An FYI of sorts
Word's been spreading like hotcakes that Kobe's gonna be in a suit during tomorrow's opener. But according to a report from the Lakers' site, the official word is ... "He probably won't be." True, Bryant, along with Lamar Odom (who'll undoubtedly miss the game) and Chris Mihm (who also sounds like a logical candidate), was on the inactive list when the official rosters were announced. But since last season's rule changes make it so the list can be altered game to game and doesn't get filed until an hour before the tip, it's actually irrelevant (at least theoretically) whether Kobe's currently "active" or not. We'll see what happens, but the team seems to be counting on No. 24 playing. Something about "needing to showcase him for John Paxson."
Kidding. Kidding.
Also, congrats to Coby Karl on making the squad. Here's a look at everyone currently in the L. Good lord, is that Timberwolves roster seriously unimpressive.
-- AK
Am I the first one to comment?? I hope so!!!!!
Anyway, the drama never ends. It wouldn't be Hollywood if there wasn't any drama.
I sincerely Kobe will stay and remain a Laker for his career.
Posted by: Never | October 29, 2007 at 10:16 PM
It's like the Lakers -- and the media -- are messing with our minds. I feel like I know what Kobe ate for dinner last night. The fact is, Kobe will only get traded if a team makes an amazing offer that Jerry Buss and the Lakers can't refuse, or if the Lakers get off to a really horrible start. Otherwise, Kobe will be in a Lakers uniform for some time.
Posted by: b4hoops | October 29, 2007 at 10:25 PM
Surprised that Coby made the squad. But whatever.
Posted by: ajax | October 29, 2007 at 10:25 PM
For everyone on the blog that wants to keep Kobe, pray that Chicago doesnt land J Howard when Minny buys him out. If they do, Chicgao just might give in to the Lakers trade demands.
and if we do trade Kobe, we will have plenty of trade pieces to then go after Arenas.
MH
Posted by: michael h | October 29, 2007 at 10:36 PM
(Re-Post)
Just because Kobe COULD be suited up and play on Tuesday night doesn't mean he will. What team submits a list to the NBA with its star player classified as "inactive?" I doubt that the Suns have Nash on that list or that the Cavs have LBJ on that list. Maybe I'm too prone to conspiracy theories, but my "trade" radar is swirling at a mile a minute. Something's up.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 29, 2007 at 10:45 PM
Rick Friedman
have you seen the laker intro?
Posted by: bob | October 29, 2007 at 10:52 PM
torre's gonna be a dodger!! go to blue notes for details!! (hey im sick of talking about kobe and the laker soap-all it needs now is someone to get shot)
Posted by: the WOLF | October 29, 2007 at 10:54 PM
hmmph.
i won't forget. the year after torre left the cards, he wins the world series with the yankees. boooooooo
have fun with him, angelenos
btw, i don't get this... i know the LA Times Kobe Advisory is for kicks and giggles but why is it at the "Elevated: 'I ain't talking" stage when kobe is talking and hasn't said nothing new? goofy
Posted by: CBuck | October 29, 2007 at 11:07 PM
MH,
I'm not with you with Arenas to Lakers..
Check this out..
http://sports.aol.com/nba/story/_a/dont-even-entertain-it/20071026114209990001
Posted by: trio | October 29, 2007 at 11:13 PM
THE TRUTH ABOUT BEING A LAKER FAN:
For the past 30 years, I have been a Magic fan, a Worthy fan, a Chuck Nevitt fan, a Kareem fan, a Van Exel fan, an Elden Campbell fan, a Jerry West fan, a Jerry Buss fan, a Shaq fan, a Kobe fan, a Laker fan.
If Kobe is traded, and Jim Buss officially inherits the franchise, I don't know if I can stay loyal to a franchise that has no semblance of the franchise I became a fan of?
