News, and the question of the day
(UPDATE: A panel of ESPN writers weighs in for a Kobe-centric "roundtable." If I may interject my opinion, it's high time the media started dissecting the topic of Bryant's situation in L.A., so I'm excited to see this matter finally get a little ink. -- AK)
With the Lakers still to begin the meaty portion of their preseason schedule -- if "meaty" is a word you can use in talking about the preseason -- the training camp news machines aren't running at full capacity. Not that there aren't discussion topics. Health is an issue -- six players missed all or part of Sunday's practice -- and the backup PG situation is one that deserves attention, given that Derek Fisher is perfectly fine with being a 25-30 minute player this year. All those absent bodies may be good for Coby Karl, who is pushing for a roster spot. It's easier to have your good play noticed when there's nobody else on the floor.
Which leads me to the Question of the Day: It's only Oct. 15, yet the Lakers have already generated enough question marks to give Frank Gorshin a headache. There's the aforementioned health issue. There's the Kobe/Buss/state of the franchise issue. The backup PG issue, the defense issue, the Jackson extension issue, and the Swimsuit Issue (just making sure you're paying attention).
But which one is the biggest? What single issue has you most nervous as the season approaches?
My take? It's health, followed by health, and then health. The Lakers have a lot of guys who have shown a unique ability to miss time on the floor. Lamar Odom has played in 64, 80 and 56 games over the last three seasons. Kwame Brown, 42, 72 and 41. Chris Mihm, 75, 59, 0. And he only suited up in 54 for Boston in '03-04. Luke Walton, 69 and 60 over the last two. Vlad Rad, 63, 77, 55. Not all of that missed time is winter-sports-related.
It's not a good thing when a few of these guys (Odom and Brown, and to a lesser extent Mihm and others) won't be starting off healthy. Training camp is important for vets, because it helps round them into shape, get fit and game-ready. Miss it, and there's a larger chance of problems down the road. Take guys who are already predisposed to such things, and there's reason to be nervous. I think we all saw what happens to this team when they don't have their full compliment of players.
But that's just me. What frightens you?
-- BK
******* THE TRADE OR RETAIN KOBE VOTE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 11:59 P.M.
OCTOBER 15, 2007
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TODAY: (MON. OCTOBER 15, 2007) is dedicated to: ) JON KAVULIC
PAST HONOREES: MIKE TENIENTE, EDWIN GUECO, KLBEAST, GENERIC_ONE, A.K. J.J.,
LAKER TOM, SONNY BELFAST, JOREMA, TALIQ, DAVID WHANG, THA SHOW, FAITH, BOB
RICK FRIEDMAN, HOBBITMAGE, FATTY, KOBE APOLOGIST, ANGRY LAKER, ANDREW Z,
EXHELODRVR, TWOODY, WESJOENIXON, KWAME BROWN, WEST SIDE JESSIE,
LONG TIME LAKER FAN, DICE8UP, FEARLESS WHACKJOB, TAOSHUM, LAKERGURL,
CHARLES, SHAWN MARION, MITCH KUPCHAK, utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER,
MJCMAN32, VIOLATER, PFUNK36
NEXT HONOREE (TSphere)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are people you meet in life who you instantly like. Their attitude is always positive
and they share their knowledge without making you think that they are doing you some
Big favor. Though they can be passionate in defending their point they never become
beligerant or hostile. Jon Kavulic is one such person. One of the main stays of the
Blog I have yet to see any of his arguments degenerate into gutter language.
The man is a passionate Laker fan, but is willing to listen to all sides. Even the
Bandwagons Jon belong to – 55 win bandwagon, Bynum Breakout Bandwagon and
Start Tutiaf bandwagon are positive. Jon is one of the original Blog members and as
such holds a wealth of knowledge that he is always willing to share. When people
tell me about my positive outlook I can only say when I’m feeling down I look to
Jon for inspiration. The man is a Scholar a true gentleman and one of the ones who
keep The Blog from sinking to the Dark side. Jon I would personally like to thank you
for the inspiration you provide me and thank you for bringing your refreshing take
on the blog. For that and the thousand of other wonderful things you do we
honor you on this October 15, 2007. So enjoy your day and know that the
Blog as well as the world is a better place for your being..
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABSOLUTELY NO FAITH IN MANAGEMENT BANDWAGON
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Complex Brotha
(2) Mambs24
(3) XODUS
(4) RICK FRIEDMAN
(5) MJCMAN32
(6) MJCMAN33
(7) XODUS
(8) EXHELODRVR
(9) utzworrld THE BANNER HOLDER
(10) EDWIN GUECO
(11) LakerBake
(12) Benjamin
(13) TSPHERE
(14) Alexinho17
(15) CBUCK
(16) TIM_4_SHOW
(17) Mamba24Fan4Life
(18) LakerTruth
(19) Lincoln Laker
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WE ARE OUT IN THE 1St ROUND AGAIN IF KUPCAKE DOESN’T
GET OFF HIS @SS AND DO SOMETHING BANDWAGON
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) JAY JAY
(2) EXHELODRVR
(3) ANDREW Z
(4) COMPLEX BROTHA
(5) ANDREW Z
(6) Alexinho17
----------------------------------------------------
SELL THE LAKERS BANDWAGON
----------------------------------------------------
(1) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) RICK FRIEDMAN
(4) ATL Laker Fan
----------------------------------------------------------------------
* SHAWN MARION TO LAKERS BANDWAGON.*
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Shawn Marion
(2) AK
(3) FearlessWhackJob
(4 Rick Freidman
(5) Mamba24
(6) Jeff Pinoy
(7) AB
(8) #4
(9) Caesar
(10) Justin
(11) LALakerLover
(12) TaosHum
(13) McGARNAGLE
(14) Andrew Z
(15) Brandon
(16) Danny
(17) Xtro
(18) Gino
(19) LakerBake
(20) Zajkee
(21) Kiwi
(22) Paulie
(23) MJCMAN32
(24) TSPHERE
(25) Exhelodrvr
(26) Zakee\
(27) Xodus
(28) ChiTownLaker
(29) Q WUOR
(30) B4hoops
(31) Linda Pineda
(32) Laker Tom
(33) Complex Brotha
(34) Andy B
(35) Steve From New Jersey
(36) Long Time Laker Fan
(37) Hugo Boss
(38) KLBeast
(39) WesJoeNixon
(40) TajLuck
(41) Dice8Up
(42) Edwin Gueco
(43) GOV
(44) HAL9000
(45) JOREMA
(46) THE LAKE SHOW
(47) CUT & DRY
(48) Bob
(49) Benjamin
(50) Chris H.
