Talking with Maurice Evans, Part II
At long last, the second half of my interview with Maurice Evans. Sorry it took a while to get this part finished up, but we've been extremely busy with a few ESPN assignments the last couple of weeks that have required a lot of hours on a plane or in the car. I could break the excuses down into further and more specific detail, but you'd probably rather just read the interview. Part I was about Mo's trip to Kenya with the NBA Player Assn.'s "Feeding One Million" campaign. Part II is more hoops-centric, with topics such as Kobe, K.G. and the upcoming season. Here's what Evans had to say:
Andrew Kamenetzky: Moving a little more into basketball, I know there are going to be a lot of Laker fans disappointed that you couldn't parlay your friendship with Kevin Garnett into him wearing purple and gold. Have you talked to him since the trade? (Note: This interview took place Aug. 3, so the two may have spoken by now.)
Maurice Evans: No, I haven't talked to Kev. I haven't gotten a chance to congratulate him on his signing with Boston. I'm sure I'm gonna see him at some point. He has a home in L.A. and Malibu. But I'm happy for him.
AK: Is it pretty crazy for you to imagine him in green?
ME: Yeah. Obviously, with him being a Timberwolf for so long, I think everybody's going to have to ease into seeing him in green and white. But they've done a total makeover. Ray Allen added. K.G. And having a great player in Paul Pierce.
AK: The rumor mill was going pretty crazy with proposals bringing him to L.A., and the Laker front office pursued him aggressively. When you hear that talk, do your own hopes go up, or do you just wait to see how it plays out?
ME: Well, there's so much that goes into it that you never want to get (caught up). I've learned for myself that things can change so much in the NBA on a day-to-day basis that you don't want to get your hopes up for things like that. But it was hard not to get emotional when one of my really good friends is involved in talks, and knowing that a guy like that could really make an impact in leadership and the skills that he would bring to the table. I was kind of looking forward to that, because being such a young team it would have been welcomed a great deal.
AK: So I imagine that you share some of the Laker fans' disappointment?
ME: Yeah, definitely. I would have liked to have played with him, and he could have helped our team. But that's the reality of playing in that situation. You just have to deal with whatever you have to deal with. I'll continue to work and improve upon my skills so that I can go out and accomplish the things that I want this year.
AK: The offseason issues between the front office and Kobe got a lot of attention for obvious reasons. Is it hard as a teammate not to get caught up in what you're reading or hearing?
ME: I think you learn playing in a place like L.A. that you don't want to get caught up in that, because again, we're gonna have to deal with whatever team is there come October. We're gonna have to go in there and not let it affect the way do your job anyway. But it's hard to kind of not know who you're going to be involved with and what kind of team we're going to have. Whether it's gonna be, Is Kobe gonna be there or be traded? Are you going to be traded with him?
AK: Have you talked to Kobe since everything came up?
ME: No, I haven't. I haven't talked to him since the season ended.
AK: Did you imagine or have any inkling that something like this might be coming, or did it take you by surprise?
ME: I kind of took me by surprise. I didn't ever expect for him to, you know, for him to possibly be traded. I expected maybe for someone to possibly get brought in, kinda like K.G., like we had talked about.
AK: Do you feel like come October, enough time will have passed that everyone can move forward and let the past be the past?
ME: Well, the thing about a great player like Kobe Bryant, regardless of the things he says or does, his skill level is so high that he's still going to go out and be highly productive. No one's really going to remember some of things he said or did in the offseason after he starts playing again.
AK: Does it bring any urgency for you as a teammate and an important part of the rotation to up your own game, in terms of trying to reassure his faith in the team? Or is it one of things where you go about your business, do what you always did and let things play out?
ME: Well, I guess in that sense, you always want your teams to up your skill level, and to me it's an improvement. That's what my focus has been. I just continue to try to expand my role again, so hopefully that he'll have more faith in me, Coach Jackson will have more faith in me and I'll get even more of an opportunity to help our team out than last season.
AK: And as far as the moves that have been made this offseason, bringing back Derek Fisher.
