Ouch, Canada

I didn't know who to cheer for, my country.. or my Kobe. Cheering for Kobe turned out to be more fun.

ever since they replaced bart simpson with todd macculloch the canadians front court just hasnt been the same. but look on the bright side, htey lost by 10 fewer points than the virgin islands, a country that they are about 50000 times larger than

USA! USA! USA!

Team USA is looking good, but let's not forget the goal: Winning Olympic Gold.

On a side note...

Posey to Kobe: "F-U"

Posey agrees to two-year contract with revamped Celtics
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2991029

to be fair...

Posey to Shaq: "F-U"

The true test will be: Brazil, Lithuania, and Greece. Argentina would have been, but they are without they're 5 starters.

repost,

Hobbit
"He probably sticks his tongue out when he plays basketball, trying to be like Kobe. Simply amazing. I never realized before. :)"

Try Kobiatch trying to be like Jordan. Didn't Jordan start the tongue out thing? Oh yeah! Another wannabe like Jordan tactic stolen by old KBiatch. SORRY, YOU'LL NEVER BE LIKE JORDAN.

I always wanted to be first.

Kobe rules!

Phil

Although at times it looks like Team USA is playing an all-star game, I really like the fact that the team plays defense and really tries hard. I actually am starting to like the international rules which I guess basically lets everyone play the game without calling every single touch foul. maybe because the refs aren't gambling on the games ?? anyways, it's pretty fun to watch the team since I can't watch the Lakers.

GO LAKERS!!
STOP THE HATE 2008.
Official Honored Member of the Mamba24/10 Team - August 21st, 2007.

This whole thing is a waste of time. That was a Canada that only had Sam Dalembert, and a couple of guys who were good, but not great, NBA players. Heck, Mendez wasn't even healthy enough to really contribute.

They should be blowing these guys out. The teams they've played so far don't even have a lot of experience working together yet, and the talent level is so much lower...I just don't think you can take anything from this yet.

I'm glad to see that the US squad is doing well, but their first REAL competition is tonight. I still expect us to blow out Brazil, but it should be by 20 instead of 30.

Posey is headed for Boston. I guess he decided to go to a team with championship potential, rather than take more money. I honestly thought he was gonna look for a big payday since he already has a ring, but kudos to him for wanting to win, more than money.

I know some of y'all don't like him, but Patterson is still available, and could really help our team. If we stand pat, like I think we are, Patterson could be a nice addition, and could be a major piece in helping us tighten up our defense, and getting out of the first round. I still think this would be a pretty good roster:

Fisher-Farmar-Crittenton
Kobe-Evans-Coby Karl
Patterson-Luke-Radmanovic
LO-Turiaf-Cook
Kwame-Bynum-Mihm

Gunner,

You wrote: Try Kobiatch trying to be like Jordan. Didn't Jordan start the tongue out thing? Oh yeah! Another wannabe like Jordan tactic stolen by old KBiatch. SORRY, YOU'LL NEVER BE LIKE JORDAN.

You wonderful human being! No one ever disagreed with Kobe trying to be
like Mike with the tongue. My post was about KL being a Kobe fan.

By the way, I really appreciate your pavlovian response to the name ....

KOBE

Tell the truth. You get a chubby every time you read that name, don't you?

Let me start your Sunday Morning off right.

KOBE.
KOBE?
KOBE!

Are you close yet?

F^%K$NG KOBE BEAN BRYANT DOES IT AGAIN!

THE LAKERS WIN! THE LAKERS WIN! THE LAKERS WIN!!!!!!!!

KOBE! KOBE! KOBE!

I hope you had as much fun reading that as I did writing that.
We now return you to your otherwise tragic existence.

Blue skies and a warm wind at your back Gunner.

Did anyone see the UFC 74 event last night? Kobe Bryant made was in attendance, but you could hear part of the crowd boo him as he was featured in camera. I just find it upsetting because Kobe was playing for USA the same afternoon and his birthday just recently passed. I believe all those individuals booing him would ask for his autograph if they saw him walking across the street.

p.s. Vanessa Bryant is so hot...

AK/BK-

I'm surprised you didn't mention anything about former Laker coach Butch Van Breda Kolff passing away on the 34th.

Time to take issue with all the bloggers who propose to trade Kobe for a bunch of B- players on also-ran teams and go into a 3-4 year "rebuilding" mode. In today's NBA, that just doesn't cut it.

The top teams and serious contenders are built around superstars accompanied by serious talent at other positions and a strong bench. You can't look at Detroit as a model of "team." Without a superstar they are an anomaly.

So Kobe wants to be traded. I'd like to be 6'5" and have a good head of hair.

What makes anyone think that a front office that can't build a team around Kobe can build a successful team without him?

Kupchak has missed an entire off-season to add the pieces which could make the Lakers dominant. Does anyone seriously believe he will do better with Kobe out of here?

Some bloggers are suggesting that we make a move in December, once we see how the current roster is performing. Why deal Kobe, then? Why not see how other teams are doing and whom we could acquire to keep Kobe happy?

If building a team around Kobe becomes a moot point because nothing here could make him happy, wait until next summer when some quality free agents become available. But without a change in the front office, nothing good will happen then, either.

For the past few years, Jerry Buss has been treating the franchise as something no more special than the electrical supply wholesale outlet my grandfather turned over to my father and his brother Harold. Most Laker fans think there is a difference.

Allow me to posit that the time has come for someone to make Buss an offer for the team that he can't refuse. Buss clearly has lost his fire to keep the organization at championship level. The idea that Jim Buss and his siblings have any clue on how to restore the franchise to the greatness of eras past is without merit.

We can debate Kobe's polarizing personality all we want on this blog. We've been sidelined to witnessing ineptness at the very place where it most counts --- the playboy/dui owner and his pitiful office of basketball operations.

There is a level at which the Lakers belongs to the fans. We, as much as the front office, coaches and players are what brings value to the franchise. Without us, the franchise is just a downtown storefront with merchandise and a few clerks. Let's take our share of responsibility and demand the change that is required. Jerry Buss is taking our business for granted. Tell him, Jerry, it is time for you to go.

KLBeast (Many Ones) what defense!!!!

"in my defense, i've had numberous serious debates with other bloggers"

The only debates you have on this blog are the 'Mass debates' you have with yourself. !!!!!LOL

Aaarrrhhhh!!

Angry_Laker

****HAS ANYONE READ THIS?****

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_23131.shtml

Fascinating article which is VERY realistic in its appraisal of our current situaion.

So what about "Plan D"?

Not bad actually. And I think it would also free us to let Indy have both LO and Bynum. Kobe, JO, and Yi would make an excellent "big 3." If Yi and JO can learn the triangle fast enough, Fish and Luke are the perfect role players/facilitators. And a bench of Critt, Mihm, Rad, Rony, Evans and Simmons would be very strong. Maybe this is the way for us...

So waddaya think????

hobbit image,

He probably sticks his tongue out when he plays basketball, trying to be like Kobe.

Yeah KL would be trying to be like JORDAN not KOBE. BUT alas you are another fan that started watching in 2002.

Weave-man,

You finally have me convinced on Ruben Patterson. But having a self proclamed child molester and another registered sex offender roaming the streets of Los Angeles is a little creepy.

Hey but can we get some more info about Ruben Patterson's run in with the law..maybe it was a situation of him being like 18 and her being 17.

______________

The singing of Posey also gets me anxious about the Lakers FO. I was concerned about the signing of Luke Walton, and it appears to me that they believe Luke is the long term answer at small forward. I mean, James Posey is a player that would have fit in nicely in our starting line up at the small forward position. But he may not have been in the Lakers' plan enough. I would have signed Posey over Chris Mihm.

_______________

by the way i still love the idea of getting Gordon, Ty Thomas, Ben Wallace and sefelosha for Kobe, Crittenton, and Mihm. I would not take Noah because that would create a log jam at PF and Center where we want our young guys to get as much playing time as possible.

C Wallace/Bynum/Kwame
PF Odom/Ty Thomas
SF Walton/Radman
SG Gordon/Sefelosha/Evans
PG Fisher/Farmar

I would roll with this team as my 12. Sefelosha is the real steal of this trade. He is slowly developing a shot, but the kid plays really nice D with those long arms. He could really match up with some of the team's other best players. I would also only need these two point guards, because Ben Gordon could run the point if need be.

If week keep Walton as the starting SF, we can keep depth at the PF spot.

My favorite lineup with these guys would be.

PG Gordon
SG Sefelosha
SF Odom
PF Ty Thomas
C Bynum

Check the Bulls line up

PG Heinrich/Duhon/Crittenton
SG Kobe/Griffin
SF Deng/Nocioni
PF J.Smith/Sweetney
C Mihm/Noah

Rick,

There is a level at which the Lakers belongs to the fans. We, as much as the front office, coaches and players are what brings value to the franchise. Without us, the franchise is just a downtown storefront with merchandise and a few clerks.

You're absoultely right. Kobe has trashed my product, my team, even though I pay his salary. He should be shipped the F out.

When I tell other people that I love the Lakers, they say "yeah Kobe is a jerk he's a wannabe and he just dissed the Lakers your team the whole summer"

To that I have no defense because Kobe is a bad character and he did diss the franchise the whole summer. Therefore, lets take a stand and ship him out.