Even during the Van Exel days, there was always hope. If you remember, that team had the Bulls' number. I always thought if that team in the 90's ever managed to get to the finals, they had a good shot at dethroning the Bulls. There was nobody on the Bulls that could contain Van Exel, not even Jordan, and we were one player away from truly contending. Because we had Dr. Buss and Jerry West, there was always hope. They were a match made in heaven, a business and marketing saavy owner trusting the basketball genuis to do what's best for the franchise. If Kobe is traded, it will signify the end of my childhood Lakers that I grew up to love. The organization kicked out Jerry West, Shaq, and now working their asses off to kick Kobe out. If Kobe is out, Phil will also follow. Jerry West smelled the smoke. Shaq warned us. Kobe found out too late. If the front office kicked out Kareem, Jerry West, Magic and Worthy in the 80's by prioritizing Jim Buss' ego, I might've stopped being a fan back in the 80's.
If Kobe is traded, it will officially signify the end of MY Lakers. Sure, I will still root for Lamar, Turiaf, DFish, Kurt Rambis, Stu, etal. but a big part of me will be rooting against Jim Buss for destroying MY Lakers. If Kobe is traded, Jim Buss will burn this franchise to the ground. Kobe, and possibly Phil, are the only ones left in this franchise that are able and willing to stand up to Jim Buss. That's what Kobe was doing when he demanded that the insider (Jim) be fired. That's what Kobe was doing when he begged for Jerry West's return with FULL AUTHORITY (to replace Jim Buss' authority). Dr. Buss, with his gentle, but senile heart, chose his son. If Kobe is traded, we, as fans, are the losers. The only winner in this ugly tragedy will be Jim Buss. Will you still be a fan?
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 29, 2007 at 11:14 PM
MH,
Stay positive.. Lakers wont trade Kobe..
Posted by: trio | October 29, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Don't worry Kobe/Laker lovers, Kobe isn't going anywhere. He will finish his contract with the Lakers through 2009. Why? Because contrary to what many of you may think, other teams will not offer the kitchen sink for the cancer known as Kobe. Check out the blogs/forums/soundoffs/posts from all of the potential cities cited as potential Kobe suitors. NOBODY wants this fool!
Yeah, I don’t have much else to do than to troll NBA blogs league wide, pathetic me.
Sorry, but you’re stuck with the guy.
As much as I have hated Charles Barkley in the past, in more recent years I have learned to respect his view point. At least he calls it like he thinks it is-right or wrong. It isn’t TNT marketing or any other conspiracy idea. Some times I am absolutely amazed at the conspiracy/paranoid theories originating out of this site. Yep, it’s Hollywood!
I look forward to watching the Lakers versus the Rockets tomorrow night on TNT. I’m an absolute nut for NBA basketball. My life pretty much revolves around it.
Posted by: David H | October 29, 2007 at 11:43 PM
How about Von Wafer making the team in Denver? haha. Bet he's gonna score 30 against the Lakers this year. Not impossible since everyone performs good against the Lakers.
Posted by: mike | October 29, 2007 at 11:45 PM
David H,
Because contrary to what many of you may think, other teams will not offer the kitchen sink for the cancer known as Kobe. Check out the blogs/forums/soundoffs/posts from all of the potential cities cited as potential Kobe suitors. NOBODY wants this fool!
After tomorrow's game, those NOBODY you said they'll flip-flop...
Posted by: trio | October 29, 2007 at 11:51 PM
Aloha Trio
I am not in favor of trading Kobe, I firmly believe this team with just one more player could at least seriously compete for a title. However I am being realistic when I say that if we do trade Kobe, we would have some serious trade pieces to offer for agent zero. And let me ask you this, with a vetern PF in Joe Smith and 2 young Power Forwards behind him, why would Chicago be inerested in J Howard if it wasnt to position themselves for a Kobe trade? Dude I am trying to stay positive but it doesnt look good. One other warning signal. Kobes wrist injury, is described as minor and day to day. Let me ask you this, in all of the years Kobe has been here, when didnt he play through a minor injury?