ME: I was very excited about the acquisition of D. Fish, because he's a veteran player who knows how to play, and I'm hoping that he can enhance our skills by being a guy who knows how to distribute the ball and help guys continue to be involved. He can run a little bit. Guys like myself can get out and get a lot more easy baskets in transition maybe. We have a lot of talented tools and a lot of weapons on this team, and if we use them properly -- Chris Mihm back healthy, Andrew (Bynum) getting another year's experience and better, myself getting better -- I think we have a really good team.
AK: What specifically were you looking to work on over the summer, in terms of expanding your role and improving heading into the season?
ME: Now that I have a better understanding of the triangle offense, I know where my scoring opportunities will come from. I know how to be a little more aggressive offensively. I know I have to continue to pick up my level defensively, as maybe a guy who can defend several offensive players to take big stretches off of guys like Kobe, so that he can be freer to be aggressive offensively. Also, maybe even pushing the ball a little bit more off rebounds and maybe initiating the offense. Creating opportunities that way as well.
AK: Along those lines, have you been working on your ball-handling skills?
ME: Yeah, very much so. That was something coach told me in my exit meeting, that they would like me to do a little bit more. That's something I'm very much capable of, because I can use my athleticism and quickness to attack the rim even more so than what I did last year.
AK: If you're able to break guys off the dribble more, or at least make them respect that skill when they're trying to guard you?
ME: Exactly. And obviously, the offense isn't one where it allows a lot of freedom to just be creating off the dribble like that without running into somebody already in a set position. In the triangle, everyone has a set position and they're actually predicated off of what another person does. That's why I'm saying I know where opportunities come from. I've watched a lot of tape. And from being in the system for a year, I know where my opportunities are going to come from. I know when I can be a little bit more aggressive and take advantage of those a little bit better.
AK: How's your knee?
ME: My knee is great. I've gotten with some trainers and guys who've helped me out in the past, who've helped me condition. I saw a guy who checked on my knee and he said everything was great. I've been strengthening it and the swelling's gone. I feel like my old self again. It's great. When I get into the gym, I can play above the rim and work on moves. Just play again.
AK: It was pretty obviously hindering a lot of what you could do toward the end of last season.
ME: Yeah, it did hinder me, but I was excited that I was still able to be as effective as I was. There were a few games where I was still able to really have some good games. And there were some games, of course, where it hindered me and I wasn't able to do as much. But I was just happy that I was still able to be effective, because I played pretty much the last two months with it like that. Over my career, I've never really missed a lot of games, so if I could go into the season next year healthy, I'm looking forward to really having a good year.
AK: Can all the offseason drama -- for lack of a better word -- ever serve as a way of unifying a team?
ME: Definitely. Obviously, it wasn't good the way things finished up with Smush (Parker), but he really did contribute a lot to the Lakers organization over the last couple years. I'm sure he'll be happy to have that compensated a little bit for some of the things he did, now that he's going to Miami. Now you have D. Fish coming here. He's a veteran, a leader, he can bring some more experience. Luke (Walton) has gotten his deal. I was excited for him that he was able to get compensated and rewarded. Now he can continue to be that much better of a player, because he'll be relaxed and not have to worry about contract issues for the next 5-6 years. He can just go out and play. I think that adds a lot. There's a couple more players. Cookie got his deal done (last season). We got a lot of guys who are able to just play. Go in, look to have a good year and get better as a team. We had various issues, but we still got to the playoffs. What we could do next year with a healthy team, everyone knowing their role and everyone playing, I think we're set up to be that much better of a team.
AK: When you mentioned a guy like Luke getting his contract, how much does that help players in general? Not so much the actual money involved, but just the idea of stability, feeling like you have a place and that the team has enough confidence to invest in you?
ME: That makes all the difference in the world. Now he has, exactly like you said, stability. The organization is showing faith in a player, and not just in how much they're compensating him. Obviously that matters too, because it shows you how much they value you. It's easier to go out and, in return, give that much back to them. Even more so. He's gonna go out and play his heart and soul out for the next six years. He can get rooted into the community. He can get rooted into the Lakers organization for another six years.
AK: It basically removes that element of feeling like you're almost auditioning for your own team.
ME: Exactly.
The problem with MO is that, people want to turn him into a defensive player, but Mo wants to be an offensive player. When the season was winding down last year, all I remember was Mo jacking up three pointers and missing. Mo is a great rebounder, and even better on the offensive glass, but in situations when he should tip the ball back put, he would grab the rebound and put it back up against three men.
