One more day

So Kobe thinks Mitch is being 'unreasonable' by asking for fair value for Kobe?

Hahhahahha.

(Wes wipes away tear of joy)

Oh Kobe, you character! You wild guy!

Hehhehe...

Sorry Kobe, but this organization does not owe it to you to sacrifice its future to make you happy.

If they wont do it with you here, buddy o-pal, they surely wont do it with you on the way out.

Keep trying though, that's funny stuff.

The best comedy since Jerry Lewis...

Wes

wesjoenixon,

we are exactly on the same page.

kobe not only wants out, he wants the lakers to get ripped off in the process.

what a great guy!

wesjoenixon,

Why you take a media writer and his words as Kobe words.

It's clear that the writter is only telling what he have in mind. It's not an interview with Kobe nor Kobe's words.

Please, we are all destroying the Lakers and Kobe with all this trash talk and opinions based on other words.

When you will all stop to make so hurting comments without really knowing what's Kobe's mind?

Do you see a contender like Chicago making a major move like this at this point of the season, after the preseason is over?

Do you see a contender like Chicago making a major move like this at this point of the season, after the preseason is over?

Ex are you saying the Lakers arent a contender? haha

Here is another story of Kobe's never ending saga:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21504208/

If at the end of the day, he is not traded then I don't see any trading talks until midyear or end of the season. Kobe's story is compared to Michael Vick and it's a distraction among the Lakers. Let the chips fall if a trade happens, but at this time it is assumed as status quo.

AK:

Referencing an earlier post, I wanted to say that it's perfectly all right to use the word "alien" seeing as how the whole show is going to be on Pluto soon, anyway.

Charley Rosen says Bynum still belongs in the D-league....OUCH!
its funny when you actually read what the so called experts have to say about your team, you begin to wonder if you're actually being a major homer or they're just being haters. either way, it does not look good.

Man, this has been a tough summer. I've always been a huge Kobe fan, and now I feel exactly like the little kid on the steps of the courthouse during the Black Sox scandal.

"Say it ain't so, Kobe!"

The trouble is, Kobe has done exactly the same thing that Shoeless Joe did: remained silent and turned away. Why? Because he can't say that, because it IS so. He has stopped caring about the Lakers. He has stopped caring about his teammates. He has revealed himself to be exactly what his fans have defended him against all these years: a cancer. A me-first, petulant crybaby. He has placed his own glory above that of the team. He has alienated all of his teammates. The team really DOES play better without him on the floor now. I am so depressed.

With all that said, I was a Laker fan before Kobe was born. I will remain a Laker fan after he's gone. I'm just so sad that his legacy has to be tarnished in this way. I mean, he overcame the sexual assault charge. He overcame throwing Shaq under the bus. He will never overcome this. He will now always be remembered as the guy who had the adoration of the City of Los Angeles and threw it all away. What a colossal waste.

I'm just glad that we have Lamar Odom, a guy who does have the respect of his teammates, a guy who does want to be here. True, he's not putting up 81 in this lifetime, but maybe he can give us something even better: leadership and a new banner for the Center.

GO LAKERS!

Kobe is teh BEST EVER.

Please don't knock Kobe.

Kobe needs the right guys in Chicago to win titles.

If Bulls give away the farm for KObe, how's Kobe to compete in the East?

C'mon people! Get with it.

Let's go Kobe!

With regards to the speculation of Sam Smith that Lakers should offer Kobe to Washington Player Zero, why should the Lakers offer him against a player who would surely opt at the end of the season. You could end up without any players in exchange Arenas opts out of his contract or the Lakers can just wait and snatch him by just going below cap. As I said before, Lakers could trade Kobe to Elton Brand + Maggette, get JO and Arenas, we will be in contention in 2008.

courtesy of blogger nate jones

- Yeah, you might not realize it, but that guy in the video above is Lamar Odom. He was spectacular in his one year in Miami. Although his stats with the Lakers are actually very close to his stats in Miami, anyone who watches actual footage comparing his stints at the two places knows that thangs dun changed. Lamar is so sick with it. I think he just feels stiffled in this system. The Lakers don't put the ball in his hands enough in postions that he's comfortable handling the ball. Lamar would certainly be a featured player on most teams in the league (Maybe not first option, but certainly more featured than he currently is). Maybe his injuries over the last few seasons have killed things? I don't know what it is, but Lamar certainly had more Mojo in Miami than he currently does in L.A.

I think you saw Lamar come alive in Miami. He was so happy to get away from the Clippers and the disaster that was his first few years in the league that he blossomed into something special. Then of course, that all went down the tubes as Lamar got sent back to Los Angeles--this time to play for the Lakers.

When Phil Jackson became coach of the Lakers everyone put that Scottie Pippen tag on Lamar. But Lamar has NEVER been a Scottie Pippen type player. Scottie handled the ball and racked up assists, but he wasn't a true, natural playmaker. Lamar is ten times more gifted than Scottie ever was at the art of passing and running the break, but Scottie was just more efficient at running PJ's offense. Scottie's game was straight at you, rigid and forceful, while Lamar's is about hesitation and flash packaged in an R&B ballad smoothness. Scottie was what T-Mac is today (bad back, fragile ego and all), while Lamar is Magic Johnson before the Knee injury in 1980 (You know, when he could still finish on the break as well as lead a break). Scottie was a scorer that knew how to run an offense, while Lamar is a point guard that has been forced to be a power player. Scottie's true calling was defense with his long arms and athleticism leading the charge. Lamar hasn't really ever had a chance to develop into the All-League defender Scottie was because he's been playing out of position for the last four seasons. Scottie was a better outside shooter than Lamar, but Lamar is a better low post player. Scottie was proficient with both the left and right hands, yet Lamar annoyingly can't do much with anything other than his left hand (Kind of similar to the way Magic was with his right hand). Scottie was about using the glass before T-Duncan was even in the league. I wish I Lamar would learn to do the same.

Scottie played with the greatest player of his generation and thrived. Some might say Jordan made him better, but an arguement could be made for Scottie making MJ better. Lamar also plays next to his generations greatest player in Kobe Bryant, yet Lamar hasn't thrived next to him. The start of last season seemed to be the end of that issue as Lamar started off the year at an All-Star pace, but injuries killed much of that notion. Maybe this year we'll see more of the real Lamar come out as the Lakers are going more uptempo and Lamar is moving back to a bettet fit as the Lakers' starting small forward.

I honestly wish Phil Jackson had the balls to scrap the offense and go uptempo with Lamar starting at point guard. Y'all might think I'm crazy, but the Lakers could go start Lamar at the one, Derek Fisher at the two, Kobe at the three, Ronny Turiaf at the four and Andrew Bynum at the five. Like Byron Scott, Fisher can still guard the PGs but just worry about scoring and knocking down those open jumpers. Turiaf could be a better version of Rambis or better yet a re-hash of a Jeri Curled A.C., grabbing rebounds, and starting the break by becoming proficient at the outlet pass. Kobe could continue to be Kobe without worying about having to playmake. He could also still guard the two guards. Bynum can just continue to be himself and Lamar can playmake and guard the three on defense. Sounds far fetched, but believe me its not.

Kobe wants to play with Jason Kidd, but he doesn't realize that he already has a new aged Magic Johnson on his team. The problem is that he's just been bottled up as an undersized power forward the last four seasons. Just like his idol Magic Johnson, Lamar can play the power positions. But that doesn't mean that he should be the Laker starting power forward. I wish Phil and Kobe would open there eyes and realize what they have. Pat Riley realized it, but traded it away for the instant gratification of a Shaquille O'neal induced championship. If Riles could see it, why can't Phil Jackson?

Jackson did put the ball in Lamar's hands a few years ago as the Lakers facilitator, but Lamar never flourished in that role because HE'S NOT SCOTTIE PIPPEN. Lamar isn't the kind of guy that is going to flourish walking the ball up and initiating an offense the way he was asked to with the Lakers in 05-06. He needs to be able to either grab the rebound or take an outlet pass and go. He needs the free form style of the break away not the rigidity of a walk the ball up half court offense. That's what he does best, but yet no one in the league has had the balls to let the guy loose.

It's almost to the point where I really want to see Lamar go to PHX just so he could be somewhere where he could thrive. Steve Nash's contract is up in two seasons and he likely will be on the downside of his career at that point. Ironically, Lamar's contract is also up at that time. If D'Antoni and the Suns really wanted to do something revolutionary, they'd figure out a way to pick up Lamar and release the inner Magic Johnson within him. I know people will think I'm crazy, but I'm telling you, he's that good. He's just never been given a chance to display what he does best. When Lamar gets a rebound and sprints out on the break with the ball rather than rebounding and outleting the ball it usually leads to something spectacular.