(51) Alexinho17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Laker Tom (2) Marty (3) HUBBIT (4) Fearless Whack Job (5) Mamba24
(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 (22) KIWI
(23) DEREK (24) NIK KANNAN
Members at heart
(25) Bob (26) Faith (27) LakerLover (28) ComplexBrother
(29) Issang
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ROLL THE DICE ON JO BANDWAGON
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(1).Tha Show (2) Andrew Z (3).Xodus (4).Mamba24 (5)Edwin Gueco
(6). Exhelodrvr (7). Long Time Laker Fan (8) Me (9)Fearless whackjob
10). LakerBake (11) Lincoln Laker (12) Benjamin (13) Alexinho17
----------------------------------------------------------
SACRAMENTO KINGS 50 WIN BANDWAGON
1. Sonnybelfast 2. Ron Artest
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BYNUM BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
-------------------------------------------------------------
(1) LakerFaze (2) Mamba24 (3) DEREK
(4) RDLEE (5) LAKER TOM (6) BENNY BLANCA
(7) Violater (8) Jon Kavulic (9) BD
------------------------------------------------------
LAMAR BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------
(1) VIOLATER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) NEVER
(4) MJCMAN32
(5) DICE8UP
(6) MRBARNEYDANGLES
(7) Twoody
(8) Issang
------------------------------------------------
START RONNY TURIAF/ RONNY
FOR 6TH MAN BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------
(1) LONG TIME LAKER FAN
(2) MICHAEL H.
(3) MAMBA24
(4) JON KAVULIC
(5) MRBARNEYDANGLES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRADE KWAME BEFORE DEADLINE/
KICK KWAME TO CURB SO DON’T LOSE CAP SPACE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) ATL Laker Fan
(2) TWOODY
--------------------------------------------------
SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------
(1) FAITH
(2) LONGTIME LAKER LOVER
-------------------------------------------
SIGN SUN YUE BANDWAGON
-----------------------------------------
(1).FearlessWhackJob
(2) Laker Tom
(3) Mamba24
-----------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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.
The triangle my friend was a thjing 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 NOW ROLL CALL:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, Wolf, Man
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, vi lakerfan,
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,
TUKLAW, CDUB0512, MRBARNEYDANGLES,BENJAMIN,MJCMAN32, KobeFromManilas
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman,Phantom
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,GiantSquid
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, TRIO
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood, SLO Gal, Thi
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, Man,
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, B4hoops
Marc Gasol, Sun Yue, Shamond, Williams, Ronny Turiaf, V. Radmanovic, Jennifer
Maurice Evans, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Brian Cook, KOBES T.
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 12, 2007 at 06:35 AM
=====================
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 10:13 AM
The "issue" is clearly Kobe and whether or not he decides to stay with this young core of Bynum, Turiaf, Farmar and Crittenton or force his way out, either immediately, before Luol Deng gets signed to a big contract or before the trade deadline.
With all of these lists of trade/don't trade Kobe, it is interesting that Chicago won't give up Deng to get him. It certainly begs the question, would Chicago give up Deng for a 29 year old Shaq? I don't think there's any question on that one so... for all the various trade scenarios... perhaps we aren't acknowledging the damage Kobe has done to his own reputation. Sure, he works hard on the court but what happens if somebody trades for him and something happens, somebody gets injured and they barely make the playoffs and get ousted in the first round, just like here? Will Kobe go off again?
Say what you want about the Buss family but they have been nothing but good to Kobe, they have stood behind him 100% since day one and that includes Colorado which some of you don't seem to understand that other teams would have shipped him out right then and there. Yet, there's Kobe on the radio bashing the hell out of the very people who have stood behind him. Also, the opt out clause in Kobe's contract, all they would have is Kobe's word that he would re-sign with his new team, they can't just re-do his contract, they have to wait until the new collective bargaining agreement is done, which is why Kobe has the opt out at that very moment, so he can get even more MONEY, which is what this has been about the whole time.
If Kobe goes to a new team and they get hit with injuries, would Kobe opt out and bail on them? It's not so farfetched to consider, look what Boozer did to Cleveland and... who is his agent? Hmmmm...
There's so many problems on so many levels in trying to trade Kobe, but you would think somebody would gamble when the trade deadline gets near, a key player gets injured, so forth but... Chicago won't give up Deng?
Posted by: TaosHum | October 15, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Sure, we need healthy (not injured) players. But whomever's on the floor they need to play solid DEFENSE. The D has been lacking since the middle of last season and was downright invisible in the first two playoff games.
The Lakers have been a team that needs to score 115 points to win a ballgame, and that's just not a plan for success.
Somewhere in any 48 minute game, our scorers will score. But it's easier to score when you're playing solid D and eliminating turnovers.
The guys who are defensive liabilities hurt the team every time they're on the floor.
Phil would be wise to award playing minutes based on Defense and send a clear message to everyone on the roster. This problem needs to be turned around quickly, or it could be an ugly season.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 15, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Jay Jay,
>>>..All-.Star with the I-wanna-win-no-matter-what attitude..
Shouldn't that read "All-.Star with the I-wanna-win-no-matter-what, so-long-as-I-am-the-leading-scorer-and-the-undisputed-leader attitude"?
A guy that does not want a Shaq on his team is not all about winning at all costs. He has an agenda that supersedes winning.
Posted by: HAB | October 15, 2007 at 10:38 AM
Please add me to the 'Mamba24 stop defacing our blog" bandwagon please.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | October 15, 2007 at 10:48 AM
BK
Injuries are part of the game... but part of some player's game more than others.