I think he is selfish offensively, and he needs to become a defensive player that the pistons wanted, and the lakers need. You can still get paid good in this league by been a defensive player.
Posted by: wow | August 14, 2007 at 01:04 PM
"Freedom typically brings out an employee's best." - Andrew Kamenetzky
Which is why your blogs are better than ESPN's "reporting". Real question is which of your blogs is the favorite child? Blue or Purple and Gold? No copping out here please. hehe
On another topic, given the moves the Lakers have -- or rather haven't made -- this summer, would you say a long season is ahead? That's how I feel anyways; I can't imagine anything getting better unless Bynum improves to the point where Kobe Byrant gets him confused with Tim Duncan.
What a terrible time to be a LA sports fans. The Dodgers look like they're having a late season meltdown like the Lakers of last year. The Clippers pretty much injured themselves out of the equation before the season began and the Galaxy are sucking it up. I hear there's a team named the Avengers, but I'm not quite sure what it is they do.
At least Anaheim is doing well.
Posted by: AndrewT | August 14, 2007 at 01:05 PM
JJ,
I don't think I always have a better answer, but if someone posts something and I disagree, I comment on it. Due to the fact that I agree more than I disagree with a lot of posts, I would be on here more than KL if I responded to all the posts I agree with.
But correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't discussion and debate what blogs are about? If you read a point you disagree with comment on it and give your reasoning. Then the person can respond with an answer.
And when I disagree with a trade proposal, yours or anyone else's, I say why. It just happens that a lot of the time I disagree with yours for the same reasons, how they affect the salary cap and why the other team would do the trade.
And you gotta be honest here, you wouldn't post your long, though-out trade ideas if you didn't want feedback, right?
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 14, 2007 at 01:07 PM
"I'm not denying complacency can come from big contracts. Tim Thomas (as you mentioned) may be the posterchild, but he's certainly not alone." - Andrew Kamenetzky
Hi Kwame! How is your summer going?
Posted by: AndrewT | August 14, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Andrew Z,
With the trades I do want feedback...but constructive feedback.
HOWEVER, the post I submitted this morning was not one of those posts. It was written to one person and that person wasn't you, yet you felt the need to let me know that you disagree.....WHY? Explain that to me. Explain to me why you had to let me know what you thought?
Ex,
It is in the Bible a lot of times but the usage is different. By the way, I am a Baptist Minister so it is best that we get off of this topic.
Posted by: JJ | August 14, 2007 at 01:13 PM
KL,
You said: i'm sure hobbit will come back with "well, shaq had all-stars, etc..." i say, some people make their own luck, others kbiatch about their situation.
1st. You pussed out on me and didn't respond to the challenge.
2nd. You got called out by a girl and hid like a coward.
3rd. I don't appreciate your double standard regarding Shaq vs. Kobe.
4th. You're illogical. A coherent conversation cannot be had with you.
You are welcome to your own opinions. Have a good life.
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 14, 2007 at 01:14 PM
JJ,
"HOWEVER, the post I submitted this morning was not one of those posts. It was written to one person and that person wasn't you, yet you felt the need to let me know that you disagree.....WHY? Explain that to me. Explain to me why you had to let me know what you thought?"
It's a public forum so everything is free game. It was a lengthy post making a bold statement. I found it interesting, but disagreed with the point, so I commented. And you responded and so on and so on. I like it when people chime in on any points I make, the more giving their thoughts the merrier is what I always say. If you would rather I not comment, so be it.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 14, 2007 at 01:31 PM
Andrew Z,
I would rather....so be it!
Posted by: JJ | August 14, 2007 at 01:38 PM
JJ,
"By the way, I am a Baptist Minister so it is best that we get off of this topic."
That doesn't give you the final word on Biblical interpretations.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 14, 2007 at 01:38 PM
JJ,
If you really don't want anyone except the addressee to respond to a post that you place on a blog, try email.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 14, 2007 at 01:40 PM
AK, ok then lol. I actually didn't mean to say/mean "Luke" I just meant our players in general (and a lot of them got extensions---Cookie, Sasha). I guess my point is just beware that's all. Although you do have a grrrrreat point that complacency has never been Luke's or Mo's middle name. Incidentally, any way you can get Luke to work on his defense instead? It seems like our players are working hard on the wrong things lol, jk. As I recall Cookie worked last offseason on his back to the basket moves instead of footwork on defending PFs. Of course there's something to be said about aptitude lol.
