Are you into it?

I am indifferent as well. I loved watching the real (first) dream team; however I do not really get into it either for some reason. Kobe and Kidd definitely seem to bring more intensity to the team than years past which at least makes it intriguing. The other US teams just did not seem to really care to be there all that much. They played like it was an NBA all star game.

Phantom

AK,
It's obviously because you are a Kobe-hater!

The sooner you acknowledge the problem to yourself, the sooner you can start to get better!

"I [Brand] am not trying to go all Kobe on the staff, but to be asked that question when all facts were (known)…was very disappointing to say the least."--Elton Brand

Kobe (kō'bē', -bā') Noun
A city of southern Honshu, Japan, on Osaka Bay south-southwest of Kyoto. A port and manufacturing center, it was almost entirely rebuilt after World War II. The city was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1995. Population: 1,530,000.

Kobe (ah-si-hoe) Verb
A talented, but egotistical, basketball player who doesn't know his head from his a$$. A person of little non-basketball intellect who commands a cult following known as LakerSeth, Kobe Apologist, gchild and other single celled organisms who can't think independently.

Phantom,

You don't understand now, but you will when it's over.......when it's over!

Its easy to get "geeked up" playing with this kind of talent. But playing with no hands Kwame....now thats something to get "GEEKED UP" about !

Question: Is Team USA an audition for Kobe?

AM570 (not the most trustworthy of sources) is reporting that Kobe's silence about his future is part of a deal he made with Mitch Kupchak. According to what AM570 describes as an informed source, Mitch told Kobe, he couldn't shop him if Kobe kept talking. No promises were made, but Mitch convinced Kobe to be silent while he silently shopped him.

If this is true, might Kobe be stepping it up a notch to be a good team-mate to convince other GMs that he wouldn't be a problem child. Would this even work?

AK and BK, can you guys get John Black to comment on this report?

Fellow bloggers, does any of this make sense to you, or do you think AM570 is full of s***?

AK,

I thought I was a basketball junkie and this Tournament of the Americas would really make me happy, so before the USA game last night I tried watching the Canada vs. Brazil game and couldn't get into it. So to answer your question, I could care less about this tournament.

I toggled back and forth between the game and "Day After Tomorrow" (Jake Gyllenhal has the same smile as my one-year old when he farts, I found this funny), with most of my time spent watching the movie.

I was interested to see Kobe play, especially at 20 pounds lighter. But seeing him actually care on defense made me more frustrated than anything so I stopped watching.

However, I do want to see how Kobe would react if USA does lose. That would be worth the price of admission.

I was previously indifferent, but where Kobe goes, I follow.

I am geeked to watch any team with Kobe. This includes the Lakers, the Western All-Star Team, and Team USA. But since the Lakers have no chance of winning the title as currently constructed (through no fault of Kobe's, might I add), I am MORE geeked to watch the West All-Stars and Team USA.

It also gives everyone a glimpse to how effective Kobe can be when he doesn't have to over-extend himself, like he is forced to do on the Lakers.
He plays defense, he assists, he rebounds, he scores, he sets players up for easy baskets, he moves without the ball.

Butch van Breda Kolff, who coached the Los Angeles Lakers to two NBA Finals appearances and coached Bill Bradley at Princeton, has died after a long illness.

Butch van Breda Kolff posted a 482-272 coaching record in 28 college seasons, and was 287-316 in 10 seasons as an NBA and ABA coach. He took six teams to the NCAA Tournament at a time when tournament berths were much more scarce, and won seven conference titles.

In the professional ranks, he coached the Los Angeles Lakers from 1967-69, twice taking them to the finals. He also coached the Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, the Memphis Tams of the ABA, the New Orleans Jazz and the New Orleans Pride of the Women's Basketball League.

As coach of the Lakers, he posted records of 52-30 and 55-27 with a team that included Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor. They lost to the Boston Celtics both times in the finals. He was fired after Chamberlain took himself out of the seventh game of the 1969 finals with an injury.

Replacement Mel Counts played so well that van Breda Kolff declined to put Chamberlain back in, but the Lakers ended up losing the title game.

(AP)

Kidd and Kobe were brilliant in subtle ways last night. Kobe was so effecient and smart with the ball - making plays only when they were available to him and so confident when he did...Kidd too, I mean did he shoot the ball once? Like other people have said, these are the two of most assured players in the league (Duncan is probablyt the other one) - and I think if they were in the same backcourt they would play so perfectlly together- crying shame ---

by the way two reports, one on 570 show, Money (who is not a bad radio guy, actually, pretty balanced and smart commentator on the Lakers) said last night, if anyone heard, that he was told by an extremely reliable source that the Kupchak told Kobe at thier meeting a couple months ago that the Lakers will try to trade him before training camp as long as he tones down his tyrades- they will be working all summer in finding the deal--

And then Chris Sheridan - good reporter- said on ESPN radio in New York, that who he's speaking to says a trade involving Kobe this summer is a "very strong possiblitiy" and that he's been told similir to what Money reported, that the Lakers have told Bryant they'll see if they can move him, which explains Kobe's cryptic stance since

AK,

I've always watched the Olypmics since I was a kid. My fav events are diving, swimming, basketball, boxing, gymnastics, track & field and cycling.

I do admit that I am very interested to see if America can recapture the goal with Jason Kidd and Kobe leading the team. So yes, both Kobe and Kidd have raised my level of interest.

Happy Birthday Kobe!

Let's how this team deals with Argentina, Lithuania, and Brazil. Granted it will be on a later date.

I like the Fiba games because it helps with the lag time till October when Preseason starts.

My worst fear is Kobe really wanting to leave now after re-experiencing what it's like to be with Veteran players and Talent who understand the game. If Kobe still wants to leave so be it. But I feel bad anticipating the what if after the FIBA games. (Whether Kobe will be traded or not)

What do you guys think about the signing of Adonal Foyle for 2 years at $1.4 million? I think we should have him for training camp intead of Larry Turner! Kwame and Chris Mihm's injuries are still uncertain....Kwame is a pussy-cat healer and Chicago-Phoenix-Boston-and Orlando didn't want to pick him up.....

Charles

I didn't feel a rush of exhilaration when Team USA won, and I don't really expect to either.

But watching the game, and the plays made filled me with basketball joy.

But yeah, that game was won too easily. The level of competition in the Americas tournament isn't very high. At least I wish Argentina was at full strength, but oh well.

I'm looking forward to the Olympics and seeing the greatness of our team tested.

I'm here listening to Jeannie Buss online and I can see why KB would want to be traded, I would to after hearing this crap she is spewing out. I know and undersatnd that you have to keep things behind closed doors but this is unbelievable. I wonder if she wasn't banging the coach and Jim Buss knew how to keep his nouth shut would things be bad????

Thats all- GO TEAM USA!!!!

Yeah it's quite ironic that AK does is not too enamored with USA ball when Kobe's playing but on to a more important note.

Did you see Kobe's defense last night?
I hope to God he brings that approach to the Lakers this yr cause if so and if those BUMS follow him and his WORK ETHIC then the team might truly be better.

You guys fall all over each other about and over Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, and Jordan Farmar but those guys and the rest need to follow KOBE's WORK ETHIC.

I think it's the most underated quality about the guy that the USA, Laker fans, and Kobe haters over look as everyone gushes over his talent.

He works hard as anyone in the history of sports. He's on a level working playing field with the Micheal Irvin's and other gym rats like Magic, Larry Bird, and Steve Nash.

Is it his fault that SOCKS, ODOM, and the rest of them don't follow his example?????????

I'd probably care less if Kobe wasn't in it, or if this was the usa team of old (you know the one that wins?). But now I feel like we have to get back what's ours...or at the very least not embarass ourselves. It's also refreshing to see some handchecking and physicality (I mean when they're not playing zone on us).

Incidentally did anyone see yesterday's game? Kobe on D was like inside that guy's jersey...now in the nba you can't do that much (damn you David Stern!) but I'm looking forward to Kob on D this season.

