I am including only players I have seen in action:

Magic
Bryant
Worthy
Kareem
O'Neal

Pic any other 10 players and you still have the best team of the last 30 yrs

ALL TIME LINEUP

PG: MAGIC
SG: KOBE
C: WILT
PF MCADOO
SF E.BAYLOR

RE-POST

Gunner,

Fair question: "WHEN YOU SO-CALLED LEADER IS JACKING UP 50 ATTEMPTS, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO PLAY HARD?"

I think you have encapsulated the core debate about Kobe as a player. I've always viewed this as "chicken vs egg." Some believe the rest of the team stands around with their hands in their pockets because Kobe won't share the ball with them anyway. Most of the time, though, his team mates look afraid to do anything except pass the ball to Kobe.

This is absolutely where the Lakers offense breaks down on a consistent basis. The other team's defense swarms Kobe because they are not worried about anyone else. But Kobe's team mates send him the ball anyway and then he has to take a bad shot.

I'd like to see Walton adjust his game to be more inclined to penetrate in the paint, so Kobe can pass the ball to him more often. The "bigs" -- Kwame, Bynum and Mihm -- have to be better finishers and make sure they slam the ball down the net. Lamar has to be more selfish and relish being the second scorer, whether it's his natural inclination or not.

If these other guys can step up their game, as I suggest, it is my belief that Kobe will get the ball to his team mates more often. I also think that the mindset I'm asking for will reduce the number of times Kobe gets the ball too late in the shot clock and has no choice but to take a bad shot.

In short, I'm suggesting that Kobe sometimes looks like a ball hog because the other guys send him the ball too often under the wrong circumstances.

Early last season, when the team was playing well, Kobe worked harder to establish the other guys. What we saw at the end of the season was a complete breakdown of the Lakers as a team.

I'd like to see a return to a team-centric offense and a much bigger focus on defense. If this roster can play the way I'm suggesting, the Lakers can win more games, and Kobe will look like less of a ball hog.

Gunner, reading this back, I think we both want the same thing.

to all you haters:

the star of stars baby!!

If it wasn't enough to hear it from Coach K, Bird, Kidd, O'neal...now you have chauncey billups and d'antoni...Kobe is the best. period.

its truly laughable that you armcoach potatoes can dare question Kobe's greatness when the actual greats themselves say he is the best...what a joke...

Here is my latest suggested trade for the Lakers:

Lakers send Jordan Farmar, Brian Cook and Kwame Brown and future draft picks to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Sarunas Jasikevicius and Al Harrington.

For Golden State: Reportedly, Golden State is in the process of buying out the contract of Sarunas Jasikevicius, which would leave them with Baron Davis as their only true point guard on the roster. Given his history for period injuries to his back during the season, this could be a serious problem for the Warriors as they progress through the season. At the same time, they do have Monta Ellis, who spent some time at the point last season. However, it was clear during the time as well as since that not only is he uncomfortable and out of place in that role, Don Nelson is just as uncomfortable with having him there. Furthermore, the Warriors are reportedly already looking at potential options if they do finalize the buy out of Jasikevicius. The fact that they haven’t identified a workable solution yet, could be the reason why he is still currently on the roster at this point. Al Harrington, although highly versatile and highly useful to the Warriors at times, he looked very out of place at times during the playoffs especially in the series with the Mavs. It appeared that he didn’t fit well in the evolving style of play that Don Nelson implemented. His production increased in the Utah Jazz series which was more of a half-court slower tempo series. However, it is clear that the up-tempo style the Warriors normally like to use doesn’t really suit his game. With 2 years left on his contract, it is possible that the warriors wouldn’t mind parting with him for the right deal.