As a business its also time to understand when to make some overhauling changes. Building for the future is always the biggest thing right? So lets trade Kobe for a some really good young players and a veteran to guide them. We can get more bang for our buck. And also take us to better financial freedom in a year or two.

Good thinking Friedman, except you have the wrong plan.

Lake Show,

I'm glad to see you're coming around. Patterson's past is sketchy, but we have to remember that was his PAST. I didn't hear about any trouble he had in Milwaukee last year, so hopefully he has learned from it, and put his past behind him.

I like you're trade proposal in which we get sefolosha. I think Chicago would do that trade, but I think they would be nervous about their lack of defense at the center position. Mihm is a decent shot blocker, but I don't remember him being a great on the ball defender. That lack of D in the front court was one of the main reasons I substituted Kwame, for Mihm.

PS: I don't know the details of Patterson's arrest, but I'm gonna look them up.

Jay Jay,

Regarding the hoopsworld article - this line made me laugh out loud:

Vujacic is just like Evans except without the keywords "athletic," "talent" and "appeal."

Happiest_Laker...Weeeeee!

"Calling me Happy Laker thew me for a few seconds..."

So, are you going to change your handle now?

"See Sonny, it is not to hard to have a friendly conversation without having to putting your head up someone butt and have removed"

I think I know what you mean. Did you just come from church or something? Is this self discovery day? Did you get it out? I'm happy you are happy and I appreciate the progress you are making with your English.

You need look no farther than the number of shots Kevin makes to get his 20+. 47.3%. It's called efficiency.

By the way AK and BK, I've missed you in Thursday night choir practice two weeks in a row. The reverand has been asking about you. What gives?

Sonnybelfast

absolutely. Any Chicago trade MUST include Tyrus Thomas. You can rotate the rest for all I care but over the next 5 years, that guy will be the gem of the trade.

I wouldn't want Ben Wallace because we will have to hold him as he declines and his salary will be awfully high for what we get vs. what Detroit got out of him years ago.

Mihm can definitely give us some minutes at PF and probably be quite effective there so Odom could then slide down. Gordon doesn't strike me as a PG and why would we give up Crittenton to trade Kobe? That doesn't make any sense. If they want filler, they can take Sasha, Farmar or Cook or even swap draft picks.

Kwame's a goner. His contract is too valuable for the Lakers to not move before the trade deadline unless... again, the injury bug strikes...

Jay Jay,

I had read that article and I gotta be honest, the proposal strikes me as completely farfeteched. When you break it down, Milwaukee would essentially be trading a lottery pick with big upside for a back up point guard (since they just gave Mo Williams a big, long term contract), a back up center (since Kwame's not gonna beat out Bogut or Villanueva at PF) who'll eventually turn into cap space they don't really need and a draft pick not as good as the one they used on Yi. That's not all that great.

Aside from the fact that the Bucks can undoubtedly do better, they HAVE to do better, or the fans will rightfully be pissed. Yi kept insisting he'd refuse to play for Milwaukee. They took him anyway, which was a big risk. If they trade him, it's gotta be for either another lottery pick (maybe Noah in Chicago) or a guy still playing on his rookie salary. Or package him for a legit star. Something where they can legitmately save face with the fans. I don't see that Laker proposal as a face saver. If the Lakers really want Yi, they have to give up more.

AK

Jeff,

"AK/BK- I'm surprised you didn't mention anything about former Laker coach Butch Van Breda Kolff passing away on the 34th."

Bad oversight on our part. By the time I realized we both bricked it, the news felt a little too after the fact. But you're right, his passing merited mention.

AK

Sonny what are you trying to do!!!!

Sonny are you trying to convert me to the "Stupid Side", I know the "Lord of the Stupid Side" is Darth KL. His powers of stupidity are well known through out the galaxy. I say think carefully on you next course of action, because once you go down the path of the 'Stupid Side', you will be forever lost!!!

It is not to late for you to turn away from the 'Stupid Side' and return to the light of 'Purple & Gold'.

Remember to do your meditation and chant the following:

"The game's in the Refrigerator, the door's closed, the light's out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the jello's jiggling

Aaarrrhhhh!!

Angry_Laker

Weave-Man,

If you'd read some of the earlier responses/conversations with
KL you might remember that I started watching before Kobe
came to the Lakers.

The Lake-Show,

It's easy to say, "Kobe has trashed my product, my team, even though I pay his salary. He should be shipped the F out."

Some of us contend that the ownership and front office has trashed the product and the team, and that however politically incorrect, Kobe merely spoke the truth.

Sorry if the truth hurts, but that doesn't make it less true.

Boston figured out how to make Paul Pierce happy. They did it before his discontent spilled over the way Kobe's did. Cleveland is running out of time to keep LBJ happy and it will be interesting to watch how they do.

Teams like San Antonio, Dallas and Phoenix work hard at maintaining continuous contender status.

A team can rebuild without reducing itself to teams like Orlando, Atlanta, and Milwaukee that never find the right mix. If the Lakers ship Kobe out now, they'll be in the middle of the pack or lower for a long time.

It's bad business to cut a deal from a position of weakness. The Lakers should hold onto Kobe until they can replace him with a player of stature.

Political Correctness and censorship..KLBeast

This ongoing censorship of the Beast is unamerican and unholy.Come on bloggers leave this man alone.Personaly I like him and I think he is funny.Beast if you ever want a drink your invited to my corporate suite anytime.Some of these guys on this cyberspace take life way to seriouly,cut loose and have some fun we are only watching grown men in shorts playing a kid game.

AK and BK,

The passing of Butch Van Breda Koff did not go unmentioned. I and several other bloggers posted the story.

Ric Friedman

Yes. Kobe's a fool for commiting PR suicide every couple of years, but you show him the signature on his check, his signature on the contract and you play the season.

It ain't complicated but the Kobe trades tossed around on this blog are. They won't work and won't happen because a team with Lamar Odom on the cover of the program guide doesn't rate prime time network and won't sell out double scale season seats.

Rick Friedman,

The deal here is that Kobe is ready to move on regardless what the Lakers organization tries to do. It's obvious that no other team wants to trade superstar talent for the talent we have or lack-there-of. This is in regards to obtaining a Jermaine O'Neal, Kevin Garnett in the past or any other star with great creditials, to of which would probably make Kobe stay as a Laker.

But this isn't going to take place, and Kobe is frustuated with the direction of this team, but need I say, Kobe does have some responsibility for what took place during the past three years, and don't say he doesn't.

On the other hand, you mentioned "What makes anyone think that a front office that can't build a team around Kobe can build a successful team without him"?

This is a simple question with a simple answer. Chemistry. Yes, the Lakers would have a different look, but chemistry is what makes a team good or bad. Not Kobe! Again, Kobe is an individual whereas chemistry is a team formula.

It is possible to build a good team around Kobe which creates a chemistry to success. But you can do the same without Kobe as well. The problem with Kobe however is the inability to play as a team, which is what breaks up chemistry.

Vman,

It the Lakers managed to trade Kobe to another team, believe me, you won't have to worry about Lamar Odom embracing the cover of the program guide. Meaning, to trade for a guy like Kobe, your going to get something back with more value than Lamar Odom.

This is not saying that Lamar is a bad player, because he isn't.

Speaking of Lamar, I only wonder what kind of player he would be at his full potential. This goes along with the other 13 players on the Lakers roster.

Well said Rick Friedman. We deserve more, we need more...this mediocrity is not our mantra, winning is. And with the front office as assembled, I very much doubt we can rise from this sinking sand.

Rick,

I agree that some investment group needs to step up and make an offer for the Lakers. The problem is that the Lakers are worth over HALF A BILLION dollars. The only franchise worth more than them is the Knicks (who are even more messed up than the Lakers, even though you can give the Knicks credit for at LEAST trying to get out of it.) The Lakers are ran too much like a corporation right now, and it's sickening.

Lake-Show,

Kobe didn't trash the team; he trashed management and ownership. Now, based on the decisions by the Lakers FO in the last 7 years, if you stand behind the front office, then you're trippin. PERIOD. No one on here is agreeing with how Kobe did what he did 3 months ago, but alot of us on here totally understand what he was saying and why. If this was a murder case, Kobe can claim self-defense. IMHO, the front office has not initiated one single proactive move of positivity since Jerry West left in 2000. The following transactions don't count (and why):

- Derek Fisher resigning (needed to care for his daughter)
- Phil Jackson resigning (Jeanie's influence, even though she has no decision making power)
- Karl Malone/Gary Payton (Shaq and Magic made that happen)

What positive move has the FO made other than that?.................................................................... I'll wait............................................................................................................................................................ EXACTLY.

As i have said before, Jerry Buss cares more about the bottom line staying in the black than he does about winning. As America's team for basketball, that's unacceptable. I know Chick Hearn's turning over in his grave at the apathy of the Buss family. If the front office is going to act like this, then trade Kobe, real talk. At least they owe the fans the opportunity to know what it is that they're doing: building a contender (around Kobe) or building for 2012 (around Bynum).

