We'll be on a plane until noon PST
October 11, 2007 | 3:18
am
And by the time we touch down in L.A., I expect many of y'all to be buzzing about this interview with Jerry Buss in the Times. Maybe it's just me, but Doc B. doesn't sound much like a dude expecting a long future with Kobe Bryant in purple and gold. At the very least, he doesn't sound like a dude who opts not to mention players by name when discussing their trade value (or declare the rest of the team as having little to none). Probably not the approach I'd have used.
Obviously, BK and I can talk more about it after we land, but I wanted to make sure everyone got to see it while there was time for a quick post.
AK
Miami against the Hawks. Hawks 106, Miami 100... Shaq--> 10points and ONE (1) REBOUND...
1 rebound... hahaha... this what KL and GUNNER should celebrate about... lazy bum that he is...
Posted by: dice8up | October 11, 2007 at 04:05 AM
I hope have the first post....
Please AK/BK.... give the first post.... lol...
I love what J. Buss is saying... Kobe was so respectful in thier conversation and listened to him for about 30-445 minutes and came on the same page...
Go Lakers!
Posted by: dice8up | October 11, 2007 at 04:06 AM
WOLF,
"lo and behold, wouldnt you know, the blog became slow once again you know. one preseason game they play, many homerish comments you bloggers lay. with respect to mamba and not the snake, his ballad i did take. i!"
WOLF, hey dog lol!, I didn't get to reply yesterday because of
the slowness of the net but you are a talented dude man! My Props!
Posted by: Mamba | October 11, 2007 at 04:49 AM
I mentioned this in the previous thread. Buss seems to be admitting that he’s holding a losing hand in his poker game with Kobe. There are two possibilities:
1) Kobe is reassured by whatever happens this year and hangs around
2) Kobe isn't reassured and Buss realizes he'll be gone in 2009 so he desperately tries to trade him (even as early as January or February, before the deadline)
Buss seems to be seriously gambling on the first -- the 50+ wins he mentioned -- unless he's preparing a spectacular surprise to reinforce the team. The problem is if Kobe isn't happy by season's end most teams will be willing to wait for him to get up and leave rather than rush into a sign-and-trade that would hurt their team, especially since Kobe could refuse a trade to a team that risks being depleted.
My own optimistic feeling is that everyone (including Kobe and Buss) is going to try to make this season successful. A trip to the conference finals would keep Kobe happy enough to avoid the messy situation of Kupchak having to negotiate on two fronts: first with a team willing to take Kobe’s hefty salary (for three more years) and then with Kobe himself, to get him to accept the deal. Inevitably, that would translate as another Brian Grant type scenario, where we give Kobe to a team that dumps a big salary or two on us for, say, an over-the-hill star and an overpaid role-player. But for the Lakers to make it to the conference finals in 2008 either every current starter will have to not only remain healthy but also show improvement over last year or the FO is going to have be a helluva lot more active filling in the gaps with some real talent.
I think most of us are hoping for the first hypothesis -- health and success -- but I wouldn't put it past certain bloggers to be hoping for a catastrophe scenario just to get rid of Kobe and begin dreaming about rebuilding around Andrew Bynum and J Critt. The funny thing is that I don’t think even Buss is seduced by that idea. It makes for a duller party than the one Kobe has been hosting.
I persist in find it exciting that we have two major dramas to watch: how the team does this season, with some promising developments but still a host of reasons to doubt and how the Buss-Kobe poker game plays out.
Now I understand what Buss means about the fun of being involved with the Lakers. That fun just happens to be a source of anguish for most of the fans!
Posted by: Tsphere | October 11, 2007 at 04:59 AM
All I read into the interview is Dr. Buss was telling it like it is for a change. While most people will give the "I'm not going to name names" bs. Buss basically let it be known that Lamar and Kwame are tradeable. As for trading Kobe....winning cures all wounds !