This trade, although not the ideal solution, it does meet the needs expressed above. First, it addresses the point guard void that will soon be left from the exit of Jasikevicius. Farmar is a young talented prospect that fills the role of a traditional point guard. He likes to play an up-tempo style and has a season of experience being the primary backup point guard. He would be a nice additional to this team providing solid ball distribution and decision making in this up-tempo system. Since he is still so young, his contract is extremely small compared to the production he would most likely provide. Second, with the signing of Austin Croshere and drafting of Brandon Wright the Warriors have much more depth at forward than they had last season. This should allow them to presumably handle the loss of Harrington where they could not a year ago. Brian Cook would also help in the short term due to his perimeter shooting ability. His contract is also very favorable in that is roughly $5mil or more less than the contract of Harrington, yet it last for the same amount of time. Finally, the Warriors have let go of Adonal Foyle, who although used very sparingly, was an added insurance piece in case of injury. His exit could be important in those situations where the Warriors need size. However, due to his lack of mobility and limited skill set, it was wise to let Foyle go. Kwame Brown could fill that void for next season with his defensive abilities and his ability to run the floor. Because of the nature of the Triangle Offense, Brown saw limited opportunities in transition, although he did demonstrate an ability to run the floor on those rare occasions. Heading into a contract year, the Warriors would be taking on a very short term commitment, which if it failed, would at the very least free up a sizable portion of cap space for the following summer which is expected to have a very good free agency class.

For Los Angeles: Although some continue to profess that the Lakers are in need of huge changes, they could potentially be greatly improved with a couple key changes. Among the areas of concern last season, the Lakers had clear weaknesses at point guard, small forward and center. The weaknesses at point guard and center have been somewhat addressed through the signing of Derek Fisher, departure of Smush Parker and the re-signing of Chris Mihm. However, they have done nothing to address the need at small forward. They seemingly have two options at this point if they still hope to address that need this summer. Either move someone over to small forward as the new starter and fill the void that is created, or simply sign a new starting small forward. Luke Walton and Vladimir Radmanovic could potentially have better years than this past, which will help the team immensely. However, unless they have career setting numbers, it is highly unlikely that either will have good enough seasons to effectively fill the starting small forward position next season. Instead, the Lakers need to improve that area and they need to do it this summer. Along with filling the need at forward, the Lakers also had a significant weakness with their perimeter shooting. Teams used zone defenses to totally disrupt the offense of the Lakers which left them seriously struggling. Finally, the Lakers had serious problems defensively at small forward and found themselves always trying to cover up the troubles they had there.

This trade would seemingly handle several concerns at one time, and would not cost the team more than they would be willing to pay. First, Jasikevicius is a combo guard with excellent shooting range and consistency. Not only would he address the needs with perimeter shooting, he would also help with his experience both in the NBA as well as international play. He gave the USA Team serious problems several years ago at point guard. Farmar would seemingly be replaced with Jasikevicius, yet again strengthening the Lakers guard core especially at the point. Seeing as how the Warriors are already looking at simply buying out his contract, it is feasible to believe that they would be willing to trade him instead for a replacement point guard. Next, in acquiring Harrington, the Lakers would address their problems at forward as well as provide themselves with the offensive firepower they desire. Harrington is a combo player like Odom, able to play 3 or 4 positions, however he is much more deliberate with his offense and much more effective in his low post defense. Having both him and Odom at forward, would give the Lakers a balanced attack having several weapons on the court at one time. The Lakers would lose both Cook and Brown in this deal in order to acquire Harrington which isn’t a bad deal considering the positives of Harrington. They would have a loss at center with his defense, but the added defensive improvements at the other positions should offset the loss of Brown. Cook’s shooting would be replaced by Jasikevicius and Harrington. To sweeten the deal the Lakers would need to offer at least 1 first round draft pick with possibly a future 2nd round pick as well. Considering that the Warriors are a young team utilizing an open and easy system, they would most likely be in favor of getting more draft picks which would provide much flexibility and options in the future.

Wrap-Up: At first glance this looks like a heavily weighted trade in favor of the Lakers. However, when you account for all of the extra things going into this trade it is more balanced. Although, if this trade is still coming up a little short for the Warriors, the Lakers could offer Maurice Evans as an additional player in this trade and the Warriors could use their trade exception of Jason Richardson to balance it out. Either way, this trade would benefit both teams; by providing both with clear things tat they have expressed to need.