Posted by: Faith | August 14, 2007 at 01:44 PM
exhelodrvr,
I didn't say it did! Nor did I try to imply that it did.
I simply choose not to discuss the Bible like this. It has nothing to do with me thinking I know something. Quite the contrary...I am in school learning.
If you want to discuss it, call my father, He's my Pastor.
Posted by: JJ | August 14, 2007 at 01:45 PM
Faith.
haha Kobe's PR department can't do much once the mics are on. He's got Pelinka but Kobe's never been known as a guy that would listen to advisors.
Whatever the inner workings are in his camp, they weren't working in June. Think how much better this summer would have been if he'd just ranted behind closed doors.
Posted by: Vman | August 14, 2007 at 01:56 PM
exhelodrvr,
First off, I was talking about that one post in particular. I did want everyone to see it, but I didn't want everyone to reply. However, no one but AZ was rude in their reply, so I didn't mind any of them.
Second, In my saying that I didn't want AZ replying to my posts from here on out, I was ONLY talking about him. I don't mind anyone else responding whether positive or negative replies. I have simply grown tired of AZ. I don't like his responses.
Posted by: JJ | August 14, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Ex - LOL
Hobbitimage - and that is why its impossible to have an argument with KL. Jorema will say the same.
David Whang - nice to have see someone is actually thinking about their posts instead of reciting the same stuff from months ago. keep em coming
Posted by: Caesar | August 14, 2007 at 02:03 PM
can we talk about getting Reggie Evans again? There's just so much material there, nevermind where he would play or what he would do for us.
Just think, Chris Kaman would wince every time somebody posts about... REGGIE EVANS! the Ballgrabber! the man with the reach! the guy who doesn't try to push you out of the way, instead he tries to "steer" you involuntarily off to the side by paralyzing your legs with his patented hand between your legs "thrust" move.
What about Mo Evans? THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE EVANS! and Mo's in a contract year. Maybe Mo starts the Reggie Evans maneuver in practice as well? Can't let that guy get a competitive edge... Then all of our big men will be hobbling around, it'll be blamed on "ankle" injuries but we'll all know the truth... on opening night, Bynum might even keel over and vomit, and everybody will say it's nerves, but we'll all know... it was the REGGIE EVANS FACTOR!
Posted by: TaosHum | August 14, 2007 at 02:21 PM
repost
Edwin Gueco
"Hey, I didn't know that Mr. Negativity is grad student. However, you too is also different, there is wisdom in your response on the darkside."
Professor Gueco, you'll find that i'm quite the opposite in real life. in my everyday life, nobody cares that much about sports or the lakers. i generally have to be very PC (politically correct) thus very un-beastlike. i hope you don't read too much into my posts. most of it is jokes or extremes to counter the kobe nuts.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 02:21 PM
hobbit
"You are welcome to your own opinions. Have a good life."
does that mean we're not friends anymore? :-(
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 02:22 PM
cesar
"Hobbitimage - and that is why its impossible to have an argument with KL. Jorema will say the same."
dude, we've had good debate about kobe and the lakers...BTW, thanks for the link on Dwade. it was totally a foul. i think the defender sneezed at Wade causing him to trip.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 02:23 PM
andrew Z
"I don't think I always have a better answer, but if someone posts something and I disagree, I comment on it. Due to the fact that I agree more than I disagree with a lot of posts, I would be on here more than KL if I responded to all the posts I agree with."
not to interrupt your catfight with JJ, but i resent that. i've only contributed to 30% of the posts...
BTW, imagine if i wasn't here, all we'd be talking about is trade scenarios. i think we're at DFish and that'll be it.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 02:25 PM
JJ,
I was never rude until your 10:39 post where you said I was full of crap.
Go back and re-read my responses to you. At first I asked questions because I didn't understand your points and wanted clarification, and then I stated what I thought.
It wasn't until you became rude and said I was full of it that I responded accordingly.