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | October 11, 2007 at 05:24 AM
I think this article spells doom for the Laker season. I hope I am wrong but when looked at the game on Tuesday Kobe is totally not interested in supporting the team. The fact that Dr B. has pretty much said kobe can be had and that if they are not playing well he will entertain offers. Kobe may just pass to teammates to show how bad they are.... The season is over. Lakerfans do not go to the game I repeat do not go to the games. I still blame the laker brass for screwing this team up. Kobe has blame too. But it is always mostly on management. It goes back to allowing shaq to get out of here for nothing and now there is no way they get equal value for kobe. It is just a messed up situation....
Posted by: hen1040 | October 11, 2007 at 05:28 AM
AK
It doesn't seem like a positive note to start a season off. I just don't get Buss, but that the lakers are his big toy and with real estate not any fun right now i guees this is how he see's it. I do remember going to a laker game and they were laker office comps and for the first time we sat in the area where buss would set a the forum and Micheal Jackson was setting with them . Well by watching his actions we got the feeling he looked at it as a toy or asset he was showing off .
Posted by: PK-IN-THE-MESA | October 11, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Kobe is not untouchable and not happy- hmmm Gunner and KL are looking smarter and smarter.
And if the look on the bench during the 1game of preseason meant anything- he is as good as a lame duck.
Posted by: Laker Lover | October 11, 2007 at 07:11 AM
Kobe is not untouchable and not happy- hmmm Gunner and KL are looking smarter and smarter.
And if the look on the bench during the 1game of preseason meant anything- he is as good as a lame duck.
Posted by: Laker Lover | October 11, 2007 at 07:18 AM
At least this article provides a warning to all Lakers fan in the future.....it's time to see which 'comparable' value palyer Lakers can get......For me a fair trade will be Lebron for Kobe...
Posted by: pinoy | October 11, 2007 at 07:37 AM
this definitely means kobe is gone.... who would you take for kobe? lebron? wade? tmac?.... i don't think so.... it's obvious that buss isn't committed to winning another ring, then kobe go for yours and get a third straight scoring title.... it's the only thing you can control... you will never win an mvp award because writers vote for those, not fans, and we all know the hatred of writers towards you.... get your scoring title and move on.... good luck with your future endeavors....
the lakers are like family and you can't choose your family even if they do some dumb things.... lakers for life.... even though buss broke my heart....
haters are smiling from ear to ear with an "i told you so" smirk on their faces.... they will have a field day with this and i just can't stand it.... have fun haters... i'll see you on the blog in a couple of years....
Posted by: xyz | October 11, 2007 at 07:56 AM
This sounds pretty much like we'd figured from earlier in the summer, to me. The only way Kobe is going to stay long-term is if he's happy with the make-up of the team. If not, the Lakers will try to trade him before he's a free agent so that they get some value back. Interesting to hear it from Dr. Buss, but no real surprises.
Be interested to see how this is viewed from the various-colored glasses some of the blog inhabitants have.
Posted by: Michael A | October 11, 2007 at 07:56 AM
Still plenty of room on my "Sell The Lakers" bandwagon.
Jerry Buss is straight up De-Lu-Sio-Nal.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | October 11, 2007 at 08:03 AM
Buss sez: "I think Mitch does a terrific job because I'm right there and I know what's happening," Buss said. "Mitch has done everything humanly possible. Our team does not have a lot of tradable players. Hopefully we will have some in time, but currently we do not."
if you don't have tradeable players...THEN HOW IS MITCH DOING A 'TERRIFIC JOB!!?!?!?!?'
IDIOT!
that's laughable on its face... i knew ol' buss was a drunk, didn't know he was senile too
Posted by: CBuck | October 11, 2007 at 08:12 AM
I always believed that a player should never be above the organization, and that is what Kobe did last summer. He betrayed the only organization that he knows, handcuffed the front office because of its troubles, and complained through the media.