KL-

Actually, you should get your attributes right. Kobe's a smart dude, intellectual wise. He might not have enough wisdom when it comes to basketball and non-basketball, as in the case of the radio tour, but when it comes to being an intellectual, he's one of the smart ones- dude knows fluent italian, writes poetry, etc...

Sorry, that's the D&D geek in me. Had to call you on that :)

Hobbit, Apologist, Mamba 24/10 and other Kobe fans,

"Let us reconcile with the fact that the "haters" (TJ Simers, Gunner, KL, Laker Lover etc.) are illogical in their hate of Kobe. Trying to present facts to them is of no use. They ignore all of the facts and continue to spew nonsense about him based solely on their illogical hate for him. They are much like the people who still insist that Iraq was behind 9/11. It doesn’t matter how much evidence there is to the contrary, they will not be convinced. "

YOU GUYS ARE ALL SKEWED...EVEN MR> MAMBA the ultimate groupie singing happy birthday like a PSALM

KLBEAST may be a Kobe-Hater..but he does not represent everyone else.

I personally dont grovel at Kobe's feet, and that makes me a HATER??? WHAT KIND OF F*ED UP people are you guys? Just because we dont worship his every move, just because we care more about the organization than the star player you call everyone else a "kobe hater"

That is so freaking stupid. You guys act like the ground he walks on is holy... or he can walk on water..or somehow he's just some God-like perfect player human whatever.

GET OVER HIM. You guys all have some weird, creepy love fest on the guy.

have you heard this song by Eminem called "Stan"??? That's all of you in a nutshell.

"But for whatever reason, not happening. I don't know if it's because any familiarity with the athletes gets canceled out by this feeling almost like an All-Star competition to me. Obviously, the stakes are much more meaningful, but it still comes off more to me like a bunch of carefully assembled A-List ballers, as opposed to an actual team I'm organically connected to. "

I actually love to watch the OTHER teams from around the world, and over the past decade it has been fun to watch the development of the rest of the world in terms of basketball.

I think its actually silly that people get excited when the USA beats Venenzuela....I mean..didnt the United States INVENT the game? So shouldnt it be the best? So for everyone else to be highly compeitive in such a SHORT period of time is a real victory in itself.

But the FIBA tournament should be won by the United States and ANYTHING less is a complete failure. I mean no other team has NBA talent except Brazil and Argentina..and BOTH are without their stars. There's no Ginobili, Nocioni, Oberto, Nene, Varejao, Arujo.

And not to mention that none of those guys are superstars anyways.

If TEAM USA wins the whole thing I can already see people here on this blog crowning KOBE as the key to victory, EVEN THOUGH THE TEAM USA SELECT team could probably win it all. This tournament is highly irrelevant in terms of winning, but if they lose, then you really have to see what the issue is.

Kobe scoring on Venezuela???? ARE YOU KIDDING? The Hornets probably beat Venenzuela. Shoot, the Grizzlies probably beat Venezuela or the U.S. Virgin ISlands. PLEASE. THe FLORIDA GATORS, probably beat Venezuela.

Yeah, a Kidd-Kobe backcourt definitely makes it a bit more interesting.

But AK, I was wondering, did Andrew Bynum play in the summer league in Vegas this summer? If he didn't, why not? Is he considered too good now to spend time in vegas?

The summer is always a basketball drought. So any ball is like refreshing rain in the middle of the 90-100 degree SoCal weather.

I also like to think about Kupcake squirming in the big boy chair as he watches what could have been with Kidd and Kobe highlights.

RK

With the outcome expected, (and anything less unthinkable) you're left with NBA All Star quality basketball in August. Is there a downside to that?

RIP Dutch van Breda Kolff, Lakers 67-69.
Never saw him coach or play a game, only know what I read in the obit about him, but he took the purple and gold to the finals twice. That warrants a hi five to the sky.

Lakerbake,

"Yeah it's quite ironic that AK does is not too enamored with USA ball when Kobe's playing but on to a more important note."

How exactly is it ironic?

AK

On which AM570 show was the Kobe mitch suppossed agreement? Matt and Petros or the Loose Cannons. I don't trust any of those two: the kobe hater and the two kobe thumb suckers!

Holla Back Laker Nation!

Rick Friedman,

I have never heard anything on AM570 that was even remotely close to being true. They like to take major stabs in the dark and if they just happen to get lucky enough to make contact, SCORE!!!

I don't think I've listened to any of them in over six months. Hartman and Vic the Brick spend a few hours yelling gibberish, Joe McDonell is completely arrogant and doesn't know Jack, and I'm pretty sure Hacksaw reads trade proposals on the blog here and then reports them as rumors from "informed sources".

Sorry about going off, but you struck a nerve.

That being said, its a decent hypothesis. Kobe knows he wants out and he knows that the Lakers won't trade him unless they get a really good deal. If he speaks out again, the Lakers leverage drops and they just hold onto him until they HAVE to trade him. He benefits as much as the Lakers do if he shuts his mouth.

Who the hell is Larry Turner?

Don't we already have like five centers?

What the hell?

Urgh.

GO LAKERS!

God bless Butch van Breda Kolff. Rest in peace.

GO LAKERS!

Rick Friedman,

Just read a post after yours where Matt Smith made the Kobe comment. That is the one guy on the entire radio station that I like. I was so glad when the brought Petros in to pair with him and got rid of the other scrubs. Money is a smart, funny dude.

Hmmm, Kobe being traded rumors huh?

rick friedman

Hell yes it's an audition. Gotta touch up the profile after that June gloom. He's the man on a team that features a kid he had to watch get waxed in the finals. It's all good right now for 24, he looks like a team player on D while passing the rock. He needs a makeover even if he isn't being dealt this year. Mr Knight at Nike might like it that way as well.

Informed sources may be right which is why Kobe can't put things to rest and yet he still might not get traded. Nobody wants to give up enough. That could help with a Kobe attitude adjustment.

If he's here, he's da man, if not I hate him. It's not complicated and it won't be long now.

Gilzero,

Bynum didn't play in the SPL, nor did I expect him to. Most third year players don't, unless they've barely played up to that point. And honestly, I don't know what Summer Pro League would really "do" for Bynum. After playing 20+ minutes for 82 games against guys like Shaq, Duncan, Yao, Amare, etc., the competition in Vegas won't be enough of a challenge. Or shouldn't be, if nothing else. Bynum ought to be destroying these guys, so it's not really a big deal if he does, know what I mean? It doesn't really "prove" anything. And if for whatever reason he didn't, it would only lower any theoretical trade value he might have. So there's not much to be gained.

Bynum's been working all sumer in El Segundo and other spots. I think that's fine and appropriate.

AK

Kobe Apologist

"I was previously indifferent, but where Kobe goes, I follow."

you're a liar, but an honest one....does that make sense?

you were never "indifferent", you've always been a kobe a$$-muncher, but that's okay. i respect you for that because you're at least open about it.

speaking of openness, anything you care to share?

Jon K,

Larry Turner is just a body for camp, every team brings guys like that in. Marcus Douthwit ring a bell?

Hey, maybe we can make a list of guys we might get in a Kobe trade and you can do a bio-chrono reading thing on them. We'll figure out who would be best to bring in.

What a shocker.

Kobe wants out of L.A.

AM570 is talking about it right now.

Oh, and for all Lakers fans Kobe says "SIt Tight"

I love the game, and am sick of watching the Yankees(still love em though), so the FIBA games are a breath of fresh air. Only problem is.....THEY SHOW THE FRICKIN GAMES AT 11:00 AT NIGHT!!!!!! A brotha's got to work at 6:00am, and stayin up all night to watch the US beat up on scrub teams really isn't ALWAYS worth it. I need to get my rest now, so I can make up for all the sleep I lose watching the Lakers during the season.

As far as the Olympics go, I only care about Basketball, and Track and Field. I know everybody is doped up, but I miss the days when guys like Carl Lewis, and MIchael Johnson dominated the sport, and all they used was their god given talent. The winter Olympics are a waste of time.