The more relevant question might be: how many injured seasons in a row before a player can accurately be called injury prone?
I'm guessin' we have 2 in that column and they're both missing from the starting lineup.
As much as I want to shine the cold light of blame at the corner FO, that's got to play havoc when you're talkin' deals.
Posted by: Vman | October 15, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Furthermore,
A guy that's all about winning does not cause a Kevin Garnett to change his mind about playing on your team.
I don't know if Garnett had a conversation with Kobe or not, but it's pretty clear that he contributed to Kevin's decision at least indirectly.
It's also clear that while Kobe is hollering for help now, he does not want great players with strong personalities joining the team. He knows full well that if KG came over and performed well, his leadership and legacy would be threatened. At least in his convoluted mind.
Posted by: HAB | October 15, 2007 at 10:50 AM
My biggest concern actually involves many of the other issues (injuries, defense, Kobe's frame of mind) and that is our center play. If we can get some defense and rebounding out of Kwame/Bynum/Mihm, it will go a long way toward solving some of our other problems. Guarding the paint will help our perimeter player's D, it will add to our win total, which in turn should make Kobe more inclined to want to staqy.
I again think the key is Bynum. Kwame seems injury prone and is a liability on offense, Mihm is even more injury prone than Kwame and gets into foul trouble. That leaves...Bynum. I believe he will step it up and maybe by January we'll be think more about winning games and playoff positioning than trades, FO blunders and what if's. Let's hope for the best.
If not, we can go back to bashing LBJ and DWade :)
Posted by: rdlee | October 15, 2007 at 10:51 AM
************** The trade or Retain poll will continue until 11:59 October 15, 2007
************* Please check to see if your vote was recorded correctly ***********
As of 11:00 Results
Trade
1. KL
2. Gunner24
3. Loyal to Kobe Fan No more
4. Tully Moxness
5. RayRay
6. Jason F.
7. McFly
8. Sick of it all
9. Benny Bianca
10 Wolf
11 TaosHum
12 thirty2
13. Mike T's Significant Other
14 MJCMan32
15 Tony
16 Roky
17 fubstripes
18 Kiwi
19 Eagle Boy
20 Conejito
21 Rocky
22 Sixonezero
23 mrT (not Teniente)
24 Laker hopeful
25 Ajax
26 The Lake show
27 BD
28 Complex Brotha
29 Justin
30 Weave-man
31C-Dubbs
Retain
1. bob
2. Edwin Gueco
3. Rick Friedman
4. Charles
5. John Kavulic
6. Faith
7. Tim-4-show
8. Hariyahu
9. Violater
10. Mamba24
11. Rdlee
12. Angry Laker
13 Lakerfaze
14 LakerTom
15 JJ
16 vilakerfan
17 Shaq fan
18 Mamba24Fan4Life
19 Lalakerlover
20 McGarnagle
21 CBuck
22 Tsphere
23 Gdchild
24 Utzworld - banner holder
25 CS
26 isang
27 Longtime laker fan
28 Jay Jay
29 VMan
30 Frenzy
31 Benjamin
32 Lincoln Laker
33 Gino
34 S & S (Sugar & Sweet)
35 laker_sh
35. Man
36, Laker Truth
37 Dan the Man
38 Lakergurl
39 Alexinho 17
40 Wesjoenixon
41 Staple 24
42 Michael H
43 Jaworski
44 Greek dude
45 laker seth
46 socalife
47 Dave M
48 ISSANG
49 Tikki
50. Quazzar
51. MARTY
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 11:00 AM
As much as I believe star talent has kept things going for the past half century, Buss would a fool to keep Kobe. Staying in the here and now, Kobe current attitude is detrimental to the future of this young team and the franchise's ability to get the much needed talent.
While the ability to get talent is also hindered by Kupchak's conservative nature and lack of a viable talent network (like the Bird/Mchale/Ainge or Spurs foreign talent network), the most important piece of a Laker championship puzzle has always been how aligned the star player has been with upper management and ultimately, the Busses themselves. Only has Magic been treated with treated with the kind of respect Kobe got, and I believe that's what Dr. Buss was trying to forge with Kobe. Jerry wanted the Lakers to be synomous with Kobe, as it has with Magic, West, etc., but Kobe doesn't see it this way unfortunately.
Hence, Kobe must be traded. The Lakers have always been a great organization; rewarding good behavior, punishing bad. If the star player is not of the same mind as the Buss family, why keep things status quo? Doc Buss is shrewder than that, and fortunately he sees the light. We cannot have a team leader that does not have leader's mentality.
Posted by: #4 | October 15, 2007 at 11:04 AM
Mamba put me on the trade side
Posted by: Laker Lover | October 15, 2007 at 11:06 AM
I hope I'm retained.
Posted by: zen | October 15, 2007 at 11:09 AM
The thing that frightens me right now is Phil Jackson decision to try and find more transition and early offense. With the amount of offensive weapons on the Lakers being limited to one #24, it is a terrible idea to speed up the offense and look for quicker shots. Shot selection is one key area this team needs to find consistency in. In 2006 when the Lakers played the Suns to a stalemate through six games in the playoffs, it was because their shot selection(shots in the paint), added to offense efficiency, there in large helping set up half court defense, limiting transition opportunities and offense rebounding for the suns. Granted most teams are not well equipped on defense to handle transition and early offense, the question that has to be posed.....Can we beat the best fast break teams, if we ourselves become one? To me it is simple; our strength is in our offense half court execution to limit easy basket opportunities for our opponents. By speeding up our tempo, it is likely that we lose out on our defense rebounding strengths, and also allow teams to get into their transition with little resistance from a Laker team whose has been instructed to leak out and cherry pick. I don't know what Phil is trying to prove, and although it may help us get to 50 wins during the season, it will aid failure in the second season (Playoffs). I feel bad for Phil because he is trying to squeeze every ounce of juice from his 15 players; the fact remains that all the strategy in the world won't help us because the talent level of the team falls way below the curve for a championship trophy. Even with the mentality that in all sports the impossible is possible, just ask Stanford, Appalachian State, or the Golden State Warriors. But unlike the latter, when an 82 game season and (4) 7 game playoff series are apart of an underdogs sport, it is highly unlikely that their flaws are not exposed. And really unlikely that the team can fall through the cracks and cut down the nets at the end of the year. I am praying for miracle.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | October 15, 2007 at 11:11 AM
BK,
spot on. it's health.
if the lakers incur injuries, they will struggle.
this was proven last season.
as for defense, of course that is a concern.
the lakers play none, whether they are healthy or not.
this team is built to score, and not defend.
and there lies the problem.
we do not have the proper players to become a better defensive team.
derek fisher will help out by taking some charges here and there...but i do not believe it will be enough.
early on, the lakers will have to outscore their opponents to win...because they will continue to struggle on the defensive end.