Of course, that was all before you more or less called me an ass. I appreciate the name calling by the way, thanks for that. Your one "MFer" away from being the next Mike T.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 14, 2007 at 02:28 PM
Kobe could and would do everything that Jordan did if he entered the league when Jordan did, and had the same teams as Jordan.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | August 14, 2007 at 02:31 PM
KL,
I have always applauded your dedication, if nothing else.
Hey, by the way, how do you feel about that Kobe guy?
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 14, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Kobe Ap,
"Kobe could and would do everything that Jordan did if he entered the league when Jordan did, and had the same teams as Jordan. "
I don't think so. Kobe is a fantastic player, but he was only 6 years old when Jordan entered the NBA.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 14, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Kobe Apologist,
"Kobe could and would do everything that Jordan did if he entered the league when Jordan did, and had the same teams as Jordan."
Couldn't agree more. I actually think Kobe could win in the league now, which I think is tougher than when Jordan played, if he had Jordan's teammates. Let's see, Jordan had the second best player in the planet in Scottie Pippen (let's say Kobe gets Lebron), the Defensive Player of the Year and Rebounding champ in Dennis Rodman (there really isn't a player like him in the NBA right now, so how do I compare. Kind of a mix between Dwight Howard and Bruce Bowen?) and the Sixth man of the year in Toni Kukoc (Leandro Barbosa...not similar players, but you get the idea).
Give Kobe those guys, Chris Mihm (or any average center), Derek Fisher (or any relatively successful three point shooting PG) and Eddie Jones (gotta throw in the token old shooting guard who plays the point for PJ in the Triangle) and I guarantee he runs the show.
But now Kobe feels slighted and hurt by the front office and it's probably over.
Cest la vie.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 14, 2007 at 03:03 PM
POST OF THE DAY
"I don't think so. Kobe is a fantastic player, but he was only 6 years old when Jordan entered the NBA."
Hey-OOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 14, 2007 at 03:04 PM
How long will the Kobe lovers continue to cry and grovel at his feet, after he leaves the Lakers as a free agent? I'm sure it will have nothing to do with him, and everything to do with the "FO and all of their failures and blah blah blah blah." Kobe has become a joke and a media circus. I miss guys who actually give a crap about the team they play for. I bet Magic is dying over all of this stuff.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | August 14, 2007 at 03:14 PM
andrew z/kobe apoloigst
"Couldn't agree more. I actually think Kobe could win in the league now, which I think is tougher than when Jordan played, if he had Jordan's teammates. "
you two are killing me. man, if kobe played when jordan was in the league, kobe would be crying evey night after getting kbiatched slapped by Charles Oakley and Bill Lambeer. you think kobe can pull off the 81 performance? after 40 points, everytime kobe drives to the hole, he'll get knocked down....HARD.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 03:22 PM
Faith,
No LOL needed on your comment "It seems like our players are working hard on the wrong things."
You're right. Every single member of the team needs to improve defensively. The Lakers habitually give up more points than they can score because the defense breaks down. If PJ can get his coaches and players to focus on D, the Lakers will be a much improved team.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 14, 2007 at 03:28 PM
JJ and AZ ----
Can you guys just stop this nonsense? This back and forth bickering is making this, a Lakers blog, into something else. If someone stumbled into the middle of this blog, they'd leave, thinking its not a Lakers forum.
Please just give it a rest, we are all so much more complex than the persona we project on this blog, someone may indeed be an a$$hole or be full of crap, but can you really tell by what others post who they really are?
Even KL may be a much more pleasant person than he presents! lol
Peace, Laker fans...
hubbit
Posted by: hubbit | August 14, 2007 at 03:32 PM
PhxLkr,
"How long will the Kobe lovers continue to cry and grovel at his feet, after he leaves the Lakers as a free agent? I'm sure it will have nothing to do with him, and everything to do with the "FO and all of their failures and blah blah blah blah." Kobe has become a joke and a media circus. I miss guys who actually give a crap about the team they play for. I bet Magic is dying over all of this stuff."
I will be very pissed and saddened if and when Kobe leaves via free agency or through a trade. However, I empathize with Kobe because his window is closing and management can't decide if they want to win now or win later. Mitch and company have been marginal at best in constructing this roster. However, I do agree that Kobe went about this in the wrong way. He is a stubborn guy, but he is a guy who truly wants to win and I support that type of drive in any player and in any profession.