AK/BK

Isn't it about time we hear what Phil Jackson has to say. I know early on he said he felt Kobe would be in a Laker's uniform, but lets get his current take on the situation. It's time for coach Phil to start lobbing mind bombs in Kobe's direction. Smoke him out, get him to respond. Enough of this "Sit Tight" nonsense.

I agree with the reports that Kobe is keeping silent in order to make a trade possible.

He's outta here either this year or next.

Will be interesting if he has to play for the Lakers this year. He won't like it, but it may actually help him, as he will be "auditioning" for other teams, as some of you have said.

As for Lake Show, I don't think your'e a Kobe Hater. That's reserved for the likes of KL and Gunner.

I'm not a Kobe Lover. I'm just objective. I don't worship Kobe, I just accept that he is the best basketball player in the league. I don't look at stats or accolades, I just go by what my eyes tell me. Obviously that's based on my intuition and experience, and I can respect if your eyes say something different, if I find your intuition and experience to be credible. My only "credit" is that I played High school varsity basketball, and that is not a boast in any way.

It's just tough to hear someone criticize and evaluate an NBA player and then see that same guy go and shoot a two handed knuckleball shot on the court. Sure, he/she has a right to an opinion, too, but I don't put as much weight on it. No, it doesn't make your opinion more valid if you played college ball, I'm just saying, there should be a minimum amount of basketball experience somewhere there to make and educated opinion on a player.

And yes, there are NBA players who don't think Kobe is the best. But there are a LOT who think he is.

Now, players aren't always the best judges of talent, but I do believe they have more respect for the skills and talent of NBA players, as well as the limitations that a team can place on one individual, albeit great, player. If you've ever had to carry a team in a pickup game, you get a micro-sense of what it must feel like to be Kobe, and the burden he must carry. This has nothing to do with egos, thinking you're better than you are, it's just tougher to be the best player on a bad team. I personally NOT want to be the best player all the time, I don't want to work that hard. It also means the team is not that good. But I do know that on some level, it takes a toll on you when you have to make up for the deficiencies of your teammates.

Arguing about Kobe hate/love is ridiculous. Find something better to do than argue about Kobe's supposed intentions/thoughts. No more speculation, no more ad libs... just move on. It's a waste of everyone's time, and it's completely irrelevant. You will never win or lose the battle.

I was very upset that Bynum did not play in SLP...I saw a lot of 3year and 4year players playing there. Even good players from the mav's played. I just hope he brings it this season. He has to show that he was worth not getting Kidd.

"Kobe (ah-si-hoe) Verb
A talented, but egotistical, basketball player "

KLYeast (the infection) once again shows that he's illiterate by REposting his definition that categorizes something as a
verb, and then goes on to define it with a definition that is clearly a noun.

Keep on hatin', yeast.

LT79 Laker Fan,

AM 570 only cares about the kobe "ratings". The geek, Matt Money Smith, started bringing that up yesterday just to have something "Kobe" to talk about. Mainly because their show sucks now after the initial "hype" and they need to keep the ratings up. I don't know about anyone else, but I think their show sucks. While it is an improvement over the Joe Grande/Money Combo, it still sucks. Mainly because they think they are all high and mighty now. Matt thinks he's funnier then he really is. He even grew a beard to try and cover up that original geekyness that he had. Well, sorry money, you still look like a geek.

There is a reason Petros didn't have a show anymore before he started this one. His sense of humor is getting old. Mainly his humor consists of yelling and making weird sound effects when someone is talking. It gets old. The PMS show sucks! The Cannons are the only show on 570 worth anything. They have the perfect mix and it never gets dull.

Again, the PMS show sucks! All they can talk about is Britney Spears and old 80's movies. Please 570, put a decent show on for the drive home!

kobe apologist

"I personally NOT want to be the best player all the time, I don't want to work that hard. It also means the team is not that good. But I do know that on some level, it takes a toll on you when you have to make up for the deficiencies of your teammates."

you're actually not as dumb as you look, but you're dead wrong to assert that you're not a kobe loyalist. you've said on numerous occasions that you'd favor kobe's success over the lakers success.....that's a kobe lover in my mind.

i'll pose another question to you, oh mightly one. perhaps kobe should have realize that being the "man" on a team is a tough job and not have been an a$$hole to shaq. you truly think it's FO's fault that nobody but JO wants to play with a malcontent kobe? it's kobe fault for putting his stupid legacy above winning championship with shaq. hell, even Walton senior made a comment yesterday that nobody wants to play with kobe...

AK,

I'm a huge Olympics fan. I'm not completely obsessive; I won't sit and watch two hours of
rowing or equestrian just because it's on, but I do like the track events, boxing, gymnastics,
swimming, and of course basketball.

When the Olympics were in LA in 1984, I bought a bunch of tickets and went to one or more
events every day. The security was all volunteers, so they weren't very strict, so I was able
to sneak into some good seats. I sat 3 rows behind the bench of the U.S. Men's Basketball
team including Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and Chris Mullin, among others. Fun stuff.

The Lake-Show,

You post stuff like "Just because we dont worship his every move, just because we care more about the organization than the star player you call everyone else a "kobe hater"

That is so freaking stupid. You guys act like the ground he walks on is holy... or he can walk on water..or somehow he's just some God-like perfect player human whatever.

GET OVER HIM. You guys all have some weird, creepy love fest on the guy."

You care about the organization? The playboy/dui owner? The dysfunctional son? the abysmal general manager? And you're calling other people weird and creepy?

Go buy a mirror!

jorema:

"Bill Walton was talking so much crap about Kobe that the guy announcing with him cut it off,
2 or 3 times.

I don't know why ESPN send Walton to a game that everybody is watching
Bill is obnoxious and comments as if he is bigger than the game. "

I didn't catch the game... What did Bill Walton say?

Bill Walton is a little over the top on accolades at times but what did he say about Kobe?

Hey KLBeast did you see my posts about Kobe and what would happen to us little people if we acted like he did to the boss?

long time

"KLYeast (the infection) once again shows that he's illiterate by REposting his definition that categorizes something as a verb, and then goes on to define it with a definition that is clearly a noun."

it was a joke.....

sincerely yours, KLYeast

I am a fan of the NBA and I am a fan of Kobe and many of the other players on the Olympic team so yes, I am very much interested in the Olympics. Plus, its the off season and any opportunity I have to watch NBA players play, I'll watch. I also think Olympic basketball has become more entertaining as the world has caught up. I mean, would you rather watch the 92 Dream Team play against a bunch of Slava Medvedenko's and Sasha Vujacic's? Doesn't that sense of vulnerability at least entice you a little to watch the Olympics now?

Yeah, what exactly did Walton say?

I didn't hear anything derogatory about Kobe. Big Bill was going off on tangents about Venezuelan landmarks and the government.

In fact, at one point they talked about how Wade was not on this team, and implied that the chemistry was BETTER with Kobe, as Kobe was more of a veteran player, among other advantages.

I personally like FIBA basket because nobody is about the game.
Sure referees are imperfect, but in the NBA you can't even watch Wade or Lebron going to the basket because they call it foul immediately.
They think, NBA and those players,. that nobody note it, but is all know.

Bill Walton is a typical lakers brass worshipper because his son was got lucky, was drafted at first round, without merit, and now he got a lot of money that nobody would have given to him.

Th's kind of silly contracts is what causing the Lakers to be just low level team.

But Bill Walton is making the case for Jerry Buss, and we know already what his point, he doesn't want his beloved Lou to be traded.

We will see how good is Walton playing without Kobe covering his deficiencies. We will see how good is Lamar Odom being the cornerstone of the franchise.

When Kobe is gone. We will see how many superstars they will get in the free agent market. The best Mitch and Jim Can do is to get players like Kwame, Sasha, Brian Cook and LazyBynum.