New Lakers Roster (after trade)

PG: Fisher, Jasikevicius, Crittenton
SG: Bryant, Evans, Vujacic, Karl
SF: Odom, Walton
PF: Harrington, Radmanovic
C: Bynum, Mihm, Turiaf

With at least 8 players that can play multiple positions, the Lakers would have a very deep roster to start the season.

Here is my latest suggested trade for the Lakers:

Lakers send Jordan Farmar, Brian Cook and Kwame Brown and future draft picks to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Sarunas Jasikevicius and Al Harrington.

For Golden State: Reportedly, Golden State is in the process of buying out the contract of Sarunas Jasikevicius, which would leave them with Baron Davis as their only true point guard on the roster. Given his history for period injuries to his back during the season, this could be a serious problem for the Warriors as they progress through the season. At the same time, they do have Monta Ellis, who spent some time at the point last season. However, it was clear during the time as well as since that not only is he uncomfortable and out of place in that role, Don Nelson is just as uncomfortable with having him there. Furthermore, the Warriors are reportedly already looking at potential options if they do finalize the buy out of Jasikevicius. The fact that they haven’t identified a workable solution yet, could be the reason why he is still currently on the roster at this point. Al Harrington, although highly versatile and highly useful to the Warriors at times, he looked very out of place at times during the playoffs especially in the series with the Mavs. It appeared that he didn’t fit well in the evolving style of play that Don Nelson implemented. His production increased in the Utah Jazz series which was more of a half-court slower tempo series. However, it is clear that the up-tempo style the Warriors normally like to use doesn’t really suit his game. With 2 years left on his contract, it is possible that the warriors wouldn’t mind parting with him for the right deal.

This trade, although not the ideal solution, it does meet the needs expressed above. First, it addresses the point guard void that will soon be left from the exit of Jasikevicius. Farmar is a young talented prospect that fills the role of a traditional point guard. He likes to play an up-tempo style and has a season of experience being the primary backup point guard. He would be a nice additional to this team providing solid ball distribution and decision making in this up-tempo system. Since he is still so young, his contract is extremely small compared to the production he would most likely provide. Second, with the signing of Austin Croshere and drafting of Brandon Wright the Warriors have much more depth at forward than they had last season. This should allow them to presumably handle the loss of Harrington where they could not a year ago. Brian Cook would also help in the short term due to his perimeter shooting ability. His contract is also very favorable in that is roughly $5mil or more less than the contract of Harrington, yet it last for the same amount of time. Finally, the Warriors have let go of Adonal Foyle, who although used very sparingly, was an added insurance piece in case of injury. His exit could be important in those situations where the Warriors need size. However, due to his lack of mobility and limited skill set, it was wise to let Foyle go. Kwame Brown could fill that void for next season with his defensive abilities and his ability to run the floor. Because of the nature of the Triangle Offense, Brown saw limited opportunities in transition, although he did demonstrate an ability to run the floor on those rare occasions. Heading into a contract year, the Warriors would be taking on a very short term commitment, which if it failed, would at the very least free up a sizable portion of cap space for the following summer which is expected to have a very good free agency class.

For Los Angeles: Although some continue to profess that the Lakers are in need of huge changes, they could potentially be greatly improved with a couple key changes. Among the areas of concern last season, the Lakers had clear weaknesses at point guard, small forward and center. The weaknesses at point guard and center have been somewhat addressed through the signing of Derek Fisher, departure of Smush Parker and the re-signing of Chris Mihm. However, they have done nothing to address the need at small forward. They seemingly have two options at this point if they still hope to address that need this summer. Either move someone over to small forward as the new starter and fill the void that is created, or simply sign a new starting small forward. Luke Walton and Vladimir Radmanovic could potentially have better years than this past, which will help the team immensely. However, unless they have career setting numbers, it is highly unlikely that either will have good enough seasons to effectively fill the starting small forward position next season. Instead, the Lakers need to improve that area and they need to do it this summer. Along with filling the need at forward, the Lakers also had a significant weakness with their perimeter shooting. Teams used zone defenses to totally disrupt the offense of the Lakers which left them seriously struggling. Finally, the Lakers had serious problems defensively at small forward and found themselves always trying to cover up the troubles they had there.

