Lamar Odom's media day Q&A
Programming note: We'll be hosting a live chat at 1 p.m. to talk about media day, training camp and anything else. To get in, click the link and go to "sports chat."
Some talk from LO during media day. He's still on the mend from his off-season shoulder injury and seems likely to miss most (if not all) of the preseason. But Laker fans will gladly accept him skipping games that don't count if it means an accelerated return for the games that do. Hopefully, the wait won't be too long. In the meantime, Odom remains an introspective and often candid interview. This year, however, the head churning out his thoughts will be decorated with some festive (and ambitious) designs. Here's what he had to say.
Q: How is your recovery coming along?
Lamar Odom: Everything is cool. It takes some time. That's exactly what I have to do is take some time. Hopefully, I'll be back on the court (soon).
Q: How do you think Derek Fisher is going to help the team?
LO: D. Fish is a quarterback. You need one of those, especially one that knows the offense. He's comfortable with the offense, so there's no learning process for him. He definitely has heart. He doesn't mind taking the big shot. He's defensive-minded. I'm just looking forward to being out there and playing some backcourt minutes with him.
Q: Besides just giving 100%, what's your biggest goal for the season?
LO: I'd like to be an All-Star. I'm definitely gonna work toward it. To advance in the playoffs. It's important for all of us if we want to keep this team together.
Q: Staying healthy would help all of that. You were getting close to making the All-Star team, in some people's minds, before you got hurt.
LO: That's part of it. That kind of happens. That's the life of a sportsman, you know what I'm saying. You can be in shape. Look at Kwame. He's got one of, probably the best, body in the NBA. It's not like he was out of shape. Sometimes it just happens. Luke works really hard and he was hit by the injury bug. So was myself. It happens. We just have to get over it, move forward, focus on this year and hope I can have the best year of my life, as far as basketball is concerned.
Q: Is there anything Kobe needs to say to his teammates, as far as mending any fences?
LO: No. We're all professionals. We're gonna go out and play basketball the best way we know how and try to win as many games as possible. Personal emotions are exactly what they are: personal. So I don't think so.
Q: Do you think this team has what it takes to get past the first round of the playoffs?
LO: I think so. We were hurt and beat up last year and we still made it to the playoffs. We were 23-10 before I got hurt.
AK: Given everything that happened to you off the court last season (in particular, the passing of Odom's infant son, Jayden), how much did you need this off-season just to recharge?
LO: That's exactly what it was for me. Off ... season. Time off. From everything. I tried to spend time being a father, which to me is the most important thing in the world. Before basketball. I got time to do that. Focus. My kids, they all live in New York, so it's not easy for me to be away from them for six months. Of course, I look forward to (basketball), but there's always a little void that's there that basketball can't really fill. But I also have a job and I understand that.
AK: So in a lot of ways, you truly need these off-seasons for yourself?
LO: Yeah. I have a 6-year-old son who asks about his brother every day. I definitely don't mind taking the time away from basketball and the politics of the game, you would say. Just being home with my family.
Q: How important is that for you to recharge those batteries?
LO: For me, it's very important. I've been through a lot for a young man. I'm only 27. I've seen a lot. Some would say I've been through it all. But hopefully, the best is yet to come on and off the court.
Q: Other guys say you're the funniest guy on the team. Why is that?
LO: Because I'm always Lamar. I like to keep my guys loose. Camaraderie is very important to me. I'm an only child, so these dudes are my brothers. With some of them, the guys who've been here since I've been here, you become family. It's important to me to keep good energy in a locker room, because it's something that can be redundant. You do the same thing over and over and over.
Q: I heard you have nicknames for everybody. What are they?
LO: I can't tell you, because that's locker room stuff. No offense, but a lot of things that go on in a locker room is supposed to stay in a locker room. I think that's probably why they trust me, as well. You just made me feel good, because it's important for me for them to look at me like that.
Q: Can you explain the stars shaved in your head?
LO: I was real close to having an All-Star (season) last year, then I got bit by the injury bug. So (the guy who cuts my hair) told me I was going to have an All-Star season this year, so he put a star on my head. He put two of them.
Q: Are you going to keep them?
LO: Yeah, this is going to be my look.
AK: Is it tough maintaining a star? How do you go about keeping it looking good?
LO: My hair basically kind of grows. It doesn't grow the way I want it to, but I get a haircut every two or three days. I gotta keep my look up, you know what I'm saying? I gotta stay sharp. I don't think it'll be hard to maintain. I'm bringing him to Hawaii just so I can try to maintain it.
BK: How hard would it be for me to do something like that? (To those who don't know, BK is a member of the shaved-dome club.)
LO: It would be easy. You could do it.