I can hear more than 10 minutes to Petros from AM570. The voice of this guy is annoying. He is always yelling and saying silly stuff.

He had a show by himself and it sucked,

Apologist,
Walton called Kobe unreasonable in the air, and was cut if of in that point by the other guy. He was putting Lebron in a pedestal, while calling him out in the same terms he did for the press in LA.
His points are the usual KL, Gunner points expected from them, because they live for that.
Coming for a announcer in a non related NBA issue, is too obvious the hate.
He admitted that Kobe played good, but also he said that Kobe was (out of his usual self, is the implication here) in a orchestrated effort to be playing in a team concept.

I love the Olympics, and will watch just about any Olympic event. But, then again, I am a Track athlete that was once world ranked and had a scholarship to UCLA. So, that type of "us against them" type of competition is in my blood.

Then, the stories that come out of the Olympics cannot be beat. Bannister's 4-minute mile. Jesse Owens issuing a big F U to Hitler. Greg Louganis. Nadia Comaneci. Bella Caroli. The USA Hockey team (the only time I've ever watched Hockey, ever, and I LOVED it). Carl Lewis. That British marathoner chick who imploded in the last Olympics. That skater Ono who like was ultra-hyped, the sucked. That skier dude who did the same thing. That year the Olympics was in Korea and their boxing judges were cheating, and that dude's mother came in the ring swinging her purse!

Just too many stories, and the sport is always just the backdrop.

I love the Olympics. Adding Kobe and Kidd and Anthony and King James on the same team. Because the players themselves are settling the debate of whether or not Kobe is a team-player and whether or not he's the league's best. These are all your top-of-the-league contenders, and they have all spoken.

Also, people seem to forget that Kobe has played with a team of All-Stars before. The three-peat Lakers were All-Stars. They had two or three league All-Stars surrounded by guys who would make the roll player All-Star team, if there was one.

He seemed to play pretty well with them, too. If I remember correctly. It's nice to see him in that environment again. Although, it makes me hate our FO even more. Because at least one of those dudes could have been a Laker, too.

Olympic Basketball just gained so much more intrigue now that those four have been added that I will be riveted once the games start.

--FearlessWhackJob

BTW, is there a place to catch tonight's game on the internet? I'm at work tonight, so only a webcast will do.

Thanks!
--FearlessWhackJob

I'm definitely "into it." I'm also not the biggest Olympics fan but I love some roundball whenever I can get it. And being able to watch Kobe play is always a plus.

Andrew Z,

I'll definitely try to get onto the blog more often. I definitely miss all the Laker and NBA related debates. I'd pull an Artest trade in a heartbeat as well. I see it as going all-in in poker. You've got Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and a talented guy in Lamar Odom, but who's ill-suited to be the No. 2 guy on a championship caliber team. Why not go championship or bust by bringing in Artest on a team that can't crack the West's top 3 as presently constituted? And Artest's contract would come off the books in 2009 anyway so we could try and move him if things don't work out.

And since like you said I haven't posted an article in a while here's my latest: http://www.alligator.org/articles/2007/08/23/sports/other_gator_sports/070823soccer.txt

And this October I'll be happily covering the Gators basketball team and an SI on Campus correspondent. woot woot!

On Bill Walton...

i'll first qualify my post by saying that Walton senior bugs me, but like a "KLYeast", he has grown on me like fungus.

Walton Sr. was complementing kobe on his skills and conditioning, then made the comment that (paraphrase) "why aren't other stars in the league knocking down the laker's doors to play with kobe".

i didn't take that to mean much cuz Walton Sr. always makes grossly over-exaggerated remarks, but the "heater" (for you mi amor Jormea) in me says that it was a knock on kobe.

HOBBIT, i remember our bet on kobe leading Team USA. i believe i said that if kobe's the "best player on the planet" and has good teammates, Team USA should be a lock for a gold...BTW, i'm referring to the olympics, not the qualifying tournament.

Finally,i'm going to root for Team USA less all the drama for your mama because i'm tired of seeing the so-called "dream" team being kbiatch slapped in international competition.

LEADING WITH HIS DEFENSE!

Anybody who doubts that Kobe Bryant knows how to play tough defense should have been watching Kobe lead Team USA to an easy victory with a dominating show of individual defensive hustle and prowess last night. Kobe looked to be dramatically quicker and faster than he has looked for several years.

For Lakers fans fearful of a terrible season, chill out and relax. This is the Kobe Bryant that you are going to see playing for the Lakers this year – a true shut-down perimeter defender and dominant team leader. By asking to guard the other team’s premier player, Kobe has shown the rest of the Team USA players where their priorities should be placed and what kind of effort should be expected.

At Phil’s request, Kobe has focused his all-world dedication and talents on defense, losing 19 pounds to regain the speed and quickness needed to guard back court stars in the NBA. If the Lakers are to compete with the team they now have, they will need to get improved play from every player on the roster, including Kobe Bryant. This is how Kobe will lead the Lakers this coming year. He will ignite and energize the team with his great play and inspiring example.

Tom

laker lover

"Hey KLBeast did you see my posts about Kobe and what would happen to us little people if we acted like he did to the boss?"

i'm sorry i didn't. was it on the previous thread?

i'd suspect the answer to your question is that us "little people" would get kbiatch slapped into reality. i once called my boss as "a$$hole" and that was the last day that i worked there....luckily i was a punk-a$$ 20-something working at a Domino's Pizza and it didn't affect my career.

To the blogger who said that kobe is a "smart dude" (Jeff?), i'd argue that LBJ and Wade are smart dudes. Kobe is a dumb dude because he's got all the talent in the world, but doesn't see the big picture. kobe thinks that just working out like a fiend is enought to win the big prize....there's more to winning within a team concept as the franchise guy than just being the best at what one does.

Kobe doesn't get it and that's why he'll always be the #2 guy of a team (excluding an all-star environment). Being the #1 encompasses a lot more than just showing up and expecting everyone to get things done in the real world. in the real world, you have to work within your constraints and make the most of it. it's a process not an entitlement.

to quote my fav baller, warren buffet "We enjoy the process far more than the proceeds."

i'm honestly not all patriotic and fan crazed with the olympics, but i enjoy watching usa basketball alot
ithink just for the fact that you get to see a roster full of what the usa players (majority nba all stars) have to offer on one team is pretty exciting and compelling to watch
i enjoy watching the usa dominate the other countries, displaying fast break highlight plays
also, the fact that kobe is actually playing on the team this year makes me that much more drawn into it.. seeing how he places himself on the team and showing that he's not really a "ballhogger" when he is surrounded by other great players
btw.. watching jason kidd is amazing

"Anybody who doubts that Kobe Bryant knows how to play tough defense should have been watching Kobe lead Team USA to an easy victory with a dominating show of individual defensive hustle and prowess last night. Kobe looked to be dramatically quicker and faster than he has looked for several years."

i once played "tough defense" too against kindergarden kids....what's your point? Let's see how Team USA stacks up to real teams in the Olympic games.

As a matter of fact, i saw kobe play terrible team defense on multiple occasions trying to steal the ball like he does with the lakers. stealing the ball is one thing, but making a bad attempt, then leaving your guy open breaks down the team defense concept. i recall Tex Winters called kobe out on this point and Mr. All Defense is still doing the same crap.

KLbeats is a lier without remorse.

Walton didn't mention at all about players coming or not coming to LA.

That's why nobody give you credibility.

You have turned yourself in a TJ Simmer, but iliterate.

We know your game.

You want to pass to the fans the believe that is all Kobe faults and not Lakers brass. But guess what, great pretender, even to talk trash you have to be smart and persuasive, two things that doesn't show in your posts.

Not even Kazam can save your posts from oblivion

BTW...Yo quiero Shacko bell. Say hello to the grand father, Shaquillyl

Kobe was awesome last night.
Kudos to him

Hey Jorema- "KLbeats is a lier without remorse" Yeah but he is an excellent speller - try liar

How did KL lie exactly?