_______________________
okay, i give up on getting jermaine o'neal.
the deal that needs to be made is kwame brown and radmanovic for ron artest.
we need a DEFENDER on the perimeter.
we make this deal, and here is our roster:
dfish, jcrit, farmar
kobe, mo evans
artest, luke
lamar, turiaf, cook
mihm, bynum
kwame is a lost cause anyways...and diddo goes for radmanovic.
yeah, we might be getting a risky player but two of them would be going in the opposite direction.
kwame & radman
for
ron artest
c'mon jimmy buss...call the maloof boys and make this deal. tell the queens kwame can be their anchor in the middle and radmanovic can be a poor man's peja stojakovic.
Posted by: tha show | October 15, 2007 at 11:12 AM
TaosHum
"the Buss family but they have been nothing but good to Kobe"
Absolutely, and vice versa just like all good business relationships. What act is filling the seats and the pockets of said Buss family? It ain't Lamar and company. What's going on now is about bad faith.
Kobe's just a dumb, gifted player that says and does stupid things, but this town wants a winner and the Buss family has replaced all the winners in the front office with people who's resume's don't match the job description. Make smart, forward thinking, intuitive Jerry West roster moves and this isn't an issue.
There's plenty of ying and yang in this soap opera. Players can be crazy and still play, the front office doesn't have that margin of error.
Posted by: Vman | October 15, 2007 at 11:13 AM
>>>>Please add me to the 'Mamba24 stop defacing our blog" bandwagon please.
Just do what I do.. I am billing Mamba for the scroll wheel replacement costs:-)
Posted by: HAB | October 15, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Guys,
Chek out Adande defending Buss...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=Roundtable-Kobe
http://tinyurl.com/2tgdxl
Have a great day guys!
Charles
Posted by: Charles | October 15, 2007 at 11:15 AM
TaosHum,
"If Kobe goes to a new team and they get hit with injuries, would Kobe opt out and bail on them? It's not so farfetched to consider, look what Boozer did to Cleveland and... who is his agent? Hmmmm..."
I GUESS THATS ONE OF THE VARIABLES TOO IN TRADING KOBE WHICH MAKES OTHER TEAMS SECOND GUESS.. ALSO KOBE MUST BE THINKING PROS AND CONS TOO I WOULD ASSUME AND MAYBE BACKTRACKING A LITTLE, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE GOING ELSEWHERE WILL MAKE HIS CHAMPIONSHIP HOPES MORE PROMISING. MY ASSUMPTION IS KOBE IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE UNLESS ITS AN EXCEPTIONAL SITUATION WITH A GREAT TEAM, OTHERWISE HE WILL NOT APPROVE ON THE TRADE AND USE THAT AS AN EXCUSE TO STAY. MY FEAR IS THAT KOBE WANTS OUT NOT MAINLY TO CHASE ANOTHER TITLE BUT TO CHASE ANOTHER FAN BASE AND MORE JERSEY SELLING RECORDS.. OUCH!
Posted by: Violater | October 15, 2007 at 11:20 AM
kwame brown
radmanovic
for
ron artest
if the lakers are sold on andrew bynum, then why hold on to the certified bust that is kwame brown? the guy is overpaid, and will most likely walk when some dumb franchise decides to give him some decent coin.
radmanovic simply doesn't fit. he doesn't get the offense, the coaches and fans do not get his space cadet style of play. it was a bad signing, mistakes happen - let's move on.
we get artest, who will help on the defensive end of the floor - which we desperately need.
we missed out on kg, we tried but came up short.
we turned down a deal for jo, the fo thinks the pacers are asking for too much.
so let's be proactive and ship out the players (kwame & vlad rad) who don't fit and bring in a player who will fit. we aren't mortgaging the future here.
a trio of kobe-artest-odom is an improvement from last year.
you throw in dfish, jcrit, a healthy mihm, and an improving bynum - let's roll!
c'mon kupchak and jimmy buss, get geoff petrie on the phone and make this deal happen.
it helps both teams out. the queens get a big body and a shooter.
we get the defensive player we sorely need.
i'd send them farmar too if it is a deal breaker...just make this happen.
C'MON!
Posted by: tha show | October 15, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Dr. Tsphere
"Disliking someone you see as disloyal (with some justification) doesn't automatically make you loyal, especially as the clear preference of Buss, the owner, is keep things pretty much the way they are. Now if you aren't loyal to the way things are, you are in the same category as Kobe! So isn't it a bit contradictory to criticize him for the same crimes you're guilty of?"
First, there is no loyalty in business...it doesn't exist except for suckers. my dislike for kobe is not for his lack of loyality to the organization, my dislike is that kobe put his selfish agenda above the team....which BTW is fine, but you've gotta do better than the previous #1 guy. At minimun, take responsibility for your actions.
My preference for Buss and Company is simple, Buss is a business guy and the Laker organization is a business. Buss/Mitch/Jimbo/Jeanie did what they were suppose to do UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I like what management has put together as a core team for kobe to lead or for someone else to lead. i am not loyal to the lakers, but i will side with the ownership in this instance.
i'll give you credit for asking a very insightful question about "loyalty" and what that means in professional sports, business and life
Posted by: KL | October 15, 2007 at 11:23 AM
utzworld
first off, much respect to you.