BK: I think I'm going to have a good season writing.
LO: Yeah. That's what I'm talking about. I'll definitely hook you up.
Q: Where do you go for a haircut?
LO: He comes to me (laughs, jokingly puffs shoulders out like a big shot).
BK: I worry that the kind of guy I can afford to bring to my house wouldn't be able to pull off the star.
Q: Kobe just said that he's going to demand more from every player. He's here to win. Does that have the makings for maybe as fun a season as you could have?
LO: No. That wouldn't be anything different. That's part of his personality. That's how he approaches the game as well.
Q: He seemed very intense and emphatic about demanding more from every player.
LO: We all know what happened this off-season. I'm not surprised. As a leader, the position he has on this team, he should.
Q: As a team, do you think there should be a sit-down when you're in Hawaii?
LO: No. No. No. No. No. He didn't say you better trade this guy or you better trade that guy or you need to trade this guy. He didn't say that at all. He mentioned himself. You can't be mad at that. That was a personal emotion. That's exactly what that is. It's personal and it should stay that way. We're still cool.
(To clarify, I don't know if Lamar was referring to things Kobe said to the legitimate media -- as opposed to a couple random jackasses in a parking lot -- forgot about "The Kobe Video" or was simply trying to breeze past it. But obviously, there is evidence contradicting that statement.)
Q: Do you think he should sit down with Jerry Buss, Mitch Kupchak, maybe even Andrew Bynum?
LO: Oh, man. That's way out of my hands. You went way over my head. Kobe Bryant means a lot to this franchise, so however he wants to handle that, I'm going with it.
Q: Do you think there are any hurt feelings among his teammates?
LO: I don't think so.
Q: You probably wouldn't tell us if there were, though.
LO: Probably not (laughs).
Q: Every time there was a trade rumor, your name came up.
LO: I can play. And a lot of times, I take it as a compliment that other teams know what's up. As well as the Lakers. I don't have nothing to prove, because I do it every night.
coxman-
These aren't one on one interviews, but big media confabs, so we don't really control the flow of questions. Repetition is very common as different writers enter and exit the scrum.
Rick-
It's not a question of whether or not texting is talking but whether the texting actually happened. Bynum, as I understand, was asked more than once not just about talking but texting as well, and said it didn't happen. One of the two is mistaken, and if it's Kobe, why make it up? Why not just say, "No, we haven't spoken, but it's something we'll work out when I see him in training camp."
It's not a huge deal, but it is a little strange, to say the least.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 02, 2007 at 02:09 PM
ATTENTION BLOGGERS:
I am starting the Kwame Chronicles for the new season...
I will be pointing out how many dropped passes, blown defensive coverages, missed dunks/layups, missed free throws, and stupid fouls he commits per game...
Look forward to this because they should rival the Jackson Journals in length!!!
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | October 02, 2007 at 02:10 PM
MJCMAN32,
"I am starting the Kwame Chronicles for the new season...
I will be pointing out how many dropped passes, blown defensive coverages, missed dunks/layups, missed free throws, and stupid fouls he commits per game...Look forward to this because they should rival the Jackson Journals in length!!!"
If you are actually serious about doing this, I would suggest calling them the "Kwame Kronicles." Just a writerly note. haha
By the way, I hope this doesn't create a "Jets/Sharks" atmosphere between your readers and Mike's. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 02, 2007 at 02:14 PM
TaosHum,
>>>Also, I'm not budging one inch from what I said on the other thread. What
>>>other team has to deal with a star player with an attitude like this? He
>>>burns Bynum in public which is part of an unwritten code among players
>>>to begin with, then says he talked to Bynum and cleared it up and
>>>meanwhile Bynum is saying, I haven't heard anything but I hope we're
>>>cool.
Well, I will say this. There are enough soap opera obsessed people like you
that I'm sure there will be a clarification on the whole thing. Now that TJ
has deemed it important enough to write a whole column about it, I'm
sure Kobe and Bynum will get asked about it another 50 times in the
next week.
Somehow I doubt Kobe will come out and say, "Okay I lied, I was just trying
to get you guys off my back.". I bet you'll see Bynum say something like
"Ohhhh. You mean way back in JUNE? Yeah, he text messaged me
back then. I thought you meant recently."
But because the media cares more about bread and circus than basketball,
I feel very confident that the mystery of the phantom text message will
be cleared up repeatedly, while questions relating to the actual team
composition and strategy will get glossed over, because TJ knows that
none of us really care about that stuff.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 02, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Edwin-
You drastically overestimate the trade value of second round picks. Most second rounders don't even make teams, so the idea that a team would give up a first rounder for two second rounders isn't really a realistic one. You might get a Phoenix type deal where they're selling off their picks, but that's about it. Those guys were drafted specifically because they wouldn't be wasted if they could be kept overseas. If there's no room on a roster for a second rounder, why bring in someone that you're almost certain to cut?