Kobe may be smart intellectually I dont know dont care, but his behavior is childish and immature as it relates to making this Laker team better.

That last 2 occassions Kobe went all out on offense and defense- NBA All star game and this USA b-ball tournament. As a Laker ( as opposed to Kobe) fan its an embarassment and slap in the face to the Lakers and Kobes teammates. Nice!

The NBA made a huge mistake when they started promoting players more than they promote the game itself. I don't care who the best player of all time is. Sure it's fun to think a player on your team is the best, but the league has gone too far in manufacturing players like Kobe and LeBron to be the next "great one".

Who cares???

Isn't the point of watching the game, to see your team beat the other team. I don't give a crap about a player's stats if we lose. And I don't want to see a "star" player march to the line 30 times a game just so that he can keep his 30 point average strong.

I like watching Kobe and LeBron and Wade, but they are not bigger than the game. I want to see players fight for a championship, and really care about every game they play in. I don't want to see a player go through the motions and throw down a "sick dunk" or two each game so they can get a big contract next year and some big endorsements from a bunch of corporations wanting to bank off of that same fake BS.

I want rivalries, I want heart, and I want to see a guy bleed his team colors. Please do us a favor and bring in a new commissioner that brings these things back to the game.

Jorema,

KLbeast is right Walton did say that, but the thing is that shows you just how lightly people sometimes view the facts. First of all the Lakers have no cap room so they are very limited in who they can sign. Secondly, who's banging down Shaq and Wade's door in Miami or LBJ's door in Cleveland? No one. You know why because those teams don't have cap room either.

But as a matter of fact one guy is on record as saying he'd like to play in LA this summer. It's a certain all-star by the name of Jermaine O'Neal who said if he's traded he'd either like to play in LA or NJ. And that's not even mentioning that J-Kidd said he wouldn't mind being traded to Lakers earlier this year at the trading deadline.

Let's look at everything before we make sweeping statements.

Aloha KL

Hey coach K was pretty impressed with Kobes defensive effort, but then what does one of the most successful coaches of all time know anyway. He cant be at your level of expertise, right?

MH

AK

I'm just saying the timing of this piece with all of the KOBE drama is kinda funny.
No big deal man.

You never step out with a "wow" about how Kobe might help us win or lead us to win.
It's always some other spin.

Lakerbake,

What "timing of this piece?" The tournament happened to start and Kobe is playing in it. It's Laker related news. There's no "timing" involved. And I didn't put any "spin" on this, either. I just said I don't care that much about the tourney/Olympics themselves (which has absolutely nothing to do with Kobe), so I was curious to see how others felt. That struck me (and perhaps just me) as a more interesting piece than talking about how Kobe's presence could lead to a gold, an obvious angle that's been talked about 100 times already.

AK

KL-

Lol- my response to you was somewhat of a joke. Look at the D&D shout out I made at the bottom of my post.

KL,

"single celled organisms who can't think independently. "

hmmmm, sounds like you...

When a nuclear holocaust erupts...single celled organisms will have the last laugh.

Happy Birthday, Kobe!

The Star of Stars!!!

From laker lover

"That last 2 occassions Kobe went all out on offense and defense- NBA All star game and this USA b-ball tournament. As a Laker ( as opposed to Kobe) fan its an embarassment and slap in the face to the Lakers and Kobes teammates. Nice!"

Why do you Kobe haters always find a way to distort information, and just say bogus BS all the time? If you cant stand Kobe fine, but we all knew that Kobe wanted to improve his defense as soon as the season ended. You guys are all hypocrites. Give credit when credit is due, and if you can't shut da hell up. Kobe has been honest about wanting to play for the USA team about 6 yrs. ago. Honestly, I would appreciate if you Kobe haters can stop been so repetitive and stop being irrational. Please do that for me.

AK,

If you don like the world bball games or the olympics keep it to youself. Even if it is Kobe news worthy. You say you a bball fan, but you can't get into the tournament. Go out of here with that. I saw all the games yesterday and they were all competitive and actually fun to watch. And if you are a bball fan, there is no way you dont get geeked about watcing team USA play. Most of those players, are players a bball journalist will like to see no matter the level of bball. FIBA games are organized just like the NBA games. Plus, the world games and the olmpics showcase the world, how can you not get "geeked" over seeing the world come together, and it showcase the most remote areas in the world. For a bball fan, your excuse does not cut it for not getting into it.

Like I told you a long time, come out the closet about your disfavor for Kobe. And there is no point about having this argument because you've gone over and over it again with whatever logical great reasons you come up with. Even I shouldn't bring it up, but Im waiting for you to come out the closet. I will embrace you, and Im sure you will not lose any bloggers over it.

Andrew Z,

Okay. Thanks for the talk down.

So... if we need a body that is a center, should we thus expect that for some reason the position of center is something that the Lakers view as additionally important this year?

GO LAKERS!

Wow,

I appreciate your sage advice about keeping my disinterest in world basketball "to myself," but I think I'm gonna stick with my current strategy of talking about whatever I feel like.

AK

Am I into it?

Do Catholic priests like altar boys?

Football, Soccer, Track .... Then into multiple martial arts.
Straight junkie. It is a beautifull metaphor for life when you are
one of an oppressed culture.

Is Kobe auditioning? Possibly. If the Lakers trade him after this,
will ANYONE doubt that they are disfunctional and stupid beyond
belief? After this exhibition, is there any GM in the league who
won't mortgage his soul to get Kobe? Is there any player in the
league who's not JONESING to play with Kobe right now?

If Kobe is traded it will be an extremely sad day. I will still be a Lakers
fan and I will still be a Kobe fan.

AK,

I respect your interests and tastes when it come to pro sports... but I hope your lack of interest in international basketball and the Olympics does not mean you won't blog about them... especially since nothing else is going on.

The final score from the USA - Virgin Islands game:

USA 123, Virgin Islands 59

When was the last time Team USA beat an opponent by 60+ points? Does anyone know?

aloha mike

"Hey coach K was pretty impressed with Kobes defensive effort, but then what does one of the most successful coaches of all time know anyway. He cant be at your level of expertise, right?"

i say Coach K is a brilliant man. Coach had the chance to coach The Malcontent himself in 2005 and do you recall Coach's response to Mr. Phony?

"F-U" to Kobe Bryant...

That's right, Coach K had the chance to coach the "greatest player on the planet" and the response was an underwhelming "no thanks, i'd rather coach realy team players".

I'll revert back to my comment that i'm not going to dog on Team USA because i'm tired of seeing Team USA being embrarassed. So far, they're looking good even with kobe playing a minimal part in the action.

jeff

"Lol- my response to you was somewhat of a joke. Look at the D&D shout out I made at the bottom of my post."

my bad. i take back my jab at you. BTW, D&D?

wow,

In AK's defense, he's not even close to being a "hater". Here's the real deal holy field, kobe loyalist will attribute any critisism of the Saint (sonny's description) as "hating" on The Dumba$$ (aka kobe bryant). now, i'm a true hater, but there are plenty of guys out there who aren't haters, but critical of kobe. you should consider the difference.

i'm willing to bet that if we take a blog vote, the outcome will be 3:1 in favor of AK being fair minded.

BTW, you menstrating again?

Rick,

You care about the organization? The playboy/dui owner? The dysfunctional son? the abysmal general manager? And you're calling other people weird and creepy?

Go buy a mirror!

I dont know why I argue with you...but clearly you are another one with this parasitic relationship with Kobe. Its not about KOBE vs the OWNER, its not about KOBE vs the FO...its about KOBE v the LAKERS. IF YOU CANT FIGURE THAT OUT...well actualy thats the problem.

I dont like Kupcheck, I dont like Jim buss, but I do have a problem when KOBE disses the Lakers by putting them in limbo..disses the fans because he doesnt want to talk to them, (just his own fans, not fans of the team) and when he disses his teammates. Yeah I DO HAVE A PROBLEM WTIH THAT. BECAUSE UNLKE YOU PEOPLE WITH YOUR HEAD UP KOBE"S BUTT I can distinguish the person from the overall team.