"What happens when the next superstar that comes in gets forced to play with mediocre players and perrinial 1st round exits and calls out the Buss family for making promises they had no intention of keeping? Will you label him a malcontent, also?"
I truly don't think the next star, like shaq in the past, will have an issue to playing with "mediocre" players because i don't think our guys are mediocre per se. our guy don't play up to their potential because kobe stifles the process. our guys have traditionally backed down to kobe and if kobe is challenged (Atkins), they mysteriously disappear.
Great #1 guys make the most of what they have. Shaq came to LA and immediately made positive contributions. Guys around the league take notice, then want to join Shaq and company. Kobe is the exact opposite. Kobe had the perfect setup, guys would come to LA for pennies on the dollar to win titles alongside shaq and kobe, kobe wanted to win WITHOUT SHAQ AT ALL COST thus creating this environment where free agents are weary to play in LA because they know that kobe was willing to dismiss a key component like shaq FOR SELFISH REASON. what will happen to a Grant Hill who’s “over the Hill”? They’ll waste their time in LA being kobe’s biatch.
i firmly believe if we had a LBJ or Wade (even Melo) in lieu of Kobe, things would be different. The Allen Iversons, Grant HIlls and Kevin Garnetts of the world would embrace playing in LA and not be reluctant.
we still brothers BTW.
Posted by: KL | October 15, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Jay Jay
"I need to respond - though I must admit arguing with you is like arguing with Karl Rove over whether Bush is a good president."
don't get me started on Bush and Rove....
"Nonetheless, you are NOT a Laker loyalist. Not if you want to get rid of the only player who might actually lead us to a championship and side instead with an inept front office that has consistently lied and done its bumbling best to destroy our shot at a championship for the last three years."
my issue with you is that i don't think kobe will lead us to a championship. i've felt this way since 2004 when kobe dismissed shaq. i knew that nobody good in the league is going to want to play with kobe because of the selfishness he displayed by throwing away championship opportunities due to a personal gripe with shaq and/or selfish motives to be "the best ever". FO is not "inept" because under the Buss regime, we've made the playoffs 26 of 28 years AND we've won numerous championships. FO only became "inept" when kobe started this drama with the "FO is a mess" comment. this is the MO of the Kobe Bryants of the world, there is ALWAYS A PROBLEM. Always drama and always finger pointing.
"I am a True Laker Loyalist -LOYAL to whoever most helps the Lakers. And that's the All-Star with the I-wanna-win-no-matter-what attitude not the I-want-to-make-money-and-fool-around-with-young-girls-and-don't-care-whether-we-win-as-long-as-I-can excuse for an owner."
difference between you and me is that i see straight through kobe bryant. you trust that kobe is honest with his actions (or inactions) whereas i'm a casual fan of the NBA. i'm not married to the idea that "as the lakers go", i go or "as kobe goes, i go".
BTW, i think you mean "I-wanna-win-no-matter-what attitude" AS LONG AS IT'S NOT WITH SHAQ.
i look at Paul Pierce and Ray Allen and say, "these are the kind of guys i want to represent my Los Angeles Lakers".....not kobe bryant.
Posted by: KL | October 15, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Hey Laker fanatics.. i can't spill all the beans but don't you worry all i can say is everybody is on the same page, everything is coming together like it always does, get your tickets! Go Lakers!!
Posted by: Jeannie Buss | October 15, 2007 at 11:27 AM
HAB,
"Please add me to the 'Mamba24 stop defacing our blog" bandwagon please."
Could you explain a little more. Thanks
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 11:28 AM
the only issue that really matters is not whether Kobe stays, it's whether he plays with his heart in it. If he is not committed and his heart isn't in it, it doesn't really matter if he's still wearing our purple and gold. If he is gonna stay he needs to be committed to the long haul, and if he's not, he needs to go.
Posted by: dustin b | October 15, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Well the first concern is easily health, we can not win if we are not healthy, that was clearly seen last year as our strong first half was destroyed by injuries which led to many, many losses.
After that comes defense, lakers D is the difference between a bubble playoff team with a another first round exit and a second tier team right below the Dallas, San Antonio as the top two and with the Houston and Phoenix as an actual shot at the finals and the ship. But that is just a pipe dream I think.
Mamba24,
I am going to have to go with the trade route in that poll of yours after some difficult consideration cause I don't think this team can pull off the defense it needs to be a winner. Plus I am getting tired of defending Kobe, I will always love Kobe since I grew up watching him, buit the time might be time to move on. There are only certian deals I would like though, and I think a deal with Loul Deng, Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas/Joakim Noah, could definately appeal. Or a Josh Howard, Devin Harris, and Erick Dampier, along with using Kwame to get in amother 2 guard. with draft picks thrown for good measure on both. Both those teams would be competitive enough to make the playoffs and also have enough young talent that could very well devolop into a championship team in 3 years or so.
The only thing that would make me want to retain him if Mitch is actually able to pull off a trade using Kwame expireing deal and Spare parts to actually get us one other legit player, specifacally a power forward that can really bang, nowhow or where that could come from I am not sure. And we have to do this without giving up LO. I am also interested in the idea of artest, he could really help get us a solid 18-20 points a game and could defend the 1-4 positions
Zach Z.
Posted by: Zach Zombie | October 15, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Violator
"MY FEAR IS THAT KOBE WANTS OUT NOT MAINLY TO CHASE ANOTHER TITLE BUT TO CHASE ANOTHER FAN BASE AND MORE JERSEY SELLING RECORDS.. OUCH!"
Think Boston will give KG, Pierce and Allen for Kobe?
Kobe's a joke. Should have never chased shaq away. i knew this would happen....clear as mud if you ask me....
can't say i'm particularly happy or sad about it. "it is what it is"....
Posted by: KL | October 15, 2007 at 11:44 AM
KL -
You said (last thread) - "i've felt this way since 2004 when kobe dismissed shaq"
Right time, wrong description. It was the drunken sex addict owner who didn't want to pay the dough to extend Shaq's contract and didn't even have the balls to stand up to the Big Ego and tell him to man up and play out the last year he was already under contract for.