The only possibilty that i see is for Kobe to get traded to the Bulls. The teams to beat in the East is now the Celtics, and then the Cavs, Pistons, Heat, New Jersey, and now Orlando. What do these teams have in common? They have a Star Franchise player. Bulls can get that with Kobe, but they have to give up a lot, and Buss should take the offer as soon as Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas, and Lou Deng are included in the trade. Oh and by the way, just an advice, couple Kobe with Kwame and Vlad or Sasha. Damn, Kwame really sucks in the new NBA 2k8.
LA doesnt need a player named after a japanese piece of meat. our concentration will be focused on the AROD anyways when he comes to LA!
Posted by: sung | October 11, 2007 at 08:14 AM
Very interesting read, although I have to agree with you AK. I think Dr. Buss shouldn't have made comments regarding his "other" virtually untradeable assets. In his own admission of that fact, I think it would be even more difficult to make a deal. The only thing we can hope for now is a very successful season, because as the saying goes, winning cures all evils. (or something like that). I just hope everyone stays healthy this year, and if certain players can not stay healthy, we should seriously just trade the whole team and start from scratch.
Posted by: Chris H. | October 11, 2007 at 08:16 AM
Wow...Dr. Buss really knows how to send a vote of confidence and team unity...right out the window. Kobe...yeah, we'd trade him. The rest of the team...who'd want them?
Nice touch. CLANK!
Posted by: CornerJ | October 11, 2007 at 08:23 AM
I'm sure there will be hundreds of posts on this one but this is so non-news to me.
Jerry Buss is a business man. It's common sense for him to be open to trade offers when he knows Kobe isn't happy and the FO hasn't been willing/able to pull the trigger on any good trades to make the team better.
He isn't saying anything we didn't already know. He's gaging Kobe's mindset from now until the trade deadline. If the Lakers are winning, the team is healthy and there's a good chance to acquire a certain JO for Bynum and Brown, then Kobe may be willing to pull back on his demands, otherwise, he'll have to look at options to get a whole lineup of players in return for Kobe. It's business!!!!
Can you imagine how many players the Lakers would get for Kobe? If KG netted practically the entire Celtics bench and cash...we could get an entire team back...just kidding of course. I'd hate to see Kobe go but if the FO can't bring in a couple of "winners" than there's no other choice.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | October 11, 2007 at 08:39 AM
Dr. Buss is my Idol.
He just fired Kareem, now he's teaching me the RIGHT way to shoot a hook shot.
-Andrew Bynum
Posted by: andrew bynum | October 11, 2007 at 08:41 AM
ARRRRRGH! What is going on with this organization?????!!!!!
Posted by: Charles | October 11, 2007 at 08:50 AM
Am I the first one?
Agahhahha.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 11, 2007 at 08:50 AM
When i first started reading this article this morning, I started to get that feeling guys get when your gf says, "we need to talk." Especially because it seems like the Lakers are trying to forget this summer and do their best with what they have.
At the same time, I can see where the Doc is coming from. No, I don't necessarily agree with every move the FO makes, but dang it, the Lakers is the most successful franchise in the past 30 years, isn't it?
It's plain and simple, the Doc spent 30-45 minutes listing off reasons for Kobe to reconsider and stay in LA, but point blank, Kobe said his mind hasn't changed. What would you do? What would you do if have more than twice the rings Kobe has, and this guy is basically saying, "I don't give a S about you and your franchise, get rid of me."
Sigh, either way, i see it as a loss for Kobe, for Buss, and for the entire city of LA. But in the end... if you have to go Kob, then go. I'm a LAKERS fan... long before you came and long after you leave. We'll find a way to be on top, with or without you. Enjoy losing in New Orleans or Atlanta.
Posted by: GoLakeShow | October 11, 2007 at 08:53 AM
Jerry Buss's interview was quite open and candid.
He surprised me too by saying the team only had so many tradeable assets and that hopefully that could change in the future.
it could change by guys playing better and increasing their value or Kobe being traded obviously.