AK HAS BECOME THE TARGET OF THE KOBE LOVERS!!

I love it.

If the rumors from am570 of trading Kobe are real, that will explain the logic behind the concerted effort of the LA TIMES to portrait Kobe as star of stars, to help Lakers brass in any possible trade. scenario.

Don't discount a Nets-Lakers negociation.
Chicago will be interested.
Knicks want to participate since they will face another team in the big apple very soon.

The possibility of a trade Is intriguing and not far from reality...why?
--Jerry Buss is trying to save his fame and leverage with girls. The idiot word from Kobe is a important reason.
--The MySpace message was directed by the old Buss to provoke Kobe.
---Don't underestimate Phil maneuvers under the bridge. Phil is a famous backstabber and he returned for money, plus some secret agenda.
---The video was part of a intimidation to silence Kobe, coming from a secret source not related to the 2 guys. remember how the Lakers were interested at first. Remember that the 2 guys showed the video free after allegedly rejecting Lakers offer of 100, 000 dollars. That story is fishy.

WE will see how the cards unfold. Lakers owners need the appearance of Kobe return to sell more tickets in advance. After that expect something to happen.

2 incidents in lakers playoffs again Phoenix still remain a mystery:

Lakers debacle in the second half and Kobe passing out the ball .
Lakers looked unprepared this year facing Phoenix.
Also note how the things that gave Lakers advantage last year, Phil refused to use it.

There are some secrets things going on here.
We will know soon.

I love watching basketball. I love watching NBA players play in international games.

Kobe has done a good job represnting Team USA, the superb defense, the leadership.

Happy Birthday KOBE!!!!

You have given us so much.

alright.

let's just get it over with...

pack up the clippers and ship 'em off to be the 1st NBA team in Las Vegas so LA can finally be a ONE TEAM town.

they won't win many games but the locals will go nuts for it.

just think about it.

Wow- How are we so-called Kobe haters being hypocrites? Ive included the definition below. Ironically isnt it the Kobe lovers who are making Kobe out , or trying, to be something he is not, namey a moral good guy.

hyp·o·crite /ˈhɪpəkrɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hip-uh-krit] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOBE!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!! im really.............................. really looking forward on seeing you in person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

exhelodrvr said......"Isn't it obvious? Artest contract is 7.4M, for a player who (IMO) is the best all-around player in the league when he is being serious. A player who instantly makes the Lakers contenders, and would also make them more interesting to the average basketball fan, thus being a good investment for ownership. A player who supplies the missing ingredient on both offense and defense, as well as strengthening the bench."

I don't think the impact that Artest would have is obvious. You have listed several things that Artest "should" be able to contribute to this team as if it is a definite thing that he would automatically bring his "A" game to the Lakers. What has his track record been up to this point? Let's say the Lakers get him and his attitude becomes diruptive as it has with EVERY OTHER team he has been on....the Lakers will then have a player for at least 1 more season that nobody else wants. Look at how Bonzi Wells was banished to the bench in Houston last season. Do we really know for sure that Artest wouldn't have a similar result in LA, especially when having to adjust to the unique coaching style of Phil Jackson? Many have used the comparison to Dennis Rodman as their argument concering the behavior of Artest if acquired by the Lakers. However, they have overlooked the fact that Rodman cared most about winning championships above anything else. He became upset in San Antonio while there because he said at the time they didn't really care about winning championships. He became disgruntled in LA because he said at the time they didn't care about winning championships. He loved Chicago because he had guys that came to play each night....which made him come to play each night. Artest has NEVER demonstrated that type of attitude and dedication to winning. You also mention that due to his predicted impact on the ocurt as well as his impact from a PR standpoint, Artest is a wise investment. How wise will it be if the Lakers still don't win and he becomes disruptive? You are choosing to go with a guy that is iffy at best, over a guy that has always been a solid team-oriented player. Howard has never been flashy, but he has a career of being productive. You claim that he is the type of guy you get as a finishing piece to put you over the top. Is that why Minnesota got him? Why is it that other teams go get guys to be solid contributors even though they are not already considered championship contenders, but when it is suggested that the Lakers pursue the SAME players....it is rejected as being only worth it if it is a final move for a contending Lakers' team. So the Lakers are different from all these other teams? Orlando just picked up Foyle and they are NOT a contending team YET, but if the Lakers were talking about getting Foyle you would claim that it is a bad move because he is the type of guy you get if you are already a contender. That makes no sense. I mentioned Joe Smith on here and that was rejected at the time because he was predicted to be too expensive or as a finishing piece.....yet the Bulls got him and he was't that expensive. Are the Bulls championship contenders?

My point is simple.....you have a warped and inconsistent perspective of what is a wise move versus an unwise move for the Lakers to make. Other teams make the moves that you reject for the Lakers and they benefit from them. i have watched all offseason long player after player (that I suggest) getting picked up by other teams. Some of those teams are considered to already be contenders before they get them, but many are not.

One final thing, you mention that Artest's contract would only last to 2009 and is for $7.4mil. Last time I checked Howard's contract was for the SAME time period and was for less AND it filled a greater need to improve the post on both offense and defense. You consider the small forward position to be so key for the Lakers but overlook how weak they were in the paint. I suggested 2 players that would instantly provide greater production at both the power forward and center positions. Blount is a 12 -6 guy that can shoot inside and outside at center. He is ideal for the Triangle. You and others keep remarking about how old Howard is, but at his age.....he still brought solid numbers all of last season including very needed production while Ming was out. If he did it last year.....is it far fetched to believe that he can do it next year? Has he aged so much in one offseason?

Rick Friedman,
"You care about the organization? The playboy/dui owner?
The dysfunctional son? the abysmal general manager? And you're calling other
people weird and creepy? Go buy a mirror! "

Bravo! As always you critique with class, succinctly and bitingly.
I want to be Rick Friedman when I grow up. I truly respect all your posts.

jOREMA,
"KL...Not even Kazam can save your posts from oblivion"

LOL! LOL! Stop it Jorema, You're killing me! LOL!

Ok This is my 1st post here. I've been a Laker fan since 96 and Kobe is my favorite player. I've literally grown up watching this man play(I'm 22 now) I play basketball and what a previous poster said was true. Have you ever been the best player on a pickup game? Everyone's goal is to shut you down you beat your man there are 2more waiting. now people might say move the ball and find shooters,but what happens when every time you did that people missed or turned the ball over when you gave them an easy look? now here is where people switch. Me I get mad but more focused.Which means I start scoring buckets lol. See Kobe does the same but only it's not the playground but the NBA. It may soound crazy but I as a Laker and Kobe fan feel more comfortable with him shooting over 2 people than say anyone not named Lamar shooting anything. Not that everyone is bad it's just that Kobe is that good.Which brings another good point but lets talk D 1st. See when people keep making stupid mistakes and turning the ball over and then not playing good D you get frustarted. People might say he's getting paid 140 mil for a reason and you are right but he is human. But lets not fool ourselves. Kobe is the best Guard on D. He might take parts of games off when he's really frustrated but overall the effort is there. It's crazy to me that people can knock a guy who average 30,5,5,2,1 so much and who's presence on the court could enable a team to beat anyone on any night. Yeah he's not perfect but if his flaws are so bad then Lebron,Wade,Melo,Iverson,Pierce are trash then and they are not trash at all and if you'd rather have any of these guys over Kobe you are smoking too much crack and sniffing coke then inserting needles full of heroin in your veins.It would be like taking Stockton or Marc Jackson over Magic statistacally close but the talent level was in reality so much more in Magic's favor.

hal9000,

You wrote: When was the last time Team USA beat an opponent by 60+ points? Does anyone know?

I believe dream team 2.

If you turn wow upside down you get mom.

That explains a lot!!

