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.
derek
"Before I comment on the above post, let it be known that it is impossible to compare generation to generation in the NBA."
agreed, but it's fun as hell speculating about it.
"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?"
you're absolutely right. my point is that back in the day, the hard stuff was each and every play. i remember whenever someone began to get it going, i knew hard foul was coming up soon. it was actually quite fun to watch. remember those Miami-Knick battles. How about, Kurt Thomas throwing the ball at shaq?
"CORRECT ME IF IM WRONG, but didn't MJ have just as many (if not more) 40pt games than Kobe?"
difference is, MJ did it enroute to 6 championships as the #1 guy without blaming anybody for his shortcomings and being a general a$$hole to teammates even if he biatch slapped some of the fellas around. at least guys were lining up to play with jordan? CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, where are the guys lining up to play with kobe? i know, it's FO's fault. it's always someone else's fault with kobe.
"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."
old man alert? i starting being a laker fan in 1987 when Jordan was in his 3rd year. do i qualify to have an opinion??
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 05:58 PM
tao
"our leader... SQUEALED like a little girl and is now busy pouting in the corner of the room, refusing to talk to anyone..."
LOL. damn, i crapped my pants laughing so hard.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 06:01 PM
kobe apologist
"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."
you're asbolutely right, Jordan won 6 rings as the #1 guy....oh, let's not forget the 6 finals MVP awards.
let's see kobe's "head and shoulders" above the competition. 3 years of mediocrity as the #1 guy and 2 scoring titles. i know, shaq stole kobe's finals MVP awards [note the plurality], but at least kobe fought like hell to win the 2004 finals MVP award.........to bad kobe was fighting with his teammates and coach. what was PJ's word to describe kobe...."warfare". don't blame me (the messenger), blame PJ (the message), he put it in his book. As Rick Friedman, he owns the book.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 06:06 PM
TO KOBE LOVERS WHO "THINK" KOBE IS AT JORDAN'S LEVEL...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jordan
Read them and weep chumps...
Jordan's individual accolades and accomplishments include five NBA MVP (Most Valuable Player) awards, ten All-NBA First Team designations, nine All-Defensive First Team honors, fourteen NBA All-Star Game appearances and three All-Star MVPs, ten scoring titles, three steals titles, six NBA Finals MVP awards, and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award. He holds the NBA record for highest career regular season scoring average with 30.1 points per game, as well as averaging a record 33.4 points per game in the playoffs.
man, i read this again, and kobe's a chump compared to King Jordan. Prince Lebron may some day take over, but Court Jester Bryant will have to wait for leftovers.
Posted by: KLBeast | August 14, 2007 at 06:11 PM
A real leader wouldn't have let any of his teammates get injured. No, sir, a real leader would keep everyone healthy all season long. And eating right, and getting the proper amount of rest. ANd everyone on the team would get their homework done every night, BEFORE they watched any TV!
Yep, that's what Kobe would do if he was a real leader.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 14, 2007 at 06:18 PM
The Lake-Show,
Hey, please don't misunderstand me on the Brian Cook/Juwan Howard controversy. I don't want either of those guys on my Laker team. Juwan is too old and Cook is ....... well, too slow, non-athletic, and in general too lazy to suit me. However, I do think there are times when Cook can be effective for the Lakers, but I would rather use him in a trade. Other teams might find him more attractive than we do.
If any player has size, quickness and is athletic, he can be taught to flow in the offense, shoot at a decent percentage and to play good defense. If we're going to have role players off the bench like Cook and Sasha, I think we're wasting our time. We need good young prospects with upside potential. I think we've seen the best of what both of them have to offer, at least in PJ's offenseive scheme of things.
Posted by: LakerLarry | August 14, 2007 at 06:19 PM
What kind of value could the Lakers get for Kobe?
Part 1: New York & Atlanta
Atlanta has an all-star shooting guard, an abundance of forwards, and a
glut of so-so point guards, but they could use a good veteran center. Curry
would be a perfect fit.
---------
First a side deal: Lakers send Brian Cook to New York for a trade exception. The Knicks
will be sending out several players for Kobe, so giving them Cook for nothing helps even
out the number of players.
---------
The main deal:
+Lakers send Kobe to New York
+New York sends Eddy Curry to Atlanta
+New York sends the following to the Lakers:
+++David Lee, Renaldo Balkman, and Fred Jones
+++2 first round draft picks,
+++sign and trade Demetrius Nichols
Lee and Balkman are the good young players for the Lakers to keep. Jones is an expiring
contract to match salary. Demetrius Nichols is a talented SF draftee of the Knicks who hasn't
signed yet. He's a second rounder, so they have a lot of flexibility about what he gets paid.
To balance the salaries, he'd need to make a little over a million for the first year. Since he
has some promise, the contract should be something like $1,100,000 for the first year, then
two years at 1 million each, with a team option on each year. If he works out, the Lakers can
keep him cheap for a couple of years and then have Bird rights. If he doesn't work out, he's
an expiring contract.
+Atlanta sends Al Horford and Josh Childress to the Lakers
[variants - Marvin Williams instead of Horford, Tyronn Lue instead of Childress, etc.]
Why it works for Atlanta -
Their so-so starting center (Pachulia) is now a good backup center to a good
starting center (Curry). Also, they still have Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams
at power forward, plus Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Acie Law, and several decent role
players -- their starting lineup of Law - Johnson - Smith - Williams - Curry is
very solid.