My stance all along has been, there is no reason to rush into a trade, hoping that a good start would sway him back from the wilderness. But what if Chicago calls and says Ok, we will give you what you want. If that happens its over. That is why I am really hoping that the Bulls do not land J Howard. We shall see.
MH
Posted by: michael h | October 29, 2007 at 11:52 PM
Posted by: CBuck | October 29, 2007 at 11:07 PM
because on sat phil said that kobe sucked in preseason and the whore media jumped all over it. when they asked kobe about it, "no comment".
Posted by: the WOLF | October 30, 2007 at 12:02 AM
id be happy if the baby dont play tomorrow and the squad that played the queens comes out. even if they lose, its the team aspect of BASKETBALL that ill enjoy watching. i want to see hungry players who want the glory.
Posted by: the WOLF | October 30, 2007 at 12:08 AM
I weigh in with Laker Truth. The real tragedy is the prospect of seeing the Buss team floundering around for another generation. That really is depressing. Kobe will be remembered as much for what he may accomplish (or not accomplish) elsewhere as for his valiant but doomed attempt to keep the Lakers out of Jim Buss's incompetent hands.
Is there any credible longer term scenario than praying that Bynum will be the pillar of a new dynasty? Maybe the Busses do have a brilliant plan, but there's no way of having the slightest inkling of what it might be. I think they've been taken in by the now consecrated corporate strategy that's based on brand value. The Lakers brand is what sells. From a sales point of view, nobody gets bothered about the quality of the product inside the package.
I personally think they're wrong, but who knows? If the business remains stable without the excitement on the floor, the Buss family will be happy and I'm sure the 23 year-old friends won't complain about not being able to see some exciting basketball.
Posted by: Tsphere | October 30, 2007 at 12:43 AM
I am checking out all of the rosters. Does anyone else here think the Suns roster is dangerously thin? A couple of injuries and they are a Lottery team. I know they want to save money but man, are they really rolling the dice. The Spurs could repeat or age ove night and the Mavs arent any better either. As a matter of fact the only team that might have improved is Houston(if you think Francis has anything left). If healthy, with Kobe, the Lakers could really suprise.
MH
Posted by: michael h | October 30, 2007 at 12:46 AM
MH,
I know what all you mean but I just don't buy with your suggestion in getting Arenas to the Lakers fold if indeed Kobe is traded..
> Let me ask you this, in all of the years Kobe has been here, when didnt he play through a minor injury?
But dude, it's a pre-season game.. Let's say, he preferred to take rest the injury to not getting it worst. I guess he wanted this 1st game(against Houston) badly.. All eyes on him.. I feel sorry to Houston they will be the first to feel the wrath of Kobe..
Posted by: trio | October 30, 2007 at 12:51 AM
Does anyone realize that when we talked about dynasties for the Lakers in the past the pairs of names were those of baskeball players: Baylor-West (+ Chamberlain), Magic + Kareem, Shaq + Kobe?
Now the only dynasty in view for the Lakers is Jerry + Jim. So long as the Busses reign, the only dynasty in town will be the family dynasty. So long as Jerry can still stand upright and ingest Viagra, Staples will be his personal playground. Why should he worry? As he says, the value of the team on the marketplace is always increasing (no matter how badly the team performs).
The press recognizes that the battle is between Kobe (with Phil and Jeanie as supporters) and the Jerry-Jim duo. On the one side there's an interest in basketball and winning. On the other there's an interest in owning a valuable asset and using it to lure young women.
Here's a challenge to all bloggers: declare which side you're on by answering two questions and seeing if there isn't a contradiction.
1) Who should win the tug of war? Kobe or Jim Buss
2) What should the Lakers be about? Basketball or family business interests.
If you vote for Buss for question 1 and basketball for question 2, think about the possible contradiction. Ask yourself seriously what you think Jerry and Jim want. Then ask yourself how long that's likely to last, not in terms of months or years, but the number of generations.