This trade would seemingly handle several concerns at one time, and would not cost the team more than they would be willing to pay. First, Jasikevicius is a combo guard with excellent shooting range and consistency. Not only would he address the needs with perimeter shooting, he would also help with his experience both in the NBA as well as international play. He gave the USA Team serious problems several years ago at point guard. Farmar would seemingly be replaced with Jasikevicius, yet again strengthening the Lakers guard core especially at the point. Seeing as how the Warriors are already looking at simply buying out his contract, it is feasible to believe that they would be willing to trade him instead for a replacement point guard. Next, in acquiring Harrington, the Lakers would address their problems at forward as well as provide themselves with the offensive firepower they desire. Harrington is a combo player like Odom, able to play 3 or 4 positions, however he is much more deliberate with his offense and much more effective in his low post defense. Having both him and Odom at forward, would give the Lakers a balanced attack having several weapons on the court at one time. The Lakers would lose both Cook and Brown in this deal in order to acquire Harrington which isn’t a bad deal considering the positives of Harrington. They would have a loss at center with his defense, but the added defensive improvements at the other positions should offset the loss of Brown. Cook’s shooting would be replaced by Jasikevicius and Harrington. To sweeten the deal the Lakers would need to offer at least 1 first round draft pick with possibly a future 2nd round pick as well. Considering that the Warriors are a young team utilizing an open and easy system, they would most likely be in favor of getting more draft picks which would provide much flexibility and options in the future.

Wrap-Up: At first glance this looks like a heavily weighted trade in favor of the Lakers. However, when you account for all of the extra things going into this trade it is more balanced. Although, if this trade is still coming up a little short for the Warriors, the Lakers could offer Maurice Evans as an additional player in this trade and the Warriors could use their trade exception of Jason Richardson to balance it out. Either way, this trade would benefit both teams; by providing both with clear things tat they have expressed to need.

New Lakers Roster (after trade)

PG: Fisher, Jasikevicius, Crittenton
SG: Bryant, Evans, Vujacic, Karl
SF: Odom, Walton
PF: Harrington, Radmanovic
C: Bynum, Mihm, Turiaf

With at least 8 players that can play multiple positions, the Lakers would have a very deep roster to start the season.

While most GM's are probably still on vacation, things should pick up as word of trades start hitting the wire in two or three weeks. In the meantime, I don't get it.

Is there anyone besides me who would like to read Kobe's responses to questions posed right here on this board?

Is there anyone other than me, a Kings fan, who believes his appearance here (and the subsequent coverage his remarks would recieve) wouldn't go a long way toward settling some issues (and nerves) and provide some clarity for his teamates and fans?

As I said, were Kobe to give his nod to a live question and answer session with many of his greatest fans and detractors on this board, I can only imagine that the Brothers, the Times, and others would fall all over each other to make it happen. With a star of his magnitude, this would be a breakthrough, would it not?

Laker fans, teamates (and probably management) need some honest answers. Kobe, if you care at all about your team and your fans (and even if you don't), now is the time to step up and be a true leader.

So, how about it Dawg? "What say you?"

Sonnybelfast

**************************************************************************************************
ATTENTENTION KOBE HATERS:
LEBRON JAMES:"You don't have to second-guess yourself because he is there backing you up. I've always been quoted as saying Kobe Bryant is the best player in our league, and I'll continue to say that. You automatically try to feast off of that. Why wouldn't you? Why wouldn't you want to copy the best player in the world to better your game?"

tha show is a true great blogger whom i've come to respect dearly.....okay, perhaps "dearly" is overstating.

for reals, i enjoy tha show's voice on the blog. he always knows how to calm the "beast" down with the "you're better than that" comment. i appreciate show's objectivity and passion for the lakers and b-ball.

