harrison (who is not a bum and he has a fire that burns more than Bynum's.) out of this if we give up the basis of what Indiana covets for JO which is Odom and Bynum.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 08, 2007 at 08:50 AM
mamba,
when your right, your right!
Posted by: the WOLF | August 08, 2007 at 08:59 AM
From Barcelona in Europe I get on board of the 55 WIN BANDWAGON!
AND BRING JERMAINE O'NEAL TO THE LAKERS!
Posted by: Alexinho17 | August 08, 2007 at 08:59 AM
What the hell does a Zombie have to do to get a trade around here.
There are worse things than being undead and one of them is
listening to JO.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 09:01 AM
DOES ANYONE THINK THAT BYNUM AT 19
LOOKS ANYTHING REMOTELY LIKE JO AT 19.
I know the stats are similar but come on, we saw how JO looked when he got time in Portland behind all those studs. Scottie Pippen even said this kid will be the best of what we have.
He's better than Rasheed Wallace.
Scottie saw Bynum last yr in Hawaii and knew he was a green little child.
JO attacked the rim more at 19 and got off the ground better.
Ask TRIPGAME, he's said it already.
Why are we freaking over Bynum and ODOM. Why do we want to suffer from Nov to May again with the mediocre play and NO ONE stepping into the VACUUM as PHIL JACK says.
This blind unconditional love is sickening.
We need to change the mix. It does nothing bad for our future as we're free as a Bird if we choose to be after 2 more seasons.
So what's the big deal??????????
SOCKS BYNUM?? COME ON, GET REAL!!!
Kareem has never said this kid will be a great one cause he knows damn well that's pushing it.
Do you guys respect Kareem?
Do you Laker Tom?
Anybody?
Posted by: LakerBake | August 08, 2007 at 09:03 AM
Lake Show
No idea of KOBE wanting to win now or KOBE himself forced the KWAME BROWN for CARON BUTLER trade.
That's hogwash.
That was stupid FO tinkering on their own.
The whole league knew that Kwame Brown was no Caron Butler, and I don't care how big the kid is.
Yes it was the worse deal and has us in a terrible position but it sure as hell ain't KOBE or the idea/thought of KOBE's fault.
Just by signing Phil Jackson after that season, KOBE was fully on board with team direction. No need of Kwame Brown.
You're off base!!!
Posted by: LakerBake | August 08, 2007 at 09:07 AM
tsphere
"Actually if you took the time to watch a few games you might notice that the opposite is the prevalent pattern. When Kobe keeps the ball for so long he almost always shoots it because by that time his triangular team mates aren't quite sure where the triangle is and Kobe's court vision is impaired by the triple team he draws. "
so i guess giving up on teammates and jacking up shots is the best solution. what was kobe's excuse in 2003 and 2004?
"But much more common is for other players to have the ball, try to penetrate or set something up, discover they can't do much, either because they just don't have the skills or they're not yet themselves comfortable with triangle, and then pass off to Kobe as the seconds tick off hoping he'll put up a miracle shot."
i thought the triple-post is based on passing and movement? if so, why all the dribbling from kobe and teammates? i'll tell you why, teammates (like smush) knows that if they pass the ball to kobe, they'll not see it again. likewise, kobe does not have confidence in his guys. i believe this is the antithsis of teamwork. i guess we see different things.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 08, 2007 at 09:08 AM
GhostOfSpiderman
"Actually I was referring to the many drive and dish opportunities that I witness every game - Kobe drives and draws 3 defenders then dishes to a wide open Sasha in the corner and...........BRICK! (good pass, no assist)"
fair enough. i would argue that good leaders understand that winning is a process and not an entitlement. win or lose with the team i say. example. LBJ was probably giving confidence to his guys all season long and, to boot, LBJ was taking the criticism as well then the Cavs when through their tough streak.
"I think your statement is actually backwards, Kobe is the one that gets the passes from his teammates after the clock runs down and they don't know what to do - so they pass to the Kobester and he jacks it up (lowering his FG%) because that's what has to happen with the clock about to expire."
i actually agree with you on those circumstances that kobe is correct to take the shot.
"I will concede that Kobe does over-dribble on occasion and it drives PJ crazy, but nobody is saying Kobe is the perfect player."
we can agree here. again, the triple-post offense is based on movement and passing, so no dribbling (except drives to the hole) is really necessary.