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 02, 2007 at 02:19 PM
MJCMAN32,
WHILE YOU AT IT. WHY DON'T YOU DO THE "BALL HOG" CHRONICLES OF A MALCONTENT.
LET US KNOW HOW MANY SHOT ATTEMPTS FOR THE SEASON.
HOW MANY TURNOVERS
HOW MANY PLAYERS STANDING AROUND OPEN WHILE KOBIATCH IS DRIBBLING.
HOW MANY PUMPS TO THE CHEST.
AND SHOOTING PERCENTAGE IN LOSSES.
I'M SURE THAT WILL RIVAL MIKE T'S JOURNALS!
Posted by: Gunner24 | October 02, 2007 at 02:19 PM
MJCMAN32,
I'm eagerly awaiting the Kwame Kronicles.
Posted by: Xodus | October 02, 2007 at 02:24 PM
HAB, LOL!
MJCMAN32, classic! I can't wait! But... you better be ready to keep late hours because that's when Kwame really shines... arrests, hotel related accusations during the playoffs, strange cake throwing incidents...
#########
On December 26, 2005, he played his first game at the Washington Wizards' MCI Center (now known as Verizon Center) as a Laker. The sold-out crowd of 20,173 fans loudly booed him upon entering the game and whenever he touched the ball. In the 2nd quarter, Brown was looking the other way when teammate Sasha Vujačić threw a pass his way. The ball bounced off his head and landed out of bounds, which was met with loud cheers from the crowd.[3] Brown called the reception "weak" and used the logic that "they should be cheering that I'm gone."[3] The Wizards won the game 94-91.
With Butler becoming an All-Star in Washington and Kwame Brown still failing to blossom in Los Angeles, the Butler-for-Brown trade is often seen as lopsided. Washington Post reporter Ivan Carter claimed that he overheard an L.A. reporter ask Phil Jackson if the Butler-for-Brown "trade was one that worked out for both teams?" He described the look on Jackson's face as "priceless."
Posted by: TaosHum | October 02, 2007 at 02:25 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
You've got to be kidding me. I don't even read those guys. I read it on ESPN or something like that. I can't remember exactly where but it wasn't from one of the bloggers.
MJCMAN32,
Why do I need creditenals for quoting from newspapers? Those are Phil's words.
TaosHum
"Mike T, don't you think Kobe put Phil in that position through his radio tirade this summer?"
No, I think Phil put himself in that position by trying to make a power play when he should have been coaching. He's still bellyaching about: woe is me, woe is me. Look at the roster. Who told him to play Luke Walton for 30 minutes a game. Who told him to play Smush Parker for 30 minutes a game and then pull him in the 81st game.
Management didn't give him what he wanted and he's been bellyaching about it for the last 2 months. He lost his attempt to make himself the GM of this team. That's why Kobe is referring to management these days and Phil is bellyaching about the roster.
It's not hard to figure out. I mean read the Press Enterprise that I just posted. The guy, PJ, basically said he wasn't in beat with the team. Well, heck I knew that from 2 seasons ago. Why do you think I wrote the Jackson Journals? For a guy having to "get in beat with the team" says that his interest are elsewhere before.
Everyone is inspecting what Kobe is or is not saying. What about what this guy, PJ, is saying. Having to get in beat with the team? That says a lot.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 02, 2007 at 02:26 PM
AK,
How about the "Kwame Kwonicles"?
"S-s-h-h!! Be ve-w-w-w-y qwiet!!"
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2007 at 02:27 PM
"Oh, and BTW Michael T., did you really say this.....
"Do you actually understand what you're saying? In other words Kobe Bryant should be thinking about Andrew Bynum? What has Bynum done in this league to merit Kobe, the best player in the league, having to justify himself over anything concerning Bynum?"
Cripes man, do you understand what the word "teammate" means? Essentially, you're saying "Kobe has no reason to concern himself with any of his teammates."
Your assumption is that Bynum is going to be the starting center. I'm here to tell you he's not!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 02, 2007 at 02:28 PM
Michael T.,
So Kobe only has to acknowledge starters? Those coming off the bench are beneath him and not deserving of anything from him?
Again, do you have any concept of what a "team" is?