Laker-phat-gurl/jormea: i appreciate you taking tabs on my 5-post-a-day limit pledge. i failed yesterday and i apologize deeply. this is my second post.

AK: thanks for the response on the "censor" question. i didn't think i crossed the line, but i respect your decision....also, i don't really have a choice boss.....LOL.

ALL TIME STARTING FIVE REVISED
PG: MAGIC
SG: KOBE
PF: MALONE
SF: E.BAYLOR
C: WILT

long time

"Similarly, if Kobe can convince the Lakers to trade him to a team that has talent but hasn't won a championship yet (Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago, etc) and that team subsequently wins one or more championships, then he will be in the group of #1's. I think if Kobe was the starting SG for last year's Dallas team (instead of Jason Terry) and they had won all those games, then Kobe would have been a shoo-in for MVP. And Dirk would move into the realm of one of the best #2 talents."

great points. i'd be curious to see the team chemistry if kobe is traded to a championship-caliber team. you'll have 2 very distinctive groups. those who believe kobe will "F" things up and ruin the team chemistry (KLBeast and Gunner's group) and those who believe kobe will be the Jordan to that team (kobe loyalist group). as for the 3rd group, die hard laker fans, they'll be fine cuz the lakers will be back soon enough. Busses (all of them) knows what they are doing.

having said that, i think we'll get our wish soon enough. i discount what kobe does in an all-star environment (eg, all-star games and Team USA games) because the pressure's not the same. i'd like to see kobe be a good #1 and team leader for an entire season and the playoffs, win or lose; then i might change my mind a little bit on the guy. until then, i'll remember kobe (ie, his legacy) as a selfish guy who took the team from shaq for his selfish agenda.

I assume that the selections should be made based on how someone performed with the Lakers, not over their entire career. Based on that, Wilt should not be on the team, nor should McAdoo.

PG Magic - Goodrich
SG Bryant - West - Scott
SF Baylor - Worthy - Jones
PF Abdul-Jabbar- McAdoo - Green- Rambis
C Chamberlain- O'neal - Mikkan

Starters:

PG Magic becauase he's the only guy who could distribute to all the superstars
SG Kobe ONLY BECAUSE HE WOULDNT BE ABLE TO HANDLE A ROLE COMING OFF
THE BENCH. WEST COULD BE PROFESSIONAL AND PLAY BACKUP
SF Baylor- because you need a pure scorer
PF Abdul-Jabbar- I think he could handle the PF spot, especially since he is somewhat permiter oriented with this long sky hook. Doesnt need to clog the middle.
C Chamberlain because clearly he's the man.

Bench:

This team is still dominating. Goodrich, West, Worthy, McAddo, Shaq. That team is still beating every other team's starting 5 (except Boston) with this second unit.

I'd keep A.C Green and Byron Scott on my active list.

Mikkan, Rambis and EJ would be saved for when people got hurt.

pg magic
sg Kobe
C Kareem
F Elgin Baylor
F James Worthy

off the bench

sg West
C Wilt
F AC Green
F Bob McAdoo
pg D-Fish

Kobe starts before west because he's bigger & more athletic. *I* can't compare "clutchness".
Kareem starts before Wilt because I think he's all around better. I also don't need him to average 50.
Shaq isn't on the list because he's Fat & Lazy.
D-Fish because he's scrappy, without ego AND .... .4 BABY!

Laker Maniac,

I like your proposal. That would definitely add both consistent scoring attempts and perimeter shooting. Al Harrington would be a flexible 3-4 player!

Here my Lakers All Time Line Up.

1st Unit : Wilt, Malone, Worthy, Kobe, Magic
2nd Unit: Kareem, Mc Adoo, Cooper, Baylor, West
3rd Unit: Shaq, Ac Green, Fox, Eddie Jones, Van Exel
The Bangers, Elbow and Redbull in yo face Bench: Madsen, Turiaf, Rambis, Rodman, Horry, Sedale Threatt!
The useless Shooters: Mitch Richmond, Glen Rice, Cedric Ceballos, Isiah Rider

PG - Magic
SG - Kobe
C - Kareem
SF - Worthy
PF - AC Green

Bench"
C - Wilt
PF - Shaq
SF - Cooper
G - West
G - Scott
F - Wilkes
PF - Rambis

Inactive
F - Baylor
PF - Sam Perkins
C - Vlade

Honorables:
Goodrich, Mikan, McAdoo, Fox

Man this is hard. The Lakers are bigger than Kobe. Remember that.