--------
What do the Lakers look like after the trade:
C - Bynum, Brown, Mihm
PF - Horford, Lee, Balkman, Turiaf
SF - Odom, Walton, Nichols, Radmanovic
SG - Childress, Evans, Vujacic, Jones
PG - Fisher, Farmar, Crittendon, Karl
They're kinda loaded up - 19 players and they'd have to be down to 15 by the
start of the season! Never fear. For argument's sake, lets assume they could
dump off several players without paying all of them off. I'll detail specifics
in a separate post, but let's say that narrows it down to these players that
the Lakers would actually have to pay next season:
C - Bynum, Brown, Mihm
PF - Horford, Lee, Balkman
SF - Odom, Walton, Radmanovic
SG - Childress, Evans, Vujacic, Jones
PG - Fisher, Farmar, Crittendon
At that point, Vujacic and Jones would be duking it out in training camp to see
who's the last cut and who's the last player on the bench.
Before doing the trade, total salary for 2007-2008 = about $70,000,000 *
* - I don't have exact salary figures for Fisher or Turiaf, so all the total salary
figures are estimates, but probably within a half million or so.
After doing the trade, and the subsequent reduction of players,
total salary of the listed players for 2007-2008 = about $57,000,000
Thus the initial benefit is that they save about 13 million dollars in the first year.
Not only does this get them out of paying luxury tax money, it also means they'd get
the luxury tax rebate thing, so effectively it's a savings of over 15 million for
the first year.
In terms of skill at positions, they're the same at center and point guard as before
the trade. The influx of three talented young power forwards means Odom can move
to small forward, and Walton can become the 6th man. So you should have
improvements at both of the forward positions. Shooting guard is a huge drop off,
no doubt, but Childress and Evans should be able to hold down the position. The
overall depth of the team is better, though the team is even younger than the young
team they had last year.
For the 07-08 season, I'd place them in about the same position as they'd be with
the Kobe team (most likely in the 6-8 seed range) but with more potential to move
up in subsequent years as the young players gained experience.
------ next summer ---
Assuming the Lakers don't trade off any of their expiring contracts around the
trade deadline, next summer their situation would be this:
Players still under contract:
C - Bynum
PF - Horford, Lee, Balkman
SF - Odom, Walton, Radmanovic
SG -
PG - Fisher, Farmar, Crittendon
restricted free agents: Childress & Vujacic (if they kept him)
unrestricted free agents: Mihm, Kwame, Evans
Their total salary (excluding qualifying offers) = about $42,000,000
That would give them in the neighborhood of 15 million in cap space, if they chose
to waive their rights to re-sign Childress &/or Vujacic. All five of their free
agents would qualify as Bird or Early Bird candidates - so if they signed one
big free agent (e.g. Gilbert Arenas) for the full 15 million, they could still
re-sign any of the 5 free agents, but they'd all be unrestricted so they could
go anywhere they wanted.
If they decided to re-sign Childress, then the qualifying offer for him would
take up almost 5 million in cap space, but they'd still have about 10 million
in cap space to bring in a free agent, and they could match any offer for Childress.
---- summer of 2009 ---
Ignoring any free agents brought in, players re-signed, or draftees hired, here's
who the Lakers would still have under contract for the 2009-2010 season:
C -
PF - Horford, Balkman
SF - Walton, Radmanovic
SG -
PG - Fisher, Farmar, Crittendon
restricted free agents: Bynum, Lee
unrestricted free agent: Odom
At that point, presumably the Lakers would have decided whether Bynum was their
center of the future or not, and it would be time to fish or cut bait. Similarly,
if the team (with any free agents added in 2008) hadn't moved up in the pecking
order, then it may be time to let Lee &/or Odom go and bring in some fresh talent
as well. So this season would likely either be big-resignings or the next corner
to be turned.
Note that Odom, though unrestricted in 2009, would qualify for a Bird exclusion,
so the Lakers could pay them anything up to a max contract even if they were over
the salary cap at that point.
Oh, and the total salary for the remaining 7 players under contract (not counting any
free agents or draft picks signed in 2008) would be about $26 million.
-------
As a last little fantasy twist, I'll imagine that the Lakers were able to lure Gilbert Arenas
to Los Angeles in summer of 2008, keep Childress, and bring in Marc Gasol as a backup
center. Then the team for the 2008-2009 season might look like:
C - Bynum, Marc Gasol
PF - Horford, Lee, Balkman
SF - Odom, Walton, Radmanovic
SG - Arenas, Childress
PG - Farmar, Crittendon, Fisher
That could be a very very good team.
----
Variants on the deal: numerous.
New York and Atlanta each have several other players that might be decent substitutions
for some of the players in the deal.
For New York - Wilson Chandler, Nate Robinson, Mardy Collins, Randolph Morris,
and Dan Dickau would all be possibilites.
For Atlanta - Marvin Williams, Tyronn Lue, Lorenzen Wright, Shelden Williams,
Anthony Johnson, Salim Stoudamire, and Solomon Jones could all be pieces.
If they were really slick, the Lakers could try to get Josh Smith for Curry, though
that's more unrealistic.
A lot of it would come down to what players the Lakers felt would best fit their system
and what players they could get that could be traded off to other teams either for
trade exceptions or in N-for-1 trades to bring in a better player.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 14, 2007 at 06:22 PM
JJ,
What you said about Kobe, Bonds and Tiger is exactly on point. I couldn't have said it better myself. Let us not forget about others in team sports who chase records and are celebrated for it. Like LT in Football (that single-season touchdown record is pretty impressive). Gretsky in Hockey. The list goes on.
I think the complaint is just a way to justify hate. What I have always fallen back on is this simple fact. Kobe, I believe is one of only two players whose team has a winning record when he goes off for 50+ points. The other is Wilt. And, I believe that he is the winningest (by percentage) 40+ point scorer. If Kobe's exploits lead to wins, then why does everyone complain so much?
I think last year might have tarnished those results some because of the dismal record the Lakers had. But, the Lakers win when Kobe scores. Not even Jordan can say that. His record is his high scoring games is terrible. To me that means that Kobe only goes off when needed, and that he goes off enough to actually affect the outcome and not to just pad his stats.