- "FO is not "inept" because under the Buss regime, we've made the playoffs 26 of 28 years AND we've won numerous championships. FO only became "inept" when kobe started this drama"
Again right time but wrong placement of blame. The front office became inept when Jerry decided chasing teenage skirt and getting loaded was much more fun than the hard work it takes to run a championship franchise and turned control over to his REALLY inept son - you know the dude with zero basketball experience who thinks Bynum is more valuable than J-Kidd. And we have become a first round exit team as a result.
Buss had a great run - I'll give you that - though equal credit should be given to Jerry West. But he got old and tired. Ever seen the man up close? He looks like one of those over 70 guys who's in a daze most of the time. I was on a flight with him from LA to Seattle a couple of years ago and he looked pretty stoned out, as did the two 19 year old hotties in short skirts and Laker jackets who were his "travelling companions."
Kareem had the grace to step down when he got too old to compete. Buss tried to but made an exceptionally poor choice as to who to pass the team on to. I guarantee you if Jeannie and Magic were running things the story would be very different now - we'd have JO at least and possibly even KG - along with a happy #24 and a shot at a title.
Posted by: Jay Jay | October 15, 2007 at 11:45 AM
---------------------------------------------------
Retain or Trade Kobe Poll as of 11:45
RETAIN 53 TRADE 31
--------------------------------------------------
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Tha Show
kwame brown radmanovic for ron artest
It's got my vote
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 11:48 AM
>>Just do what I do.. I am billing Mamba for the scroll wheel replacement costs:-)
Oooh, good idea. I think I injured my pointer finger with all the scrolling, I hope he's covered for liability health!
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | October 15, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Nik Kannan,
"The thing that frightens me right now is Phil Jackson decision to try and find more transition and early offense. With the amount of offensive weapons on the Lakers being limited to one #24, it is a terrible idea to speed up the offense and look for quicker shots."
Good posts!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 11:50 AM
REPOST:
KL & Gunner - it's time that we battle.
I dare you - quadruple dog dare both of you - to address the Front Office issues in regards to "Kobegate." If you are as true a Los Angeles Lakers fan as you say you are, then man up and address the FO issue. You both have waxed poetic about Kobe's role in "Kobegate". Can you do the same in this instance.
Did Kobe play a role in this? Yeah.
Is Kobe the cancer? No.
What happens when the next superstar that comes in gets forced to play with mediocre players and perrinial 1st round exits and calls out the Buss family for making promises they had no intention of keeping? Will you label him a malcontent, also?
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | October 15, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Jay-Jay:
"Again right time but wrong placement of blame. The front office became inept when Jerry decided chasing teenage skirt and getting loaded was much more fun than the hard work it takes to run a championship franchise and turned control over to his REALLY inept son - you know the dude with zero basketball experience who thinks Bynum is more valuable than J-Kidd..."
Or, as I call it, "The Day Jerry West Skipped Town".
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | October 15, 2007 at 11:54 AM
TaosHum,
>>>With all of these lists of trade/don't trade Kobe, it is interesting that Chicago
>>>won't give up Deng to get him. It certainly begs the question, would Chicago
>>>give up Deng for a 29 year old Shaq?
Maybe not. They weren't willing to give up Deng to get Kevin Garnett this summer.
Most teams wanting to do trades want to keep their best player and ADD another
good player. Chicago considers Deng to be their best player right now.
And one other thing, none of us know what Chicago has offered or hasn't offered
or is willing to give up or is not willing to give up. All we have so far is rumors.
If Mitch called Paxson and made an offer of a trade involving Deng, they may
or may not take it, but unless the trade happens, it's only speculation what
didn't happen.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 15, 2007 at 11:55 AM
mamba 24, please put me on the retain side.
I think health is the biggest issue this season but as far as the long haul, the state of the franchise and the kobe situation is huge deal. A trade could possibly make us way better or worse off for far more than a year. hopefully it all works out for the best.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 15, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Mamba24,
I was responding to this blog:
>>>Please add me to the 'Mamba24 stop defacing our blog" bandwagon please.
>>>Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | October 15, 2007 at 10:48 AM
An attempt at humor on my part. I am taking a class, so you know, just practicing..
Cheers
Posted by: HAB | October 15, 2007 at 12:01 PM
J. Walter Weatherman,
"Oooh, good idea. I think I injured my pointer finger with all the scrolling, I hope he's covered for liability health!"
And I hope you realize who you are dealing with.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 12:08 PM
if I was Kobe, I would demand to be traded before the trade deadline. If FO didnt trade me by then, i would make it clear that i would not accept any sort of trade my final year and leave the Lakers without giving them any compensation. Buss is an idiot. I dont see how blasting Kobe in the media helped the Lakers in any way. it gives them no leverage when it comes to trading him b/c other teams will no their desperate. it jsut makes no sense that he would say that to the media, unless his EGO and PRIDE got the better of him.
For all you Laker fans that think every baller in the nba wants to come play for the Lakers, wake up and smell the coffee. If they wont put a team around Kobe (best nba player out there right now) then who in the hell would they build a team around?
To all you Bynum lovers, dreaming that he will be a 20 and 10 guy, keep dreaming. The kid is almost 20 and just looks stuck in mud. hes slow up and down the court and doesnt have that fire in him.
God help this Laker team. with that being said, i still wish them the best.
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: tripgame3 | October 15, 2007 at 12:08 PM
---------------------------------------------------
Retain or Trade Kobe Poll as of 12:11
RETAIN 54 TRADE 33
--------------------------------------------------
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 12:12 PM
BIGGEST CONCERN? LAKER SEASON CUTS INTO MY FANTASY FOOTBALL TIME.
I've never been so underwhelmed going into the Laker season. Last year we had the near defeat of Phoenix that we were coming off of, so there was hope. We ended last season so poorly followed by Kobe's radio tour and then complete lack of everything from the front office over the summer that I have nothing, NOTHING to be excited about this year. How can a fan be pumped for this season when the franchise player obviously isn't into it himself? How do you root for a team that has absolutely no definitive idea of a direction they want the team to go and they would rather just hang in the balance of mediocrity than ruffle any feathers? I've never felt this way about the Lakers before and it's frustrating. This team has absolutely no chance of winning a title and isn't doing ANYTHING to get closer to that. On the flip side they aren't doing anything to rebuild or revamp that would bring some new, added excitement to the fan base. It's gutless and pathetic.