"I'll take Kobe's faults along with that awesome offensive arsenal and killer instincts all day long!"
i'll take winning.
"Notice I never said Kobe was better than MJ - parts of his game may be better, but MJ is a God! Maybe someday Kobe can get close to there....."
i wouldn't call MJ god, but a damn good b-ball player, leader and businessman. hey, i enjoy the chat and "welcome" to the blog again.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 08, 2007 at 09:13 AM
"We have an expiring contract in Kwame next year and i could see JO signing with us for less money. "
I thought about this last night, and it occurs to me that Kwame becomes less valuable in a JO trade near
the deadline. If they want expiring contract, they could just keep JO and let him walk away. That's almost
20 million worth of expiring contract. So even at the trade deadline, the Lakers would have to include either
Odom or Bynum to get it done.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 08, 2007 at 09:15 AM
I believe one of two scenarios is going down with Kobe Bryant and his director of communications, Ric Bucher.
1 - Kobe, months ago, after flip flopping on the radio, told Bucher that he's leaving L.A. no matter what! Frustrated with losing to Phoenix, lack of personnel upgrades (i.e. no trade for Jason Kidd) and Lebron taking center stage, Kobe told Bucher I am out of here! Take it to the bank! So Bucher did. Bucher ran with the story and hasn't stopped. Kobe seeing the Laker's strong attempt to acquire KG, (as quoted by Magic) cooled off a bit about his trade demands and now seeing the possibility that the Lakers may acquire Jermaine O'Neal, has backed off even more. Bucher, who jumped in feet first, into the Kobe's leaving L.A. no matter what, is trying to save face. So he continues to strongly push this story until Kobe himself issues a statement retracting his trade demands and declares he wants to remain a Laker for life (have we heard this before.) Basically, Bucher is holding Kobe's feet to the fire.
2 - It is, as Bucher says it is. Kobe wants out. In this case I say we keep Kobe in the fold until Dec 15, and then we trade for Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and New Jersey's 08 1st round pick. To make the deal work we'll probably have to swap Kwame and Collins. VC is not Kobe, but he fills his shoes adequately and Richard Jefferson is a serious upgrade at the 3. We are now in a position to either mold them with Lamar or put a package together together to then acquire Jermaine O'Neal. (i.e. - Lamar, Walton, Farmar.)
This would give us a starting lineup of:
Fisher
Carter
Jefferson
O'Neal
Bynum
Posted by: LT79 Laker Fan | August 08, 2007 at 09:19 AM
Alexinho17,
"From Barcelona in Europe I get on board of the 55 WIN BANDWAGON!"
Welcome aboard Alex, you couldn't pick a better wagon to ride!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 09:22 AM
david
"What is the average IQ of people writing in this blog, this is just sad. How pathetic many of you are,, barely intelligent to walk on your two legs"
since when did being a sports fan require a high level of intelligence?
BTW, if you have a problem with the average IQ on this blog, i'd suggest you'd take a few remedial classes in English and Mathmatics and bring up the mean a little.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 08, 2007 at 09:28 AM
mamba24/10,
Shiiiiiii......ttt I want kobe in ny balling alongside jamal crawford but as of now #24 is a laker and until that changes the lakers always got a shot of winning any game they're in. Kobe's back is against the wall, who knows how he'll respond. Basically what I'm trying to say is I ain't being crazy when I ask you to put me on the 55 win bandwagon dawg.
In Kobe we Trust ...
Posted by: Taliq | August 08, 2007 at 09:29 AM
LakerBake
you do realize that we had to trade for a big man in the middle cuz kobe chased away the best big man in th league at that time, right?
what the matter with you, you think that once shaq's gone that all will be the same? Butler and kobe played the same position and we didn't have an inside presence.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 08, 2007 at 09:31 AM
OK...my self-imposed peace driven hiatus is now over. I'm ready to talk again.
I've harped on Kobe nearly all summer long since he started flapping those gums. That's one side of the warped triangle that is the current Los Angeles Lakers. Now it's time to wax poetic on ther other 2 sides.
While I'm pissed that Kobe put our bidness in the streets like that, I understand. One of the key life principles that I live by is the truth that Adversity reveals one's Character. When Kwame/Luke/Odom went down with injuries, the character of Kobe's teammates was reveald for all the world to see.