Posted by: fkillah | August 14, 2007 at 03:37 PM
hubbit,
Point taken. Although I'm not that much more complex to be honest.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 14, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Attention Kobe Haters and those that think he's not a good team captain because he hasn't called or worked out with players during this off season. Do you remember that Kobe was working out with Caron Bulter in the off season year before last, only to have him traded without as much as a phone call? Well, maybe Kobe just wants the FO to know that he's not doing anything to make this team better if they aren't. Let's be honest...the FO could have done what little they've done from home, setting by the pool, with a drink in one hand and the remote control in the other.
Please people, point the finger at the FO. I know it is more fun to hate on Kobe, but he is not the problem on this team. The problem is TALENT. If Kobe called each player on this roster three times per day, every day from now until October, IT WOULD NOT MAKE THEM MORE ABLE TO PUT THE BALL IN THE BASKET, READ OR PLAY DEFENSE.!!!!!!!!! We Need Help!
PS: Kobe reminds me of the pretty girl at school who is hated by all the ugly girls for no reason except...she is what they ain't.
Posted by: tellitlikeitis | August 14, 2007 at 03:40 PM
hubbit (not hobbit)
"Even KL may be a much more pleasant person than he presents! lol"
please admit that i'm not just nonsensical, but rather whimsical and personable too?
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 03:43 PM
As a long time Laker fan, I'm sick of both Kobe and the Lakers FO.
Kobe's lack of class and appreciation for an organization that took care of him when he screwed up in Colorado is characteristic of a spoiled brat who grew up with money and without consequences. Another character flaw appeared when he ratted out Shaq, basically telling the Colorado PD that he'd like to just pay the woman off "like Shaq does." This is a guy who clearly doesn't live in the real world. He then goes on a media rampage insulting the entire Laker FO while flip-flopping from wanting to be traded to wanting to stay. There has to a diagnosis for his mental condition. I'm just tired of his act and really wouldn't mind if he left and the Lakers rebuilt with team players like you can find on the Spurs.
The front office hasn't done a good job of showing fans that they are concerned and want to make changes either. Kobe is right about one thing - they cannot go much past the first round with what they have.
Hopefully both Kobe and the FO make some changes in their approach before the season begins.
Posted by: tc323342 | August 14, 2007 at 03:45 PM
"Mitch and company have been marginal at best in constructing this roster. However, I do agree that Kobe went about this in the wrong way. He is a stubborn guy, but he is a guy who truly wants to win and I support that type of drive in any player and in any profession."
well said fkillah. you know if kobe didn't have $200M in the bank (strike that, soon to be $100M in the bank), i'd actually feel sorry for him. kind of like me feeling sorry for Britney Spears.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Vman,
I may be a Taoist, but I'm a very poor Taoist.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | August 14, 2007 at 03:46 PM
I really do think that Kobe could have done everything Michael did. But that is also what makes MJ special in that he was a pioneer. MJ was heads and shoulders above his competition. Kobe is not that far above his peers in the relative sense. But if you want to talk in terms of absolute ability, there's no doubt Kobe is just as good. Even Tex Winters, who coached both, will tell you that. Phil Jackson would tell you that Kobe is a better playmaker. Kobe would have torched the league in the 80s. It's obvious from watching NBA classic games that the average NBA player is much, much better today than in the 1980s. The stars would still be stars today, but the average player MIGHT be a twelfth man today. Kobe would have lit those guys up. But he also had the advantage of seeing Magic and Michael play. If you want to bash Kobe because he's not as good RELATIVE to the other players as MJ was, fine. Say MJ won more championship. Sure, that's a result of circumstance. But don't tell me he's not as good as MJ was. Because I don't believe it.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | August 14, 2007 at 03:52 PM
well, if Kobe wants to become the leader, why doesn't he LEAD this crew to bigger and better things? Bynum and Mihm at C is as solid as anyone else in the league, there are no more dominating Centers. Kobe recruited Vlad Rad last year, why not work on the guy's psyche this offseason and talk about Vlad Rad being the comeback player of the year this year? The guy has talent, we all saw it, what he really needs is somebody in his ear - encouraging him - not blasting him. The PG position is VASTLY improved, Farmar has a year under his belt, Fisher can teach him a few tricks and Crittenton looks like he could give 10 strong minutes/game.