I think Jerry is playing poker by raising the stakes on Kobe a bit as he says well he might go or he might stay and he let's the whole L.A. know to raise the stakes for everyone.
Jerry does not mention how Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak have fumbled on deals from last yr's all star break back to the Shaq trade.
He claims to not know what "any of us have done wrong."
That's ridiculous. We're being held hostage by the Buss family ownership. They have been great for many yrs but they've been in a terrible slump over the last few.
To mention a Ronny Turiaf draft splendor and not mention all of the Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince (from L.A.) and Tony Parker's that the Lakers had no clue evidently about is like talking to dumb fans.
Some of the fan base is smart enough to know better.
The sad part of all of this is that we'll lose one of the most dynamic players we've had in our history unless we win this yr which will take a MIRACLE!!
Buss never mentions not using Shaquille O'Neal's value to pull in the tradeable assets that he is complaining of not having. That's where the whole mess started when we were afraid to trade Shaq to the West or wherever the talent was.
Just down right below par management for too long of a time.
So yeah, Kobe will bring in some tradeable assets but we could have had that already and Kobe, and some playoff series wins or a title.
We all begged for warriors for Kobe to play with just like Kobe begged for as Derek FIsher confirmed.
This stuff ain't rocket science if you watching the games. This team previously has not shown to have a lot of warriors.
This yr is as lameduck and silly as predicted late in the summer when no deal was struck.
Do you believe in Miracles as Al Micheals said in 1980 at the Winter Olympics? We need one, where is Robert Horry's luck when we need it.
A sad day!
Posted by: LakerBake | October 11, 2007 at 08:53 AM
Boy that Buss interview says it all doesn't? Well what can you expect from a guy who spends most of his time drinking and "escorting" girls young enough to be his GRANDdaughter. It's painfully clear that he cares only about himself and the bottom line and NOT the fans or fielding a championship team. There was a comment from someone after the online version of the article that expresses my exact feelings so I'll just quote it -
"Jerry, did you get comparable value for trading ShaQ? If we trade Kobe it will be like the KG trade; to a mediocre team for a bunch of stiffs that we hope will pan out. Jerry you're an a.s.s! You've broken your promise to the Laker fans. I've been one since 1979. You have become soft and have been stealing the fan's money for too long."
Jay Jay to Laker management .. F U !
Posted by: Jay Jay | October 11, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Mamba,
Thank you for the mention i truly am honored. As far as my name goes... maybe i should add an a.k.a more appropriate for this blog but at the moment seems like all the great names have been takin.. Thanks again boss. Have a good one, we hope you will change your name and stay at this blog once kobe leaves for another town.
Posted by: Violater | October 11, 2007 at 08:56 AM
I personally think Buss' timing on speaking about this is poor. It seems to me that Bryant is no longer in the Lakers long term plans and Jerry Buss is preparing the fans for the eventual inevitability of Kobe being traded. In addition, he is signaling to the Suns, Bulls, etc that Bryant can be had at a price below market value, but significantly above what has already been offered.
Or perhaps this is what Kobe wants. Perhaps Buss is signaling to Kobe his good faith effort to try to move him.
I think it may be a combination of both appeasing Bryant and realizing that Kobe cannot be a part of a youth movement with Javaris and Bynum the future. I think the Lakers should really try to move him before the season begins. Get Ray Allen and/or Paul Pierce. Get a Tracy McGrady and some picks. Get a Amare Stoudamire and Grant Hill plus a pick. Boston, Phoenix and Houston would all be better and the Lakers wouldn't be any worse and might be better.
Posted by: FNS3 | October 11, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Oh and by the freaking way, how is it possible for Buss to simultaneously say that his front office did well in acquiring Bynum, Radman, Kwame and Critt and yet claim "we don't have a lot of tradeable players"???
If those choices were so damn smart why won't Bird take the lot of em for JO eh???????