KL & Gunner - I've had your back all summer but now it's time to call a spade a spade. Kobe's got the most @$$ backwards incompetent temmates I've ever seen! It's not that Kobe is a ball hog. The truth: Kobe Bryant and Ronny Turiaf (and Lamar on some nights) were the only dudes who showed up every night committed to play the game of basketball. Period. This team is loaded with so many trolls and tools and inept b-ball players that it drives me crazy.
And somebody tell me why Mitch didn't void The Snowboarding Klutz's contract?!?! That's was an instant $30 million we had to work with!
We got rid of one cancer (Little Willie Parker). Now it's time to get rid of the other 2.
Any and all trade offers MUST include The Snowboarder AND Kwame. Heck, throw in Sasha for that matter too. Dude lights it up in practice but ain't got the b@lls to do his job during game time.
If you had co-workers like the one's Kobe has, you'd beg to be traded too.
If you had Upper Management inexplicably committed to these jackassed, no talent having trollls, you'd beg to be traded too.
I ain't saying Kobe should have ran his mouth & demanded a trade request...but I do understand.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | August 08, 2007 at 09:32 AM
JJ.
Cool down man, I'm abroad blogging just to tell you to come back. Surely, we always don't agree in so many posts but I come to respect your views. Personally, i learn a lot of things from what you post. Don't take the opinions of others personally, treat it just as an entertainment and we all have roles to play in the grand scheme of things.
If not for JO, I'd not even bother to post at this time, I'm paying $1.50 per hour and 10 minutes of posting is equivalent to one hour.
Mamba 24/10, could you please put JJ in No. 1 in your roll call? He's being driven out by Zombies. Mamba 24/10, keep up the good work of being the St. Peter of the Blog. You are holding the keys to heaven.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 08, 2007 at 09:35 AM
Fearles - late response, but I was being sarcastic in saying that Jermaine O'Neal was the only guy who wants to play on Kobe's team.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | August 08, 2007 at 09:35 AM
JJ,
"By the way....if you couldn't tell......this is my final post on this blog. "
NO, NO, NO!!! Stop this nonsense and stop it now. If you try to leave this blog I will
personally have G1 send a car load of his HIt Zombies after you. You can run but you cannot
hide. There was an idiot by the name of Mamba24 who tried that little leaving stunt. Do you
know what happened to him. WELL DO YA! Today he's a Vampire Zombie cursed into
turning his former girlfirend into a ZomVamp in order to maintain the relationship. Now you
stop this sh*t right now! If not I'm gonna force you to read the entire 50000 pages of the
Jackson Journal. Come on J man, it aint that serious. You are one of the elder statesmen
of this Blog. Fatties gone and Edwins only doing part time duty so shape up buddy. now I
want you to sit your a*s down and write one of those beautiful trade scenarios that makes
all the Zombies swoon. I'll tell you what? If you stay I'll give you a sneak preview copy of
The Buss Journal. NOW HOW THE HELL CAN YOU BEAT THAT? HUH, HUH? Allrifght
I'm through and I expect to see a trade proposal by you within the next 30 minutes?
if not, IF NOT I'LL CRY. WAAAAAAA, WAAAAAAAA, WAAAAAAAA
CRYING LAKER
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 09:35 AM
Alexinho17
"From Barcelona in Europe I get on board of the 55 WIN BANDWAGON!"
como se dice "welcome" in Catalan?
however it's said, welcome to the blog, but don't get your hopes up on 55 wins. My over/under is 45 wins.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 08, 2007 at 09:37 AM
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
(1) Laker Tom (2) Marty (3) Hobbit (4) Fearless Whack Job (5) Mamba24/10
(6) David Whang (7) BD (8) Dan Dan the Laker Fan (9) Long Time Laker Fan
(10) Roky (11) JoninJapan(In Canada) 12) JUNO (13) KEIFO, (14) Alexinho17
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Hal9000,
" Mamba: Why should I get on the 55 win bandwagon when the Lakers have not made any significant trades and have
yet to acquire JO, their last good option? I might as well get on the Titanic without any life rafts or life jackets."
HEY, HEY, HEY! Leonardo Decaprico didn't do so bad on the Titanic. You want the truth mister.