Ron

Kobe tried that,play as a team member to rather dubious results last season.Kobe bean Bryant by anybody's yardstick is best in the world bar-none.What do they say you can lead a horse to water ....but.......The horse is the FO...and they dont have a clue.Drafting talent.mitch and jimmy dont get it and jerry`s zipper stays down to the point that he cant see through the trees to get out of the Forest .I don't have and answer and I believe we will be missing one superstar next year.

ROn,
"The problem with Kobe however is the inability to play as a team,"

You, and all the others who trumpet similar tripe, have absolutely no basis for saying that?

When has he had a decent team around him, that hasn't played "as a team"? ANswer - never.

If any other player in the league were substituted for Kobe on the Lakers the past two seasons, would the team have done as well? Almost certainly not, with the possible exceptions of Garnett and Duncan.

John Smith Mr.Laker,

"This ongoing censorship of the Beast is unamerican and unholy"

You may want to take a look at the definition of censorship. And then tell me how the bloggers here have done that. (I know, those three syllable words can be tough, can't they?)

I just read the Hoopsworld article. It was just more dog days musing of a bored basketball writer. However, if we could obtain Bell, Simmons and YI in some kind of package, it would improve this team some. I am basically sticking to my prediction that nothing big is coming until at least the trade deadline. And for those of you out there that are affraid Kobe might sit out, dont worry. Kobe is currently basking in the glow of the US basketball success. I really do not think he would have the guts to sit out now. He will play. Oh almost forgot KL, have you noticed the intensity level of the US basketball team since adding Kobe? They haven't played this hard in years. I think his intesity is rubbing off on the other guys. How about you?

MH

repost

Rationalfan (I’m still debating calling you ir-rationalfan)

“People who argue are usually angry, and that warps their perception of facts, their evaluation of those facts, and their truthful reporting of their conclusions.”

With all due respect, I think most bloggers argue, but it’s not out of anger…it’s a differences of opinion.

“You may be right about Kobe, but you have failed miserably to prove it, and have made a fool of yourself in the process.”

My intention is not to prove kobe is this or that. I give my opinions which may or may not be agreeable to others. I’ve said numerous times that kobe is a great talent, but talent alone will not win games at the highest level; especially in a team environment. Check out comments from gchild, who alledgedly claims he’s not a kobe loyalist. Gchild (and others like him) say things like "The whole world will get to see Kobe's greatness shine at the Olympics”. My response is this kind of talk only perpetuates kobe and kobe’s thinking into believing that the other guys don’t matter.

“Your posts are just emotional rants.”

Yes, I’ve heard the “emotional” argument before. I’ve said numberous times, I don’t really care what happens to the lakers or kobe and I’d argue that kobe and the lakers don’t care about what we think. It’s fun for me to call out stupid kobe loyalist (not to be confused with laker fans who are also kobe fans) because they make the dumbest argument to defend the guy. the analysis is very simple, kobe wanted the team for himself and he got his wish. Kobe didn’t realize that you need others to win. I’m sure many of us went through this phase in our childhood….difference is kobe’s troubles are displayed pubically. We have 2 choices, continue to coddle the snot-nosed kid or call him out for what he is. I’d rather call kobe out for what he is…an immature, but talented, guy who doesn’t take responsibilities for his actions (or inactions).

“You're an angry person, that's all.”

I’m actually quite happy with my life. I’ve heard this argument before too. If you’d like, I’ll tell you about my success, but I’m sure Ed will get pissed and call me a “bragger”.

“And the only way you'll be able to prove to the rest of the blog that I'm wrong about this will be to drop your anger and your conclusions and discuss the original raw factual evidence newly in a new unit of time, with the purpose of finding the truth, not just being right about what you've already said.”

Please tell the jury who knows what is “factual” and what is spin. Don’t you live in the real world and realize that Corporate America is very slick and the “facts” usually stay behind “closed doors” among the guys making the decisions?

“Give me specific incidents of Kobe doing specific things that caused Shaq to just HAVE to leave despite the Lakers really trying to keep him?”

I’ll give you 2 points that I’m aware of.
* First point: Why in the world would anybody call out the franchise guy as being “lazy, fat, childish or jealous”? this kind of stuff only intended to underhandedly remove someone from power. I don’t blame shaq for telling kobe and the lakers to “F off” and be traded.

*Second point: When kobe was negotiating his free agency contract, why didn’t kobe do more to convince shaq to stay? Also, I believe that kobe communicated a quid pro quo to get rid of shaq in exchange for his signature on contract.

BTW, the lakers never really tired to keep shaq, the lakers were keeping kobe which meant shaq had to go. Both PJ and Shaq did what they could to placate kobe in 2004, but in PJ’s book the comment was made (paraphrase) “we (PJ and Shaq) can’t make this kid happy”. Kobe was concerned with is legacy and that meant shaq had to go. It’s pretty simple, I don’t know why others can’t see it.

“But Jerry Buss stated that he decided in February of Shaq's last year that he was going to trade Shaq for business reasons having to do with his salary demands, projected rapid decline in ability (which did happen), and chronic failure to maximize his value to the team by getting in shape.”

If there is one thing I know about the corporate world, it’s bull$hit from management and owners. Shaq’s salary demands was a preemptive effort by shaq asking the lakers to trade kobe away before things turned to $hit in 2004. looks like management decided they’d rather things turn to $hit instead of winning. imagine if the lakers had the nuts to trade kobe for LBJ/Wade/Melo....we'd still be competing for championship AND have a new franchise guy.

“If you disagree, put together some facts and refute me on this. But do it with facts and logic, not just emotionally asserted conclusions.”

Here we go with the “fact” argument and “emotional” argument. The only fact I need to point to is that kobe signed a free agency contract in LA and everyone but Devan George left. This is very typical when a political coup occurs. The new person in power would rather have his own guys instead of the legacy people interfering.

“No, I haven't noticed that, because it's not true.”

Please tell me who has joined LA since shaq’s departure? Need more proof?

“Again, this is something I addressed in my earlier post. I stated why each important player left. They each had good enough reasons to leave even if they loved playing with Kobe. You didn't answer any of the facts I presented. You just emotionally asserted the opposite conclusion.”

Yes, I’ve seen many times in my career all the nice things people say when they leave firms. Hell, I left my last job because the manager above me was incompetent. Do you know what I said on my way out? “I’ve had a great time here and I love my colleagues, but I have a once in a lifetime opportunity…” 99% of people know better than to badmouth others; especially pubically. You should learn this lesson.

“I might add to what I said about this in my earlier post that it's not unusual for players to remain with a winning team a little longer than they might if it were losing, and then to move on when the winning days come to an end. The Lakers hadn't won the NBA championship for 2 years.”

As I recall the lakers lost to the eventual champs in 2003 in the and was competing for a championship in 2004. not bad in my book. I think most players would relish to opportunity just to compete for a championship.

“By the way, Phil Jackson didn't leave on his own. He was fired.”

Again, kobe was cleaning house. Not atypical.

“Of course Butler and Odom hadn't been as valuable as Shaq over the preceding couple of years. But the trade was about their FUTURE value, not their past value. Shaq was in decline.”

Shaq was on such a decline he took a mediocre Miami team within 90 seconds to a first-ever finals appearance in 2005 and a NBA title in 2006. Not to mention passing the torch to Wade.

“Why are you arguing against me on a point where we agree? Were you so angry when you read my post that you didn't understand this simple point?”

Again, I wasn’t angry, but I misread your post. My apologies.

“Re Kobe's "he's hitting on my wife crap" re Malone, who knows what really happened there?”

This is kobe’s MO. Throw out red herrings to distract and distort the argument. I’d have more respect for kobe had he just came out and say that he has no plans for Malone. Kobe’s doing the same crap to Mitch and Buss.

“Well, I've gotta go to a funeral. Have a nice day.”

I’m sorry that you have to attend a funeral….i may be an a$$hole, but I have respect for real life issues. Although we don’t agree, I appreciate your time and you make good arguments (strike that)…..you make good points. Take care RationFan.

To Ak/Bk & others,

There is an article on hoopsworld called plan D.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_23131.shtml

It says ".......
In pursuit of this mysterious goal, the following players are off limits because they just signed contracts: Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Chris Mihm, Coby Karl and Larry Turner. "

Do you know if Coby Karl & Larry Turner have the same type of contract
as D-Fish? i.e. are they "guaranteed money" [ I think somone on the blog
used that term to talk about J-Crit because he was signed in the first round. ]

And from later on in the article:

Although the Lakers may not be willing to offer equal talent, the Bucks appear to have a very short list of suitors which has given them precious little leverage. Although Yi can sit out the year, they may bank on him eventually coming around and refuse to trade him.

Hmmm ..... Doesn't this look familar? For some very odd reason, I'm amused at the Chinese gov't holding the city of Milwakee hostage. I'd
like the Bucks to tell the Chinese gov't, if you ever want him to play in
the NBA tell him to sign now. *THAT* would be sweet!

If the FO does not make a trade then they have done exactly what they
did last year. Taken away their flexibility by stuffing the roster.

Mr. Freed Man,

"It's bad business to cut a deal from a position of weakness" So true.