Posted by: Jay Jay | October 11, 2007 at 09:01 AM
I think the Lakers cannot afford to cater more controversies at this time coming from the owner himself. The topic of the Lakers has been too sensitive that captured the fascination of the basketball world. We, the fans don't like distractions pitting the star player against the legendary owner, reviving Shaq's sorrowful departure. Well, some people cannot prevent their mouth from exploding, exhorting their benevolence (or malevolence) and perpetual managerial know-how.
If you want to trade Kobe...
Then JB, you should prepare the players for replacement like getting JO and Kidd or Garnett before the move. Right now, your plans are hollow with eventual replacements I hear from other bloggers - like Bynum, Critt', Farmar, Luke, Vlad who else? There are no guarantees on these guys, they are all in the experimental stage.
Like for example Bynum, he is one dimensional shooter i.e. dunk with two hands. That's how tall men play during the 50's but not in the 21st Century. He should learn how to go for reverse dunk, bend the body in the air, do some faking from right hand to left hand, create hidden shots like hook shots or body shield of the ball, do some mid-ranged jump shots. His defense in the post is porous, he can't avoid body contacts with festy guards. If Bynum could not learn these techniques then, he's just an ordinary behemoth similar to other dinosaurs. Critt' looks good at first glance but he is no replacement of Kobe even if you combined him with Farmar. Vlad and Sasha as well as Luke...must I say more on these players, they are mere role players. They have inherent deficiencies in other facets required for a starplayer.
However, no player is indispensable. Should you want to replace Kobe, then wait for the availability of a Lebron-type or Wade-type of player when they opt out from their contracts? To announce or entertain it at this stage in front of a thirsty media in Honoluluis is just too presumptous and illusory. You are just inviting more controversies to ur team that has full of dilemmas, showing your vain and uncotrollable lust for ownership or hold on a team.
With regards to the selling of the team and saying, you don't know what to do with the money and capital gains, well that's the thinking of hungry speculators when they played with sub prime rates. Today, they are all on the run. A wise investor always think or imagine of the repercussions ahead of the event, not afterwards. If your fans, which is your market say "Sell", then it is time to sell before the price of your team is watered down. At age 74, with irresponsible heirs on hand, you're playing a "russian roulette" in overextending the perpetual management of the Lakers.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 11, 2007 at 09:11 AM
Seriously? No comments yet? Kobe is out of here. I'm not happy about this but I accept it as a reality. Yeah, Buss makes it sound like it's "just business" to listen to offers but for him to say this in a sit-down interview goes way beyond "just business". Remember when Kupchack casually mentioned that Shaq was tradeable? I'd hate to be answering phones in the Lakes' front office right about now.
I'm going to miss him... A LOT. Haters can gloat all they want but Kobe brings it with style every night. You're going to miss this guy and the "no player since Wilt Chamberlain" records that he will continue to break wherever he goes.
Posted by: East Nyboer | October 11, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Jerry Buss has gone insane. I do not see why he had to say all this, Unless he has a serious contact for a Kobe trade. Kobe will find this interview disrespectful, and it is not the owner's role to go off like that.
I hope I am wrong. :) I just bought a 24 jersey. Seriously I am a Kobe fan and a laker fan too, so I hope he stays a Laker forever...
GO MAMBA! GO LAKERS
Posted by: Mamadou | October 11, 2007 at 09:14 AM
"I think Mitch does a terrific job because I'm right there and I know what's happening," Buss said. "Mitch has done everything humanly possible. Our team does not have a lot of tradable players. Hopefully we will have some in time, but currently we do not.
we don't have any tradable players because Mitch is doing a crappy job... Does this man listen to what he's saying?
Posted by: bob | October 11, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Note to Jerry Buss: You can't get "comparable value" for Kobe, unless you have a time machine and can trade him for both Michael Jordan AND Scottie Pippen circa 1990.