Posted by: Jason F. | October 02, 2007 at 02:34 PM
I don't know how many of you guys have ESPN Insider but I thought I'd post part of John Hollinger's preview of the Lakers. I'm sure haters like KL and Gunner will love this:
In the meantime, L.A.'s second half of the season wasn't nearly as much fun as the first part. Though Bryant was feeling better and scoring in bunches, Odom missed 26 games with a shoulder problem that required offseason surgery and Walton missed another 22 with an ankle sprain. Smush Parker started having issues with Jackson, not to mention opposing point guards, and lost his starting job during the final week of the season. In the end, the Lakers barely stayed over .500 and were beaten easily by Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs.
For the season, L.A. ranked seventh in offensive efficiency thanks to Bryant, and would have been even better if they'd put a couple more shooters around him. The Lakers were fifth in 3-point frequency, taking 25.9 percent of their attempts from long range, but only 17th in accuracy at 35.3 percent. In other words, Kobe created open looks that the other guys couldn't knock down. None of the other starters were pure shooters, and both Radmanovic and Cook played sparingly, so on many nights there was nobody who could help space the floor.
Posted by: Xodus | October 02, 2007 at 02:34 PM
EXCLUSIVE TRANSCRIPT OF THE LOST TEXT MESSAGE BETWEEN KOBE AND BYNUM
KOBE: Yo
BYNUM: Yao
KOBE: Yo!
BYNUM: Yao!
KOBE: Can I write a check?
BYNUM: What?
KOBE: Can I write a check?
BYNUM: Check for what
KOBE: Check yo self before you wreck your self you slow piece of shizzle, this is my team and you're "F-ing" it up for me. Get the "F" out of LA and give me Jason Kidd, you stupid 17-year-old whippersnapper.
BYNUM: :-( Where's mommy!
Posted by: KLBeast | October 02, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Ex,
"Kwonicles" is funny, but it assumes a Fudd-esque speech impediment for Kwame, which I don't think is really fair. He's actually very well spoken, so it would do him a diservice to place him in a position of being immediately underestimated. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 02, 2007 at 02:35 PM
Long Time Laker Fan, you just don't get it. This whole thing is a non-issue. That has always been my point. Bynum appears to have moved on. All Kobe had to say was he hadn't talked to Bynum yet and that he intended to on the flight to Hawaii and everybody would have dropped it. Instead, Kobe says it's taken care of?
It's just part of the pattern we've seen over the last few years. Kobe has all the power with the Lakers. Nobody can say anything to him and if Kobe does something that 99% of the world knows is wrong, like bashing Bynum in front of that strip mall, it's just explained away as "Kobe being Kobe because Kobe wants to WIN! and apparently nobody else does."
It has to be absolutely wacky to play with this guy. Sure, he's a great player but... how can there be any real trust when you know you're one step away from having the rug pulled out from under you? The only thing Kobe respects is power, so I do hope Bynum emerges this year and then we can have Kobe vs. Shaq II for a couple of years after that. LOL! Only this time, the Lakers would have to back the new horse, Bynum if Kobe pulls another "him or me", and I think Kobe already realizes this.
Go ahead and ignore everything I've just posted and nitpick the little, "you said this..." points you do so enjoy doing...
Posted by: TaosHum | October 02, 2007 at 02:39 PM
By the way, to TaosHum and HAB,
I do agree that it's kinda strange for Kobe to just make up that he text
message Bynum and apologized if he didn't, but my whole point is,
what does it matter?
Not because Bynum doesn't matter, he does. I disagree with Mike T's
statement that Kobe needn't worry his all-star head over little baby Bynum.
My point is: who cares if Kobe apologized to Bynum or not? I think I could
come up with a list of 100 questions that I feel are more pertinent to the
Lakers upcoming season than that.
If you're that obsessed with personal minutia, then why aren't you
obsessing about whether Lamar is cheating on his wife, since he was
clearly window shopping in that video. And why aren't you obsessing
over whether Kwame is an alcoholic, since he was arrested for
disorderly conduct Saturday night? If Lamar has marital problems or
Kwame has a drinking problem this season, those things would have
at least as much impact on the team and this season as bynum-gate.
Do you want Kobe to go up to Socks in a televised interview and
apologize to him and give him a big hug? Is that what would make you
happy? Do you want Bynum to say that he really was upset by Kobe's
statement on the camera? Would that give you a thrill? Would either
of those things make a difference of one win or one loss this season?
I doubt it. But it would give you a vicarious soap-opera thrill.
Maybe you'd be happier over on the General Hospital blog, that's what
I'm saying. They get very into that kinda stuff.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 02, 2007 at 02:44 PM
Tao
"All Kobe had to say was he hadn't talked to Bynum yet and that he intended to on the flight to Hawaii and everybody would have dropped it. Instead, Kobe says it's taken care of?"
Sometimes honesty IS the best policy. it's a non issue unless someone lies about it.