Posted by: Tsphere | October 30, 2007 at 01:02 AM
Hey Trio
I guess you didnt see the inactive list for the Houston game. Its Lamar, Mihm and KOBE. Now from what I understand that is not etched in stone and he can be activated as late as an hour before the game but still it is not a promising sign to say the least.
MH
Posted by: michael h | October 30, 2007 at 01:51 AM
Tsphere,
Bullseye...
Posted by: trio | October 30, 2007 at 02:20 AM
He can see the smallest spot, not the white but the black..
He can smell the odor, not the good but the bad
He is not alone, who is He?
You want to know the answer? ask the guy from LA times whose last name start with S and end with S... He is He...
Posted by: trio | October 30, 2007 at 02:31 AM
I think its kind of suss too that mihm's on the inactive list after being suggested as a possible starter. I'm a long time lakers fan and I'm buying into the trade hype a little too (but then again I was the first to start checking out what personalised Shawn Marion lakers jersey looked like on nba.com).
I read on another forum (so you know it's gotta be true) that chicago have pulled the trigger and included Nocioni (when he can eventually be traded) and cash consideration along with gordon, noah, and thomas.
However, this is 0% verified, I just found it interesting, i mean its coincidental if anything... kobe and mihm (whos a small contract big man) on the inactive list with no 'real' apparant injuries.
Posted by: tom | October 30, 2007 at 05:23 AM
Why so much hate for Buss? Has he really drafted much worse than any other GM/Owner in the NBA?
Bynum, Farmar, Turiaf, Crittenton. Those seem like great picks to me.
My own personal belief is Kobe should be shipped out as soon as possible. I don't think we could play any worse than we have the last 3 years. There is a lot of talent on the Lakers, and with Kobe gone, they will finally get a chance to show the world.
Bye Kobe. I hope you can find a team that can accept you. But I am sure you will be the same poison wherever you end up. I mean, who hasn't Kobe turned on?
Posted by: joey numbers | October 30, 2007 at 05:37 AM
Tsphere,
1.) Kobe, only because he's asking for enough talent (not another superstar more veterans) to bring a championship to LA. If he was asking for more money or some other selfish thing I'd be on the Busses bandwagon. The only thing he asked for originally was some more help to win a ship. He got emotional after he was blamed for Shaq leaving. I'm sorry he went off the way he did but I do understand, sometime we just lose it.
2. Basketball is the family business interest. A lack of vision or the wrong vision will stifle and or kill any business.
But here's my real issue right now. When Mike T. goes off on Phil for this and that, I usually just say that's Mike T. being Mike T. But I'm having a Mike T. moment myself.
Phil Jackson is the biggest two faced ass-hole of a coach I've ever had the misfortune to encounter. He has nine rings but that doesn't give him the right to say anything he chooses without thinking about the consequences.
In the midst of all of the Laker turmoil, this ass calls out one player and not the team on defense. Team defense wins ball games. Instead of calling Kobe out, call the whole team out on the need to play better defense. Calling Kobe out is only further adding to the pressure in an already bad situation and gives guys an excuse when they don't do their part in defensive rotations. Regardless of how Kobe plays defense if the rest of the team doesn't do their part, it's not gonna make a difference. Another thing if you're concerned about Kobe's committment, go to him like a man and talk to him about, don't use the press to make a statement that you as head coach should be making directly to your player, statements that the media continues to use to stoke the flames. That's a messed up, jack-assed thing to do and few people are calling Phil out for his behavior as the leader of team.
As I said if Kobe had asked for anything other than some help, then I'd have a problem with him.
I will be watching closely tonight, first to see if he plays and second to see if he's giving it his all as a member of the team. That's all I as a Laker fan want. But if not, then it's time for him to move on for the good of the team and himself.
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | October 30, 2007 at 06:22 AM
Taoshum,
I have a few *hopefully* simple questions for you.
What would it take for you to admit that the Lakers FO has
made mistakes?
For example: Was letting Jerry West go a mistake?
For another example: Was not paying Phil Jackson 10 mil/yer,
,when he first asked for it, a mistake?