Posted by: Kobe's T | October 11, 2007 at 09:30 AM
Kobe's days in LA are numbered. Buss has made up his mind and he will trade him just like he traded Shaq. Dark days are ahead of us. Buss like the Godfather is acting out of pride and will never forgive the Primadona back stabber Kobe for calling him a liar.
Posted by: Kobeyashi | October 11, 2007 at 09:33 AM
The Dr. has lost his mind between the coke and the viagra its taken over.
How in the %^&$ do you start the season with an interview stating this type of stuff. Admitting we don't have tradable players, and the one's we have are on the block. Way to go Doc. Do us a favor, sell the team and go buy a bunny ranch or something. Buy Jim a horse and Jeanie a pretty lil' pony, then go on your merry lil' way into the sunset. You are killing the fan base but at least you were smart enough to stay quiet until season tickets were sold, huh?
Posted by: lakerfaze | October 11, 2007 at 09:41 AM
well, dr. buss has gone public with WHAT REALLY HAPPENED THIS SUMMER.
kobe yapped to the media about a trade.
kobe and dr. buss met in barcelona. dr. buss tried to talk him out of it. kobe said he still wanted to be dealt. dr. buss said he would entertain & consider only legit offers.
the offers came in and none of them were legit.
the lakers were open to dealing kobe this summer.
however the offers for kobe were not up to snuff.
so kobe remains a laker.
dr. buss hopes that the lakers start winning so kobe will change his mind about going elsewhere. this is to be determined...
an offer was made for kevin garnett, and dr. buss still believes it was a better offer than boston's.
dr. buss also admits that this squad doesn't have many lucrative trading pieces.
in the end, my respect for dr. buss has been restored.
he was open and honest about what happened this summer.
and even though i am not happy about it, at least i finally KNOW what the hell was going on this summer.
with or without kobe, C'MON LAKE SHOW!!!
Posted by: tha show | October 11, 2007 at 09:44 AM
This is why I love Jerry Buss - he doesn't let the inmates run the insane asylum. He always lays the hammer down and continues to be the "warden" and doesn't let anyone push him around. He is, after all, the owner of the Lakers. The same guy who created a franchise in the 80's that electrified this league. The same guy who help put together a team that stood up against the hated C's and ultimately establishing his franchise as one of the elites. How could you not like this guy's honesty and candor.
Posted by: ahlayn | October 11, 2007 at 09:57 AM
If you trade Kobe, you're signing the death certificate of this franchise. Mark my words. But hey a man has to own up to his own decisions (ahem mistakes).
Though to be fair, he said, he knows he won't get anything equal back. He's got some brain cells left.
FO overhaul seems like a pipe dream...dang it.
Posted by: Faith | October 11, 2007 at 09:58 AM
REPOST
We're doomed!
Ol' sleazebag Buss has opened his gin stinking mouth and procliamed how good a job Jimbo and Kupchak have done and that Kobe ain't untouchable. Way to go mr. DUI!!! Just when people were turning their attention to the upcoming season instead of this hellish summer. And no, he won't sell the team either so no salvation there... Blood is truely thicker than water and it has turned the old man into a moron, defending his incompetent son and lame boy Mitch.
Sure I agree we don't have many tradeable players (thanx FO!) but the main reason good players don't come here is that the team is run by mouthbreathing hypermorons! Hell, I'd rather have the team run by zombies. They at least know what they want!
Posted by: Andy L | October 11, 2007 at 10:00 AM
deja vu: same thing was said about shaq after '04 finals. if you're going to trade 2 of the best players of this generation, please don't pick up another briant grant contract or trade an all-star in butler for a bust.
seriously, buss is going down the nuclear option here, the one where he takes his remaining millions and retires to the south of france.
Posted by: none | October 11, 2007 at 10:01 AM
That's an interview Jerry shouldn't have done. The silence was working.
The season just became about where Kobe will be traded.
Kobe to ? Bandwagon?