It's like politicians who get caught doing something they shouldn't be doing like that one sentor who got caught in a the men's bathroom on the "down low" then pretends that he dropped a toilet paper and which happend to have a note written on it "wanna have sex?"....okay, i made the last part up.
Same with this Shaq crap. Everyone and their moms (grandma too) knows that kobe lobbied for shaq's departure. Just own up to it and move on. Geez louise.
Kobe puts a lot of this stuff on himself. Either kobe's the dumbest guy in the NBA or the smartest guy. I vote for the former.
Posted by: KLBeast | October 02, 2007 at 02:46 PM
If the game has passed Phil by, who would you like to coach the Lakers??
anyone not named Phil Jackson, not because I dont think he can coach, hes just not the right coach for this team,
Posted by: Laker Lover | October 02, 2007 at 02:49 PM
>>>"I am starting the Kwame Chronicles for the new season...
>>>...Look forward to this because they should rival
>>>the Jackson Journals in length!!!"
>>
>>If you are actually serious about doing this, I would suggest calling them
>> the "Kwame Kronicles." Just a writerly note. haha
COOOOL!
I'll write an article about all the times that Odom drives to his left, or when
he defers to Kobe even though he has an open shot. I'll call it the
Lamar Laments.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 02, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Good Reading KBros,
Although BK, I'm just a tad bit worried about "you" trying the "design in head" approach to grooming. I dont wanna come off as a "hater" or jealous even, but unless you shave "That's Hot" in your possible design, I cant see trumping the "starhead" look. :) HAB, I still have questions about what KB said to KG that ultimately helped him decide to go to Boston too.. It just seems strange that IF KG was extending an Olive Branch to Kobe and KB WANTING TO WIN NOW.. Why wouldnt he have just told Kev to come on down? I dunno.. I guess the only thing I'm really happy about is how that smug azz Ric Bucher looks like a deer in the headlights after saying Kobe would NEVER play in a Laker uniform again.. neener, neener, neener Ric
Posted by: complex brotha | October 02, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Godfather (Mamba24)
Please add me to the laker's-win-45-games-and-kobe-wins-another-scoring-title-and-lakers-lose-in-the-first-round-AGAIN bandwagon.
Thanks.
Posted by: KLBeast | October 02, 2007 at 02:55 PM
TALK TALK TALK and more talk on non sense talk, text messages! Trade Talks! Phil Jackson talk! TJ simmers most stupid talk! KLbeast what talk?!
The only important thing to watch out is the most important goal right now!
The road to the playoffs! This is already a tough goal for the Lakers!
Do your math. Who are the teams that are most likely locked for the playoffs and how many spots left available among teams that are are fighting for it.
Spurs
Mavs
Suns
Rockets
Jazz
Nuggets
6 teams are unquestinably has a talented roster that will make the playoffs.
That leaves only two more spots to contend with, that is what need to be discuss in this blog. The teams to watch for so our Lakers can slip into the playoffs.
Warriors are a running team, that makes it easy for them to collect wins. I see them making it more than any other team besides the Lakers. Grizzlies can not be taken out, I also think they have a legit chance to make the playoffs, look at their talent level (Darco, Pau, Warrick, Gay, Miller, Lowry, Navarro, Conley).
Lakers, Warriors, Grizzlies, Hornets = 4 teams for only two spots! Better thank Elton Brand for his injury, otherwise it would be five teams!
Help is on the way for the Lakers even if Jim Buss does not contribute. Oden, Brand, Amare, Nene are all injured and won't start the season.
Every Laker game will count, every win is going to be counted and every loss is going to hurt our goal, this early we should be in the playoff hunt!
KOBE
We have huge problems ahead of us! and text meassages is not one of them!
Posted by: Linda Pineda | October 02, 2007 at 02:55 PM
KLBEAST,
"EXCLUSIVE TRANSCRIPT OF THE LOST TEXT MESSAGE BETWEEN KOBE AND BYNUM"
THAT'S HILARIOUS!
Posted by: Gunner24 | October 02, 2007 at 02:56 PM
LongTime Laker Fan,
i get your point, i actually agree with you... but just for the record, LO doesn't have a wife. he has a baby momma.
and enuff with day old news... what happened in camp today? i've been clicking back to this blog all day and still nuthin
Posted by: CBuck | October 02, 2007 at 02:56 PM
Jason-
Starter or not, I just wonder why Kobe, if in fact Bynum isn't mistaken about his texting history, felt the need to invent a story. Very weird, and totally unnecessary.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 02, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Gunner,
>>HOW MANY PLAYERS STANDING AROUND OPEN WHILE KOBIATCH
>>IS DRIBBLING.