For another example: Was signing Smush Parker a mistake?
For another example: Was signing Shammond Williams a mistake?
I'm getting the feeling that you're a lot like KL. You've got the "schtick"
thing going. You're a fan of the Big Man in the middle and it obscures
everything else. Maybe I'm wrong. I could be. Rather than make
assumptions about you, I'd actually like you to tell me. I'd like to
understand you a bit more.
Another question for you: What does the word *NOW* mean to you?
Websters defines that word as: "At the present time. Immediately, At
once. " Do you agree with Webster's definition or do you have a
different definition? If you do, would you share it with me?
Finally, one last question for you: What does it mean to be a contender in
the NBA? i.e. If the San Antonio Spurs, the reigning champions, have
better talent at positions 1 - 6, Ginobli being the 6th man off of the
bench, are the Lakers contenders Now? [ Ok, we've got Kobe at 2,
so that would be positions 1,3 - 6. ]
BTW, I don't use notepad. I actually write in the cute little box
they provide.
Posted by: hobbitmage | October 30, 2007 at 06:27 AM
Kobe will play tonight .. and guess what .. I really have a stronge feeling that he will have a very big night agains the rockets .. I guess all the anger will come on the floor tonight .. I hope we get on a stronge start agains houston .. can`t wait to see how would our youngsters react and our home fans .. lets GO LAKERS .. beat the rockets tonight plssssssssssssssssssssss !!:)
Posted by: Blackraiders | October 30, 2007 at 06:57 AM
LAKER FANS ATTEN SHUN GAMMMMMMMMMMMME DAYYYYYYY!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALLAD OF THE LAKERS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The doubters sat waiting for them to fail
Training camp came and they began to jell
L.O. looked like an allstar to be
Kobe appeared to be the new MVP
The newspapers said Kobe would be gone
But its the start of the season he has purple and gold on
One llook in Kobes eyes and it was easy to say
Paybacks a mother and Kobe would be the rockets daddy today
Bynum came out like the second coming of Shaq
Can I believe my eyes Sahsa is on the attack
The Lakers appeared strong and stood tall
And Kwame, yes Kwame caught every damn ball
Dfish kept all of the crew in line
Not one Laker was heard to whine.
In the game the Mamba did not miss
He had 55 points and 55 assists
The triangle my friend was a thing of beauty
Even Scootie and Michael had to come to see
The season started and wouldnt you know
In November The Lakers beat every damn foe.
December and January went the same way
The Lakers became the Team, teams were afraid to play
They held to under seventy the high flying Suns
That was the same game Kobe scored 101
The regular season ended and they were so great
They broke the Bulls record they were 74 and 8
Then came the Playoffs and Im sure that you know
They ended up winning 16 in a row.
Mitch cried for joy and Jim gave up the crack
Jerry retook his Office the Lakers were Back
9Rings became 10 which made Phil the Best
For three years in a row The Lakers ruled the West
For each of those years Kobe won the MVP
Then Kobe retired and handed Bynum the Keys
But Bynum said NO! Kobe we both can drive
So when Kobe retired instead of 3 they won 5.
Which gave Kobe 8 NBA Titles and 5 MVPs
And Kobe not MJ became greatest in NBA history
And one final thing that the haters should be told
When Kobe retired he proudly wore Purple and Gold
The moral of this story, don't get me started
Purple and Gold and Kobe will never be parted
AND NOW LETS GET READY TO RUMMMMMMMBBBBBLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEE
AND NOW ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
(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,
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,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, Jennifer
Maurice Evans, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Brian Cook, KOBE FROM MANILAS
Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Coby Karl, Chris Mihm, Sasha Vujacic
Jordan Farmar, Jarvis Critterton, JERMAINE ONEAL???, Larry Fulcher
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
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 30, 2007 at 07:24 AM
AJAX,
"Surprised that Coby made the squad. But whatever."
You obviously haven't seen Coby play ball.
BOB,
"Have you seen the laker intro?"