Remember, Kobe agreed to leave the game when he was outscoring the Mavs after three quarters. The Lakers needed Kobe to score that 81 points he did. Not even Wilt can say that about his 100 point game. Kobe is a winner. If his teammates can't follow that lead, that makes them whiners.
Oh, well. Whatever.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | August 14, 2007 at 06:28 PM
How to get rid of extra contracts from a 5-for-1 trade for Kobe.
The Lakers already have 15 players under contract for 2007-2008. Thus any
extra players they get back in a trade for Kobe means players that have to
be waived or traded before the start of the season (or immediately if the Kobe
trade is done during the season).
Thus, assuming the Lakers do a New York 3-way, they would want to prepare
for dealing with the extra players before they complete the deal. Here
are a couple of things they could do with extra contracts:
1. Waive Coby Karl. His contract is not guaranteed.
2. Send players they don't want to New York (I'm thinking Radmanovic, Cook,
and Vujacic) :
a. If the trade is for Zach Randolph, then any one of those three could be absorbed
in the trade without adding a bunch of players in the return.
b. Cook or Vujacic could be rolled into a deal involving Curry by having New York
include signing and trading Demetrius Nichols as part of the deal. They could give
him a first year salary of 3 million, and then team option salaries of 1 million for a
second and third year.
c. Trade for New York's trade exception -- the Lakers could trade them Vujacic or
(more likely) Cook for the trade exception and nothing else. That helps balance out
the number of players in the Kobe deal without being directly in the Kobe deal. In
fact, they could trade Coby Karl for more of the trade exception as well, if New York
wants Karl.
3. Send extra players to teams with trade exceptions in exchange for future draft picks.
Basically, I'd play it like this: pre work out a deal with New York and the third team where
what New York agrees to is Curry or Randolph plus any three from {Robinson, Balkman,
Chandler, Lee, Collins, Morris} plus Jones and/or Dikau for expiring contracts. But before
they execute the deal, talk to all the teams in the league that have trade exceptions:
Boston - 1,080,480
Cleveland - 2,091,480 & 664,209
Dallas - 2,640,000
Denver - 2,950,000
Detroit - 1,037,280
Golden State - 9,999,999 & 2,137,200
Houston - 744,551
Indiana - 4,000,000
Minnesota - 3,078,453 & 650,000
New Jersey - 3,600,000
Philadelphia - 744,551 & 1,410,709
Phoenix - 8.091,189 & 2,900,000
Seattle - 1,756,090 & 1,259,460
Toronto - 555,000
Then I'd ask them if they want any of the optional Knicks {Robinson, Balkman, etc.}
or any Lakers for part of their trade exception plus future draft pick[s]. I'm
sure you could find a team that would trade a pick for an inexpensive backup
PG (Robinson) or PF (Turiaf). Shoot for the best deal they can - get a first rounder
or at least a second rounder from a bad team.
4. Phoenix: Reportedly the Suns were trying to trade Shawn Marion for Lamar Odom.
Reopen those trade talks, but try to make it Lamar + 1 or 2 of the good cheap young
Knicks for Marion + Atlanta's 2008 unprotected first round draft pick.
5. Golden State: Several possibilities here. They rarely played Sarunas
Jasikevicius. The Lakers could offer two of the young Knicks for him. He's
4 million dollars of expiring contract, and a shooting PG who might fit better
in the Laker's triangle than Golden State's run & gun. Another possibility is
Al Harrington. He got a bit more play than Jasikevicius, but wasn't really
part of Don Nelson's core group. Golden state also has a BIG trade exception,
so if they were interested, they could take on Kwame's 9 million (though it
would put them in luxury tax territory.
6. Milwaukee: Perhaps the Lakers could tempt them with some combination of
young players to trade for Yi (Yi's sign and trade value would be in the
range of 2,750,000 - so 2 or 3 young cheap players might sway them)
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 14, 2007 at 06:33 PM
Oh, wait a cotton picking minute!
Kobe DID talk to Luke. And he assured Luke that if he (Kobe) is in camp this season that he would be 100% ready to go to war with his current teammates. Kobe has talked to Luke before just in this fashion. Kobe considers Luke a fellow warrior and he has great respect for his game. Remember, Kobe was specific to praise exactly two people at the end of the season; Luke and LO. So, Luke has his contract, and he has a feeling of faith coming from Kobe. Plus Kobe called Luke in the offseason.
You guys are terrible. Kobe has pro'lly contacted more people that he wants to now that things look like they have settled into what they are going to be. We know he talked to Drew and apologized. Don't really know how Drew took it, we'll find out, though. As a man, it would cause me to prove Kobe wrong by having a fantastic break-out season. For most men, being called out IS motivation. However, Drew is a kid, and we'll have to wait and see.
LO knows Kobe digs his game as well. I honestly could care less if Kwame gets it or not. He's and idiot. He shouldn't have to be told to work on catching the ball. He shouldn't have to be told to work on his FT. Heck, if I were Kobe, I pro'lly would have taken Kwamer out back and put him down and just moved on.
Who else is there? Oh, wait, Mihm said on the radio as well that he did talk to Kob. Do I have to dig these podcasts up for you guys? This interview is really old, as AK has said, and things could have changed. Put your reading glasses on, people.
whatever.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | August 14, 2007 at 06:40 PM
KL,
I know you’re trying to “bring balance to the force”, but there’s not that many posts from “kobe lovers” in order to have SO MANY posts from you... And I’m getting tired of all the Shaq references (leave him be in Miami) and MJ-Kobe comparisons, not just from you, but from other posters as well... we must move on.
Posted by: CLeon | August 14, 2007 at 06:58 PM
long time laker fan
I have also thought of Atalnta as the 3rd team in a Kobe trade with NY. There is an interesting situation brewiing there. Atlanta has up to this point refused to extend Josh Smith. He is a breast. Why not extend him in a sign and trade. Curry would go to the Hawks and Smith to the Lakers. Josh Smith is the real deal and only 22yrs old. He could actually be a piece that would almost give us fair value.