YOU COULDN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH! But I'll tell you anyway. The 55 win Bandwagon it's
not just a wagon it's an adventure.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 09:43 AM
LakerBake, are you telling me you stewed all night about my post from yesterday afternoon? LOL! Step away from the computer...
I realize my mistake in not posting one thing. The Odom "situation". Bynum is not getting traded, no matter where we trade him, it's a bad trade. Why? Bynum is CHEAP. Again, compare what Bynum should do this season vs. Chris Kaman. Who is the better value? What about the season after that? Not even close.
With the salary cap, there is only so much "salary" available and Kobe takes up a large chunk of it. You can't just ignore this and keep bringing in high priced players, no matter how much Kobe stomps his feet.
Odom is the odd man out and the Lakers do not have to trade him right now but... as we get near the trade deadline, who do you think is more likely to go? Odom or Bynum? Hey, everybody likes Odom, I like Odom, but the reality is the Lakers can't carry 3 big contracts like that for very long, with Odom's contract coming up for renewal no less, without suffering greatly at their other positions. It's not a matter of saying, yeah, I'd like to see Odom, Kobe and Jermaine ONeal give it a try, it's a matter of accepting that if you go that route, you are looking at, at most, a 2 year run before it has to be blown up and in the process you have given up all these guys, Bynum, Crittenton (if I were Bird, I would DEMAND Crittenton in the trade), possibly a first round pick for... 2 years worth of being eliminated in say... the Western Conference finals? Do you actually believe those 3 take us to the Championship? I don't, so why not continue building a TEAM instead of gutting it all for these high priced prima donnas?
Posted by: TaosHum | August 08, 2007 at 09:46 AM
tha Show,
"i am taking a break from the blog until some real news happens"
Godd*mnit what is this an epidemic. Fatty left, JJ leaving and now tha Show.
Godd*mnit not THA SHOW. That's all we need. Now I just sent one car
full of Hit Zombies to get JJ, don't let this happen to you sir. I can tell you
being a Zombie aint no fun. Come on Show, you're one of my idols man!
What do you want me to do, beg MR. Show (NO MR BOND I WANT YOU TO DIE - goldfinger paraphrase)
I just had to throw that in. Now I want you to get you a fishing hat, go fishing for the rest of the
week and be back here Monday morning MR. SHOW!. Think about it. PLLLLLLLEEEEEAAASSSSEEE!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 09:51 AM
I was one for two on the bandwagon last season so maybe if I only join one the odds would be better....HMMMM maybe i'll wait to see some preseason games before I say yes to the 55 win bandwagon, sorry Tom
Posted by: bob | August 08, 2007 at 09:52 AM
I didn't join a single bandwagon last season, so perhaps I will leap aboard the 55 win train.
Posted by: generic_one | August 08, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Can't we just try to get a decent SF using Kwame first?
(As rumored before, If we can get Artest with Kwame's
expiring contract, it'd be awesome although it's a really really long shot)
Then, once we obtain a good SF, we'll be able to send Odom+Bynum for JO.
I know it's too much what Bird's asking for JO, but the Lakers FO won't be
willing to pay the luxury tax anyway.
Fisher
Kobe
New decent SF (HOPEFULLY Artest)
JO
Mihm
Hm...
Posted by: getoneal | August 08, 2007 at 09:58 AM
Taliq,
"Basically what I'm trying to say is I ain't being crazy when I ask you to put me on the 55 win bandwagon dawg."
Aw sh*t, AW SH*T TALIQ'S ON THE BANDWAGON! that's it. To hell with 55 wins I can
practically see the championship victory parade. Now that's what I'm talking about people.
Stand up straight have some pride Godd*mnit, You represent the finest organization in
the land. THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS ! LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMMORROW LAKERS FOREVER.
IN KOBE WE TRUST
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
(1) Laker Tom (2) Marty (3) Hobbit (4) Fearless Whack Job (5) Mamba24/10
(6) David Whang (7) BD (8) Dan Dan the Laker Fan (9) Long Time Laker Fan
(10) Roky (11) JoninJapan(In Canada) 12) JUNO (13) KEIFO, (14) Alexinho17
(15) TALIQ
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 10:02 AM
thanks for the shout mamba! man o' his word!