This is the 2nd or 3rd time I have heard this question asked! I have seen the intro. but I still don't see what you guys are referring to...
LAKER TRUTH,
I am with you on that one! As I posted a few days back, I have become a Laker fan since the Shaq days, but I must admit, if the FO does trade Kobe then I will have to leave with him! I've seen this FO destroy the Lakers as we know them (or knew) and that would be the last straw for me. Yes, I have grown to love the rest of the Squad from following like a rabid fan, but I can't be loyal to a FO who has shown ZERO loyalty. Yea i Know, "it's a business" blah blah. Thats garbage talk, because even in business you have to have some sort of honor or you'll eventually fold. I am going to have to go back to being a KNICKS fan!!! (No doubt NY is better than LA if Kobe leaves anyway)
Posted by: blaze1bx | October 30, 2007 at 07:50 AM
Average Joe when you first appeared on the Blog,
I applauded your fresh take. But it is becoming obvious
that your post are a cynical illustration of a kobe fans posting
taken to the extreme. OK we get it, Kobe fans can be as extreme and
stupid just like some anti - kobe fans and I include my self in that.
So now that we got the hint and the season is about to start let's
join together and stop this foolishness and just root for the Lakers OK.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 30, 2007 at 07:53 AM
The world's bookmakers and wiseguys certainly think he's out, with the line dealing Houston as a 5-5.5 point favorite.
I expect we'll see Kobe sittign out any time he's got a hamgnail this year, the days of him being a warrior who lays it all out on the court are long gone I'm afraid (but hop I'm wrong).
Posted by: Gary C | October 30, 2007 at 07:57 AM
Thank God the season is starting. Now we'll be able to talk about actual games!
Posted by: Laker Seth | October 30, 2007 at 08:23 AM
I cannot understand what Buss is thinking. He is commiting franchise suicide, if the Lakers get rid of Kobe they may wait til Dr. Buss is pushing up Daiseys before they get another ring.
Posted by: george apodaca | October 30, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Well ladies and gentleman you have to give Mike T. his
due. He said Kwame would be the starting center and
so he is. Mike T. Mucho Props!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 30, 2007 at 08:29 AM
"Do you want to play the rest of this season with the Lakers?"
...all the Kobester has to say is, "Yes, I want to play for the Lakers the rest of this season."
But instead, he says, "You know what, wherever I play, I'm ready to go."
"I understand that," I reply. "But do you want to play the rest of the season with the Lakers?"
"I WANTED to play my whole career with the Los Angeles Lakers," he says. "But I understand business is business."
I'm not a big fan of Simers, but he asked Kobe the question the fans need to know. He doesn't want to be a Laker, he can sugarcoat it all he wants, but the bottom line is he doesn't want to be a Laker.
Tsphere,
1. There is no tug of war. Kobe is the player, Buss is the owner. Kobe is under contract for 2 more years. The Lakers own Kobe for the next 2 years. That doesn't sound like a tug of war to me. Ownership can trade Kobe, or let him walk. If he decides to decides to dog it in the meantime, that's Kobe's problem and Kobe will have to deal with the backlash.
When Buss spoke, he showed who was in charge. Certainly not Kobe.
2. Of course the Lakers should be about basketball. They always have been about basketball, even in the post Shaq era.
I can't believe people actually think that the owner of the Lakers wants his team to lose. Our track record proves otherwise. Jerry Buss has proven time and time again that the Lakers are going to be a winning team. And we are a winning team, very close to competing for a championship.
It's a certain player who doesn't believe or have faith in either his teammates abilities, or in his own abilities, to get it done. I've never seen Kobe back down from a challenge on the basketball court until now. Kobe used to be all about challenges, now he wants to go to a team readymade for him to win a championship? That's weak.
All Kobe has to say is, "I want to be a Laker", and all of this would go away and we can start to compete for a championship again. Kobe on the Lakers could become the greatest player and leader who ever played the game. He just needs to accept that challenge. On another team, his accomplishments won't mean as much. We'll all know he ran away from true greatness to take the easy route. Kobe needs to take note of Robert Frost and take the road less traveled by. It would make all the difference. A certain guy named Micheal Jordan has traveled the road Kobe wants to now travel.