Mh
Posted by: michael h | August 14, 2007 at 07:07 PM
He's a player who I appreciated because of overall hustle, and impact performances.
This year he is seasoned in one year and I hope he will be able to contribute even better.
Posted by: lakerscore | August 14, 2007 at 07:15 PM
KL,
ONE OF THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF MY LIFE SEEING THE A$$HOLE BEING PUT IN HIS PLACE.
Okay pal, now you've gone too far. You've stepped over the line. To say that the Suns, and Raja Bell no less, gave you "one of the happiest days of your life" by putting "A LAKER" , "A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM" on the floor, is just plain wrong. It's not just wrong, IT"S CRIMINAL. It is a felony in Laker-land.
KL, You stand before this blog accused of a felonious verbal assault against "ALL" Laker fans. You have no defense as your guilt is clearly displayed in your prior post. Therefore, it is the judgement of this blog that you are guilty as charged.
KL Beastie, Having been found guilty of felonious verbal assault against "ALL" Laker fans, it is the sentence of this Blog that you MUST spend the next 2 days, August 15th & 16th, praising Kobe Bryant and all other Laker players. You may not make disparaging remarks regarding Kobe, or any other Laker.
PS: This verdict is final. There is no appeal process in cases such as this.
Posted by: LakerLarry | August 14, 2007 at 07:20 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. "
Welcome blog. I think that message comes as great disrespect to Magic.
I truly don't think Kobe would have been scoring 40points regularly as he has during that era. Do you actually think Magic would have let Kobe control the ball as much as he does today?
Kobe would have been a role player like Byron Scott. Magic would have been driving the whole team. That's my opinion
Posted by: 1st Round | August 14, 2007 at 07:22 PM
somebody posted that Correy Maggette for Kwame Brown was on the table? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I pull that deal right now! One phone call, no physical, no nothing, just YES! YES! YES! and AFTER the deal, I make first contact with Maggette...
so... it must be fake... LOL! God, that would be fantastic though, we could put him at SF:
PG: Fish/Farm/Crit
SG: Kobe/Mo/Sasha
SF: Maggette/Walton/Vlad Rad - who gets traded at the trade deadline
PF: Odom/Turiaf/ Brian Cook...
C: Bynum/Mihm/ Kwame on injured reserve until we can showcase him and TRADE his valuable contract for somebody interesting
Posted by: TaosHum | August 14, 2007 at 07:25 PM
The AP is reporting ex-ref Tim Donaghy will plead guilty to betting on games on Wednesday.
The story also says Donaghy was rated in the top tier of officials and that no other NBA officials or players were expected to be involved in the scandal.
Considering that we know that there were games where Donaghy made an inordinately high number of foul calls and had a bad temper, how could he possibly be rated in the top tier of officials?
It seems inconceivable that Donaghy's activity aroused no suspicions among fellow refs or league officials. David Stern is an absolute master of damage control, but I'll always be suspicious that there's been a whitewash. It may not be fair, but even though Donaghy is taking the fall, I'll be watching referee calls with a jaundiced eye from here on.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 14, 2007 at 07:27 PM
Derek,
"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. "
Yeah since when were the Mavericks the Bad Boys??? OOOh im scared the Mavericks are going to get physical.
Youre another joke on this blog. You want to compare the Bad Boy Pistons whom Jordan used to get clobbered by, to the Dallas Mavericks??? ARE YOU FIGGIN KIDDING ME????!?!?!?! Oh wait watch out Kobe, dont go in the lane, here comes DIrk Nowitiki...no no trust me thats not Bill Lambeir in the lane..thats the Dirk Master!!!!
And then you go on to self refute yourself. Howard got a flagrant foul and another one would have resulted in a suspension and an ejection for any other player on the team and probably a suspension for them too. None of those NBA players want to get suspended and lose their $500,000K so of course Kobe knows that nothing would happen to him..
Thats a HORRIBLE COMPARISON
Posted by: The Lake-Show | August 14, 2007 at 07:29 PM
KL -
"please admit that i'm not just nonsensical, but rather whimsical and personable too?"
Whimsical, maybe....
personable?.....dude, you're stretching it! Like I said before a couple of weeks ago, if we (all us bloggers) were in the same room together, would we still talk like this?
Would your schtick be tolerated as much?...
As long as you balance your comments with OTHER THINGS TO TALK ABOUT BESIDES THE USUAL FU-KOBE CRAP (you have shown in the past you can)
I, and even a larger part of this blog can grow to respect you.
respectfully...
hubbit
Posted by: hubbit | August 14, 2007 at 07:31 PM
ALL HAIL BRIAN COOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRIAN COOK IS OUR KING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE NEXT LAKER SUPERSTAR: BRIAN COOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Quotes from Weave-Man which got me busted at work for laughing so hard.
"When building a contending team, you need role players that can take away your weaknesses. Cook does that for them"
"I'm not saying Cook is the missing piece to their championship puzzle, but he could HELP them get closer"
"if I remember right, Karl himself said he was looking for a big man with a jumpshot."
"PS: I think Cook is a decent player, and wouldn't mind keeping him"
Damn, guys who knew??? Try this new lineup
C Bynum
PF Cook
SF Walton
SG Kobe
PG Fisher
daaaaaaaaayyyummm.... NBA FINALS 2008!!!!
Posted by: The Lake-Show | August 14, 2007 at 07:34 PM
Rick Friedman,
We need guys who bleed Purple & Gold and are inner-directed to be champions. Not guys who say, "PAY ME".