Think back. This is exactly why I've been urging you to "send Kobe packing " for over a year and a half. Even now, you could get decent, if not equal value in trade for him, and if not, do you really think your position is going to be any stronger in let's say, one year from now? If so, how so? Be sure to factor in those years your team has already lost and those yet to lose that your new squad will not practice or play together. It is development of talent and building of chemistry over time that result in great teams. You see, once the Dawg is gone, the whole dynamic changes. In essense, every current or new player on your squad becomes a new and different player with a clean slate on which to work their masterpiece. Theoretically, your minus Kobe team could start today.

I thought the Kings would be pretty good, but when I heard that future Hall-of-Famers Malone, Peyton and Kobe were all going to play on the same Laker team, I figured we should just mail it in. So what happened? Clearly, your "Boston figured out how to make Paul Pierce happy" argument doesn't wash because Kobe has had plenty of great talent around him (and still has some decent talent) and yet many of you insist on giving Kobe Dawg, and not your team, the benefit of the doubt at literally every turn. You are stuck in a Kobe quagmire of your own making.

Cut bait and start over. With the Saint gone it won't take long. You are the Lakers.

Sonnybelfast

"with the possible exceptions of Garnett and Duncan.

Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 26, 2007 at 04:32 PM"

Maybe not even them.

Hobbitmage,

"If you'd read some of the earlier responses/conversations with
KL you might remember that I started watching before Kobe
came to the Lakers."

I don't know what you're talking about bro. I think you've got me confused with somebody else. I don't have any problems with you, but if you have some with me just holla at me.

Hobbit,

Neither Karl nor Turner's contracts are fully guaranteed (Turner's might as well have been written on a cocktail napkin. haha), a situation that might actually prevent them from being traded in and of itself. I honestly have no idea whether a player whose contract isn't fully guaranteed can be traded. I don't remember that ever happening.

But I imagine what Pincus meant is that since they've just been signed, at least three months has to pass (or Dec. 15th whichever comes first) before they can be traded. And since he seemed to be presenting this trade as one that would be completed sooner, Walton, Fish, Critter, Mihm, Turner nor Karl could be included.

As I said earlier in this thread, I think the proposal he's presenting to get Yi is pretty unrealistic to begin with. But he is correct in identifying who could or couldn't be included.

AK

Rick Friedman,

>>>If the Lakers ship Kobe out now, they'll be in the middle of the pack
>>>or lower for a long time.

If the Lakers don't ship Kobe out and don't acquire any major free agents and
don't get any high draft picks (i.e. if they continue doing exactly what they've
been doing since Shaq deserted the team), then they'll continue to be in the
middle of the pack or lower for a long time. The last three years provides
evidence for my conjecture. Your hypothesis is pure speculation. IF the
Lakers stoop to trading Kobe, it's even possible they could improve next year.

>>>It's bad business to cut a deal from a position of weakness. The Lakers >>>should hold onto Kobe until they can replace him with a player of stature.

They are not currently in a position of weakness. If they fail to trade Kobe,
they know they can keep him this season and try again next summer.
If Kobe stays and the team doesn't do MUCH better this year, next summer
they will definitely be in a position of weakness. The closer they get to
the trade deadline in the middle of the 2008-2009 season, the weaker
they get. The Kevin Garnett and Allen Iverson trade shows what you
get if you wait too long.

Things that happen this season could put them in a position of greater
strength or greater weakness in terms of trading Kobe next summer.
Consider Chicago. Currently, they have a good solid team, but have been
unable to advance far into the playoffs. Thus there is at least a glimmer
in their mind that Kobe might be a difference maker for them.

If next season, Chicago has a good year and loses in the first round of
the playoffs, then that would increase the chance that they would be willing
to trade several players for Kobe. On the other hand, if they made the
Eastern Conference Finals next season, then they would be much less
likely to want to trade for Kobe, even for 1 of their stars.

Similarly, New York hasn't made the playoffs in awhile, but if the two
headed beast of Curry & Randolph carrys them into a first round victory
next season, Isaiah might be willing to give up a lot less to get Kobe than
he would be willing to give up right now.

Let me ask you this - if the Lakers could get Ben Wallace, Ben Gordon, and
Tyrus Thomas for Kobe in a trade, would you feel the Lakers were better,
worse, or about the same after that trade?

Ron

"get something back with more value than Lamar Odom"

OK, Luol Deng on the cover? Gordon? We traded Shaq and didn't get a program cover boy. The point was box office attraction. When ya got numero uno in that category, you play the hand you have. Laker tickets are double the Clippers and, at present, Kobe is the main thing justifying that difference. Whoever would replace Kobe on the program guide would be in his shadow for years. That doesn't mean basketball ceases to exist if Kobe leaves, it just means it's not an option a savvy owner would choose. Jerry may be losin' it, but he knows enough to keep milking the cash cow.

Did anyone happen to notice that Bryant leads Team USA in turnovers per game and fouls per game? Team USA doesn't need him and neither do the Lakers.

Interesting thought from another blog.

I was reading a blog on insidehoops.com about the Cavs and they were
discussing the question of "When will LeBron make it back to the NBA Finals?"
Someone posted this comment, which made me smile:

"lebrons going to the lakers in a couple years to team up with bynum and gordon;"

Isn't that a pretty picture? :-}

Sonny and Long-Time,

Funny. The point of my original post was to take the conversation on the blog AWAY from Kobe.

I'm simultaneously amused and disheartened that everyone's obsession with Kobe has once again taken over the discussion.

When or if we trade Kobe matters not as long as the current ownership and front office remain in place.

Jerry Buss, Jim Buss, and Mitch Kupchak are no longer worthy of my confidence as a fan to be trusted on if, when, or whom should be involved in any deal. Period.

Longtime, your post about LBJ's future as a potential Laker supports my premise that when and if Kobe is moved, there must be a plan in place to replace him in kind. LaBron isn't yet at Kobe's level, but he could be.

But if the current Laker organization isn't capable of landing KG or JO, it's hard for me to believe we could score LBJ. Go ahead, haters, and blame Kobe for KG going to Boston. But look at all the talent now on that Celtic team. It's not a bad place to be if you're a player about winning.

But back to the main point. It's not about Kobe. It's about the organization. Until there's a new owner and a renewed commitment to winning, the Lakers will continue to be mired in mediocrity.

Hobbit,

"I'd like the Bucks to tell the Chinese gov't, if you ever want him to play in the NBA tell him to sign now. *THAT* would be sweet"

Yes, it would.

The day that we allow sovereign governments to dictate where ballplayers must play must also be the day that we stop letting them play in the NBA.

Sonnybelfast

To Weave-man,

Sorry I copied the wrong name. My bad.

Lake-Show,

If you'd read some of the earlier responses/conversations with
KL you might remember that I started watching before Kobe
came to the Lakers.

This was for you.

i want to be a laker again! Im sorry kobe please take me back i know im old but i can still play what do you think phil?

Long Time and others

There has been this misconception on the blog that if we do not trade Kobe now we will have to negotiate next year from a position
of weakness. Friends, we are already in a position of weakness. As long as there are only 3 teams allowed to play we wont get much.

Long time you mentioned Chicago and how Kobe would help them get over the top. How can adding a priemeter player, the best, but still priemeter player help a team that is dieing on the inside. Because of salaries Wallace would have to be included and everyone seems to think Thomas would be included as well. So Chicago has just traded their center and their projected starting PF, on a team that is already thin along the front line. Why would they do that? That would not be a contending team. Chicago wouldnt even give up enough for KG, I doubt they do it for Kobe. Same with the Suns, they need inside help. And New York would probably give up more but more of what/? There would definetly have to be a 3rd team involved to get anything. Unless that list of teams increases there is no hurry to get a deal done. Play the first half, see where we stand, and other teams stand and then revisit a major trade.

MH

SRC,
"Did anyone happen to notice that Bryant leads Team USA in turnovers per game and fouls per game? Team USA doesn't need him and neither do the Lakers."

How narrow can one's vision get? You've just given us the answer.

Kobe hasn't been the "best" player in the FIBA games, but he has been:

1) a team player
2) the best defender
3) the motivator for team defense.

He's been shutting down Leandro Barbosa for the past couple of hours.

I don't see the Laker's FO making any additional moves before the season begins. They haven't made any yet, and they've had ample opportunities, so I doubt anything else will happen. As I've said before, they should just stay the course because they really do have a decent team. The combination of another year together under the triangle and playing together without injuries, they should be fine. The only issue here is that the rest of the league has gotten considerably better, even the EASTERN Conference!
It's probably best to see how our new players fit into the team and gauge the rest of our roster to maybe make a mid-season trade or bring in another veteran for a good price.

By the way, TEAM USA has looked great in their first 4 games in the FIBA tourney. They are just finishing smacking Brazil! I like how Kobe asked to defend Barbosa (the leading scorer in the entire tournament) and has locked him down so bad, no one else on the Brazilian team could pick up the slack!

GO Team USA!
GO LA!

Rick Friedman,

"But if the current Laker organization isn't capable of landing KG or JO, it's hard for me to believe we could score LBJ. "

---

It's all about the money. If the Lakers could clear enough cap space to make
a generous offer, there are lots of players who would be willing to come to
LA and play for the Lakers.

Help! I'm trapped in KLBeast land! Our debate has jumped from the last thread to this one, by virtue of his reposting his reply to my last post. I guess I have to answer.