Posted by: Rocky | October 30, 2007 at 08:31 AM
One of the most controversial reality regarding this late Kobe saga, is that his haters prefer to see him staying in Lakers uniform.
Isn't that bizarre?
You would think they will be happy to see him go: "...the soonest, the better", as Phil Jackson stated.
But, no. They want Kobe to stay even if this could be in detriment to the team. They are the ultimate defenders of Buss and his family clan, of MItch and his controversial maneuvers.
Kobe loyalists, see thinks from different perspective.
Some, the majority, prefer to see his idol in Chicago, if Lakers brass doesn't commit to upgrade the actual team.
Kobe loyalists agree that GM office need changes.
Posted by: jorema | October 30, 2007 at 08:39 AM
I'm a Kobe fan, but a bigger laker fan and with Kobe and all the BS he brings to this team just trade him cuz were not winning with him so trade him and lets win without him.
Posted by: Stars_R_Aligned | October 30, 2007 at 08:49 AM
LETS GO LAKERS LETS GO LAKERS !! 56-26 !!!!
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | October 30, 2007 at 09:02 AM
LalakerLover,
"LETS GO LAKERS LETS GO LAKERS !! 56-26 !!!!
Right back at you Bro.
""LETS GO LAKERS LETS GO LAKERS !! 56-26 !!!!
""LETS GO LAKERS LETS GO LAKERS !! 56-26 !!!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 30, 2007 at 09:12 AM
TJ Simmers is an A.H.O.L.E !
obviously he doesnt like kobe.
Posted by: DaxxMD | October 30, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Just as I predicted, the Bulls are not interested. NO WELL-RUN TEAM IS. Just listen to the hurt baby backpedal now. "we gotta learn from our mistakes"
http://tinyurl.com/27jeyu
Cuban is still a possibility though. He has to feel like he needs to do something after his last two seasons.
I think if the good doctor holds its ground, and he sounds determined, Kobe will have no choice but to expand his list of destinations. I've been saying for a couple of years now that he needs to be on a crappy team. That's where he and his talents belong. He can average 40, bring a .350 team to .450, fill up the stadium and maybe even have a shot at MVP.
No well run team will take a chance at this. They know the odds are against them.
Posted by: HAB | October 30, 2007 at 09:17 AM
DaxxMd,
"TJ Simmers is an A.H.O.L.E ! obviously he doesnt like kobe"
DAXX MD IN THE HOUSE! Welcome back Daxx. Where you
been we missed you? Good to see you haven't lost that
spirtit.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 30, 2007 at 09:17 AM
if i am kobe i'll punch this guy in his face just like MJ did to steve kerr
Posted by: DaxxMD | October 30, 2007 at 09:18 AM
""LETS GO LAKERS LETS GO LAKERS !! 56-26 !!!!
""LETS GO LAKERS LETS GO LAKERS !! 56-26 !!!!
""LETS GO LAKERS LETS GO LAKERS !! 56-26 !!!!
Posted by: DaxxMD | October 30, 2007 at 09:18 AM
MY WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW:
Rankings by ROSTER and POTENTIAL
1. Spurs
2. Jazz
3. Suns
4. Mavs
5. Rockets
6. Lakers
7. Nuggets
8. Hornets
9. Grizzlies
10. Warriors
11. Kings
12. Blazers
13. Sonics
14. Clippers
15. Wolves
Some quick notes
ON THE WAY DOWN
SPURS
Like someone said, they can get OLD or be just as good. The Spurs dont need to finish #1 in the playoffs to win it all. But history says that they cant win back to back. They are the best team in terms of overall play and the coaching that goes with them. But doesnt guarentee they win it all this year.