Posted by: the WOLF | August 08, 2007 at 10:05 AM
one other thing, I've seen Kobe, Odom and Jermaine ONeal play together except that team was called New Jersey with their crappy Center and fill in players. We could be New Jersey West! How exciting it would be to see 3 stars and a Mikki Moore lookalike get bumped out of the playoffs every year in the second or 3rd rounds with no hope for the future!
DO IT MITCH! LOL!
Posted by: TaosHum | August 08, 2007 at 10:07 AM
JJ,
"By the way....if you couldn't tell......this is my final post on this blog. Yes....I am finally going to take a few people up on their offer and move to another blog where my kind of blogging is the norm. "
What? Where are we going to get our elaborately written trade proposals from that make absolutely no sense to anyone but the Lakers and have complete disregard for the other teams, their salary cap, and any hope of them winning?
I'm crushed today.
Oh well, I guess I'll have to just read trade scenarios that make sense.
Just remember to take your soap box with you to the other blogs. There's no need for it here.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 08, 2007 at 10:13 AM
TaosHum,
this one is for mamba:
as for the new jersey nets west...i hope so.
those very same new jersey nets made the nba finals TWICE i believe. but you're right, why on earth would the lakers want to do that??
ok, seriously - i'm done til some real news happens.
Posted by: tha show | August 08, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Generic,
It's a bandwagon, not a train. You will also occasionally hear/see it referred to as a pumpkin wagon, or turnip wagon.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 08, 2007 at 10:20 AM
JJ, DO NOT LEAVE!!!
I see a few others have already started typing against you leaving and I will add mine to the mix as well. I totally hear you and feel your frustration because you are right, a big amount of the bloggers here type the most stupid $*!T you will ever read, but you cant make that the reason to leave the blog. You are taking the comments way too personal. If you go to any random blog on the net you will ALWAYS, and i repeat ALWAYS, find a bunch of morons posting hot garbage. Don't allow them to deter you. You've been a good blogger here for a long time and I really hate to hear you say you're leaving.\
JJ, If it makes you feel any better..think about it this way: Bloggers tend to hide behind their emails and screen names all the time. If the morons who post crap here know for a fact that they'd have to come fact to face with some of the people they talk crap about or talk crap too, they would never post anything. REAL TALK. Bottom line, is they are cowards and not worth you leaving or even worth me typing this paragraph about.
Anyway, Sorry to have made this post long, but I just wanted to maybe reach out to you and let you know that you will be missed if you leave and this LAKER blog site will have one less good blogger to interact with. Think about it JJ! Peace.
Posted by: blaze1bx | August 08, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Wolf,
"thanks for the shout mamba! man o' his word!"
No problem Wolf, we aim to please. Besides I don't
know how good a Zombies chances are against a wolf. lol!
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 10:23 AM
why cant we ship bynum, kwame and luke skywalker to indy for JO? add some pieces and picks along with cash, and why wouldnt that work?? by the way, wouldnt the trade exception be in effect? that 75% mumbo jumbo??
for the people who wants to get rid of:
count vladula: big contract for many years=no one wants!
sucksha: name says it.
cookies: could be douable. he should go to a shooter's team. id try to work something out with the raptors or similar team, just not phx. they have this type of off. trade for a role player to go to indy.
farmer's market & critters: either can go, but come on unfortunately, the best one is gone who arguably will be jc.
texas slim: has something to prove. just only to lakers.
braveheart: a good piece all around. wonder why i dont hear teams asking for him??
Posted by: the WOLF | August 08, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Exhelodrvr,
"It's a bandwagon, not a train. You will also occasionally hear/see it referred to as a pumpkin
wagon, or turnip wagon."
A wagon by any other name is twice as sweet. WHAT?
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 10:25 AM
KL,
"BTW, if you have a problem with the average IQ on this blog, i'd suggest you'd take a few remedial classes in English and Mathmatics and bring up the mean a little."
I generally only point out spelling/grammatical mistakes when they are in posts complaining about someone else's spelling/grammar/intelligence. So next time, before you click "post" while complaining about someone else's intelligence, you might want to check the spelling of "Mathematics".
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 08, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Andrew Z,
"Just remember to take your soap box with you to the other blogs. There's no need for it here."
DAAAAMMMMMMMNNNN Z! You are one cold MF.
Posted by: Mamba24/10 | August 08, 2007 at 10:27 AM