So for me, I'm most concerned about my complete lack of interest in this Laker team and the overwhelming lack of excitement going into this season. Until something is done to shake things up (and Coby Karl's hopes for that 15th roster spot doesn't qualify) I'm over this franchise.
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 15, 2007 at 12:14 PM
I 100% agree with tha show.
The Kwame/Vlad for Artest trade is the one I've been pulling for and I think it makes them instant contenders.
You get rid of two large contracts for overpaid players who are worthless. Artest adds big time D, plus he can score. This will take the burden off of Kobe having to guard the opponents best player. The starting lineup that tha show mentioned is SOLID. Plus you don't have to blow up your core or your future.
Now the salaries don't match up for the trade so we would probably get some SacTown scrub or two as part of the deal, but it will be worth it even if they have to buy out the other contracts.
The KG deal was the dream deal, but this Artest trade is subtle and VERY effective. The Jermaine O'Neal deal is a BAD deal. We go sideways and take on a HUGE contract for a guy that just isn't that good.
If we have to trade Kobe, I say go for Arenas and Caron.
Posted by: Bootyjuice | October 15, 2007 at 12:18 PM
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER
What happens when the next superstar that comes in gets forced to play with mediocre players and perrinial 1st round exits and calls out the Buss family for making promises they had no intention of keeping? Will you label him a malcontent, also?
Only Kobe is claiming Buss made promises, Buss didnt address it at all. Thats all heresay anyhow.
Its a bit harsh to say the Lakers players are mediocre dont ya think? Not all stars yes but no less talented than many other teams who are successful like the Cavs.
Seems to me, the Lakers are caught in the same trap as the Angels with Vlad. A superstar in his prime years with a cast of upcoming young players. Toss in some servicable veterans and youve got a decent team, but not one that can compete for a championship.
Every team has to decide if they want to win now, and to some degree sacrifice the future, or plan for the future. Its a catch 22 many times thats un-winnable.
I part with KL or Gunner on who should have been signed/traded between Kobe and Shaq. Kobe was younger and more valuable at that point. The players the Lakers got in return is what I questioned at the time.
As for the malcontent, I cant speak for KL but Id call out anyone
Posted by: Laker Lover | October 15, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Firstly BK, if it weren't for this blog I would have already gone into the tank even before the pre-season, so a big "Thank You!" to you and Andrew, and of course The Times.
Agreed: Health is the biggest issue with this team, (and that includes mental health this time around due to the contretemps re: Dr. Buss/Kobe/Bynum/Lamar and "head"master Phil). This same team, with Smush Parker instead of Fish and sans a healthy Vlad, pushed the Suns to seven. I would like to see what it can do with Vlad instead of George, Bynum and Farmar with some on court experience under thier jerseys, the aforementioned Fish, a healthy Mihm, and both Lamar and Kwame relatively healthy physically, mentally and psychically.
Agreed: Pre-seasons are for dreaming. Everyone, including the defending champions and a radically improved Celestials (aka Celtics) are all 0-0 at this point.
Can't we agree that Buss is unlikely to find a trade for Kobe that offers commensurate value; that Kobe is the ultimate pro and will continue to play at the highest level; that PJ will keep the team focused through all the BS; that we're a better team than we were last season personnel-wise; that we will be competitive; that it is possible, even likely that we will contend, if we can overcome our injuries?
I think both Dr. Buss and Kobe are acting very maturely, and having reached an understanding, we can move forward with the business of the 2007-2008 regular season. I will say my very extra special prayers each morning and each night for good health for all our players (I hate to admit it but they're beginning to look like a somewhat fragile bunch), because I know that winning cures everything. In the end, to paraphrase William the Bard, all will be well that ends well.
Posted by: Glenn | October 15, 2007 at 12:20 PM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** The trade or Retain poll will continue until 11:59 October 15, 2007
*** Please check to see if your vote was recorded correctly
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of 12:20 Results
-------------------------
TRADE
1. KL
2. Gunner24
3. Loyal to Kobe Fan No more
4. Tully Moxness
5. RayRay
6. Jason F.
7. McFly
8. Sick of it all
9. Benny Bianca
10 Wolf
11 TaosHum
12 thirty2
13. Mike T's Significant Other
14 MJCMan32
15 Tony
16 Roky
17 fubstripes
18 Kiwi
19 Eagle Boy
20 Conejito
21 Rocky
22 Sixonezero
23 mrT (not Teniente)
24 Laker hopeful
25 Ajax
26 The Lake show
27 BD
28 Complex Brotha
29 Justin
30 Weave-man
31C-Dubbs
32 Laker Lover
(33) Zach Z.
(34) Michael H.
RETAIN
1. bob
2. Edwin Gueco
3. Rick Friedman
4. Charles
5. John Kavulic
6. Faith
7. Tim-4-show
8. Hariyahu
9. Violater
10. Mamba24
11. Rdlee
12. Angry Laker
13 Lakerfaze
14 LakerTom
15 JJ
16 vilakerfan
17 Shaq fan
18 Mamba24Fan4Life
19 Lalakerlover
20 McGarnagle
21 CBuck
22 Tsphere
23 Gdchild
24 Utzworld - banner holder
25 CS
26 isang
27 Longtime laker fan
28 Jay Jay
29 VMan
30 Frenzy
31 Benjamin
32 Lincoln Laker
33 Gino
34 S & S (Sugar & Sweet)
35 laker_sh
35. Man
36, Laker Truth
37 Dan the Man
38 Lakergurl
39 Alexinho 17
40 Wesjoenixon
41 Staple 24
42 Michael H
43 Jaworski
44 Greek dude
45 laker seth
46 socalife
47 Dave M
48 ISSANG
49 Tikki
50. Quazzar
51. Marty
52. Lysander
53. Retain
54. mrbarneydangles
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 12:22 PM
REPOST:
After further review: This is my conclusion on the Jerry Buss interview.