Post Note Point: Please don't come at me with salary cap FAQ mumbo jumbo. I realize that when Lamar's contract is up, PHX still will likely be over the cap and unable to sign him without some sort of manuevering.

Posted by Nate Jones

forget kobe let's recreate showtime!

KOBE, KOBE, KOBE!!!

HIP HIP HOORAY FOR KOBE!

Season opener in ONE day.

Kobe scores 81 points AGAIN.

Let's go Kobe!

I don' get it. Why do people keep adding Gordon to the mix as if he's the player to really have? If the Lakers can peel away deng, thomas hinrich, and draft picks that woud be fine.

The lakers don't need Noah, they already have a very similar player with a much better looking and now more consistant jumpshot in Turiaf, They won't need gordon if they get deng and Hinrich, the lakers could easily put Critt at that spot and let Hinrich and Farmar run the point. If the lakers put out a line up of

Bynum/Mihm
thomas/turiaf/vlad
Deng/odom/walton
critt/evans/sasha
Hinrich/farmar/fish

That makes for a very good young team that can run and defend in the west, with playoff experience and they stil have vet leadership in odom and fisher. Plus alot of these players can play multi positions on team and be enterchangable. That will still leave kobe and the bulls with Noah, Wallace, Gordon, and Nocioni. That team still has a lot of talented players for kobe to play with.

To me Gordon is a lot like Arenas alot of offense but no defense ( and very streaky), and defense was the lakers main problem the last few years. if the lakers need a Gordon-like player they can always make a run at Arenas when he opts out after the season since he has stated he wants to play in LA anyways. Not to mention offensively he's better than Gordon.

Average Joe - you are a blooming idiot, as well as a trator to tLakerland.

Average Joe,

One Joe to another,

Why the heck should I care if Kobe wins championships in Chicago?

Once the purple and gold shirt leaves his back, he's as much interest to me as Roger Ebert--another guy from Chicago who I see on TV every now and then.

That's it. If Kobe's not a Laker I'll give him the same attention I give Shaq, that is to say I'll recognize him in a crowd and save a few good memories, but that's it.

I surely have no desire to make his championship chances better by hurting my teams chances.

No. bad.

Wes

Where's the FAITH?

What happend to supporting Kobe Bryant?

Kobe's only trying to solidify that he is IN FACT the best ever in the HISTORY OF THE NBA.

C'mon people! Have faith in Kobe. It's all postering.

Season opener in ONE DAY.

Let's go Kobe!!!

**** SICK SICK SICK SICK SICK SICK!!! ****

I have been off the blog for nearly a week because I am SICK about the SICK decision the Buss Boyz are making. Trading the best player in the game is just SICK.

If those clowns put HALF the energy into getting KG, JO, or The Matrix that they're putting in to their "daily" talks with the Bulls, we'd have landed one of those stars to play alongside Kobe and had a Championship Team here.

But they don't care - they think they can pawn off Deng, Heinrich and some filler and still sell out the Staples Center (highest season ticket resale figures in the league) and make the same money. I hope they wake up in time to salvage the Championship that can only come with Kobe and an All-Star compadre, but if they don't I hope we ALL boycott the games and hit them in the ONLY place they care about - their pocketbook $$$.

Laker Championship Pride is Gone from this money grubbing two timing ownership and that's SICK.

How did Jordan make his temmates better?
I guess by drawing double and triple teams and then passing the ball to them?
The difference is that Bobby Hanson, John Paxson, Ron Harper, Craig Hodges, B.J Armstrong, Steve Kerr, Scott Burrell, Scottie Pippen, Toni Kukoc and even Judd Buchler could CONSISTENTLY knock down open jumpers!
Also, Horace Grant, Luc Longley, Bill Wennington could also knock down 15 footers CONSISTENTLY. Not to mention, they could catch, finsh in traffic, make free throws, defend and rebound.

Name one Laker that you feel confident in, other than Kobe, that when they shoot, its going in....Now go back to the list of names above and do the same. Everyone of the players mentioned above were excellent shooters and had a strong skill set.
This CANNOT be said about the current Laker roster. PERIOD.
Alot of people and sportswriters are acting like jealous boyfriends b/c Kobe has a wandering eye...How can you blame him. He is criticized no matter what approach he takes. He deserves to play with guys that are skilled for the same reason Jordan did. They are not that much different and Jordan has the advantage for 2 reasons:
1. Dean Smith taught him humility
2. Better Management - The Bulls mad better decisions and brought in skilled players to help MJ, especially in the triangle.

I know every Kobe basher is going to say he ran Shaq out, yada, yada...
But truth be told, if Kobe had as much talent around him as Jordan, less people would be talking about MJ as the greatest ever.

Nash, Kidd and all the others that "Make people better" have REALLY TALENTED players on their team. Not so with these Lakers.

You can debate and disagree all you want, but look at this summer when Kobe was around guys with talent (both players and coaches, that know alot more than anyone, including myself, on this blog). Everyone of them sang his praise and rightfully so.
He was the cream of the crop and his intensity set the tone for what team USA accomplished.

You know what? I really don't understand these so-called "experts" who bag on Bynum. Friday was the first time I've seen him this preseason, and I was floored. He was catching and dunking, doing a drop-step spin move from the free-throw line, not shying away from contact, hitting his free throws... after reading all the predictions I was feeling pretty bummed about the upcoming season. Seriously, after Friday I am excited - granted, it was Sacramento without Bibby and Miller, and I know Ron didn't play much, either. Nevertheless, our guys went out and played together without their two top guys and got it done.

I am really, really excited about our young guys. Farmar looks like a guy on a mission. Drew is coming along. Walton looks polished and capable. Ronny is a beast. How about this lineup in a year or two?

1 - Farmar
2 - Critter
3 - Lamar
4 - Ronny
5 - Drew

Bench: Luke, Mihm, Evans, Sasha

I think Drew and Lamar can be All-Stars, and the others are ready and willing to provide the little things needed to win. Farmar attends the Fisher Academy of Hustle and Charge-Taking over the next couple of seasons, and I think he's a very serviceable PG. Bynum continues to learn the mintutia of the position from Cap, and he's an All-Star down the road. Lamar settles into his role as leader and chief offensive weapon, and he earns his first All-Star berth. Critter learns from Kobe's mistakes, uses his natural ability and flourishes under Phil. I'm telling you, the riches we get from the Kobe trade are going to be gravy. We have a very solid team waiting for something special to take us over the top, which is why Kobe's attitude is such a tragedy - he could be the one to take these guys to the promised land, but he's throwing it all away. What a waste.

we are bringing in gilbert arenas next summer he will team up with kobe and become instantly the best backcourt the game has ever seen or will ever see. this will make us contenders instantly assuming bynum continues to develop at the pace he is now, we will win at the minimum the WCF. Dallas.. they are a tired team and if they can't finally get over the hump this year they are done for awhile 3-4 chances all you get, same for the suns. As far as the spurs, they will be officially old after this year, their reign is all but over. Kobe stays put we will be able to pull a rabbit out the hat, thats what the lakers do. he is in his prime you don't trade the best player in the leauge while he is in his prime. Everyone knows that we are not gonna win the championship this year and for those thinking we have a legit chance at doing so while suprising the whole nba world, you need to wake up. This year we will be going thru the motions setting up for next year and if kobe truly wants to win another title he will shut up and stay put and get ready for the run. coming soon.......

WesjoeNixon,

"Once the purple and gold shirt leaves his back, he's as much interest to me as Roger Ebert--another guy from Chicago who I see on TV every now and then. "

Question. Would Kobe mean more or less to you than Rochard Roeper? haha

AK

How could any Laker's fan even think of rooting for ownership that includes Jim Buss, his drunken father and sister. The problem is for all these years I beleived that the Laker organization cared about the ball palyer. Today i know the truth. It is all business. They helped in the whole Shaq and Kobe drama. Now they want us to buy a BS team with Lamar Odom or Bynum. What do they think we are smoking or drinking (what buss had). This is ridiculous. Please sell the team and let Jerry, Magic, Kareem, Wilt keep their legacy in tact.

Stop blaming ball players for wanting to win. Blame business men for getting fat on profits and dumping their payroll while still increasing ticket prices

Richtown,

I whole heartedly agree. The 3 but's:

1) Paxson doesn't want to give up the Farm. Eventhough he can have the greatest player, he does not want to give up his 2 best. My opinion it is a fair trade, but Paxson may think otherwise.

2) They would neeed another PG and another big. Eventhough a Line up of Duhon, Kobe, Nocioni, Smith and Wallace sounds great. (With a rotation of Noah, Griffin, Sefolosha (spelling), Khyryapa) The bench would be very this at the PG and PF/C positions. Would they want Farmar or JC in the deal. Does that make the 75% plus trade kicker for Kobe plus a PG or Big?