Rick, It's really not fair to say that. This is their job, period. Long gone are the days of loyalty, go team go, fight, fight, fight. It wouldn't be any different if you worked at McDonalds, and really, really liked their burgers. If Burger King offered you a couple bucks an hour more pay, you'd leave. Why, because it's your job and you want the money. Luke Walton now knows he has a 6 year guaranteed contract to play in the NBA, not necessarily for the Lakers, but in the NBA. Luke is now free to take more of a leadership role if he chooses. He can say things to Kobe, for instance, that he might not have said before, for fear of his position on the team.
I like Mo Evans and hope he remains a Laker beyond this year. I think we'll see a much improved Mo this year.
Posted by: LakerLarry | August 14, 2007 at 07:41 PM
KL Beast,
"difference is, MJ did it enroute to 6 championships as the #1 guy without blaming anybody for his shortcomings and being a general a$$hole to teammates even if he biatch slapped some of the fellas around. at least guys were lining up to play with jordan? CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, where are the guys lining up to play with kobe? i know, it's FO's fault. it's always someone else's fault with kobe."
I wasn't comparing the two when I asked if Jordan had as many or more 40 pt games. I was implying that Jordan had many games over 40 pts and he didn't get clobbered and knocked down to the floor every time he touched the ball after hitting 40.
Why? Because nobody could catch him, and when they did, Jordan had the great footwork to get by and get up a shot with defenders hanging all over him. Point is, same thing goes for Kobe. Nobody can stay with him and when they can, he beats them with X (insert anything from multiple pump fakes, head fakes, ball fakes, up-and-under moves, the list goes on).
It's a fact that Kobe has the meanest and most moves in the game. I've seen it with my two eyes, just as you have, just as every player/coach in the NBA has. I think we can both agree on this.
Hey, I never said you couldn't have an opinion. I've never said that to anybody in all my years. I'm a firm believer in EVERYBODY having a right to not only have their own opinion but be able to express it also. But if you are being honest with me and you've been a Laker fan since '87, I'm sure you've heard people spewing BS out their mouths about past generations of basketball when they never even watched the old greats dribble a basketball (spare some youtube highlights or espn classic).
I have nothing against any player in the NBA because they have all worked their tail off to get where they are at and I can at least respect that about them all. I'm not a "Kobe Lover", I'm a Laker LOVER. However, Kobe's the best player at both ends of the court in the game, and I will tell you I am DAMN happy he's on our side as long as it lasts. Can't you respect what he brings to the table for our team? He avg'd more assists than any other SG in the league (spare t-mac, but Kobe avg'd roughly 7 more pts per game). He brings 100% to the court every night and goes after the other teams throats.
I've come to understand that when you have Kobe on your team, as long as you have at least SOME talent on the floor with him, you *ALWAYS* have a chance to win the ballgame, especially if you can keep it close until the end. Thats the luxury of having a guy like Kobe on your side. Screw all the other off-court shit. I pay little attention to it unless it affects his performance on the court. When he had all those court dates, he still showed up to play basketball and was damn good on those nights.
I don't know if you try to pull of a little gimmick on this board (maybe you really do like Kobe), but I can guarantee you one thing. If you would relax, come to respect Kobe on the court while he's still prime, it's a lot more enjoyable to watch (when we win*). It's not all about Kobe, it's about the Lakers winning. If Kobe scores 60 and we win, NICE. If he has a horrible shooting night and we win, NICE.
I have a good feeling about this coming season. If healthy, I believe we can compete with anybody. Maybe not on paper, but we have intangibles that other teams might not have. I think we have a solid playoff team and we're going to surprise alot of people just as we did in the beginning of 06 when the ballclub was healthy.
I also commend you for being mature enough to have a civil conversation on a blog. I don't post nearly as often as I used to because of this very reason.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: derek | August 14, 2007 at 07:44 PM
For all of you comparing Generations think of this:
Today's players are more athletic: faster, stronger, jump higher, dunk more, more nasty dribbles
Jordan would not have had the athletic edge he had all those years. Back then there was Nique, and Magic run a quick point, and there were a few other guys, but nobody doing what they do today.
But secondly, while there were less amazing players, there were waaaaaay better teams. The Knicks, Jazz, Rockets, Pacers, Magic of the mid 90s would have all won NBA Titles if not for MJ. The Blazers and Suns also might have won titles in the early 90s. But MJ practically single-handedly whooped them all. I mean MJ's supporting cast was awful. Scottie proved to everyone that once MJ and him split he was nothing. Even that one year that they went to the playoffs (95) a lot had to do with a weak conference and guys like BJ Armstrong coming up.
The next year the Bulls were on the playoff bubble but were restored when Michael came in.
Now Kobe's teammates are not better than Jordan's, but the desparity isnt that much. Skill wise, there wasnt much going on with those Bulls.
What does that mean?
Because when you guys compare generations, its wrong not because you're right and everyone else is wrong, but some of you guys like to pick and chose certain qualities of players and teams. Like comparing MJ and Kobe. MJ with titles or no titles? MJ before his dad was killed or after? Kobe now or Kobe then??
So much was different. Early on MJ was the high flying act. As he got into the championships he became a defender. As he got older the second time around, his defense wasnt so great because he got slower, but his shooting was better.
But to merely say Kobe was better, or MJ was better by picking and choosing is wrong. So the only way you can decide who was better is by looking at the hardware.
Jordan has 6 against really good teams (Blazers, Suns, Jazz)
Kobe as a very very good sideick has 3 against bad teams (Nets, Sixers)
Posted by: The Lake-Show | August 14, 2007 at 07:49 PM
and before anybody notices or cares, yes, I had Kwame in the lineup AFTER I traded him for Maggette but... who can blame me? I got so excited what with that rumor and then the ballgrabber Reggie Evans posts and the Kobe squealing like the little girl with the curls, oh wait! that one is true! he DID squeal like a little Orphan Annie when things didn't go his way. Kobe needs a red wig! Then he could stomp his feet and say, "I wanted to lead a crew of ALLSTARS, not solid NBA players! We should have an ALLSTAR at every position and then people could talk about my leadership skills! How am I supposed to lead mere mortals?"