Dear KL Beast (the real one),

First, let me say that I agree with you that a few bloggers are pretty irrational in their adoration of Kobe. If your purpose has been to play devil's advocate to bring some balance to their extremism, well OK.

I also want to commend you for your last post, replying to my post about you being an anger case. It was way less angry than usual. Well done! That's progress. See, being civilized doesn't hurt!

And, naturally, I'm relieved that you're "quite happy" with your life. I was worried for you for awhile there.

OK, now to respond to some of your points:

You say, "Kobe didn't realize he needed others to win." Untrue. In negotiating his contract with the Lakers right after Shaq was traded, Kobe made them promise to bring in additional good players so the team could compete for a title again within just a few years. His frustration recently has been that Lakers management didn't do that. It wasn't that he selfishly wanted to be the whole team all by himself, and then needed someone to blame when that didn't work. He wanted more good players even before he signed his contract. He's pissed now because Lakers management didn't do what they could have done to get them.

You say, "Why would anyone in the world call out the franchise guy as being lazy, fat, childish, or jealous? This (was) intended to underhandedly remove someone from power. I don't blame Shaq for telling Kobe and the Lakers to F off and be traded." Well, what Kobe said was true. Shaq WAS being lazy, fat, childish, and jealous. And this is a key flaw in your whole arguement about Kobe being to blame for their split. You've never said anything (that I've read, anyway) about what a prima donna Shaq was. He was way more demanding of praise and deference than Kobe was. Not that Kobe's ego wasn't problematic, too. But Shaq's was worse. By the time Kobe called him out (beginning of their last season together), Shaq's skills had begun to decline, and he'd entered the phase of his career when conditioning would be crucial to his continued production. Kobe wanted Shaq as a teammate, but not as a privileged demi-god. He sacraficed his own game to play #2 to Shaq for years, because that's what it took for the Lakers to win. But as Kobe got better, and Shaq got worse, there came a time when the Lakers needed Shaq to take conditioning more seriously, and for Kobe to take the larger role. Shaq was able to step back in favor of Wade in Miami, but he couldn't do that in LA, because he couldn't accept the reversal of his relationship with Kobe. Shaq is the one who was being selfish and unrealistic. It took two to tango in the split, to be sure. But Shaq was being the biggest baby. Kobe had finally had enough, and called him out.

You ask, "When Kobe was negotiating his free agency contract, why didn't he do more to convince Shaq to stay?" It wouldn't have mattered. Buss had decided months earlier to trade Shaq at the end of the season, while his value was still high. And Kobe knew that Shaq would never change for him. It took a new start on a new team for Shaq to get in shape and defer to a younger star. That never would have happened in LA. Shaq's ego (inferiority complex actually, masquerading as the opposite) wouldn't let it.

You say, "I believe that Kobe communicated a quid pro quo to get rid of Shaq in exchange for his signature on his new contract," and "Kobe was concerned with his legacy, so Shaq had to go." You present no evidence to support these statements. They're just your opinion. The same can be said for a lot of the opinions you state about the reality of how things work in the real world. You "just know" certain things, even without any evidence.

You say, "Shaq's salary demand was a pre-emptive effort by Shaq asking the Lakers to trade Kobe away before things turned to shit in 2004." This does not compute. How would Shaq demanding riduculously way too much to stay with the team motivate the Lakers to get rid of anyone but him? It might make some sense that if Shaq had had enough of Kobe he'd force the Lakers to trade him (Shaq) by asking for too much money. But it would never force them to trade Kobe.

You say, "If the Lakers had had the nuts to trade Kobe (instead of Shaq) for LBJ, Wade, or Melo, we'd still be competing for championships and have a new franchise guy." You're assuming we could have gotten one of those 3 for Kobe. If that were the case, why couldn't we get one of them for Shaq? Remember, Miami wouldn't part with Wade. Also, looking at the long term situation, Kobe was the obvious choice to keep, not Shaq. Shaq's production has dropped off tremendously since he was traded. You keep overlooking this. Shaq is a shell of his former greatness now, and Buss knew that was going to happen. That's why he kept Kobe and traded Shaq. Duh!

You say, "The only fact I need to point to is that Kobe signed a free agency contract in LA and everyone but Devean Georde left." I've already stated in a previous post in our little debate the reason why each one of "everyone" actually left, and these were not "cover story" reasons. They made total sense. Horry left the year before because Malone took his place after Horry's playoffs shooting slump pretty much caused the Lakers failure to "fourpeat." Fisher left because Golden State offered him more than he was worth, and 2 million more per year than the Lakers offered. Fox and Malone retired. Payton was dumped because he couldn't play in the triangle and had become a disruptive influence because of that. Also, without Shaq the Lakers weren't going to win another championship within the next 1-2 years, so there was no overarching reason for guys to stay who otherwise had good reasons to leave.

You say, "Shaq was (supposedly) on such a 'decline' that he took a mediocre Miami team to within 90 seconds of a first ever finals appearance in 2005 and the NBA title in 2006." Well, Buss did say that he'd decided to err on the side of trading Shaq too soon rather than too late. That way the Lakers could get something of value in return, which they did in Odom and Butler. In Miami, Shaq was in the weaker Eastern Division, so getting to the Finals was easier. Also, in 2005 in Miami Shaq did something he never did in LA. He showed up to training camp in great physical condition. If he'd done that in LA he might not have been traded. Buss said so. Also, in Miami Shaq deferred to Wade, as he didn't have any pre-existing ego contest going on with him. In 2006 it was Wade who carried the team, not Shaq. (Well, Wade and a bunch of refs obviously motivated to create a new star and a new finals contender to replace the Lakers for TV dollars.) Also, the Heat weren't mediocre for long after Shaq got there and Wade began to flourish. They looked like a contender, so good players hopped on the bandwagon. That wasn't to play with Shaq per se. It was to play with a team that had a chance to win it all. If the Lakers had one more good player, they'd have that same chance, and you'd see free agents flocking to LA like they did to Miami.

To wrap this up, I appreciate the more civilized tone of your latest post. But your case is still fatally flawed. You lack supporting evidence for your main points. They're just your opinion, based on some kind of political intuition rather than verifiable facts. And you just ignore facts that support the opposite of your conclusions. Therefore, I still contend that your hatred of Kobe is not the result of any valid reasoning on your part. Rather, what you present as your reasoning is mere justification for your pre-existing hatred, which I believe emanates from your unwillingness to accept the loss of the Lakers 3-peat glory days.

The reason I've put in the time this weekend to debate you with such persistence is that I want to encourage an end to the emotional ranting -- not just from you -- that has taken up so much blog space this summer. Lively exchange of differing opinions is one thing. But then we come to a fork in the road. One fork leads to a rational discussion of why one opinion makes more sense than another. The other fork leads to irrational, hate-filled ranting that just irritates people and clogs up the blog no matter what opinion the rant expresses. You took the wrong fork in my opinion. I've been trying to get you back on the right one.

The weekend's over now, though. I have to get back to work tomorrow. So, I won't be continuing our exchange no matter what you say in your response, if you make one. It's been fun.

Michael H,

You still didn't answer the question. Ignoring the question of whether
Chicago would actually give up those players or not, would a trade of
Kobe for Ben Wallace, Tyrus Thomas, and Ben Gordon make the Lakers
a better team next year?

As to whether Chicago would do that deal, probably not exactly as stated. I
feel that's the core of a deal that could work, though. The Lakers would
need to send back a player or two with Kobe so Chicago's front line isn't
quite as depleted (probably Turiaf &/or Mihm, but maybe Kwame, as
someone else suggested).

So revise the question this way if you'd like - If the Lakers were able to
trade Kobe, Kwame, and Ronny Turiaf to Chicago for Ben Wallace, Tyrus
Thomas, and Ben Gordon, does that make the Lakers a better team next
year? A worse team? About the same?

As for Chicago, what they've really been shopping for is a low-post
scorer. They've tried to get Pau Gasol and Kevin Garnett unsuccessfully.
What if the Lakers could do a three-way trade -> Kobe to the Knicks,
Zach Randolph to the Bulls, and David Lee, Tyrus Thomas, and Ben Gordon
to the Lakers (other players would be involved, but that's the main
players in it). Do you think Chicago would give up Tyrus Thomas and
Ben Gordon for a low-post 20 & 10 player? Do you think Lee, Thomas,
and Gordon is an improvement over Kobe?

It's not like Chicago and New York have complete garbage. Each team has
enough good players that the Lakers could get 2 or 3 potential starters out
of a trade for Kobe. And if they work the deal right, they could also come
out of it with 10 to 20 million in free cap space next summer to shop for
free agents.

I don't know if either trade would be acceptable to all the teams involved
(clearly up to this point it's not acceptable to the Lakers), but I think it's a
better plan than obstinately keeping Kobe and letting him walk for nothing
in two years. My preference would have been if Mitch had somehow
managed to bring in Kevin Garnett, or found a creative solution to the
O'Neal standoff.

Hobbitmage,

S'all good man, I just wanted to clear it up.

Freed Man,

"I'm simultaneously amused and disheartened that everyone's obsession with Kobe has once again taken over the discussion"

You almost sound surprised. One way or another, a lion's share of comments have involved Kobe virtually every day since I started visiting this board over 2 years ago. Frankly, I would consider it a miracle if his name didn't appear at least a dozen times, pro or con, in any given thread. What does this tell all of us about the Saint.