3) It makes too much sense. You post is a great one and fair for both sides. (More or less), with this FO, that would make too easy and reasonable.

Peace,

Charles

The STRATEGY is working! The Lakers, old hands at handling distractions, have created the biggest diversion of all to distract other teams. We'll have a 20 point lead while they're still answering Kobe questions. "Hey, Yao, what do you think of the Kobe situation." "SLAAAM DUNK, Bynum!"

It's the next best thing to, "Your shoes are untied!"

The drive for 55 is alive!

Judging from the response of some blogger, this blog has seemed to shift away from Kobe Bryant.

C'mon, where's the faith?

Y'all sounding like a bunch of KL and Gunners.

Kobe is not going anywhere. Phil Jackson is postering.

Laker's win 55 games and Kobe wins the MVP.

you know what the lakers are missing? just and only 1 player, uno.. just one piece to add to Kobe's club. Now how hard is that going to be.. hmm.. Trying to come up with all these trade scenarios and kobe talks when the answer is simple. Just find one all star bring him here and we are done.

SBPimp and the rest of the Blog Fam,

Don't you guys feel JC at the SG was a little awkward? I thought he looked a little lost playing the 2 with Farmar. I feel JC has more of a Chris Paul than Ron Harper potential. (For this system)

Granted, he is relatively new to the Advance Triangle Shooting Guard position, but he has played PG for the most of organized career.

Peace

Charles

Mr. Roeper from Threes Company?

The Lakers are approaching this the WRONG WAY.

The thing no one gets is there's is almost NO WAY to get equal value for a player like Kobe Bryant. What you need in a situation like this is a plan and a strategy to receive the proper parts back. There are three things you look for when you're trading a superstar:1. You either want another star in return 2. Young players and draft picks 3. Salary cap relief.

As a GM, you've done a masterful job if you can get two of these three things in return for a superstar. Now, onto what the Lakers are asking for.

The Lakers are approaching teams asking for their best three players in return for Kobe Bryant. What the Lakers don't realize is that this is NOT a fair trade for the Bulls. What is the biggest thing we've learned as Laker fans the past three years? It's that no matter how great ONE player is, he can't beat a talented and well-coached TEAM on his own.

So asking for Noah, Deng, Gordon and Ty Thomas in return for Kobe is ludicrous. Think, if you were Chicago would you pull the trigger on this deal? I know I wouldn't. Because those 4 guys don't come close to equaling Kobe's contract, so essentially we're asking the Bulls for 5-6 players to make a deal work. The Bulls would have no depth, and would still be in for a dogfight to beat the likes of Boston, New Jersey and Detroit.

Adam -

I thought that was a nice post about Lamar. The guy's never been short on potential. Let's hope he lights it up and gives us all something to smile about this year.

i've been touting the 3 way kobe / arenas / chicago trade for the past 2 weeks... definitely some people are reading this blog that are in the right places!

Now they just need to hire me. That's the real reason I am going to law school!

I still say:

Lakers get Arenas, Tyrus Thomas
Chicago gets Kobe, Blanche?
Washington gets Gordon, Heinrich, Nocioni and Krypa.

Or some variation thereof.

This is the only real logical trade to happen and it gives the Lakers a hometown legend who we can wrap up for 5 years. And he doesn't have 12 years of bball on his knees.

Go lake show! I'll enjoy watching Kobe for the next year in my chicago law school, but Lakers will always be on the NBA season package.

The best deal out there if you're hoping to get solid pieces back to fill out the rest of this Lakers roster is unquestionably a Phoenix deal.

I've said it over and over again a package of Marion, Barbosa and Atlanta's No.1 is the best the Lakers can hope for.

You're getting a Young player in Barbosa AND a draft pick. You're also getting Getting in all-star in Marion, who also has an opt-out and we could decided whether or not we want to resign him or just let his deal expire and take the cap space.

I heard a rumor that the Lakers talked to the Suns and asked for Steve Nash and Shawn Marion. And I was floored. Kupchak and the Busses are fools if they think that's equal value.

The best deal for another star is Washington. Send Kobe to Wash. for Arenas and a throw-in to make the numbers work. We get a quirky high scorer who can sell tickets in LA. And Kobe gets to run with a a high-flying young team who can contend in the east.

On a refreshing note:

"I want to be rookie of the year," he said with sincerity. "With that said, you need playing time, and it has to be earned."

GO CRITT!! I love this attitude!!!

After reading all this hoopla on Kobe, I must agree with the majority of the bloggers here in that he is definitely a cancerous, selfish teammate. I can't believe I am actually saying this considering Kobe has been my favorite player ever since he got into the league. I can't stand watching someone get so much love, adoration and respect from his beloved fanbase and in turn respond with such selfishness and egocentricism, not to mention total disregard for what makes him Kobe.
All these years, I tried to defend Kobe saying that he's just "wanting to win", yet after all thats been said and done, it seems like my judgement of character was incorrect. All Kobe wants is all the attention, and with that kind of attitude, he isn't going to win another championship here nor there. After watching Kevin Garnett go through what he did in Minnesota, with barely a complaint out of his mouth, I really have to say that Garnett will probably get the championship before Kobe. I appreciate someone who works hard, never complains, and gives it their 110 percent all the time no matter what the situation. And now Garnett has been rewarded and is much more respected than Kobe in all outlets.
Kobe is the paragon of how malcontent professional athletes have become trapped in their own fantasy world where they piously believe they are always king.

Richtown, Charles,

What you guys are forgetting is the contracts. Even if we tried to trade Kobe for those 4 guys the numbers wouldn't match up because they're all playing on rookie contracts except for Hinrich who is a base year compensation player (meaning his contract counts for about 11 million against the cap, but only counts for about 5 million in a trade).

I don't even think we can seriously consider a trade with Chicago until Dec. 15 when they can include guys like Nocioni and Joe Smith in a deal to make the numbers work.

KOBE ISN'T PLAYING TOMORROW!

Heard he and Paxson are huddling around the table right now deciding on who the Lakers get. Gotta love Kobe, always looking out for the Lakers. What a great team player. Maybe i should check out his website, he might have the players listed on who we get. Or I am sure his espn mouthpiece will be on any minute stating how Kobe determined which players he wants to play with, and which players the Lakers get.

Kobe will never play another game for the Lakers just as Ric B stated.
I am sure the wrist is getting worse and just unable to play tomorrow.
It's coming: KOBE UNABLE TO PLAY DUE TO INJURY.

BD

HEY, i don't care how selfish kobe is or if you like him or not.....
you do NOT trade the best player in the leauge WHILE he is in his PRIME.
Thats right you don't give that gift to another franchise to enjoy.. and then have him torch the lakers every chance he gets for the next 5 years, the kid is just now in his prime, deal with it. Bring in another big ego, thats whats missing.

Buss gets a free ride on his "Cash Cow", US.

Trade the circus to Miami and CHicago and we'll just keep on blogging, renewing at 93%, pounding down the overpirced food and drink while cheering for anything suited in purple and gold.

The Lakers may be strong enough to withstand Kobe and Jim Buss but this team and this season isn't.

Kobe vs. the Lakers, Kobe vs. Phil right know who really cares. The Lakers and Kobe are both stuck between a rock and a hard place. The Lakers only have him for 2 seasons (if they don't trade him) after which he's gone and then they don't have anything (except Bynum). Now in order for the Lakers to get anything for Kobe they must trade him now. Wherever he goes that team will only have him for as long as his contract is with the Lakers (2 years). Let's say Kobe goes to a team and finds he's not satisfied there (which is very possible) he can skip out and that team will have nothing. That is the reason why the best player in the basketball is not getting the best trade offers. Now Kobe is in a bad situation too due to his off season outburst on local radio. He has painted a very bad picture of himself and the Laker organization which has hurt his chances of getting any good players (or good trade offers). Due to his God given ability (and being the best player in the league) teams would have to give up almost half there rosters just to get him. That does not fair well concerning the fact that he wants to win another championship. Either way Kobe & the Lakers both will lose in the end. To bad all the true purple and gold fans have to lose right along with them.

Anthony Carter: "Stop blaming ball players for wanting to win. Blame business men for getting fat on profits and dumping their payroll while still increasing ticket prices"

Remember something. There is nothing that makes more money for an owner than success. The playoffs can potentially deliver an additional 2/3 of what the organization makes during the entire regular season on tickets. When the team is better, they can make more on tv/radio license fees. And they probably sell more merchandise.

What payroll is being dumped? The money is being spent. It just needs to be spent wiser. It's not as if Buss saved money by trading Shaq away (I wonder if he realizes that). He just ended up paying LO and Brian Grant instead (and part of Kwame's contract via Caron Butler).