Before the injuries, Odom was having one hell of a year last year. Mo Evans with a healthy knee and Luke should provide some good, strong minutes. Also, we have Kwame's contract for trade bait, and he could be combined with Cook or Sasha or Farmar plus our #1 draft pick for somebody interesting near the trade deadline.
A REAL LEADER would embrace this situation and look forward to the CHALLENGE. Unfortunately, our leader uses that word "challenge" quite a bit but when the going got tough, our leader... SQUEALED like a little girl and is now busy pouting in the corner of the room, refusing to talk to anyone...
Posted by: TaosHum | August 14, 2007 at 04:08 PM
EDDIE JONES AND GARY PAYTON TO MIAMI: "F-U"?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2972830
"Riley said he still doesn't know if guard Gary Payton -- who renewed vows with his wife this summer, getting three cases of Cristal champagne from the coach as a gift -- will be back in the NBA next season, in Miami or otherwise. "I just want to have a conversation with him," Riley said. ... The Heat offered Eddie Jones the same deal Dallas did -- roughly $1.8 million for each of the next two years -- before the Mavericks signed the swingman last week."
for the record, i'm not a "shaq lover".
Looks like everybody's bailing on the Heats. I'm glad Coach Riley is staying during the remaining of the Shaq/Wade duo.
SuperOldMan and Kid Flash=Championship again? tough call.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 04:08 PM
godchild:
You are right. AK and BK should get Pulitzers compared to T.J. and the loser writers on the Times staff. Excellent point! I love AK and BK and was just giving them a friendly little elbow.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 14, 2007 at 04:31 PM
Andrew Z:
Actually, I think it is a great time to be a sports fan. The Niners are on year three of their three year plan to win the Super Bowl. The Yankees are putting together the best pitching staff in the Major Leagues and should win the World Series. And the Lakers may be the surprise team that goes all the way and wins a championship.
Other than the Lakers, you have just hitched your star to a bunch of losers. lol.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 14, 2007 at 04:36 PM
JJ:
You just need to tap into your well of holy patience when dealing with Andrew Z. He has had real problems adjusting to everything that has gone down this year with his Lakers. He used to just be another GHE voice along with ex but recently has suffered some form of psychological breakdown where all he does now is hang around ESPN’s trade machine looking to point out the faults of everyone’s trades and figuring out how to trade Kobe Bryant and still end up with a good team, which we all know is an impossible task as was proved when we traded Shaq. lol.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 14, 2007 at 04:43 PM
Andrew Z,
You know, if someone told me I was full or crap... I'd choose full.
that's just me, though
Chris
Posted by: Chris F | August 14, 2007 at 04:48 PM
KLBEast,
"kobe would be crying evey night after getting kbiatched slapped by Charles Oakley and Bill Lambeer."
LOL! Hardly. Whoever the enforcer was on Kobe's team would have done the same thing to Isiah or MJ the next time down the court.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 14, 2007 at 04:50 PM
KL Beast,
"you think kobe can pull off the 81 performance? after 40 points, everytime kobe drives to the hole, he'll get knocked down....HARD."
Before I comment on the above post, let it be known that it is impossible to compare generation to generation in the NBA.
An 81+ scoring performance comes once in a lifetime. Kobe had it going that night, obviously, and nobody could get him out of his groove short of breaking his neck. The same can be said about the 62 in 3 quarters when he outscored Dallas.
CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG...BUT..I believe Avery Johnson told his team to start knocking Kobe to the floor every time he gets in the paint. Of course, the next time Kobe drove the lane he was clotheslined in mid-air by Josh Howard which was called a flagrant. Do you think that bothered Kobe? I would guess not seeing as how after he made the free throws, the Lakers got the ball back and he busted a turn-around J all in Howards face baseline, then proceeded to outscore them through 3 quarters.
Your logic is ammusing. You say that IF Kobe played in Jordans days, after he got to 40 he would be hit down to the ground HARD everytime..
CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG, but didn't MJ have just as many (if not more) 40pt games than Kobe? And CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG, but I don't remember Jordan getting clobbered down to the floor HARD everytime he scored after he reached 40 pts in a game. UMM...??? I don't remember any of that (spare a couple times) and believe me, I WOULD remember it because I admired Jordans game and (most likely) unlike you, I was acutally old enough to watch Jordan from his rookie year until he retired.