SUNS
Michael H,
The Suns roster is pretty thin, because if they lost any of their two best players, Nash or Stoudamire, than they are paper thin. Is Grant Hill going to play PG? I mean I dont think that he will be able to keep up with the Suns run and gun. Those ankles dont cut too quick anymore. Plus, Brian Skinner backs up Amare Stoudamire. Nash's health clock is ticking.
WARRIORS
There is no way Baron Davis plays the whole season. Also, Stephen Jackson is bound to be suspended again. Is Matt Barnes going to be a deadly 3 point shooter the whole year? They are depending too much on Brandan Wright and Marco Bellinelli to be impact players. The Warriors were OUT of the playoffs until they made a Rockies-like run. With Baron ready to become a free agent, and the Warriors not off to a good start, there will be controversey.
NUGGETS
They are the ultimate wild card. They have two superstars. Imagine if Kobe had the same sidekick. There would techinically be no excuses for him right? The Nuggets show that two superstars is not enough to win...you need a whole team. That includes Camby to play big defense, Nene to be an inside scorer, and Kenyon Martin willining to be a 6th man. Plus they need their bench like J.R. Smith, Kleiza and Najera. Chucky Atkins out for about two months means someone has to play the point. Anthony Carter? I dont think so. They could be better than the Jazz, or they could be below the Lakers.
On the way up:
LAKERS
I dont know how people say they havent improved. They didnt change their roster, but they changed their rotation. Out is Smush. Lamar will be probably a small forward (unless they make a big trade and get Deng and they play run and gun). Bynum will be a starter by midseason. Each player on their roster minus Brian Cook has improved. The Lakers are better with Kobe, and if they make a big trade that lands Deng, Thomas, Gordon, than they will automatically improve even more.
Plus the Lakers will have a new rep. The Lakers are no longer defending champs, but they will have that label of being a team that nobody will want to play in the playoffs
HORNETS
Don't sleep on these guys. Paul, Chandler, West is nice. Peja and MoPete make good complementary players. They have one of the best starting line-ups.
GRIZZ
Dont sleep on these guys either. I think they have a great shot at the playoffs. Pau Gasol will be healthy they whole year and he has taken them to the playoffs as much as Kobe by himself. Darko could be a potential perfect compliment in the post. Rudy Gay looks like he's on the verge for a breakout year. Navarro is a superstar in Europe, and if Pau teaches him how to play in the NBA, watchout, he could be Ginobili-like. Conley can become Tony Parker??? They wont be that this season, but depth wise they are definitely a threat
MAVS
They will win less games, but they will be better. Their bench is a little bit better, and Josh Howard is improving each year. Devin Harris if going to be more realiable. They arent superstars but they are good to compliment Dirk. This could be finally their year, or they could be on their way down. They could get Kobe to team with Dirk so that would make them better too.
JAZZ
Deron Williams for a whole season and Boozer played at an MVP level. If they incorporate Kirelinko, they can be better. They are ready to make a title run.
Posted by: The Lake-Show | October 30, 2007 at 09:20 AM
Mamba 24,
"Well ladies and gentleman you have to give Mike T. his
due. He said Kwame would be the starting center and
so he is. Mike T. Mucho Props!"
PJ is afraid to be lambasted on the JJournal.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 30, 2007 at 09:22 AM
Stars_R_Aligned,
"I"'m a Kobe fan, but a bigger laker fan and with Kobe and all the BS he brings to this team just trade him cuz were not winning with him so trade him and lets win without him."
Noble sentiments Stars a True Laker fan and a better man than I. For
when Kobe goes, which will be today by the way, I'm gone to.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 30, 2007 at 09:25 AM
If Kobe sits out, he's a coward.
He pushed for a trade and now he has to deal with the fans.
This whole situation could have been avoided, however, if the Lakers had fired Mitch and hired West when Kobe asked for him. This is what happens when you choose the GM over the franchise player--the player leaves.
The easy thing to for both parties is make a trade, and for this reason a trade is on the way.
Both sides suck and because of it, the fans suffer.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 30, 2007 at 09:26 AM