You also said "The problem is for all these years I beleived that the Laker organization cared about the ball palyer." Jerry West established a philosophy with the players that if any of them were unhappy, no matter who they were, that his door was open - he'd listen to them - and, if they really wanted to be traded, he'd do his best to give them their wish. That philosophy still exists. No matter why Kobe wants to be traded, he still wants to be traded and ownership made an agreement with him to give him his wish. That's what PJ alluded to in Saturday's practice video. The status quo is that Kobe wants to be traded and the organization is working on that. That might change and some fans clearly hope it does - but people need to operate from the perspective of acknowledging what is going on.

I can't wait for tomorrow night. I'll be in the house with my texas dog and free 60th anniversary t-shirt and glow in the dark "bangers" that they're giving away for the first game.

Phil questions Kobe's commitment

Sunday, Oct 28, 2007 11:34 pm EDT
In the midst of the NBA playoffs three years ago, commissioner David Stern was asked during a radio interview to give his dream matchup for the finals.

"Lakers vs. Lakers," Stern quipped.

Stern's joke naturally didn't play well in San Antonio and the league's other small markets, and with good reason: There was more than a hint of truth to it.

For much of the past decade, no team has come close to providing the type of compelling drama the Los Angeles Lakers seem to produce on a daily basis. This fall's preseason -- which typically has even the most zealous of NBA fans yawing -- has been dominated by Kobe Bryant's will-they-or-won't-they trade speculation. The commissioner, at least privately, has to like that.

Only two days after Stern returned the NBA's referee scandal to the nation's headlines by announcing policy and personnel changes, Bryant and the Lakers ushered Tim Donaghy off stage left.

News that the Lakers and Chicago Bulls have been talking trade quickly yielded to another chapter in the ongoing drama: Phil Jackson questioning his mercurial guard's commitment to the team.

Bryant, who has been bothered by a sore right wrist, didn't travel with the Lakers to Las Vegas Friday for L.A.'s final preseason game. After watching Bryant shoot just 33 percent and commit 30 turnovers in the six exhibition games he did play, Jackson told reporters in Los Angeles Saturday that Bryant "obviously hasn't thrown his heart and soul into performing on the floor."

"That hurts me a little bit," Jackson said. "He was going to work at this thing and (would) put his full being into this. Right now, he's having a hard time doing that."

Bryant didn't agree with his coach's assessment.

"That (should be) the least of his concerns or anybody's concerns," Bryant told reporters. "You don't have to worry about that. ... I'm ready to play. Period. You don't have to worry about me."

The Lakers expect Bryant to play in Tuesday's season opener against Houston. Bryant, in turn, hasn't given any indication he intends to sit out the game, provided, of course, he's still wearing a Lakers uniform.

And when he does step on the court Tuesday night, Stern, along with more than a few other NBA fans, will be parked in front of a TV watching.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/nba_experts/post/Phil-questions-Kobe-s-commitment?urn=nba,51264

Trading Kobe Bryant is madness. They beat the Kings but there's just no way the Lakers will win a series against San Antonio or Phoenix without Kobe. I believe he'll stay and the Lakers will roll like they did last year before the injuries. Back then, they crushed the Spurs and Mavs and Jazz and Rockets...

Go Derek! Go Kobe! Go Lamar! Go Turiaf! Go Andrew! Go Lakers!!! We can make it to the finals! :)

Jay Jay - The reason why season ticket renewals rarely (if ever?) dip below 90% is because that's the percentage of STHs who don't make their decisions based on what's currently going on with the team. They support a franchise that has already delivered more than most fans of other teams could experience in their whole lifetime.

BD,
"Enough already, please...trade him or sit him but do not let him destroy this teams new chemistry. Time to move on Kobe and another thing waive your no trade clause if it so terrible being a Laker. "

THIS IS ABOUT THE BEST THING i'VE HEARD YOU SAY ON THIS BLOG. I KNOW IT'S FRUSTRATING TO FINALLY SEE HOW A SELFISH PRICK KOBE IS BUT THIS IS WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE SEE ALL ALONG IF YOU TOOK OFF THE BLINDERS. HE WAS SELFISH BACK DURING THE SHORT, DYSFUNCTIONAL LAKER ALMOST DYNASTY, HE WAS SELFISH THIS SUMMER AND NOW HE'S SELFISH NOW.

I REPEAT, KOBIATCH NO ONE IS GOING TO STACK A TEAM FOR YOU TO TRY AND WIN ANOTHER RING. YOU HAVE 3 AND THAT COURTESY OF YOUR BIG DADDY SHAQ. LAKER MANAGEMENT IS NOT GOING TO BE FOOL. YOU CAN SIT ON THIS BENCH AND EAT SOME PINE IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT. PJ IF HE WHINES, MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF HIM. LET HIM SIT IN STREET CLOTHES.

Wes,
"Sorry Kobe, but this organization does not owe it to you to sacrifice its future to make you happy."

EXACTLY. THEY DON'T OWE HIM ANYTHING. HELP HIM WITH HIS CASE IN COLORADO. GOT RID OF SHAQ TO ALLOW HIM TO SIGN BACK AND TRY TO BE THE MAN. NOW HE'S WANTING A STACKED TEAM. KOBIATCH TAKE NOTE OF LEBRON. IF YOU WERE A LEADER, YOU WOULDN'T NEED A STACK TEAM IN THE EAST!

PERIOD!

Is it true that the Kamenetzky brothers will be wrestling the Sklar brothers in Wrestlemania 23? Please send any info on this. I need some diversion from the Lakers, as Kobe is really messing up my fantasy draft.

XODUS,
"The thing no one gets is there's is almost NO WAY to get equal value for a player like Kobe Bryant. What you need in a situation like this is a plan and a strategy to receive the proper parts back. There are three things you look for when you're trading a superstar:1. You either want another star in return 2. Young players and draft picks 3. Salary cap relief. "

SORRY DUDE BUT AINT NO ONE TRYING TO GET RIPPED OFF A SECOND TIME. DO YOU WANT TO SEE ANOTHER BRIAN GRANT PLAYER IN A LAKERS UNIFORM. I HOPE YOU ANSWER NO!

THEY ARE OFFERING THAT BECAUSE IF KOBIATCH TRULY DESIRES TO GO, HE'LL JUMP ON THE NEXT TRAIN NO MATTER WHAT PLAYERS ARE COMING BACK. IF HE DON'T, THEN HE'LL STAY HERE FRUSTRATED. REMEMBER, LAKERS HAVE 2 YEARS LEFT SO, THEY DON'T NEED TO RUSH. LET KOBIATCH PUT A FOOT ONCE AGAIN IN HIS MOUTH.

THERE WILL BE NO PLAGIARISM OF JORDAN LEGACY IN CHICACO. SO GET THAT THROUGH YOUR HEAD KOBE!

Average Joe,
"Y'all sounding like a bunch of KL and Gunners. "

Got your Bulls season tickets yet?

The real value of Kobe Bryant can be found...

---In how the coaches in the others teams prepare to battle him .

---How feared is him by coaches and GMs.

---They know Kobe can overwhelm your team with power, desire and focus.

Paxson can say many diplomatic stuff to diminish the trade value of Bryant and take advantage of it. He knows Kobe is the real deal, but he wants to offer him the perfect scenario to repeat that glorious years with Jordan.

Skiles also see in Kobe a upgraded figure of himself. A guy with character
who stand up against Shaq and told him the same Kobe said.
Skiles wants to have that intensity unmatched force keeping the fire in the other teammates. With Wallace aboard, you will have 2 of the most intense players in the game.

Paxson and Skiles are salivating with that idea.

this blog is starting to resemble a jilted lover still chasing after that ex-girlfriend who wants nothing to do with him. desperate.

the guy has his heart and soul out of that purple and gold folks. thats not a personal attack on the guy. just facts.

wherever he goes, go ahead and cheer for that team. leave the real fans to cheer for the Lakers.

GO LAKES!

Violater--

you think that would be the simple answer, (bring in a quality player) but somehow, some way the front office sees it different. Kobe is not worth it to them, yet they waited until all season tickets had been renewed before speaking out about the possible trade of the person who sells those tickets. Business is business but right now all I smell is the BS.

Xodus

Your 3 points are pretty much the Shaq deal diagram. LO the almost star, Caron the developing young talent, a draft pick, and Grant, the salary cap relief that got sucked up in the vortex of our disfunctional FO. And here we are 3 bad seasons later. Trade another super star? In his prime?

The FO went about it wrong when they gave Kobe his "no trade" demands and then didn't mortgage the franchise to build around him to win now. Equal value is shelved because of that contract. If Chicago comes out winning and the Lakers losing, the postition gets even weaker.

If Kobe wants to win, and you believe in BYnum, why not bet on both by taking 24 off the block and trying to WIN until next year's trade deadline? You bet all in with his contract, see it through. If you do win, great, if not you're in the same bad place. That commits the franchise to winning, makes this season mean something, gets everyone on the same page and moves forward without question marks. Contractually bound now or later, what's the difference?