Posted by: derek | August 14, 2007 at 04:54 PM
What kind of value could the Lakers get for Kobe?
You can't get equal value for Kobe Bryant. But if Kobe threatens to sit out and
force a trade, what sort of players and salary improvements could the Lakers get
for him. I'm going to do a series of posts, each of which does a detailed
analysis of a 3-way trade involving the Lakers, the Knicks, and possibly some
third team. I'll analyze it in terms of balance of the team after the trade,
what positions they get better & worse at, and how much salary do they free
up over the next two seasons to bring in other big ticket free agents.
Here are a few notes on all the posts:
1. I'd prefer not to trade Kobe. I'm merely trying to get a picture of what
are some possible configurations of the team if they do decide that they're not
going to be able to work things out with Kobe.
2. I'm assuming Isaiah would give up either Curry or Randolph plus any combination
of young players the Lakers want plus draft picks for Kobe.
3. I'm assuming Kobe would be willing to go to the Knicks in such a trade.
4. I'll work out one variation on the main trade to each team - and possibly
suggest possible variations, but won't work them out in detail.
5. I'm going to try to be realistic about what players teams will trade, but
I could be wrong about how much they value their players (I think we Laker
fans value players like Bynum, Farmar, and Crittendon higher than fans of
most other teams see them, so the opposite is probably also true)
6. The main goals are to reduce salary and get a few promising young players
still on their rookie contracts. If possible, a big name player could be in
the deal, but preferably one with a shorter term contract.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 14, 2007 at 04:54 PM
KLBeast try not to send a post talking about Kbiatche.
Are you die hard fan of ‘Tekken’. Next you will talking about ‘Kazuya’ or ‘Yoshimitsu'
"you two are killing me. man, if kobe played when jordan was in the league, kobe would be crying evey night after getting kbiatched slapped by Charles Oakley and Bill Lambeer. you think kobe can pull off the 81 performance? after 40 points, everytime kobe drives to the hole, he'll get knocked down....HARD."
The would have to catch to knock him down, Oakley and Lambeer were not known for the foot speed!!!
But he did average 33pt 51% 7rpg 7apg against the twin towers when the lakers swept the spurs 2001. He was not scares of getting slapped then as a 22 yr old driving to the lane guard by 'The Twin Towers'. If I remember, that year’s Spurs were the best defensive team in the league.
Please can you explain when Shaq was wining the 3 NBA titles, you and Andrew Z keep making out that Kobe he was some role player. Since when does a role player log over 40 mins again and selected to all star games and all NBA 1st teams.
Aaarrrhhhh!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | August 14, 2007 at 04:57 PM
Ive been seeing a rumored trade regarding Correy Maggette for Kwame Brown. Probably a rumor started by a fan. Eitherway since Elton brand is going to be out and also Shawn Livingston they are going to need help at the C & Pg positions. What if we traded
Brian Cook, Kwame Brown, Jordan Farmar, Maurice Evans
For Brian Cook, Kwame Brown, Jordan Farmar, Maurice Evans
Clippers get help at the C while brand gets better and If Kwame doesnt work out he does have an expiring Contract. Then with Jordan Farmar they get help at the pg position. Also with Mo evans not a bad player a great one off the bench and are able to spread the floor with Cook.
Trade machine Link:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=981~1998~1031~3002~497~847&teams=12~12~12~12~13~13&te=&cash=
Lakers New Line Up
Fish/Critt
Kobe/Maggette/Sasha
Odom//Luke
Thomas/Turiaf
Bynum/Mihm
Just an Idea!!
Any thoughts??
Posted by: Miguel | August 14, 2007 at 05:35 PM
angry
"Please can you explain when Shaq was wining the 3 NBA titles, you and Andrew Z keep making out that Kobe he was some role player. Since when does a role player log over 40 mins again and selected to all star games and all NBA 1st teams."
the no-fun answer is that everbody is a role player to some degree, even the #1 guy.
the fun answer is that shaq's "supporting cast" included kobe bryant. i'll concede that after the 1st championship, the team became more shaq and kobe's team, but it was still shaq's team. fair?
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 05:49 PM