In case you missed it, here's a quote from John Hollinger's evaluation of
the Lakers:
"For the season, L.A. ranked seventh in offensive efficiency thanks to Bryant, and would have been even better if they'd put a couple more shooters around him. The Lakers were fifth in 3-point frequency, taking 25.9 percent of their attempts from long range, but only 17th in accuracy at 35.3 percent. In other words, Kobe created open looks that the other guys couldn't knock down."
Did you get that - Kobe created open looks that the other guys couldn't
knock down.
So what do you prefer: Kobe continuing to pass to his teammates shooting
35.3 percent? Or shooting more himself at 46.3%?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 02, 2007 at 03:01 PM
long time
"If you're that obsessed with personal minutia, then why aren't you
obsessing about whether Lamar is cheating on his wife, since he was
clearly window shopping in that video."
it's this "personal minutia" that creates a hostile working environment. it is also factual evidence, beyond a resonable doubt, that kobe is, in fact, still an a-hole and that we're going to have more of the same this year.
same crap, different year.
an you wonder why very few free agents want to play with kobe. what's not to love about kobe? badmouth teammates, lobbies against the GM, calls the owner an "idiot". Who wouldn't love to have kobe bryant as a "franchise player"?
All this drama for all of our mamas. Kobe should change his nickname from Mamba to Drama.
Posted by: KLBeast | October 02, 2007 at 03:01 PM
remember when you could go to the side of the page, click the thread by the poster's name and go directly to their message?
will the html geniuses ever figure that out here so we can go back to that convienence?
Posted by: CBuck | October 02, 2007 at 03:02 PM
Long Time Laker Fan, again you just... don't... get it.
The whole thing is, odd. Ok? That's what I was originally saying before Mike T came along and told me Kobe doesn't have to answer to players of lesser stature...
It's just... odd... Kobe was telling people he was talking to the other players in the offseason, did he? LOL! I mean... I saw KB24 where they had the most promising SG's in the nation come in for some kind of "camp" Kobe was running. It was fantastic! An amazing thing for those kids. But...
did Kobe ever do this for Jordan Farmar or Javaris Crittenton? I just... don't get it. He wants everybody to improve, did he help Bynum the previous season set up an offseason training program or did he expect Bynum to learn through osmosis? Bynum had to go through last year to understand how much he needed to develop his strength and then showed his desire this offseason by doing what he did.
It just seems Kobe's actions towards strangers are more helpful than his actions towards his teammates and this was just another in a long line of headscratchers... not a big one, but still...
Posted by: TaosHum | October 02, 2007 at 03:03 PM
Linda Pineda
"We have huge problems ahead of us! and text meassages is not one of them!"
Text messaging is not the problem.
Our so-called "franchise guy" is the problem. Our laker team only tolerates kobe and kobe feels entitled to exceed Dominic Wilkins as the best scorer to never have won a championship as the #1 guy.
Text message this!
Posted by: KLBeast | October 02, 2007 at 03:04 PM
long time
"Did you get that - Kobe created open looks that the other guys couldn't
knock down."
was that before or after kobe dribbles 7-10 times and kills 15-17 seconds from the shot clock in an offensive scheme that is predicated on "passing" per Tex Winters? Just checking.
Posted by: KLBeast | October 02, 2007 at 03:07 PM
BK,
I agree. I have no idea why Kobe would first say he talked with AB, then say he texted AB, when neither was true. I don't think it's all that big of a deal, but it's strange nonetheless.
I was just wondering how in the world Michale T. could suggest that Kobe needn't speak to AB or even give him any sort of acknowledgement at all. Seems an odd thing to say in the world of professional hoops.
Posted by: Jason F. | October 02, 2007 at 03:07 PM
Who wouldn't love to have kobe bryant as a "franchise player"?
Shawn Marion
Baron Davis
Carlos Boozer
Ron Artest
Lebron James
Jason Kidd
Carmelo Anthony
Mike Kwyryzryskzkzzski
Chauncey Billups
Posted by: Kobe's T | October 02, 2007 at 03:07 PM
"The whole thing is, odd. Ok? That's what I was originally saying before Mike T came along and told me Kobe doesn't have to answer to players of lesser stature..."
That's a great way to treat your guys? I can't wait to crawl into a foxhole with the a-hole.
Posted by: KLBeast | October 02, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Repost: (Sept 30, 2240 hrs)
"Place me on the Bynum Bandwagon, and he (along with several other Laker players) willl be twice as effective if Kobe is somewhere back east"
That so many of you are willing to invest (waste) at least one more season (before the big and imminent Chocolate meltdown) is perplexing.
All that any of you Mamba worshippers can do really is only hope that such an event won't happen, when in your hearts you know that it probably will.