If nothing is done and this drags on, it hurts the Lakers much more than the teams they're trying to deal with.

Just watched the tape again of the Sac game the other night. I know one thing for sure: There are 29 teams out there that hope Bynum doesn't get any better.

He will get stronger and with the wingspan he has and the great footwork he has, in 2 years this guy will be a BEAST.

I happen to think Pete Newell knows what he is talking about when he stated Bynum had the most improvement in a 2 year period then any other Big Man invited to the Big Man Camp in it's history. Enough said.

Best Decision the Lakers made last year and this year: Didn't trade Bynum.

What a great year it's going to be. Smush is gone, Kobe leaving, there will be great ball movement again. Now can they play any D?? That is the question.
Another thing I need to mention, after reviewing the tape again, you can see the chemistry that is building. Hey, they actually like each other. That is a good start if we are ever going to see Team Basketball again.

bd

BULLS

WALLACE/GRAY
SMITH/NOAH
NOCIONI/SEFALOSHA
BRYANT/EVANS
GORDON/DUHON

LAKERS

BYNUM/MIHM = JABBAR
THOMAS/TURIAF = GREEN
DENG/WALTON = WORTHY
HEINRICH/CRITTENTON = SCOTT
ODOM/FARMAR = MAGIC

LAKERS NO TRADE

BYNUM/MIHM
TURIAF/KWAME
ODOM/WALTON/RAD
BRYANT/CRITTENTON
FISHER/FARMAR

Are we supposed to believe the insider leaks and sources regarding the Kobe trade RUMORS? Kobe supposedly will block trades if Wallace is included? This may or may not be true, but one thing is for certain, the leaker is Jim Buss once again.

Kobe stayed patient for three years and immarturely blew his lid this summer. His message was always 100% spot on, but the delivery turned many fans off. This immature delivery made some of you fans completely FORGET the real and important message, that this front office is a dysfunctional disaster. Even if Kobe is gone, this front office will still be a dysfunctional disaster. Jim Buss will burn this franchise down to the ground. He got rid of Jerry West (thinking his 2 years of interning would be enough to take over West's role), he got rid of Shaq (and tried to blame it all on Kobe with his insider leak), and now he is getting rid of Kobe (while on a propoganda campaign to make Kobe the bad guy, and take the blame away from himself). You know Jim does not like Phil, so Phil will be out as well. Who in their right mind will want to sign with this franchise? KG said hell no to this front office, and guys like Lebron and DWade will be turned off as well.

Do not be brainwashed by the Kobe-hating media. They will never forgive Kobe for Colorado. Open your eyes and you will see what is really going on. Jim Buss is on a power trip, he thinks he knows basketball, he thinks his daddy was responsible for all those rings, when it was really Jerry West. He thinks the franchise will overcome the disaster of losing the greatest GM and coach in the history of the league, as well as possibly the greatest guard and center of our generation.

Xodus,

I didnt forget about the contracts. (I look up hoopshype and other references for contracts) That's why I brought up point #2 homie!!!! I was in reference to matching contracts, a lack of depth for Chicago & Kobe's and his trade kicker..... So I was plenty aware...

Also, I never propsed to trade for Joe Smith and Nocioni. If you read carefully on my post, I mentioned Nocioni and Joe Smith in the line-up WITH Kobe in Chicago.

I did like your post about Barbosa and Marion. Would you consider Bell and Marion? The reason why I bring that up is we have Farmar and JC to fill in at PG.

I'll take this scrappy line-up: (1st Unit) Farmar, Bell, Marion, Turiaf, Bynum.
2nd Unit of JC, Evans, Luke, Odom, Mihm or Kwame.
Fillers : Sasha, Cook, Karl, Vlade.

Have a good one Xodus!!!

Charles

Here's the deal that makes the most sense for the Bulls and Lakers and it actually involves the new "dark horse" candidate that are the Wizards. The three-way trade has the Lakers sending out Kobe, Cook, the rights to Marc Gasol, and this year's first round draft pick. The Wizards would give up Gilbert and Nick Young, and the Bulls would be parting with Deng, Ty Thomas, Gordon, Duhon's expiring contract, and Noah.

The Lakers receive Gilbert, Deng, and Ty Thomas

The Bulls receive Kobe, Nick Young, and the rights to Marc Gasol, and the Lakers 1st round pick.

The Wizards receive Gordon, Noah, Cook, and Duhon.

The Lakers would then look like this...
Fish, Farmar, Critt
Gilbert, Evans, Sasha
Deng, Walton, Vlad
Odom, Thomas, Turiaf
Bynum, Kwame, Mihm

That sounds like a good future to me, what do you think?

LOL! work it "Laker Truth" and all of your other aliases, your time is running out.

"Who in their right mind will want to sign with this franchise?"

With Bynum emerging over the next few years I'll bet there will be people lining up out the door. A big Center who is a threat to score down low = more good shots for everyone. Not only that, Bynum has shown good vision in the passing game.

With Kobe, the league's leading scorer for the last 2 years = come to the Lakers and stand around and watch Kobe shoot 30+ shots. Why hasn't anyone been beating down a path to join Kobe these last few years but guys were scrambling to join Shaq in Miami? Is EVERYBODY a max contract player? Is there some rule that ONLY max contract players can come to the Lakers as long as Kobe is here? Watch and learn.

WHERE'S IS MITCHELL?
"Kobe stayed patient for three years and immarturely blew his lid this summer. "

YADDA, YADDA, YADDA. KOBIATCH STAYED PATIENT BECAUSE HE THOUGHT HE WAS THE MAN AND NOW HE'S NOTHING BUT A LOSER WHO PUT UP A BUNCH OF POINTS. (ALA PENNY HARDAWAY)

WHERE IS THE KOBE FAITHFULS?

Kobe wants to be a "Laker for life".

Kobe said so himself.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2886927
Kobe said the following..."I don't want to go anywhere else. I want to be here for the rest of my career. It was encouraging to hear that."

Y'all need to have for faith.

Why is the blog turning anti-Kobe? What's up?

This should lift your spirits.

Witness Kobe the Great.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6Gg7MZF1gXo

Mtichell/Laker Truth is 100% correct.

Y'all should hush up and listen to the man.

He knows EXACTLY what he's talkin' about.

Go Kobe!

There are three sides to satify to make this trade go through

1. The request of players by the Buss Family

2. The idea of GM John Paxon on what is a fair deal

3. Kobe Bryant veto power

It's already 4pm in Chicago and no news story yet, we are much closer to no deal.

you must think.... i would hate to see a rejuvinated kobe closing out his career with another franchise. Don't you know just how bad he will torch us every Christmas for years to come? Kobe is only going to get better as he starts slowing down and aging he will not slow down his productivity or killer instinct, he will post up and turnaround jumpshot you to death till the last game he plays just as Jordan did.

Tyler,

If the FO can pull that off.... Wow!!! I would put Vlad-Sasha-and a real injured player on the IL list.

Nice thinking, but I feel that is a long shot. Reason: It does'nt benefit the bulls on the front court.

Creative thinking though man.

Charles

Tyler,

I like your deal from the Lakers stand point. From the Wizards perspective, if they do not pull the trigger they may lose the hibachi without any compensation. I believe for Chicago this is a no brainier, we have all seen Kobe play, and I have always believed that B. Wallace was the perfect compliment to Bryant, alla Rodman to Jordan. I as a Lakers fan would like to see us focus on basketball, so I would like to get a deal done sooner than later. I have already started to miss Kobe, and he is on our team still, but the bottom line is, if you don't win rings you have to be committed to change. This team in its current configuration never had a shot at being the NBA's brightest team even with the league's brightest star. I like what I am seeing on the offensive end from Andrew, if anyone else can recall when we had a dominating center on the offense end, Shaq's fat ass was still a liability on the Defensive end. Drews defense(Rotation on Help Defense, Hedging on Screen Rolls, and Dominating the interior through block shots and defense rebounding) will all catch up to the rest of his game, and I agree with another blogger who feels that Bynum will be a beast in two years. Bye Kobe. Good Luck Lakers land, game one of 82 tomorrow against the Rockets and new head coach Rick Adelman. I think we can exploit the team’s relative inexperience with Adelman's offense. Hold them under 100 and the Lakers win the ball game. See you guys at Staples.

Tyler, I would have no problem with that but who would play SF for Chicago? Nocioni and ??? Also, that leaves the Bulls razor thin at PF.

Tyrus Thomas is Chicago's version of Bynum. The guy is a walking video game and they don't want to give up on him too early.

I'm also kinda confused why Washington moves Arenas for Ben Gordon and trash. Arenas said he would opt out but that doesn't mean he is going to leave. Opting out just allows him to get more money. There's no "Kobe situation" in Washington.