Oh... it's been a busy day... a busy day...
Posted by: TaosHum | August 14, 2007 at 07:57 PM
LongTime,
I think you have too much time on your hands. Why not try a 28 team round-robin trade for Kobe, so we wind up with LBJ or D Wade. Now, that should send your trade machine into absolute meltdown!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 14, 2007 at 07:59 PM
The Lake-Show,
"Yeah since when were the Mavericks the Bad Boys??? OOOh im scared the Mavericks are going to get physical.
Youre another joke on this blog. You want to compare the Bad Boy Pistons whom Jordan used to get clobbered by, to the Dallas Mavericks??? ARE YOU FIGGIN KIDDING ME????!?!?!?! Oh wait watch out Kobe, dont go in the lane, here comes DIrk Nowitiki...no no trust me thats not Bill Lambeir in the lane..thats the Dirk Master!!!!"
I would usually ignore your ignorant kind, but hey, since you made it so easy I couldn't resist.
LOL. Sorry had to laugh one, LOL, ok maybe two more times.
So, since when does it make a difference if Bill Laimbeer* or Josh Howard clotheslines you in midair? Does that NOT send the same message (if you come in here, im gonna knock ya down)? Laughing out loud at your teeny-bopper logic.
So Jordan used to get "clobbered" by the Bad Boys. HMMMMM... Thats funny. I remember watching those games and Jordan (spare a couple times) NEVER got clotheslined in midair. Why? I've already explained this to KL Beast.
BECAUSE YOU CANNOT STOP A PLAYER OF MJ's (or Kobe's) CALIBER.
You aren't fooling anybody but yourself on this one kiddo.
What's funny is you have to resort to name-calling and taking shots at somebody you've never even seen or talked to. Is that how you handle situations? If so, don't look for a response out of me again. You've already wasted 4 minutes out of my life. But hey! Maybe I just changed your life, maybe I just explained to you in teeny-bopper terms exactly how and why you are wrong.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: derek | August 14, 2007 at 08:01 PM
The Lake Show
"Jordan would not have had the athletic edge he had all those years"
Step away from the computer and put the crackpipe down. Jordan is Jordan and no matter if he's in this era or last era there's still no one who would have stopped him from doing the things he was doing back then. Even if he's in this era now.
Just look at Dwayne Wade. Although smaller than Jordan, he average a large amount of free throws during the game. The same can be said with Jordan. Everyone remembers the scoring but no one remembers how Jordan got those points. He attack the goal relentlessly. Average about 10-15 free throw attempts per game.
That's one thing I had hope Kobe would develop like Jordan and like what Wade does now. Instead of settling for jumpshots, attack the goal. That was the key. Jordan always knew when the game was on the line, how to get in the paint and get to the free throw line. Young guys these days still don't understand that concept.
Posted by: 1st Round | August 14, 2007 at 08:07 PM
TaosHum,
You suggested trading Kwame for Corey Maggette, but then you listed Kwame on the Lakers lineup after
the trade. Must I remind you that you can't have your cake-thrower and trade him too.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 14, 2007 at 08:08 PM
The Lake-Show,
"Today's players are more athletic: faster, stronger, jump higher, dunk more, more nasty dribbles"
Thanks. Now explain to me why there's a difference when Bill Laimbeer clotheslines somebody in midair, and when Josh Howard clotheslines somebody in midair. Hmmm?
"But to merely say Kobe was better, or MJ was better by picking and choosing is wrong. So the only way you can decide who was better is by looking at the hardware.
Jordan has 6 against really good teams (Blazers, Suns, Jazz)
Kobe as a very very good sideick has 3 against bad teams (Nets, Sixers)"
I just laughed at another one of your lame posts! If you keep making me laugh, I guess it isn't wasting my time. So here we go again.
Jordan = 6 titles entire career against really good teams
Kobe = 3 so far, against BETTER teams than Jordan faced
You really think the blazers, suns, jazz, sonics, magic, and knicks could have messed with the Spurs, Kings, or the Blazers from the Kobe-Shaq years? Not a chance. The Lakers had their battles to get to the Finals,and once they got to the finals it was CAKE. Why? Because they had just beat the best teams in the league (all in the west).
Once again, dont fool yourself.
Posted by: derek | August 14, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Being away in the blog is more an enjoyable moment especially on another hot day than joining in every posts. I read all the posts which is really "no news but pure speculations" it's entertaining, it's like visiting Nursery School where children fight on something that has no value, afterwards, they cry or get mad and say: "you hurt my feelings." haha!
Last year, it was like this but there were protagonists like Mike T vs Mitch where war of words were the weapons that dragged their relatives. This year, more new characters with never ending stories of the much-vaunted team, the Lakers and its cockeyed optimistic fans discussing how they're going to win with the help of the interpretations of ancient religions and superstitions as well. lol more!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 14, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Rick Friedman,
"I think you have too much time on your hands. Why not try a 28 team round-robin trade for Kobe, so we wind up with LBJ or D
Wade. Now, that should send your trade machine into absolute meltdown!"
---
Yes but that couldn't realistically happen. If the Lakers felt compelled to trade Kobe, the trade I suggested could.
It was balanced for each team, it satisfied the CBA, and while I can't say it improved the Lakers immediately,
it didn't make them much worse, and it did add several players with lots of potential (Horford, Lee, Childress,
Balkman). If Michael H is correct and Atlanta is balking at extending Josh Smith, then perhaps it could get the
Lakers Smith instead of Horford, which would make the deal even better.