We all know that Kobe has phenomenal, almost super human basketball skills, which in large part explains much of the interest in him. We also know that Kobe has many detractors who feel the polarizing nature of his questionable (or misunderstood) words and deeds far outweigh his value as a team player. We also know as coaches, managers and owners, that we'd be delighted to own Phil's, Kupcake's, or Buss's accomplishments in those capacities. We know that former Hall-of-Famers and others, who have otherwise experienced continued or newfound success on other teams, have also been Lakers at the Dawg's side. And like it or not, we all know that Kobe is essentially a lame duck player on a team which in recent years, or for as long as Kobe has been the Laker's number one, has not performed to the level expected by fans of your storied franchise. I agree, we need not repeat the volumes of things about Kobe, good and bad, which have been discussed adnauseum on this board today and in the past.

But maybe now more than ever, perhaps for the first time, love him or not, real discussion on this man's suitability as a Laker should be seriously undertaken. Must we revisit Brokeback Mountain to recall that Farmer Rufus was prepared to neuter his best herd dog, simply because it kept pissing on everyone's party?

Sonnybelfast

SRC,
"Did anyone happen to notice that Bryant leads Team USA in turnovers per game and fouls per game? Team USA doesn't need him and neither do the Lakers."

i;m sure by now the dubious honour of turnover leader will go to mike miller. . i could have sworn he had 10 turnovers in the 4th quarter haha

whered you get the stats btw? i'be been looking for them all over

The Lakers screwed up when they traded Shaq and kept Bryant. They should have either kept Shaq and traded Bryant or traded both of them. Bryant will never lead the Lakers or any other team to a championship. He is merely the NBA's number one sideshow. I can think of at least 5 to 10 players that I would trade him for straight up. Trade him to the highest bidder before the season starts and get on with the rebuilding.

Rationalfan, (irrational fan)

"Kobe made them promise to bring in additional good players so the team could compete for a title again within just a few years. His frustration recently has been that Lakers management didn't do that."

Was there a "bring X player to the Lakers" clause in Kobe's contract? Which i mean would be the first of its kind

"Shaq WAS being lazy, fat, childish, and jealous. "

All of you people who keep calling Shaq lazy fat childish and jealous forget that he was 3 time NBA MVP, NBA MVP, playing at a all-time level.

You also make another statement like "childish and jealous" which again are of YOUR OPIONION. I dont know who calling Kobe a jerk and childish is ANY different than calling Shaq childish and jealous. Thats the dumbest argument on this blog. How about this idea? Maybe Shaq was looking to make bank on all of his accomplishments he did with the Lakers, new his career was on the decline and felt like he should go for what he could. Isnt that a business move just like Kobe's? Kobe wants to be traded because he said hes going to be an "old 32" so he wants to force the hand also. ITS THE SAME THING. Either Shaq and Kobe are both childish, or they are both smart.

damn stop with those wannabe smart responses and listen to yourselves.

"In Miami, Shaq was in the weaker Eastern Division, so getting to the Finals was easier. Also, in 2005 in Miami Shaq did something he never did in LA. He showed up to training camp in great physical condition. If he'd done that in LA he might not have been traded"

DIdnt Shaq beat the Pistons which a year earlier kicked the Lakers in the A$$?? The Heat would have made the finals that second year but D-Wade got hurt, they didnt have as many veteran players and they lost game 7. Im not sure how that was "weaker". Plus didnt the heat beat the Mavericks??? It wasnt a case of LeBron and the Cavs imploding in the finals..they actually won. Sure Shaq wasnt the main reason it was fouls on D-Wade but you have to still give credit where credit is due.

Seems to me like everybody likes to have a condenscending "im being more realistic" tone than KLBeast, but theyre' just as off the rocker.

Shaq daddy is one of the best centers to EVER play the game. He's also a piss ant.

Sonny Boy,

Please try to address the issue as posed: That the Lakers as an organization has been crumbling since the day Jerry West stepped out the door.

Your statement, "We also know as coaches, managers and owners, that we'd be delighted to own Phil's, Kupcake's, or Buss's accomplishments in those capacities" misses the point that Buss no longer has the fire in his belly to make the Lakers a winner. Why not blame Kobe for global warming, while you're at it.

You mention "Brokeback Mountain." There's a movie every basketball fan has seen and can reference --- NOT.

Lastly, attack my hypothesis all you want. That's what the blog is for. But the discourtesy of addressing me as "Freed Man" may be humorful to you, but it is not to me.

Thanks,
Rick

Long time

Sending Kwame adds more contracts that Chicago has to give back in any trade. We would be sending 29 mil in contracts. Again, I cant see Chicago doing it simply because they would still be weak along the front line. Kwame plays OK on ball D but he is not the help defender that Wallace is, not to mention Kwame is a poor rebounder. And for us? Not much better then we are now, if at all. However in a few years if Thomas realized his potential we may become better. If I had to trade with Chicago I would trade Kobe and Cris for Wallace, Deng and a pick. Then I would package Wallace to someone Like Charolette who needs a center for say Gerald Wallace and an expiring contract. Now we are young and better. Atlanta has also been after a post player for years and they to have pieces to send for Wallace. Either way, I think a 3rd team would have to be involved for us to get a fair deal.

MH

Insider Article by Chris Sheriden-

Bryant becomes 'pacesetter' for Team USA

LAS VEGAS -- The tone of the Kobe Bryant-Leandro Barbosa matchup was set just a few moments into the first quarter, but you had to look 80 feet away from the action to see it unfold.

As a player from Brazil shot two free throws at one end of the court, Barbosa stood beneath the basket all the way at the opposite baseline, trying to get a clear view.

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Barbosa entered the game as the tournament's leading scorer. Thanks to Bryant, he left the floor with only four points.

Every second or so, however, Barbosa had to move a step or two away to clear his line of vision from the obstruction that kept moving in his way.

That obstruction was Bryant, who was gluing himself to Barbosa at that very moment and stayed attached to him like white on rice all night in another stellar defensive performance that keyed Team USA's 113-76 drubbing of previously undefeated Brazil on Sunday night.

"He don't guard like that in the NBA, but he did tonight and I was impressed," Barbosa told ESPN.com. "He came to guard me, and that was good practice for me. I learned a lot of things the way he was guarding me."

Barbosa isn't the only one learning a few things from Bryant, whose intensity and commitment level is having a trickle-down effect on his U.S. teammates. To prepare for Sunday night's assignment, Bryant had Team USA video coordinators prepare him a DVD of Barbosa's offensive repertoire, comprised of some 200 plays from tapes of the Phoenix Suns and the Brazilian national team. Some paperwork came with the DVD, too, an accompanying chart listing Barbosa's efficiency percentage for each of his favorite moves.

"I watched a little bit of the Phoenix stuff, but how they use him in Phoenix is much different than how they use him here with his speed and his agility," Bryant said. "But at the same time, I've dropped 20 pounds, so I'm a little bit quicker than I used to be."

Bryant clearly studied his homework hard, holding Barbosa -- who entered the game as the leading scorer in the tournament at 27 points per game -- to four points on 1-for-7 shooting, with four turnovers and zero assists.

"For him it's about playing defense, and he enjoys that challenge. He understands he doesn't need to score 60 points to help us win, so he can use a little more energy on the defensive end than he's done in the past," Jason Kidd said. "He loves the challenge, and since the opening tipoff of that first game against Venezuela, he wants to take that best offensive player on the opposing team and make it as tough as possible. Against Barbosa, he did it again."

Bryant had the crowd chanting his name midway through the first quarter when he harassed Barbosa into losing control of his dribble and dove on the floor to try to secure the loose ball, forcing a scramble that led to a backcourt violation.

Brazil withstood a game-opening 8-0 run by the Americans and was able to stick with the U.S. through the midpoint of the second quarter, keeping its deficit in single digits, until Bryant hit a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer to start a quarter-ending 15-4 run that gave the U.S. team a 57-38 halftime lead.

After Brazil scored the first three points of the third quarter, the Americans came back with a 17-0 run that put them ahead 74-41 and ended whatever suspense there was.

The Americans were on top of all aspects of their game, shooting 53 percent on 3-pointers (including Bryant's 3-for-3 and LeBron James' 4-for-5), including 11-for-22 on catch-and-shoot 3s, scoring 26 fast-break points and holding their own on the boards against one of the few tall opponents they'll face in this tournament.

James and Carmelo Anthony led the U.S. team with 21 points each, Bryant had 20 and Michael Redd 16. The only sour note was Tayshaun Prince spraining his left ankle late in the first quarter. He was listed as day-to-day for the Americans, who open second round play Monday against Mexico.

Bryant logged only 19:59 of playing time, and every American except Prince logged at least 10 minutes as the non-competitive second half gave coach Mike Krzyzewski a chance to save his starters' legs for the next step of a stretch in which they are playing six games in six nights.

So far, the focus and intensity -- and the blowout final scores -- have been constants.

And when the question turns to who is setting the tone, the answer always comes back Bryant.

"Kobe has been a pacesetter for sure," Team USA director Jerry Colangelo said. "Defensively, he's just locking people down. He's so strong and so focused, you just can't say enough about his work ethic and how he has led. He's done a great job."