It was inevitable that Dr. Buss had to make a strong statement like he did about Kobe. He's the owner of the team, which is a business. What he did is what he had to do. And what he had to do was to rebuke Kobe for calling him an idiot. It was a smart thing Dr. Buss did because he got it out of the way sooner rather than later. He dealt with it before we got out of Hawii, which was the smart thing to do.
Right, wrong or whatever Kobe Bryant had a rebuke coming and that just the way it is. Employees don't get to call their employers idiots in public and expect to keep their jobs with the company. When Kobe didn't add "fuel" to the fire it was his way of accepting responsiblity.
It's unfortunate that somebody had to secretly record Kobe venting his frustration. That stuff is normal. An employee venting against his employer is normal. What isn't normal is having someone record it secretly and then put it out to the public. Jerry Buss had no other alternative but to rebuke Kobe in public.
I doubt very seriously that Kobe is going anywhere this year. Again, Jerry did what he had to do and he did it quickly...before the regular season starts. Very very smart on his part.
Sometime before or during the season I think Kobe needs to make a public apology to Dr. Buss. That way if fences are to be mended Dr. Buss will have no problem keeping Kobe around.
Winning cures all...but disrespecting the owner is something that winning may not be able to cure without an apology.
This roundtable thing ESPN did is the exact reason Kobe needs to make a public apology...to queit the specualtion. We can't have all this speculation hanging over us as the season goes on. It takes the focus off the "team."
Dr. Buss had no choice but the rebuke Bryant publically because no one gets to insult the owner of a team in public and get away with it without anything happening. Kobe's "people" should advice his to do a public apology. That doesn't mean he has to recind his trade demand or change is opinion on the F.O. but it would help to settle the national media down and get the focus off of Kobe in a negative regard.
All Kobe has to do is post a small response on his website KB24.com and that should take care of it.
Think wise Kobe. Even if it's insincere...do it for the team.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 15, 2007 at 12:24 PM
HAB,
Sorry, but have to call you out on some statements:
"Shouldn't that read "All-.Star with the I-wanna-win-no-matter-what, so-long-as-I-am-the-leading-scorer-and-the-undisputed-leader attitude"?"
Really? Any thing to back that statement? Like Kobe pouting when someone on the team outscored him? Or Kobe unhappy because Lamar is recognized as the leader of the team?
I've seen enough games in the last couple of years when Kobe has not been the leading scorer to understand that is not the case. Same with the leader bit. Phil himself has stated that Kobe will have to assume leadership when Lamar is out, implying that LO, not Kobe, is the leader of this team - and I don't see any friction between LO and Kobe.
"A guy that does not want a Shaq on his team is not all about winning at all costs. He has an agenda that supersedes winning"
Couldn't you say the same thing about Shaq as well? A guy who had an "either-him-or-me" stance? Could Shaq and Kobe have co-existed better? Sure? Were both at fault? Absolutely. But to state what you did is kind of reaching..
"A guy that's all about winning does not cause a Kevin Garnett to change his mind about playing on your team.
I don't know if Garnett had a conversation with Kobe or not, but it's pretty clear that he contributed to Kevin's decision at least indirectly"
Again - anything to back that claim? KG himself has said that it was the FO problem that contributed to him not becoming a Laker - something that Phil has called him out on. And you still stick to your opinion? I don't see anything clear about it.
"It's also clear that while Kobe is hollering for help now, he does not want great players with strong personalities joining the team. He knows full well that if KG came over and performed well, his leadership and legacy would be threatened. At least in his convoluted mind."
May I present Jason Kidd as evidence to the contrary? How about Ron Artest? Please explain how you arrived at your opinion.
Posted by: hariyahu | October 15, 2007 at 12:26 PM
***************************************************************
MIKE TENIENTE WHERE IS YOUR VOTE ON TRADE
OR KEEP KOBE
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 15, 2007 at 12:33 PM
utz
I'm not sure what the question with "Kobegate" is. Kobe wants out and Jerry Buss is playing the game.
If your question is "is the FO a mess", i say "no". FO is doing what it can UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. In many ways, FO's hands have been tied since 2004 and even more in 2007.
The knock on FO is that "they have not given kobe a chance to win by getting the right pieces", but what can FO do if they ask the question to free agents "do you want to play in LA?" and the response is "I'd rather play...."?
During the KG sweepstakes, we lost a chance at KG because KG has 3 good years left and wants to chance to win a title. What can FO do to convince KG to take a HUGE RISK in signing with LA if the "kobe question" is still unsettled? I wouldn’t want to play in LA without knowing if the star wants to remain?
Now FO is forced into a decision to trade kobe for pennies on the dollar or let him walk.....sound eerily familiar to you? Kobe put us in BOTH situations.
Please let me know your question and i'll happily respond.
Posted by: KL | October 15, 2007 at 12:40 PM
hary-yahoo
"Really? Any thing to back that statement? Like Kobe pouting when someone on the team outscored him? Or Kobe unhappy because Lamar is recognized as the leader of the team?"
blah blah, regurgitation....
"Couldn't you say the same thing about Shaq as well? A guy who had an "either-him-or-me" stance? Could Shaq and Kobe have co-existed better? Sure? Were both at fault? Absolutely. But to state what you did is kind of reaching.."
more blah blah...difference is shaq put up....4 rings, finals and regular season MVP......
"Again - anything to back that claim? KG himself has said that it was the FO problem that contributed to him not becoming a Laker - something that Phil has called him out on. And you still stick to your opinion? I don't see anything clear about it."
it's a blah blah fest with you....i got piece of "fact" for you....KG in Green.
"May I present Jason Kidd as evidence to the contrary? How about Ron Artest? Please explain how you arrived at your opinion."
money talks bull-itsh walks....all these guy "want" to play with kobe like i "want" to be 6'7" 205 with a sweet J and mad hops.
Posted by: KL | October 15, 2007 at 12:47 PM