Bynum and Lamar both (and who knows who else) could be All Stars one day, but by virtue of historical precedent, this probably won't happen until after Kobe has moved on to new pastures. Do the math. Even if your team performs "well" this year, the icon possessed and absorbed nature of the Laker fan base will credit the Mamba, and not team individuals, for making the team better. So when Kobe does finally leave (and he is going to) this will leave your young team without a clue to their identity. Better he leaves two years ago than now; better now than two years from now. Hit the road. Let the Los Angeles Lakers begin anew. Now! Time's awaistin'. Laker fans settle for nothing less than championships, or so they claim.
Watch. It will pan out exactly as I have described, and when I say "better" with respect to how the Lakers will fair in the post season (if they get there), I'm guessing -out in the second round- top scenario. Let's see, how many years "under" Kobe has it been already? That's what the Mamba will get you. Possibly to the playoffs, then out. You already know the tune. We'll title this song "More Of The Same" by Jorenema and the Scorched Earth Packers.
In the meantime, you've wasted, yet, another year hero worshipping when you could already have had a young team which might have been ready to challenge for the WCF championship this season. THIS season folks!
My new name for Chocolate Rain is the Ol' Ball & Chain.
But by all means, go ahead and wear it. It seems to fit quite well, even though it is a terrible disservice to other fine players on your team, not to mention a unforgiveable waste of world class talent.
Go Kings, Go Niners, and yes, go Kobeless Lakers!
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | October 02, 2007 at 03:08 PM
AK,
"immediately underestimated"
All the easier to sneak up on those rebounds and dunks!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 02, 2007 at 03:08 PM
PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE
You know I have been LOVING the Lakers and going to games for almost 30 years now, but all of you who think we're going ANYWHERE except out in the first round are thinking only with your herats, not your heads.
PROOF: Anyone want to bet $500 or even $200 that we win 55, or get to the second round with the team we have? Would anybody really bet that? What if the bet was $2000 or $5000 - would anybody actually risk it?
If you honestly would put that much on it, I'd like to hear from you. BTW I wouldn't take your bet because I'd have to root against my heart since like everybody I still hope for the purple and gold.
But let's be real. And maybe keep the pressure on the front office even though Kobe is playing "good soldier" for now.
Posted by: Jay Jay | October 02, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Long Time,
My goal is for Lakers to win championships. First of all, cheating on teammates is more detrimental to that goal than cheating on wives. Second, Kobe is the appointed leader of the team, so his character is subject to greater scrutiny than that of the rest of the players. So, if any other two players have a falling out, it's less important than when the leader has a falling out with an underling.
Ever worked in a team environment, Long Time? Never had a boss or a senior coworker who treated you like Kobe treats his? Not very conducive to team's goals.
" If your best player is not a good guy, you need to get rid of him"
Bill Parcells
Posted by: HAB | October 02, 2007 at 03:13 PM
The Beast spoke:
"It's this 'personal minutia' that creates a hostile working environment. It is also factual evidence, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Kobe is, in fact, still an a-hole and that we're going to have more of the same this year...same crap, different year"
Sound like a good "quote of the year" candidate. Does it have a bandwagon I can hop on?
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | October 02, 2007 at 03:19 PM
TALK ABOUT WEIRD:
Why would one writer say this:
NYDaily News: Mitch Lawrence
BBoston & L.A. are centers of NBA once again
Sunday, September 30th 2007, 4:00 AM
Meanwhile, Jackson and the Lakers have decided to put plans for an extension on hold. Owner Jerry Buss doesn't want to re-sign a coach at $10 million per season who can only get his team as far as the first round. And Jackson isn't that desperate to continue coaching a team that easily could finish in ninth place in the West.
"I think I have an outstanding offer to sign up again, but I have held that back because of my recovery," Jackson said, referring to his second hip replacement this past June. "Then there's the basis of how well the team does. If this team doesn't move forward quickly, and that's - I think - the second round of the playoffs, then I think we have to reconsider."
And then PJ says this:
10:24 PM PDT on Monday, October 1, 2007
Broderick Turner
EL SEGUNDO - Phil Jackson walked gingerly and with a cane Monday, still on the mend following hip-replacement surgery in June.
His health remains an issue, but Jackson said that's not the main reason he hasn't signed the contract extension the Lakers have offered.
Jackson wants to be "productive" -- to improve upon a team that was 42-40 last season and has been bounced out of the playoffs in the first round in back-to-back seasons.
PJ acts like it's up to him. Talk about lying. Or shall we say: "weird."
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 02, 2007 at 03:30 PM
I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that I would rather work with Kobe in any industry (finance, journalism, science, insurance, basketball, etc.) than with KL.