After facing Mexico, the U.S. team will play either Panama or Puerto Rico on Tuesday, Uruguay on Wednesday and Argentina on Thursday before finally getting a day off prior to the only game that really matters in this tournament -- Saturday's semifinal match, in which a berth at the Beijing Olympics will be at stake.

"We have to continue to get better," Bryant said.

Very interesting quote:

"He don't guard like that in the NBA, but he did tonight and I was impressed," Barbosa told ESPN.com. "He came to guard me, and that was good practice for me. I learned a lot of things the way he was guarding me."

"Please try to address the issue as posed"

Is that how you work it on the job, Ricky? Sour puss. Come on, you can do better than that.

I don't recall saying that I was trying to humor you, but if I did, please accept my sincerest apologies, I never intended to do that. I figured it'd be far too much work.

And Brokeback Mountain! Who said anything about a movie? Have you seen it? I was talking about the legend, you know, Rancher Rufus, Kobe Dawg and mightyTestes are the main players. Remember, it's a personally familiar theme; Testes would straighten old Kobe Dawg out now and then, whenever the feisty canine "got too full of himself" and started assaulting the ewes.

I know, enough is enough. Go ahead. Get back to it. I know you are going there.

Hypothesize or hypothecate as many excuses as you think your hero needs, and to damn hell with the Los Angeles Lakers. From now on, it's the Kobe Lakers, now and forever!!!

Everybody agree now! Dare you attempt to take us off track.

You can't be serious can you?

Sonnybelfast

Michael H,

Actually, Ben, Ben and Thomas add up to almost 24 million, so the salaries
would be close enough to match Kobe + Kwame + Turiaf. If Chicago wanted,
they could throw in a player they don't use as much like Khryapa or Griffin
to bring the salaries a bit closer.

I agree on the Wallace, Deng, and a pick idea, but only if they could make it
a three way where Wallace went to a team that's willing to take on his
15 million a year and give the Lakers a combination of young players and
short contracts. Charlotte only works if they're sending Jason Richardson
to the Lakers -- Gerald Wallace is a base year contract player, so he only
counts for 4750000 salary going out until next summer.

And for all those who say that Kobe's failure to get assists on the Lakers is his teammates' fault, here are the stats through four games:

11 assists, 7 turnovers

How do you get stats like that when you're playing with a dream team and getting blowout wins? Shouldn't a starting guard be able to rack up more than 2.75 assists a game with the guys he gets to pass to?

(Lebron, btw, has 17 assists and 3 turnovers with these same teammates from the forward position.)

iI think SonnyBelfast is in a mission....He wants to forget Sac intrascendence and getting a catharsis at Kobe and Lakers expense.

In reality, Shaq had being the hater number one in Sacto talks, for the remarks of Sacto Queens. Look like sonny want Kobe out of town just to see how the Lakers become a replica of Sacto team. Nobody talks about them. No national tv, no superstars.
Playing second and four feeder in CA is their perpetual acomplisment.

Is sad to see a loser criticizing a team of champions as Kobe and the Lakers.

Another thing to bear in mind WRT trading Kobe to the Bulls.

Next year is qualifying offer year for both Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. Right
now, their salaries are simple in a trade - they count at face value. If the
Bulls re-sign one or both of those players over the summer, then they
become more difficult to trade, because they will fall under the "poison pill
provision". The salary going out will count as the average of all remaining
years including the extension, while the salary coming in will count as their
actual salary.

It may not matter since Ben Wallace's huge contract will be the bulk of the
deal if either Deng or Gordon is included, and I'm pretty sure the Lakers
would be happy to take back less salary than they send out in such a deal,
but if the numbers line up wrong, it could be a deal breaker.

Next summer, Deng and Gordon will probably both already be re-signed, so
they will be Base Year Compensation contracts, which works the opposite
way - they only count as half their salary going out and as their full salary
coming back. OTOH, next summer Hinrich and Nocioni will stop being base
year compensation players, so it would be easier to include one of them in
a trade.

Jeff,
Thanks for posting the article.

"Kobe has been a pacesetter for sure," Team USA director Jerry Colangelo said. "Defensively, he's just locking people down. He's so strong and so focused, you just can't say enough about his work ethic and how he has led. He's done a great job."

It's a pity that Colangelo has too much work on his plate in Las Vegas, which means he doesn't have the time to consult the blog and find out from a concert of well-informed voices ready to proclaim the hidden truth, namely that Kobe obviously doesn't possess any leadership skills.

Had the coaches done so, they would have shown themselves to be true human beings, taking Kobe off the roster and allowing the poor downtrodden teams from Venezuela, the Virgin Islands, Canada and Brazil to have at least an outside chance at thrashing US basketball, in conformity with the scenario of recent years. With a little effort Colangelo could, for example, have learned the essential truth about Kobe posted by SRC just before game time that "Team USA doesn't need him and neither do the Lakers."

I love Leandro Barbosa and think he deserves to average 27 points a game. It was absolutely unfair of Kobe to shut him down like that. And think of the broadcast media. Kobe's presence has prevented the slightest suspense in any of the games beyond the middle of the 2nd quarter. How can you sell advertising in those conditions?

To put some life back into these games, Kryzewski should follow SRC's advice (among other lucid bloggers) and bench Kobe or-- why not? -- give him the job of pushing the real star, Dwayne Wade's wheelchair to and from the stadium.

But here's an even better scenario: Kobe should live up to his expected role of selfish brat and find a Las Vegas parking lot where he can call the coaches idiots on amateur video while asking to be traded to Italy, where the competition is definitely on a higher level, one worthy of his excessive talents. That would feed the media's frenzy for scandal stories about Kobe. But more significantly, it would give the Kobe-haters something to chew on (rather than chew over) at least until the end of the 2008 Olympics and would immediately restore some equilibrium to the competition in the Americas.

Then, after his departure to Italy, Kobe should be blamed again for breaking up the US team and turning it from a winner into a loser.

Honestly though and I think I quoted some of it before; has anyone seen Jerry West's post season interview on NBATV?

I'm a Jerry West fan and the poor man doesn't look real good. Worse still, he sounded generally shattered and defeated.

Take a look if you haven't already.

Sonnybelfast

You see how selfish Kobe is now, Kobe-lovers? He shuts down the best player on the other team just to feed his ego! Then, he calls more attention to himself with great passing. What a show-off!

Who cares if the Team USA GM thinks he is helping? What does he know? He is leading the team in fouls and turnovers! And has Jerry Colangelo taken a look at the composite statistics of the 2004 NBA Finals? (Wish I could find those)

All the Kobe-truth tellers on this blog are right, get rid of Kobe. As a matter of fact, just cut him, I'm sure no other team will pick up this cancer. He'll have to go play in Europe, if they will take him.

With that one move, we can look forward to a Lakers team that will play TEAM basketball.

*********** THIS SAYS IT ALL!!***************

Kobe on how he totally shut down and dominated Barbosa:'
"My role here is different here than it is with the Lakers, We have so many talented players and I don't have to score a lot of points."

Ummm Mitch and Jerry - hows about putting a couple of freakin "talented players" in purple and gold? Then maybe the debate in this blog could be about whether Kobe will win more championships post-Shaq than with Shaq rather than whether we should trade him!!

joninjapan(incanada):

If you are interested in seeing player and team stats for the FIBA Americas tournament, just go to the following web site and look for the "statistics" header:

http://www.2007lasvegas.fibaamericas.com/

@The Lake-Show
QUOTE:
"DIdnt Shaq beat the Pistons which a year earlier kicked the Lakers in the A$$?? The Heat would have made the finals that second year but D-Wade got hurt, they didnt have as many veteran players and they lost game 7. Im not sure how that was "weaker". Plus didnt the heat beat the Mavericks??? It wasnt a case of LeBron and the Cavs imploding in the finals..they actually won. Sure Shaq wasnt the main reason it was fouls on D-Wade but you have to still give credit where credit is due."

incorrect. shaq's only been on the heat 3 seasons (2.5 if you count actual games played). the heat lost to the pistons the first year shaq arrived. the pistons then, in turn, lost to the spurs in 7 games in the finals that year. the second year (last season) they won against the mavs. the pistons were already running on tired legs that season (they were pushed to 7 games by the cavs the series prior) so the heat didn't play a full strength pistons team. then they got swept by the bulls this past season. when attacking someone else, please at least get your facts in line.

Very good and interesting comments blogged yesterday.

In my opinion, if we are going to do a deal with Chicago, I wouldn't want Wallace included in the deal. His contract is death. And he's only 6'9, and getting up there in age. I do like Tyrus Thomas and Noah though. Those are a couple of guys that I'd enjoy rooting for.

Plus, I would enjoy watching Kobe crumble under the shadow of Micheal Jordan. Imagine the firestorm of negative media if Kobe loses in Chicago. Imagine Kobe's reaction to that.

It's going to be very hard to root for Kobe this year. He's got some work to do if he's going to get on my good side again. But it'll be easy to root for the Lakers.

Go Lakers!

And the apologists are going to get on me for this but this is what I saw in yesterday's USA/Brazil game that got my attention regarding Kobe. Kobe played a good team game as he has been throughout the tourney. But the main guy on the team has been Carmelo on offense.