Second thing. People say no one wants to play with Kobe. Lets really analyze this intead of random name doesn't want to play with Kobe or random name does(not really so random but you get it. OK here we go. If you was an NBA baller and leading scorer why would you want to play with Kobe no matter who it is anyone who joins the team will be numero 2. As much as people want to gloss this over remember these guys have ego's and an a place as an immortal in sports they are looking towards. Lets say intead of Iverson Kobe joined Carmelo who do you think is averaging 30,5,5? Not Carmelo he's not as good and thats a fact. Carmelo's a great scorer but what about passing?rebounding? defense?shooting? and that the exact reason a lot of people who are close to Kobe's level don't come in droves(plus money) as of now only post players and true point guards would wanna come. Kidd wouldn't care that this is Kobe's team he'd be happy feeding the ball to the greatest scorer ever. Jo or KG(if only)? they'd literally have single coverage all the tiime who doesn't want that? See the big thing is no matter what anyone else would be Scottie to his Mike. Kobe and Shaq was one of the few merger of equals even tho Kobe has just reached his prime so people calling Kobe Shaq's robin need to shut it no second fiddle I ever knew led the team in scoring,assist and steals and for reference Pippen never averaged more than 19ppg withh mike but Kobe during the 3peat averaged 28 25 and 30 and led the team in like every category cept rebounds and blocks and the playoffs!!! 29 27 32 wow. So the Question everyone SHOULD be asking is what star is willing to play second fiddle and basically admit that they are not the greatest which I think most elite players think.

Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOBE. Hoepfully you can win 4more championships. The Haters are mad you threaten their precious MJ's Legacy and put it out their current fav Lebron's reach. Oh and for the record I care more about Kobe than the Lakers and don't care. In a world where everyone cares about numero uno and caring about other people gets you used and abused go and get yours.THAT DOESN'T MEAN I DON'T RESPECT PLAYERS AND HISTORY OF THE LAKERS. I know every player that played for them since 96 and their stats but KOBE is the reason I watch and if he gets traded so do I but the Lakers will still have a special place in my heart for all the memories.SORRY LAKE-SHOW but you obviously don't see the truth, and you know what the truth is KOBE IS RIGHT I believe it was you who used the Eminem comparo to his song stan right? well listen again doesn't it tell you how being rich and famous ain't easy and chilling with fans can't always happen. If Kobe was walking down the street and I called him and he ignored me I might be a little mad(more like really mad lol) but at the same time I understand he is a man with his own life,wife and kids so he can't spare time for everyone. He's always around people maybe he wants peace and quiet damn. lol I promised myslef I wouldn't get caught in the Kobe Wars and look at me lol. Kobe is like Denzel he makes the worse movies watchable and as a result he has no bad movies just ones that aren't as good as the others. chew on that for a min

Faith,

"When a nuclear holocaust erupts...single celled organisms will have the last laugh."

I'm not so sure they're capable of even having a first laugh, let alone the last.

AK isn't a KObe hater to me I just think his fav player is somonme else(Dwayne Wade maybe?) but I do think he does have a slight negative bent towards him because Kobe is better than his fav player and he dislike's that his fav ain't the best which is completly understandable if somone tried saying a player is better than Kobe than my attitude toward said player might swing a little negativley as well does that make me a stan? I don't think so but who knows. It just amazes me when a stated basketball fan can't appreciate his talent and soak it up cuz when he's gone then people will be like damn he was nice I just think people are spoiled by his exploits and how easy he makes it look when no other NBA player could perform like he does and still shoot anywhere close to 50% I didn't even like Mike but I watched any game he played cuz he was that nice I just whish Kobe would get that same respect cuz last time I checked Jordan and Bird where complete buttholes and Jordan was even threatened by teammates getting threats like "I'll break your legs" whille Kobe keeps getting hammered for some strange reason

*******************************************************************************************************************************
ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY (AUGUST 24, 2007) IS DEDICATED TO RICK FRIEDMAN
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PAST HONOREES: MIKE TENIENTE, EDWIN GUECO, KLBEAST, GENERIC_ONE, A.K. J.J. FAITH, LAKER TOM,
SONNY BELFAST, JOREMA, TALIQ, DAVID WHANG, THA SHOW
NEXT HONOREE (HOBBITMAGE)
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In life there are certain people that you meet and immediately like. After talking for a minute you feel like you’ve known
them all your life. Rick Friedman is one such person. For one thing the man personifies class. I have never known
the man in a single post to use even a facsimile of a swear word yet he manages to get his point across even more
effectively by it’s non use. Rick is one of the biggest conciliators on the Blog and no matter the provocation always
manages to rise above it and plead for reaching common ground. Now don’t get me wrong, the man is no Saint,
but then again he comes pretty close. The only thing preventing his saint hood is this strange affliction he has called
Lakeritis. Yes once again we have one of these die hard Laker Fans. Yawnnnnnn. Come on Rick, live dangerously
come on over to the Kobe Fan side. Just kidding. Yeah Rick is a Kobe fan too but when push comes to shove he’s a
Laker fan first and for that I salute you sir. His suggestions are always reasonable and well thought out and not based
on spur of the moment Knee jerk emotions like this jerk I know named Mamba24/10. The man has a keen mind and I don’t
just mean just basketball mind. One gets the feeling that in whatever endeavor Mr. Friedman put his mind to he would be
tremendously successful. So we thank you for putting your mind to posting on this Blog and giving us the benefit of
your knowledge. The intellectual quotient of the Blog leaps each time those such as yourself log on to balance the Force.
So for all that you do, Rick Friedman this August 24, 2007 is dedicated to you. Thank you for your knowledge, your
conciliatory attitude and for being if I might be so bold to say, one of my mentors. The Blog as well as the world are the
better for your being so enjoy the day which you have earned and accept the best wishes of a thankful Blog.
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BLOG LINES OF THE WEEK:
You have turned yourself in a TJ Simmer, but iliterate. JOREMA

Give credit when credit is due, and if you can't shut da hell up. WOW

I appreciate your sage advice about keeping my disinterest in world basketball "to myself," but I think I'm gonna
stick with my current strategy of talking about whatever I feel like. AK

If Kobe is traded it will be an extremely sad day. I will still be a Lakers
fan and I will still be a Kobe fan. HOBBITMAGE
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55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
(1) Laker Tom (2) Marty (3) HUBBIT (4) Fearless Whack Job (5) Mamba24/10
(6) David Whang (7) BD (8) Dan Dan the Laker Fan (9) Long Time Laker Fan
(10) Roky (11) JoninJapan(In Canada) 12) JUNO (13) KEIFO,
(14) Alexinho17 (15) TALIQ (16) GENERIC_ONE (17) VIOLATER
(18) Twoody (19) SLO Gal (20) HobbitIMage (21) dice8up
Members at heart
(1) Bob
(2) Faith
(3) LakerLover
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WEARY-OF-BANDWAGON BANDWAGON MEMBERS
(1) Cbuck
(2) J. Walter WeatherMan
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AND NOW ROLL CALL
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, Wolf,
KIWI, WOW, PEACE, J_COOL, DAVID WHANG, ADAM KILEY, LAKERSRYDEORDIE, CLEON
FISH_GUY,TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOO, THE_D, SBPIMP,
CHARLES, Precious, NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, EXHELODRVR,
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, CHARLES,
KHANG VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild,Laker4Life, Laker Seth
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, JR., EASTCOASTJESSIE, Zakee,
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, 244Life, SamII,
Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas, BlackMamba24,
FKILLAH, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST), RespectMyAuthorith, Waterboy, Hariyahu, HUBBIT
ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude,
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman,
Gunner24, GINO, FATTY, CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36,
PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, Alexinho17
BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, Ryan
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitisNik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack,
Jay Jay, TaosHum, HOBBITIMAGE, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO,
Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. JOVA, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO,
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood, SLO Gal
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor, Caesar
JEFF, ANDY B., SWANWORLD, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, BENNY BLANCA,CS in Virg
EMMA, TIM IN SYDNEY RISING STAR, LakerBake, JuanMan888,Blkthght06,
Any_One_mouse, 10milliondollarZen, Shiva, Laker_Hopeful, LakerDawg, East Nyboer
,Ghost of Spiderman, Steve in Denver Guy Owanlele, Lincoln Laker, Houston Laker
MITCH KUPCHAK, JERRY BUSS, PHIL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, CLEON
Marc Gasol, Sun Yue, Shamond, Williams, Ronny Turiaf, V. Radmanovic,
Maurice Evans, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Brian Cook,
Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Coby Karl, Chris Mihm, Sasha Vujacic
Jordan Farmar, Jarvis Critterton, JERMAINE ONEAL???, FAITH

ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER

hobbitmage,

"After this exhibition, is there any GM in the league who
won't mortgage his soul to get Kobe?"