Posted by: Kobe's T | October 02, 2007 at 03:32 PM
MAN32,
Concerning the Kwame "Kwonicles", I'm sorry, but I just can't spare the time to read them. I've already got the Holy Koran, 3 of Michener's books and War and Peace on my plate for this winter's read. To double up on that would be impossible.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | October 02, 2007 at 03:34 PM
Kobe's T (fka Kobe Apologist)
"Who wouldn't love to have kobe bryant as a "franchise player"?"
i won't rip you for dropping the "apologist" lable. i would too.
I would "love" to work with my old incompetent boss ON THE RECORD.
OFF THE RECORD, she's incompetent and i wouldn't take orders from her if i were working at a McDonalds drive thru.
Posted by: KLBeast | October 02, 2007 at 03:35 PM
yeah, who cares about this stuff, it reminded me of how very much I would enjoy Kobe vs Shaq II with the roles reversed and Kobe is the vet and Bynum is the up and comer.
The interesting part of this whole mess is that if Bynum emerges this year, WHERE is Kobe going to find a better situation? He can opt out, get max money for staying here and he can ride another GIANT HORSE like Shaq in the old days, giving them a true inside/outside game unless... he wants to prove he can win without a dominant Center? Heck, this one can actually make his free throws!
and! the more success Bynum has, the more Kobe will stab him publicly and privately! FANtastic!
Come on! You know you want it...
Posted by: TaosHum | October 02, 2007 at 03:35 PM
sonny,
I'm as big an LO guy as anyone but saying that Kobe is keeping him from making an all-star team is ludicrous. How many all star teams did he make before he got to the Lakers? LO's problem has always been LO. He's not consistenly aggressive enough whether he's played for the Clips, Miami or LA.
Posted by: Xodus | October 02, 2007 at 03:37 PM
From Sam Smith of ChicagoSports.com
October 1, 2007
"MARINA DEL REY, Calif. -- Phil Jackson sat sipping his favorite soft drink, the Arnold Palmer mixture of lemonade and iced tea. Jackson's cane, the one he uses as he recuperates from a second hip-replacement surgery, lay an easy putt away. Behind Jackson, the sun began to set into the glittering Pacific Ocean. The symbolism was obvious, even to me.
Is the sun about to set, not only on the brilliant coaching career of the newest NBA Hall of Fame coach but also on the glorious success enjoyed by the Los Angeles Lakers?"
Gee, I wonder why the sun is setting on Phil. Could it be Kobe? Damn you Kobe! Could it be Jimmy Buss? Damn you Jimmy!
NO! NO! NO!
The whispers are getting out. What are they saying? Damn, it was something called the Jackson Journals that did him in. LOL!
And it isn't over yet!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 02, 2007 at 03:38 PM
Jay Jay
I would make that bet..... Mamba24 add me to the 55 win bandwagon...
I don't have faith in the FO but I have faith in Kobe. And hearing him say he's going to demand more from the other players says a lot. I don't care if you like kobe or not, this dude brings it on the court. I don't want to jinx it but i'm rolling with the 55 wins and a WCF.
Posted by: bob | October 02, 2007 at 03:39 PM
Kwame Kronicles entry #1 - Dropping the ball personally by being arrested and charged with disorderly conduct THIS SATURDAY.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3046722
I mean, come on dude! Aside from the Kobe accusation and LO's early issues blazin trees, Kwame is the only Laker to frequently get in trouble with the law. Now, if I were a Laker, I'd be partyin also. But, he is one of the most underachieving players in a while.
With his god-given physique there is no reason he shouldn't drop 15 & 10. Since he's proven he can't do that, and since Kupcake vastly overpaid him (remember nobody wanted him after his Wiz playoff meltdown and subsequent benching/being sent home), you would figure he would have his ass in the gym going into a contract year.
Not Kwame! I hope this is not reflective of his effort this year. I'm really wishing that Bynum has developed enough so that the Lakers don't HAVE to rely on Kwame.
Posted by: Nathaniel Burch | October 02, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Mike T,
>>>You've got to be kidding me. I don't even read those guys. I read it on ESPN or
>>>something like that. I can't remember exactly where but it wasn't from one of the
>>>bloggers.
No, trust me, you didn't. I read it pretty much daily and I've never read anything
there where they reported that
"Garnett would have pushed for a Lakers trade. Garnett controlled that whole
situation. He could have killed the Boston deal by refusing to sign an extension.
He signed off on the Boston deal because of the "Kobe situation" for sure. But it
was Kobe who informed Garnett on that situation."
Like I said. Provide me a link to the alleged article where this was reported.
Other than that I have to assume it's all assumptions on your part based on
a much more vague statement made by Kevin Garnett. And I believe he said
the "Laker situation", not the "Kobe situation".
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 02, 2007 at 03:50 PM