Now, USA was just killing Brazil by like 50. And Carmelo just got his team leading 21st point. From that point on, for about a minute, it seemed Kobe decided he had to be the leading scorer. He deviated from the offense to jack up a couple three's to pull within 1 point of Carmelo only to be pulled out of the game by coach K.

This is just what I saw and took from the situation. Apologists will defend Kobe of course because this is a nitpicking type of Kobe situation which seems insignificant. But in my opinion, this is the type of selfishness that gets Kobe into trouble.

A true team player has no thoughts about being the leading scorer, even if the game is in hand. To deviate from the offense at any point by choice in order to jack up 3 pointers is not being a team guy.

Go ahead and hate on this argument apologists. It is what it is.

I'm watching you Kobe. All eyes on you. Scrutiny at every corner.

***************************************************************************************************************************
ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY (AUGUST 27, 2007) IS DEDICATED TO HOBBITMAGE
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PAST HONOREES: MIKE TENIENTE, EDWIN GUECO, KLBEAST, GENERIC_ONE, A.K. J.J. FAITH, LAKER TOM,
SONNY BELFAST, JOREMA, TALIQ, DAVID WHANG, THA SHOW, RICK FRIEDAMN
NEXT HONOREE (?)
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Do you believe in magic? Yeah neither did I till one day I read a post from this Mage and I was convinced that
he was tapped into some inner source. The force was indeed strong in this one. Who is this Jedhi Knight you
ask? Why none other than The HOBBITMAGE. And before you ask, yes he is a disciple of the famous
JEDHI KNIGHT KOBE WAN. But just because he is a disciple does not mean this distorts his logic. The
following logic by The Mage: Would you want to work for a boss who got you the "Geo" to race or for a boss
who got you the "Lotus" to race? Kobe wants to win more than he wants to be a Laker. This is understandable
isn't it? At some point, the Lakers would not stand by Kobe regardless of if he stayed. It's business. He *MUST*
take care of himself. Th e Lakers organization won't. They're too busy partying as the ship runs aground.
“This playing for Team USA is a two-edged sword. Now, Billups & Prince know what it's like to play *WITH*
Kobe and they LOVE IT! Now LeBron & Melo know what it's like to play *WITH* Kobe and they LOVE IT! J-Kidd
and Kobe now know what it's like to play together and they LOVE IT! For crying out loud, M. D'Antoni && Amare
know what it's like to play with Kobe and they LOVE IT! If the Lakers FO doesn't get their act together Kobe will
leave. Every single player on Team USA will get down on their knees and BEG their organization to get Kobe if
he becomes free” That about sums up the situation. So where does the magic come in? Well the Mage uses the
magic of logic to dissect the situation and turn many of the Anti Kobe factions away from the dark side and into
the light of the magic of KOBE WAN without rancor or bitterness. I’m sure the Mage could use his talents in many
more profitable agendas than posting here, but he feels it is his duty to free those victims trapped in the darkness
of their own denial and allow them to see the light of reality while it is still time to change the reality which is the
shambles that The Lakers are in at this time. If you are looking for Logic, the Mage is your man. If you are looking
for solutions the Mage is your man. And if you are looking for what a true Laker Fan is – which is one that refuses
to sit idly by while a proud organization destroys it’s legacy - the Mage is your man. For standing up for what you
believe in, we stand up and salute you HOBBITMAGE this August 27, 2007. Thank you for your knowledge, your
logic and the magic that you bring to the Blog. The Blog as well as the world are the better for your being so enjoy
the day which you have earned and accept the best wishes of a thankful Blog.
. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLOG LINES OF THE WEEK:
I didn't know who to cheer for, my country.. or my Kobe. Cheering for Kobe turned out to be more fun. GRADY GIBSON
KL The only debates you have on this blog are the 'Mass debates' you have with yourself. ANGRY LAKER
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55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
(1) Laker Tom (2) Marty (3) HUBBIT (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 (16) GENERIC_ONE (17) VIOLATER
(18) Twoody (19) SLO Gal (20) HobbitIMage (21) dice8up
Members at heart
(1) Bob
(2) Faith
(3) LakerLover
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WEARY-OF-BANDWAGON BANDWAGON MEMBERS
(1) Cbuck
(2) J. Walter WeatherMan
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AND NOW ROLL CALL
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, Wolf,
KIWI, WOW, PEACE, J_COOL, DAVID WHANG, ADAM KILEY, LAKERSRYDEORDIE, CLEON
FISH_GUY,TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOO, THE_D, SBPIMP,
CHARLES, Precious, NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, EXHELODRVR,
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, CHARLES,
KHANG VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild,Laker4Life, Laker Seth
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, JR., EASTCOASTJESSIE, Zakee,
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, 244Life, SamII,
Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas, BlackMamba24,
FKILLAH, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST), RespectMyAuthorith, Waterboy, Hariyahu, HUBBIT
ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude,
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman,
Gunner24, GINO, FATTY, CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36,
PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, Alexinho17
BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, Ryan
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitisNik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack,
Jay Jay, TaosHum, HOBBITIMAGE, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO,
Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. JOVA, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO,
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood, SLO Gal
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor, Caesar
JEFF, ANDY B., SWANWORLD, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, BENNY BLANCA,CS in Virg
EMMA, TIM IN SYDNEY RISING STAR, LakerBake, JuanMan888,Blkthght06,
Any_One_mouse, 10milliondollarZen, Shiva, Laker_Hopeful, LakerDawg, East Nyboer
,Ghost of Spiderman, Steve in Denver Guy Owanlele, Lincoln Laker, Houston Laker
MITCH KUPCHAK, JERRY BUSS, PHIL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, CLEON
Marc Gasol, Sun Yue, Shamond, Williams, Ronny Turiaf, V. Radmanovic,
Maurice Evans, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Brian Cook,
Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Coby Karl, Chris Mihm, Sasha Vujacic
Jordan Farmar, Jarvis Critterton, JERMAINE ONEAL???, FAITH

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

Rick Friedman,

I don't question Dr. Buss' desire to win championships, I think that fire is still there. What I do question is the fact that he seems to have lost his cajones when it comes to doing what's necessary to make the Lakers a championship team. When Jerry West was here he seemed to be a strong enough personality to speak up when it came to making decisions and stand up for taking risks. It seems Kupchak lacks that ability. I haven't been very critical of Mitch Kupchak in the past because I think he's done an okay job, say a grade C+. Problem is, there's a different level of expectation with this franchise, which includes providing a certain "wow" factor, and that's where Kupchak falls short. Kupchak is a fine behind the scenes guy, but the Lakers need a larger than life personality up front, someone the fans think is wheeling and dealing, willing to shake things up.

For that reason alone I think it's time to remove Mitch Kupchak and bring in someone who is willing to roll the dice and make something exciting happen. He/she should be willing to go for an A+ with no fear of getting an F. We need something other than more of the same here in Lakerland, and I'm willing to deal with the really bad if there's actually a possibility for greatness. It sure as hell beats the mediocrity we're sitting in right now.

QUOTES FROM KOBE APOLOGIST...

"I didn't know who to cheer for, my country.. or my Kobe. Cheering for Kobe turned out to be more fun."--Grady Gibson

"Kobe rules!"--Tiki King

"Kobe Bryant made was in attendance, but you could hear part of the crowd boo him as he was featured in camera. I just find it upsetting because Kobe was playing for USA the same afternoon and his birthday just recently passed.--never

"Oh almost forgot KL, have you noticed the intensity level of the US basketball team since adding Kobe? They haven't played this hard in years. I think his intesity is rubbing off on the other guys. How about you?"--Aloha mike

"Kobe hasn't been the "best" player in the FIBA games, but he has been: 1) a team player, 2) the best defender, 3) the motivator for team defense."--Tshpere (actually, this one is fair...)

Spoken like a true kobe apologists. Haha, kobe got "booed".

Tshpere: your post is fair...it give me great pains to complement you Dr. Tshpere....

Aloha mike: i guess losing for the past 7 years had nothing to do with it? i guess the other 11 guys have nothing to do with it either? i guess playing team ball and team defense has nothing to do with it. take out kob and we'd still be winning...BTW, i'm back on my 5-post-a-day diet.

Bryant's defense locks down Barbosa as U.S. stays perfect at TOA
Associated Press

LAS VEGAS -- After containing Leandro Barbosa, Kobe Bryant still had time to keep up with LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony.

James scored 21 points, Bryant added 20 and harassed Barbosa all over the court, and the United States clinched the top spot in its group by beating Brazil 113-76 Sunday night in the FIBA Americas tournament.

Anthony also had 21 for the Americans (4-0), who for the second straight game pulled away by holding their opponent without a field goal for more than 6 minutes in the second quarter.

"When you see Kobe Bryant diving for loose balls," USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo said, "and you see LeBron and Carmelo giving it the kind of work that they're putting into this, that commitment and passion, that's a message."

The Americans improved to 30-0 in Olympic qualifying games and will open second-round play Monday night against Mexico, the fourth-place finisher in Group A, in a matchup of former coaching rivals: Nolan Richardson beat Mike Krzyzewski for the 1994 NCAA title when Arkans