I'd love to see Arenas play here. If Bynum continues to develop next year as he has his first few years, that's a pretty potent combo, along with Crittenton probably becoming a solid 6th man next year. Possibly Odom would flourish in that system because he would touch the ball more instead of being stuck out at the 3 point line half the time. But all this is probably an alternate universe and we get stuck with a sulking Kobe until after December...

Charles,

I think you have to remember that the traditional "point guard" role doesn't exist in the triangle. Basically the 1 is a defensive position. The reason Fish worked so well is because he could hit open 3s and defend - he wasn't valuable because of his ball distribution.

Critter is a bit on the small side for a dominant 2, but so is Michael Redd. Personally, I think Critter is more like a Derek Anderson slasher.

Also keep in mind that we're not going to need a scoring guard who takes the bulk of the shots and scores the bulk of the points. We're going to have a dominant center who regularly scores 20-25, a versatile 3 who is going to score 15-20, an energetic 4 who can hit an open J and give 10-15, and a hustling PG who can give us 10 a night. Add to that a bench that knows how to score (Walton, Cook, Evans) and I think we're going to have a much more balanced attack, which means we don't need a dominant 2, just a dependable one. I think Critter has the skills to get that done.

Taoshum

Mitchell is a smart, smart man. Leave him alone.

We both love Kobe Bryant and want Kobe to remain a Laker for life.

Kobe is screwed by EVERYBODY from the Laker fans to the Kobe-hating media.

Long live Kobe! Kobe is the Best EVER!

The fact is trading Kobe is difficult. The Lakers have to find a team that wants him - and has the salaries to make it happen that along with the Lakers getting players that they may actually want/need. The Lakers also can't get stuck with contracts that will jack them up for years with the salary cap. It is easy for us to propose deals for any player we happen to like, unfortunately for Mitch/Lakers, it is not a fantasy league and you have to find a team willing to make a deal, salaries have to match and Kobe has to approve. A lot of variables are involved and not even Jerry West himself would be able to change that fact. The front office has made plenty of mistakes, Kobe has made things even more difficult, and Dr. Buss and now PJ have seemingly thrown gas on the fire. It is not a good situation and if the Lakers can't get anything of decent value, let him play it out and walk - gamble maybe you could get a sign and trade done. The sad thing is that this years squad I think is better than the squad that pushed the Suns to 7 games if healthy but I think Kobe has already decided no matter what he is not a part of the Lakers future - even if they won a championship.

Eagleboy

Charles,

"I'll take this scrappy line-up: (1st Unit) Farmar, Bell, Marion, Turiaf, Bynum.
2nd Unit of JC, Evans, Luke, Odom, Mihm or Kwame.
Fillers : Sasha, Cook, Karl, Vlade."

This is the type of team the Lakers should have put together the last 3 years, after Shaq's departure, not the type of team they should assemble to compensate for Kobe's departure.

Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Andrew Bynum.

THATS MORE LIKE A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM.. SO HOW CLOSE ARE WE? ONE PLAYER AWAY.. SHAWN MARION OR SOME NO NAME WHO CAN GIVE US ESSENTIALLY THE SAME PRODUCTIVITY.. OR CAN WE JUST SUB IN TURIAF FOR THE TIME BEING? WE CAN, STILL NOT A BAD TEAM TO WORK WITH, ACTUALLY A VERY GOOD TEAM ON PAPER. SO WHAT IS MISSING.. EXPERIENCE?

Why is Jimbo interested in shipping out Kobe? There are other players that this blog will be unanimous in dropping them now for a future draft pick. Can we segway our discussion on Brian Cook? He is a defense liability to this date, no marked improvement at all. Keep the Superstar and drop Brian Cook or else he will be the new Smush in 2007 and drag us down in 2008 with those easy passage.

SBPimp,

Nice post, and for the record I agree with you! Did you watch his last performance with him playing with Farmar though? He looked very tentative missed 2 attempts and turned the ball over in 4 mins palying with Farmar.

My whole point is that I feel JC is better running the point. Either that his chemistry with Farmar needs further development.....

Thanks for your reply!

Charles

Violator,

>>>you know what the lakers are missing? just and only 1 player, uno.. just one piece
>>>to add to Kobe's club. Now how hard is that going to be.. hmm.. Trying to come up
>>>with all these trade scenarios and kobe talks when the answer is simple. Just find
>>>one all star bring him here and we are done.

Okay. I'm going to revisit an old idea. It was less practical before, but some things have
changed since it was previously discussed here.

Sacramento is now going nowhere. As if it wasn't bad enough that they were one of
the worst teams last year and didn't do much to improve, now Mike Bibby is injured
and out for two months. And Sacramento doesn't have any reasonable semblance of
a backup PG. They also are lacking in size (other than Brad Miller) as the Lakers
so deftly revealed when Bynum walked all over them Friday night. They have no
real playoff hopes. And Ron Artest can opt out next summer and likely will, rather
than play another year with a sucky team.

So here's the offer:

Kwame Brown and Javaris Crittendon for
Ron Artest + any 1 of {Quincy Douby, Francisco Garcia, or John Salmons}

Even as a rookie, Crittendon would immediately be the best active point guard on
their roster, and along with Kevin Martin would be the back-court of the future.
Kwame would give them size for a year and cap space next summer. They'd be
giving up a mercurial allstar SF, but getting their point guard of the future in a
wasted season.

If the deal waits until December, the other player could be Orien Greene or Justin
Williams instead of Douby/Garcia/Salmons if they preferred.

And the Lakers would get a player that Kobe SPECIFICALLY asked for, while keeping
Odom and the three guys striving for most improved Laker (i.e. Bynum, Turiaf, and
Farmar). I know I'm gonna catch some flack for even suggesting trading away
Crittendon, but if it means keeping Kobe and adding Artest, then I'd make the
sacrifice.

thoughts?

Vman,

The Shaq trade was a very poorly executed version of what I was saying. Grabbing Brian Grant's deal wasn't about salary cap relief, it was Miami dumping a terrible contract on us. Grant's contract wasn't expiring until two years AFTER they got him. Grabbing LO was a risk because he only had one season where he played up to his potential, and has yet to recapture that. Butler was a solid pick up, but they turned it into a mistake because they traded him for Kwame Brown.

The Shaq trade was the right idea, but poor execution. And they compounded it by trading Butler for Kwame and picking up his third year option.

The Phoenix trade I proposed would be great execution if the Lakers were able to pull it off. And the Washington trade would be good if the FO looks to add another star to replace Kobe.

Gunner,
I don't know what you're saying, but it has nothing to do with my post.

Edwin Gueco,

yes lets please concentrate on cutting the bottom two players and concentrate on bringing in one solid player at his respective postion. Then you do it again, cut 2 more dead weights and sign one productive player. Thats how you improve during the season, year whatever. Continously cut two bring in one good player. The Lakers are instead signing cook and hanging on to vujacic, even if he improves he is never going to be a great player. I don't understand managements choices lately. Why we have some of the same few players the last 4 years that don't get playing time anyway!
This is not normal, management should atleast acknowledge that they haven't been doing squat the last few years, because it is obvious. I do NOT blame Kobe, i myself would be calling them out right now and i'm not gonna be a hypocrit and bad mouth Kobe for doing so.

OPEN LETTER TO GUNNER24

RIGHT ON BROTHER!!!!!!!!!! IN memory of the great KL who predicted the cunning trickery and depravity of the most selfish NBA player in the history of the game KOBE Selfish BEAN BRAIN Byrant.What a moron and i conjoined the laker bloggers to come on board to say what a Penney waist KOBE BEAN BRYANT and the cancer he has become.HALIULUA GUNNER 24 I WILL be happy to join your army of KOBE haters right on brother.

Taos,

Are you in a better, less paranoid mood today buddy? I'm glad to hear it.
You said:
"Why hasn't anyone been beating down a path to join Kobe these last few years but guys were scrambling to join Shaq in Miami?"

Here are the guys beating down the Lakers door to play with Kobe: Jermaine ONeal, Ron Artest, Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer, Jason Kidd, need I say more? They were knockin' but Jimmy didn't answer the door, he was too busy beating off to the Bynum poster in his bedroom wall.

I know you have some basketball knowledge, so there is no need for you to intentionally make up facts to support your false argument. You're better than that.

Peace,

Bigfoot

Oh Gunner you weak minded fool. I'm sure you'll attest your presence here is in spite of the bloggers, but we all know it's because of. You have allowed yourself to be swayed.

Furthermore, I'm willing to Bet Average Joe = Gunner, just on a devil's advocate twist. or isn't that obvious to everyone.