I sure hope this is the case. I'm in the "Trade Kobe" camp, so anything that can increase his trade value is gravy in my book.

Jon K,

I don't think Larry Turner's signing has anything to do with more importance put on the center position this year. Kwame is coming off two surgeries, Mihm is coming back from reconstructive ankle surgery, and Bynum is your only other center on the roster. I think they need a big body or two just to make things work out. Take Miami for example. D-Wade will miss camp recoving from surgery, so don't be surprised if the Heat sign some SG that you recognize and then cut them after camp. It's about having bodies at certain positions.

BlackMamba2408,
"I didn't even like Mike but I watched any game he played cuz he was that nice
I just whish Kobe would get that same respect"

Welcome back BlackMamba great post.

Andrew Z,
"I sure hope this is the case. I'm in the "Trade Kobe" camp, so anything
that can increase his trade value is gravy in my book."

Come on Z, I happen to know for a fact that you hate gravy. LOL

Hal9000,

Yeah, we'll be giving Team USA updates, for sure.

AK

Happy days are here again the Mamba family is again complete:

BlackMamba2408
Mamba24Fan4Life
FanOfMamba
Mamba24/10

AK,
"Hal9000, Yeah, we'll be giving Team USA updates, for sure. "

Yeah, Now that's what I'm talking about AK. Who knows you might
even bring out that old red white and blue leather jacket you got
hidden away in the basement. LOL

Blackmamba2408

"I didn't even like Mike but I watched any game he played cuz he was that nice I just whish Kobe would get that same respect"

you sound like a classical kobe loyalist. a fan since 1996, great perspective. 22-year-old, you must know it all by now....hell, you're 4 years from high school.

you know why kobe doesn't get respect outside of kobe loyalists??? wanna know??

YOU HAVE TO GIVE RESPECT BEFORE YOU CAN GET RESPECT.

Please take that with you when you actually begin working in the workplace and dealing with egos...

Perhaps the strongest tie that bonds Bryant and James is their competitive nature.

"We want to win," James said. "If I'm doing it as a facilitator or if he's doing it as a scorer, at the end of the day we just want to win — at whatever it is. We definitely see that we have that in common."

Bryant has been the NBA's top scorer the past two seasons, and he has to score a lot for the Lakers to win. James, however, is more of a facilitator. And while Bryant gets criticized for shooting so much, James is often accused of not shooting enough.

One play illustrated the difference in their styles. In the opener of last season's Eastern Conference final against the Detroit Pistons, James, who could have taken a shot in the final seconds, passed to open teammate Donyell Marshall, who missed a three-pointer. James's Cleveland Cavaliers lost 79-76.

James was lambasted for not taking the shot. "That was the most criticism I ever got for making what I thought was the right play," he said.

Bryant defends James's decision.

"He made the play he had to make," Bryant said. "But our teams are different. I would have had to take the shot, and if I missed, I would have taken the criticism."

just some food for thought

Any rumblinga about the Lakers being one of the three teams involved in the Juwan Howard talks?

Mamba24/10/7 his whole life he loves kobe all day when he wakes up goes to sleep, yada yada,

"Bravo! As always you critique with class, succinctly and bitingly.
I want to be Rick Friedman when I grow up. I truly respect all your posts."

As a big blogger here, I really thought you liked the Lakers, but clearly you too cant distinguish Kobe from the Lakers, and you cant distinguish the Front office from the Lakers. This aint about Kobe versus Buss or anti kobe fans versus Kobe fans. Its not about Kobe fans versus Laker fans.

It's about the "Lakers". And if you've been a fan since 1971 or 2000 B.C. and you stil cant figure that one out then sucks that you've wasted 30 years of your life fronting as a Laker fan.

Although I am sure you're better than that. Because you'd know that there was more than just one star. Kobe wasnt the first Laker, and he wont be the last.

Or you could just been one really long "bandwagon" fan, who just merely liked every superstar on the Lakers. I mean theyve basically had a superstar for a long time. Not many organizations can say that. So maybe its a random coincidence you're a Laker fan. Just so happens you get Baylor, Magic, Kareem, Shaq, Kobe in a long running streak of star players minus a couple years in the 70s and 90s.

But hopefully you're better than that. Hopefully.

But Im not sure. Real Laker fans dont pit Lakers against Lakers.

Those of you pitting Shaq versus Kobe are retarded. Shaq is a Laker..he won three titles here and there NBA Finals MVP. He took us to the titles. He took us to relevancy. When he was signed here via free agency, the city new that they would get a title.
We're not Jerry Buss, so Im not sure why you have hostlity towards Shaq. Those of you who say that if Kobe leaves you'll still be fans....why arent you still Shaq fans???

Whats different between the 2? Both would leave angrily, but yet their best years were here. You cheered them..now you jeer them?? Seriously, if there is no Shaq and then later Kobe, there would be no success here in LA for like 15 years.

But thats the main problem. Most of you are not "Laker" fans.

If Kobe is traded it will be an extremely sad day. I will still be a Lakers
fan and I will still be a Kobe fan. HOBBITMAGE

And who do your root for when its Kobe versus LA? hmm score is tied 99-99 with seconds remaining and Kobe has the ball for the Brooklyn Nets....are you rooting for him to "stick the shot" becaues Jerry Buss is in the stands watching??

Hey are you a Shaq fan still when he plays on Miami??? He did deliver is 3 titles

Mamba 24/10,

Okay, how about a cold beer? Anything that can increase his trade value is a cold beer in my book (which is good).

JJ,
"How wise will it be if the Lakers still don't win and he becomes disruptive?"

You are forgetting the situation the Lakers are in with the quality of their current roster and the salary cap. Incremental improvements, such as Howard or Fisher, will not make enough of a difference to make them contenders. And when you include the negative impact those deals have/would have on the salary cap, it actually sets them back.

If the Lakers want to contend in the next 2-3 years, they need to take a significant risk.

I see three reasonably likely approaches to this:

1) A Bynum+Odom for O'Neal trade would be one way to approach that, but you give up a lot, for a questionable amount of improvement. (There may be similar deals that are REASONABLY possible, but at this point those haven't been publicized.) Is O'Neal that much of an improvement over Odom? What does the team lose when Bynum goes? Creates two holes, and only fills one. Who will step into the other hole? Will O'Neal stay healthy?

2) Staying with the current roster, and hope that the younger players improve enough to become contenders. Use Kwame's contract to acquire someone mid-season who will be part of the long-term solution. Who would be available for Kwame's contract? How likely is it that enough of the current players will improve enough?

3) A Kwame for Artest trade. Minimal cost to the Lakers, huge potential payoff, significant chance of it not working. Keep Odom and Bynum. Hope Artest doesn't explode; if he does, not a lot of long-term impact.

Of those three options, #3 has the best chance of success, and the best chance of failure.

I have a suggestion for a new thread-

Are you a Kobe fan or Laker fan?

Another random thought- If the thinking is Kobe was justified in asking for a trade due to not having good enough teammates around him to win, couldnt it be aruged that Lamar, being the other captain, would be justified in doing the same thing?

JJ,
"you have a warped and inconsistent perspective of what is a wise move versus an unwise move for the Lakers to make"

LOL!

KLBEAST