Rick Friedman,

Amen - I don't know *any* of the players as humans. All I see is folks like Mo Evans and Artest (!!) as players go outside of the game to contribute. But what does that tell me of the others as "humans"? Nothing.

Not sure if I'm late on this article but it's the same thing that I said earlier in the summer and that many others on here said when they thought Kobe was leaning out the door.

The sooner you do it the more you get.
You also use the entire league to find the right talent, not just the other CONFERENCE. (see Shaq trade)

Otherwise next summer is of minimal value to move him when you could have gotten more the summer before.
You might as well keep him for 2 yrs if you not gone pull the trigger right away.

See article

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=ApmA0FY882w2lFXveLp8oYK8vLYF?slug=tradekobesoonerrathertha&prov=tsn&type=lgns

The 15

1. Magic
2. Kareem
3. Worthy
4. Nixon
5. Elgin Baylor
6. Rambis
7. Cooper
8. Byron Scott
9. Kobe
10. Jerry West
11. AC Green
12. Robert Horry
13. Rick Fox
14. Gail Goodrich
15. Jamaal Wilkes

I left off McAdoo, D-Fish, and other role players because we have enough.
I left off Shaq and Wilt cause neither would want to sit behind Kareem and we plan to run anyway.

Nixon is my first point guard off the bench and then Goodrich.

I'd start
Magic, Kobe, Worthy, Horry, and Kareem

WoW, some kind of length defensively!!

IMHO you have to view the Laker player's talent WHEN HE PLAYED FOR THE LAKERS, not over his entire career. For example, Karl Malone may have been a great player but he only played for the Lakers in his last year when he was a shadow of his former self. So putting him on the top 15 team is ridiculous.

On the other hand, one could argue that Bob McAdoo made a great contribution to the team AS A ROLE PLAYER OFF THE BENCH during the 1980s for the Lakers and should be included on the Top 15 Lakers Team as a reserve.

I think Wilt - although no longer the dominant point scorer - still had a profound impact as Laker center. They couldn't have won 33 games in a row and their first championship without his passing, rebounding, defense and occasional scoring. He was still dominant, just not as a scorer as much. Anyway, the argument could be made.

But the point here is, only what the player did AS A LAKER should be considered for entry on the team.

Hariyahu-

Yeah, someone pointed that out. I think it's reasonable to do it based on their Lakers careers, or at least close to it. Guys who stopped by for six months or so? Could be a stretch.

BK

Laker Seth,

Worthy was a small forward....He always played small forward.

This just occured to me.

if one wants to do a quick inventory of kobe loyalist, check out the pick of 15 players.

*anybody who doesn't pick Shaq as one of the 15 (cough....Kobe Seth), is a kobe loyalist who's got their heads up kobe's a$$.

*anybody who picks both kobe and shaq is probably a laker fan

*anybody who doesn't pick either kobe or shaq is a dumba$$

HOW CAN ANYBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND PICK KARL "The Big Elbow" MALONE?

Malone is a Utah Jazz...

Get with it...

geez, i knew there are dumb bloggers, but tell me the b-ball intellect is greater than hari-yahoo's ESPN Trade Machine babbling?

Lake Show -

How quickly you forget. Kobe spent his first years here coming off the bench backing up Eddie Jones. Even when he was voted first team Conference All Star.

Kobe is more than happy to do whatever it takes to WIn - that's why he called out Buss & Kupcake this year. He's a team player who will take whatever role he needs to for his team to WIN. Shoot, pass, tell the press the truth, be silent, Whatever. Well maybe with the exception of being told to STFU and bow down to the Big Traitor.