Violater. You're the Troll. As evidenced by a recent slip up in posting your handle and a sudden irrational belief that nothing is kobes fault. (Not to say that blind fandom is not allowed, but yours smacks of trolling, not belief). Plus, you've never posted with such regularity and it sure does seem to coincide with each of Gunner and Average Joe's messages. Stop trolling

AK/BK,

"Ken Landers" is KL in disguise. What's up with that? I thought KL is banned?

Violator,

Aside from experience, chemistry. Probably a better FO also. Honestly, the variables of the FO being divided, Kobe's lack of better teammates, and Kobe's desire to leave is way too much for us fans. It is excellent Fodder for the media though.

We need another dominant star. Not neccessarily a scorer, but someone who will give you 100%. Also someone that will not backdown from Kobe.

Thanks for your reply and great post!!!!!!

Charles

Charles,

Yeah you're right. I think that trade made to much since(compared to how their past trades have gone) lets remove deng and hinrich and insert PJbrown instead......LOL.

Long Time Laker Fan,

"Kwame Brown and Javaris Crittendon for
Ron Artest + any 1 of {Quincy Douby, Francisco Garcia, or John Salmons}"

I won't give you flack at all, i would do this trade right now if sac town is down, as far as JC... there will be better players available for years to come with one better then the other.

Charles, Violator,

You got it right. JayJay say so and nothing was done, I remember LakerTom mentioned it as well, bring in Kidd, nothing was done. Now we shift the blame on Kobe because he could not carry the huge baggages. If the Celtic could beef up their players and support Pierce, why can't we support our stars Odom and Kobe and include there Bynum if he's now an important component. There are so many good Euros why do we maintain those weak Euros? What is a good benchmark of excellence? I think of Coby Karl. Look at his defense, his creativity on offense and he feeds to the open man, why don't we find big men in Europe similar to Coby Karl? Stop dissing at Kobe, he is a good player, dissed out the bad players.

S. Tan,

"Violater. You're the Troll. As evidenced by a recent slip up in posting your handle and a sudden irrational belief that nothing is kobes fault. (Not to say that blind fandom is not allowed, but yours smacks of trolling, not belief). Plus, you've never posted with such regularity and it sure does seem to coincide with each of Gunner and Average Joe's messages. Stop trolling"

Actually you are not correct whatever you are talking about... I am Violator and always posted as myself except when i pretend i am phil jackson or whatever once in a full moon. And that you can ask AK/BK.
As far as me posting with "such regularity" i guess your right, it is monday and i am not in the mood to do my work. So deal with it.

it sure would be nice if only ONE alias could post from ONE IP address but... oh well...

"Here are the guys beating down the Lakers door to play with Kobe: Jermaine ONeal, Ron Artest, Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer, Jason Kidd, need I say more?"

Jermaine ONeal - insane contract
Ron Artest - Sacramento is going to give him to us? for what?
Baron Davis - injury prone, big contract
Carlos Boozer - for what? Odom? that was never a real trade in the first place and we all know how trustworthy Boozer is after what he pulled on Cleveland.

Jason Kidd - a 35 year old guard? yeah... need ME to say more? LOL! that trade was ROOK job from the get-go.

and... you neglected to mention KG who stayed away BECAUSE OF THE KOBE/RADIO FIASCO...

What about role players? NONE??? Kobe was on the conference call to recruit Vlad Rad at 9:00 PM sharp. They were ALL IN ON IT, Phil, Kobe, Mitch and... it didn't work out. Maybe Kobe should man up and admit the Lakers did build around him, a little twist here and there like Kwame being the PF Phil thought he could become (a baby Malone), Mihm not losing an entire year and a half to injury, Odom's injuries and Kobe is sitting pretty.

Hey, how about that FIBA tourney in Vegas. You know... the one Kobe played full out defense every practice and every game? Yet now Kobe says... oh... it's just the preseason... and then stays home on the trip to Vegas? Oh yeah... nothing odd is going on here...

S. Tan,

OH YEA ONE MORE THING...

"As evidenced by a recent slip up in posting your handle"

WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!?!

OPEN LETTER TO AVERAGE JOE

Hello Mr.Joe would you like to join my bandwagon maybe you are the reincarnation of the defense lawyer for Bryant in eagle,co.Good luck average',nice handle....heheheheheheheh

Check out the new intro to the lakers.com website:

http://www.nba.com/lakers/071029_splash.html

S.Tan

(OH GUNNER YOU WEAK MINDED FOOL).........Lay off my buddy S.TAN .....No just kidding and welcome to the blog.

Richtown,

You da man!!! Lol!

Charles

I don't think that the Kings would take Kwame for Artest.

What about Lamar for Artest + Abdur-Rahim?

SUNNY BELFAST....Help please?

Standing on the corner of uncertainty street and confusion road it JUST HIT ME. And I know that we tried to get a point from them last year and they didn't BUDGE. But have we gone after the ANIMAL, Ron Artest YET?

Let me tell everyone right now that the LAKER NATION has rayray's full GAURANTEE (and I will put my 6-2 gaurnatee record on the line here) that if we get Ron Artest the ANIMAL we are going places nobody thinks we CAN. Ron-Kobe and LO are INDEED too much, or atleast ALOT, for the WEST to deal with. We will immidiately become a TOP FOUR west team. With ONLY San Antoio and Phoenix having enough to deal with us.

But the Laker Front office "BUS" stops and I see a DUMF....K called Mitch shitface, our GM, our almost dead owner and a CRANK HEAD get out of the bus into the PUB to release some steam. I shout: "Hey Jimie maybe you can put the BONG (The bong that they smoke the CRANK with and I don't know the name of (Help anybody?)) away and give us a HAND over here please?!!!!" a sound inside my head answers: "Stop kidding yoself rayray. You're better than that." First I think it's Marc Jackson then I realize, no, it's maself. So maybe SUNNY BELFAST can help???? and after that I'm really stuck with no real good ideaz.

Laker Truth,

I agree that the Lakers should ahve traded for everyone you listed but J Kidd. I wouldnt trade young Bynum for an old PG. All that being said, I agree that the Lakers dropped the ball on this one and will pay the cost once # 24 leaves. I do not have faith in mgmt or the other Laker players to get the job done. This is all about EGO on the part of the jerry Buss.

without Kobe, the starting lineup is terrible starting at the pg position on down the line. they may have a little more depth, but not much.

If Kobe bolts, im sure most Laker fans will bolt with him including myself.

I hope we get off to a good start this season or else....

on KOBE's no trade CLAUSE-

To all those, I'm sure very nice but alittle dumb, people who are asking KOBE TO WAIVE HIS NO TRADE CLAUSE. Do you think Kobe would ask for a no trade clasue if he wanted ot waive it? Then why do you ask him ot waive it.

Dear Santa here is my christmas wish list:

Buss family goes bankrupt. Jim will go back to the crack pipe, and Jerry will blow out a liver in less than a year.

Kobe ends up playing in the D league for being a douche bag.

Magic Johnson buys the Lakers and recruits an all star team.

David Stern gets caught gambling on an NBA game.

Joey Crawford gets sucker punched by Tim Duncan during a game in which Duncan declares "Yeah I want a piece of you old man!"

Please make it happen Santa.

Edwin Gueco,

How are you pare? Sounds like you are looking for Buford (From the Spurs)! If we could get him as our scout, and colangelo as our GM? Wow. And now I wake up.

Thanks for putting in the voting effort during the AM570 contest. Hope all is well.

Charles

Taos,

Is that your argument now? That Kobe sucks because he can't attract bench players when this team is already over the cap? I'll give you a free pass since its a Monday buddy. Don't you think we have enough bench players as it is? Our entire roster is made up of bench players from 3 to 15.

Are you talking about the same Jason Kidd that AVERAGED a triple double in the playoff series THIS year? The same Kidd that Lebron (and every other great scorer in the league) would give their left nut to play with? The same Kidd that every GM, coach and player considers one of the top two best PGs in the league TODAY? Naw, you must be talkin about somebody else.

The same Carlos Boozer that almost led his team to the finals (aka championship)?

And what has Bynum done exactly? Oh yeah, he had a good game in the PRE-season against a lottery bound, never played defense, Kings team, missing their two tallest players, as well as three of their starters. Yeah, I'm very impressed that Bynum can dunk on Francisco Garcia, and that he can out-muscle Mikki Moore, who weighs about 120 pounds.

Let's wait until Bynum accomplishes something before we annoint him worthy of the Baron Davis', Kidd's, Boozer's, and O'Neal's of this world.

Peace,

Loch Ness Monster

Ray Ray,

He will not waive the trade clause and I do not blame him. If the Lakers make him play out this season, he should just tell them no trades next year and let the FO get nothing in return for the best player on the planet.

TaosHum:

I agree with 90% of your post. The exception: "Yet now Kobe says... oh... it's just the preseason..." I disagree with it because, well, it IS the preseason.