By the way, before the draft I did work out a mega-deal with the Lakers sending out Kobe, Lamar, and Bynum
and ending up with a few good young players plus the #3 through #9 picks in the draft. :-) I wouldn't call
it a realistic deal, just a mathematical exercize for amusement. These Kobe trades I'll be proposing are meant
to be more realistic, and to explore what they mean beyond a simple list of names going out and coming in.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 14, 2007 at 08:19 PM
1st round,
"That's one thing I had hope Kobe would develop like Jordan and like what Wade does now. Instead of settling for jumpshots, attack the goal. "
------
And what alternate dimensional Kobe have you been watching? The Kobe in my universe attacks the goal regularly
and has averaged over 10 free throws per game for the last three seasons (about the same as Wade). The fact that
Kobe has a better outside shot than either Wade does or Jordan did is why he's a better offensive player than either
of them. I still think Jordan was better overall at this point, but Kobe still has a few seasons left to try to rectify
things. Wade will have to consistently produce at a high level for many years to even get in the same discussion
as Kobe and Michael.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 14, 2007 at 08:27 PM
the Lakers have more than enough height. Maybe too much.
but what the Lakers lack is quickness and speed.
And this will be a big factor in the coming season.
Why does the Lakers don't want speed and quickess?
Posted by: Lee | August 14, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Laker Larry,
Are you serious? "This is their job, period. Long gone are the days of loyalty, go team go, fight, fight, fight. It wouldn't be any different if you worked at McDonalds, and really, really liked their burgers. If Burger King offered you a couple bucks an hour more pay, you'd leave."
Do you really believe that storied franchises like the Yankees or the Lakers offer jobs akin the flipping burgers? Good luck telling that to George Steinbrenner.
I don't know about you, but I'm not going to devote three hours of my evening to watching a guy flip burgers. I'm certainly not going to shell out the kind of money it takes for good Lakers seats to watch players who care as much about their job as the teenager taking orders through the drive-through speaker box.
You can't convince me that LBJ, D-Wade, Steve Nash, or Tim Duncan play at their level for just a paycheck. They love the game. They love the competition. They love winning. They want championships. If you're on the roster of the LA Lakers, you've got to love the game and honor the uniform you're wearing.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 14, 2007 at 08:36 PM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE CHRONICLES OF SERGEANT KOBE: Part 12
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL BUSS: I've called you soldiers in here because I (hic) want some answers. I know some of you have had correspondence with Sergeant Kobe, and I need to know if he's told any of you that he's going to stay and fight... That way, I can stop indulging him (hic) and cancel our request for reinforcements. Whoever gives me (hic) the information I need will receive a purple and gold heart for bravery.
GENERAL KUPCHAK: Speak up, men... if you don’t reveal the truth, there will be serious consequences.
GENERAL BUSS: So, nobody wants to talk, eh? Private Walton... I know Sergeant Kobe has (hic) talked to you. What has he told you about his intentions?
PRIVATE WALTON: Nothing, sir. He hasn't said anything to me about whether or not he will defend the fort.
GENERAL BUSS: Liar! Send Private Walton to the stockade... How about you, Private Sasha... (hic) and I want the truth this time.
PRIVATE SASHA: I swear, he hasn't said a word to me!
GENERAL BUSS: Traitor! Twenty lashes for your insubordination... Odom, if you (hic) tell me what I want to hear, I might let you have some time with my lovely ladies...
PRIVATE ODOM: I haven't heard from him, sir. As far as I know, he still hasn't budged from his demand for more assistance.
GENERAL BUSS: So, even you refuse to be honest with me! For that, I am demoting you to the rank of Private...
PRIVATE ODOM: But sir, I'm already a pri --
GENERAL BUSS: Enough out of you! Private Kupchak, take these men out of my sight!
GENERAL KUPCHAK: General, I think they were telling the truth…
GENERAL BUSS: Are you willing to bet your life on it, Private? If I find out that Sergeant Kobe (hic) already told them that he will defend the fort, I’ll hang you at the gallows (hic) right next to him! Now go bring me my horse…
GENERAL KUPCHAK: Sir, I really don’t think you should be riding in your condition…
GENERAL BUSS: What are you (hic) talking about? I’m not as think as you drunk I am…
Posted by: hal9000 | August 14, 2007 at 08:36 PM
Slow August so far for our Lakers, thanks again Mitch.
Kobe is the BEST player in the NBA right now but I have to admit he needs social skills with his current team. I support his logic that he needs true help but his crying to the media did not help us get KG. Getting KG would have been amazing.
Colorado still loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | August 14, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Lee:
"Why does the Lakers don't want speed and quickess?"
Speed and quickness don't work well in the triangle offense.
Posted by: hal9000 | August 14, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Hal 9000 --- BRILLIANT!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 14, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Lake Show,
LOL!!!! You're pretty pathetic. You can't beat me, in an intelligent basketball conversation with facts so you resort to childish remarks, and what you call comedy. Before you get too tight, ask yourself a question. "Do I have anyway of refuting what Weave says?" The answer is no!!!
"When building a contending team, you need role players that can take away your weaknesses. Cook does that for them"
"I'm not saying Cook is the missing piece to their championship puzzle, but he could HELP them get closer"
"if I remember right, Karl himself said he was looking for a big man with a jumpshot."
"PS: I think Cook is a decent player, and wouldn't mind keeping him"
When you can come up with a REAL argument against these comments that I posted then holla at me. Until then, i'd rather not waste my time with a childish poster who can't admit when he's wrong. LOL!!!! I"m almost mad at my self for wasting time on you.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 14, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Larry:
Glad to see you call out KL for his truly traitorous comments. Those comments show that KL obviously cares more about his issues with Kobe than whether or not the Lakers win. The comments are proof that he views everything through those myopic distorted Kobe-hating frames. It’s obvious he isn’t looking to cheer for the Lakers; he’s just here to boo Kobe.
Laker fans want good things to happen for their team. Kobe haters want bad things to happen to Kobe. They may be Lakers blog regulars but they aren’t really Laker fans down deep because the team doesn’t come before their hatred of Kobe. That’s always been true litmus to me of whether a blogger is or is not a Laker fan. It’s obvious from his comments that KL would prefer to see Kobe knocked down, regardless of sportsmanship or possibility of injury, than the Lakers win.
KL and his ilk have this illusion that Kobe is terrible accident waiting to happen and their only interest is in viewing the wreck like crazed NASCAR fans who don’t really care who wins. Were Kobe to be traded, they would still be here attacking him, even though he wouldn’t be on the team anymore. When they act like that, they’re not fans – just haters.
I have been trying my best to be civil to KL and keep the level of discussion at a respectful and intelligent level. I am very disappointed. Those comments are really treacherous and very un-PC in my book. You get the idea KL would jump up and down and cheer a season or career ending injury to Kobe before he realized that everybody was looking at him with pure disgust.
Way to go, KL. Thanks for showing your true colors. Why don’t you just disappear and wait for your next “defining” moment, probably an injury to Kobe or some misfortune to his family. You aren’t welcome anymore.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 14, 2007 at 09:00 PM
Rick Friedman,
Don't take my meaning out of context. I never insinuated that anyone would watch someone make burgers. You've missed the point. The burger guy works at his burger place because that's his job and "he" gets paid more by that burger company than any other. If another burger company offered him more money to wear their apron he'd be gone in a heart beat. And, if the burger guy left the company that you frequent, I doubt you'd leave and follow him to the next company just because he was the cook.
Even though all of us feel like we bleed purple and gold and we're fanatics about our team, most of the players don't feel that way. To them this is a job. Do you think LBJ, D-Wade, Steve Nash, or Tim Duncan would play any differently for any other team? No, they'd play exactly as they do now. Why? Because in the end this is just a job to them, playing for a team. Are some players more passionate and competitive about the way they perform their job? Yes, but very few.
Posted by: LakerLarry | August 14, 2007 at 09:28 PM
KL
Ok let me get this straight, Lakers are shocking the world, beating the suns in the playoffs and our best player is clotheslined by Bell and that made you happy? I mean, you were talking about hard fouls back in but dude a clotheline shot was never O.K with anyone. Those kind of shots can cripple. You had me fooled, I really thought that you were a laker fan with just a beef against Kobe but man.....
MH
Posted by: Michael H | August 14, 2007 at 09:29 PM
Laker Tom,
We all love you and you cheer us up with your positive attitude, but you are way too hard on KL. The Beast just loves to play with us and have a laugh or two. Haven't you watched the Comedy Central roast of Flavor Flave? There were more un-PC moments than you could even count and the insults never stopped coming. The targets of all the remarks were laughing their butts off.
There are all flavors of Laker fans and that's what makes the blog tick. I don't expect everyone to agree with my posts, and sometimes I'm confrontational to see what the response is.
There are plenty of Laker fans who question Kobe. My son won't even watch a Laker game as long as Kobe's on the team.
KL's posts are as essential to the blog as yours are. Sometimes he makes me laugh, sometimes he makes me cringe. But as I said, he's just playing with us most of the time. His beliefs are his beliefs, just as yours are and just as mine are.
So, c'mon Laker Tom. Live and let live.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 14, 2007 at 09:37 PM
Laker Larry,
You may be right. But I'm happier in denial.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 14, 2007 at 09:41 PM
dr buss should better let go of mitch right now or if he cannot do it he should also better sell the team.
Posted by: jonjay | August 14, 2007 at 09:49 PM
I like to think that Laker jersey inspires more than just a Hawks jersey. Time was it did...just ask James Worthy. He said it best when he said our team pales in comparison to the Lakers of old. Lakers who took pride, and didn't punk out on that jersey (night in and night out).
Posted by: Faith | August 14, 2007 at 09:54 PM
kobe haters are not the true laker fans...kobe=lakers
Posted by: jonjay | August 14, 2007 at 09:54 PM
Tom,
I'm really getting tired of the Kobe lover/hater debate. The facts are; Kobe is the best player in the NBA without question; Kobe is the Captain of this team; Kobe has demanded a trade and seems to have left little wiggle room to back down. Kobe has publicly berated his team.
Okay, so what's the problem with any of the above? Nothing. The only complaint I have is that he should have called out some of those guys last year, during the season, during games, during practice. I remember MJ spinning guys around during timeouts, eyes blazing, confronting them on the court and telling them to get their a$$ in gear and play the game. As Captain, Kobe needs to be a bit more proactive and not worry so much about image. Chew 'em out in public, when it happens, they'll remember and it won't happen again.
Here's the problem I do have with Kobe. You can't publicly rip your boss without some repercussions. For a bright guy, He was stupid, but I think he was stupid like a fox. He's forcing the issue of a trade, but trying to make it seem as if it's not really his fault. All for his image. I would really hate to see Kobe go, but I'm a realist. He no longer wants to be here and he is by far the biggest trading chip in the NBA. Some might argue others are more valuable, but none as valuable to a franchise in terms of $$$ as Kobe. This is a tough call for the FO and I don't envy them. I flip flop back and forth myself on whether to trade him or not. I definitely do not trade him this year. Let's play out the hand this year and see what happens.
Posted by: LakerLarry | August 14, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Has anybody checked the Heat blog site to see if Zakee moved there?
Smush Sucks HA HA HA
Posted by: LakerLarry | August 14, 2007 at 10:08 PM
Faith,
You're right. It used to be that way, or at least it seemed like it, but if you remember correctly, those good ole days didn't have free agency. It really isn't that there was more loyalty, the players couldn't move unless they got traded.
Posted by: LakerLarry | August 14, 2007 at 10:13 PM