But I'll tell you what: If the same thing happens tomorrow night, I'll climb on board with you.

Ray Ray,

I can't agree with you more, but no way in hell the Maloofs are giving up Artest to the hated Lakers for Kwame. If we offer them Luke and Bynum for Artest, they would accept that deal in a heartbeat, and the numbers match. Everyone benefits from this trade.

Our new lineup:

Fish (Critt/Farmar)
Kobe (Evans)
Artest (Vlad)
Lamar (Turiaf)
Kwame (Mihm)

This team would be a defensive BEAST. Our pick and roll defense would suddenly turn from major weakness to major strength. We now have two post players in Ron and Lamar, and this team suddenly becomes nasty, and will be an instant contender. Kobe would be happy, Phil would be happy, fans would be happy, and Jimmy Buss would be pissed as hell. See, everyone wins!

The problem is, without Jerry West, the front office does not have the creativity, the intelligence, nor the BALLS to take a real gamble. Sure they'll gamble on Kwame, Cook, Shammond and Smush, but for a real talent, I doubt it.

'They were knockin' but Jimmy didn't answer the door, he was too busy beating off to the Bynum poster in his bedroom wall.'

Just out of interest will you take your Kobe posters down if he leaves?

and no I'm not enquiring becasue I want to buy them second hand...

>>>Jason Kidd - a 35 year old guard? yeah... need ME to say more? LOL! that trade
>>>was ROOK job from the get-go.

When the trade was offered, Kidd was 33. He's now 34.

Let me make an analogy for you.

In the 1988 NBA Draft, Miami chose Rony Seikaly with the 9th pick and Chicago chose
Will Perdue with the 11th pick. Roughly the same depth as Bynum was in the draft,
and roughly the same amount of promise.

Do you think in 1990 that either of those teams would have thought it to be a ROOK
job if the Lakers had offered to trade Magic Johnson, an aging point guard, for their
young promising center?

How about Indiana, who had a much more promising young center in Rik Smits?
Do you think they'd have thought Magic for Smits was a ROOK job?

Jason Kidd isn't quite at Magic's level, but he is one of the best 2 or three point guards
in the NBA. You know how many people averaged a triple double in the playoffs
last season? one. Jason Kidd. Do you know how many seasons Magic did that?
never.

Bynum may turn out to be the best center in the NBA in a few years. Or he might
just turn into a servicable center like Seikaly or Perdue. Jason Kidd is not suddenly
going to turn into Sasha Vujacic overnight if you trade for him. He would have given
Kobe a legitimate all-star teammate for 3 to 4 years at LEAST. Magic was 36 in his
last season with the Lakers, in which he averaged 15 and 7, but that was after being
out of basketball for 4 years.

With Kobe, Kidd, and Odom, the Lakers would have had 2 1/2 all-star quality starters,
and they'd have had the summer to pick up another role player or two to fill the spots
vacated by Kwame, Evans, and whoever else got traded to New Jersey. Pundits would
be creaming themselves dreaming of a Celtics-Lakers finals.

OTOH, if Bynum develops ahead of schedule and Turiaf and Farmar also step it up
this year, then maybe they can surprise some people and go further than the first
round. Cross your fingers that this happens. I am.

exhelodrvr,

>>>I don't think that the Kings would take Kwame for Artest.

Ah, but Kwame wasn't the key here. Crittendon is. They're currently looking for a
starting point guard because Bibby is injured and out for the next two months.
Kwame just gives an expiring contract to balance out Artest's salary. Does that
improve the value enough?

Probably not.

But what if it gets to late January, and their record is 12-30 and Bibby's injury
is still kinda malingering on so he's not playing well and Artest is mumbling to the
press about possibly opting out in the summer to get off this lousy team. Do you think
maybe they'd consider taking Kwame and Crittendon then?

>>>What about Lamar for Artest + Abdur-Rahim?

I'm down with that, but don't expect much out of Shareef. The Kings probably
wouldn't take that deal right now because Artest is playing and Lamar is still
injured. And it still doesn't address their need for a point guard. Make it Odom
and Crittendon for Artest and Abdur-Rahim and you're getting into the realm of
a balanced trade.

The PTI guys hinted that this might become a 3-team trade involving Gilbert Arenas. Any ideas brewing in the Trade Machine?

Man, im sick and tired of all this kobe stuff. Is everybody a kobe fan or a laker fan. The season is set to start tomorrow and all people are talking about is kobe. Its pretty pathetic. We should be focused on the team and how far we could get. Kobe is staying, period. we're not going to move him because there is no way to get equal trade value. we gotta stop obsessing over this.

Kobe is the MAN.

Kobe commands attention wherever he goes.

Kobe is the MVP and will win multiple titles in Chigago.

Go Kobe!

Kobe fans should rejoice at the prospect of seeing the Kobe Star shine bright again.

Kobe MVP! Kobe MVP!

Y'all better get ready to see Kobe in Red/Black/White.

Wow! I just watch the Lakers last pratice video report. Man, those reporters are just plain manipulative as can be. How many times does Kobe Bryant have to say: "I'm not going to talk about it?"

They used different scenarios to bring up the situation. Even a stupid haloween misdirection.

All this negative stuff about Kobe is media generated.

http://www.nba.com/lakers/multimedia/0708video.html

Listen for yourself. These reports just don't how to take: "I'm not going to talk about it" for an answer.

mike

Steve from New Jersey:

Is the house mine?

mike

LakerTruth knows his stuff. Listen to LakerTruth.

The blog needs more LakerTruth's telling us what's what.

Jimmy Buss IS and idiot. Tell the "truth" Mitchell! You go Boy!

Go Kobe!

>>>He will not waive the trade clause and I do not blame him. If the Lakers make
>>>him play out this season, he should just tell them no trades next year and let
>>>the FO get nothing in return for the best player on the planet.

I can't see him doing that. If he did, the Lakers could say, fine. You're suspended.
You can't play in the NBA or even come to our games for the 2008-09 season. Kobe
would be a free man in summer 2009, but he would be out of the NBA picture for a
whole season.

I doubt either side (Kobe or the Busses) is willing to play hardball here. Kobe will
complain, but continue to play and play well as long as he's under contract with the
Lakers. The Lakers will honestly try to get a trade for Kobe, but would rather have
Kobe play for two more years and opt out than take a bad trade. If there is a team that
wants him bad enough to give up quality players to get him, then he will get traded.
If the best offer the Lakers get is Ben Gordon and a bunch of scrubs, then Kobe will
be a Laker for two more years (at least).

Rick Friedman,

What is PTI?

Thanks and hope all is well.

Charles

interesting thoughts from tripgame3:

"If Kobe bolts, im sure most Laker fans will bolt with him including myself."

"...and let the FO get nothing in return for the best player on the planet."

Any fan who "bolts" when Kobe does won't be missed. If you're only planning on being a fan of this generation of Lakers then you weren't planning on sticking around very long anyway.

Nothing in return? The FO would get cap space and the flexibility to sign the free agents they want, rather than having to take on "pork" in the form of players that they don't want, in order to get the players that they do want. You should also ask yourself what Philly got in return for AI, Minny for KG and what we got in return for Shaq. When was the last time a team traded away their disgruntled franchise player and managed to get "something in return" of equal value?

for those of you that state you will leave as soon a kobe does...GOOD!!!!! None of you were true Lakers fans to begin with. All of you are the same people that back in the 90's that called yourself bulls fans but really were Jordan fans. Don't get it twisted nor confused. Don't call youself a Lakers fan when you are truely a kobe fan. Thats fine be a kobe fan but don't come on here clowning the lakers organization if you really don't care about the lakers organiztion in the first place. I'm a fan of kobe's but if he leaves i still will pull for the purple and gold. I just like when shaq left as soon as he was traded i no longer rooted for him. I'm a bigger fan to the name on the front of the jersey than the name on the back.

Richtown is a Kobe hater. We don't need Kobe haters on this blog. Go away. Be gone! Y'll don't have the slightest sense of true greatness in Kobe Bryant.

LTLF,
I don't expect much out ot Rahim; I was just looking at contracts to make the trade balance out.

At this point I think Crittendon is too much of an unknown for him to be a key component in a trade.

Doing this at midseason would be OK, if the team hasn't lost Kobe by then. I would not trade for Artest unless the team still has Kobe; I think that he is too volatile and won't last long enough to be part of a rebuilding effort, but would work well for a couple of years.

Starters: Kobe - Fisher - Artest - Turiaf - Bynum
Bench: Walton - Farmar - Rahim - Mihm - Brown - Evans

That is a contending team, with the following assumptions:
A reasonable amount of improvement from Bynum, Farmar, Turiaf compared to what they did last year
Mihm's ankle recovers relatively well
Artest doesn't explode.