Posted by: Vman | October 11, 2007 at 10:08 AM
AK/BK
I sure hope that like a responsible Prez/VP set you never share an airplane. In case you do, I hope you have a better succession plan than Dr. B.
Jim and Jeannie? I don't know about that..
Posted by: HAB | October 11, 2007 at 10:11 AM
I think the Dr. is awesome. He still thinks that owning the Lakers is the most fun thing he can think of to do with his money and his time. That's the guy I want at the head of my franchise. Owners who worry about losing money or things like that just don't have the right attitude.
I think Kobe'll be around a while, and we'll pull in some help at the end of the year. When Kwame's contract isn't renewed, we'll have a little more cap space, and things will go right. If we renew Kwame's contract, I take it all back and offically hate Kupcheck.
Posted by: dustin b | October 11, 2007 at 10:14 AM
I dunno...
It does seem like Dr. Buss is sort of throwing in the towel on the Kobe thing.
My take on his comments is that he doesn't think this team is a real contender nor does he think he'll be able to make any quality trades to surround Kobe with quality players and that HE believes that Kobe will probably walk in 2 years.
Two things:
This is what we get for the lousy Shaq trade and the lousy Caron trade. That's it. We had our chance and we blew it.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 11, 2007 at 10:30 AM
It's nice to hear Buss be this frank and honest about what's going on behind closed doors - if anything so that the fans have a clear understanding of the state of the team, rather than speculating. The problem this is heading towards is that Kobe said both sides promised to keep all discussions about what's going on behind closed doors. This obviously goes right against that. He's bound to have a reaction and this just might throw training camp into a further world of chaos.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 11, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Like what I said to Kobe, be careful what you ask for you might get it.
My wish for KOBE BRYANT, here's hoping we have a very good season this year and Kobe has a change of heart, aplologize to Jerry Buss and let him know he want to retire as a Laker.
It is much more important now to develop Crittenton and Bynum. It also makes me feel comfortable that both guys are already here before Bryant leaves. I'm sure whatever we can get for Kobe, Lamar and Kwame will fill up the need to build up a young talented squad. The best thing is we have the PG n C covered, both are the hardest position to fill.
It's so weird, after that one game in the pre season, it was for the first time after seeing Crittenton, Bynum, Turiaf and Radmanovic play I felt Kobe is on his way out. I also felt somehow KOBE saw the Lakers future has arrived and that there is no way the Lakers are going to let go of Crittenton and Bynum! There's two of them now not just one, more importantly the other is a BIG LONG Center at 7'1" and the other a quick talented Point Gurad at 6'5" both at 19 years old. No way the Lakers are going to give up both of them now. It did not happen with Bynum, it not going to happen with Crittenton and Bynum! That's for sure!
Posted by: Staples 24 | October 11, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Message to The Malcontent (aka Kobe Bryant)
As my friend Al Pacino said in Scarface: "Say Hello to My Little Friend!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9MC8qS6tIA
AK/BK: I assure you the video is clean except for the bad haircuts and dancing.
Like, NSync, Kobe is yesterday's news...
Bye, Bye, Bye!
Posted by: KL | October 11, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Wonderful. Great timing too. I thought Buss would realize how important Kobe is. But blood is awful thick, and he's defending his son and the true problem: Kupchak.
We wouldn’t be in this mess if Kupchak had made the right moves:
Boozer
Baron Davis
Jason Kidd
Better draft picks...
And Buss says in the article: "I think Mitch does a terrific job…," Buss said. "Mitch has done everything humanly possible. Our team does not have a lot of tradable players. Hopefully we will have some in time, but currently we do not." And who's fault is it that we don't have a lot of tradable players? BINGO: Mitch Kupchak
Wonderful indeed...
Posted by: Lands | October 11, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Ok, notice about the interview- this is just my opinion. That's probably the best answer Buss could have given regarding the situation. I don't think it's throwing gas on the fire, it's an honest answer. Kurt over at forumblueandgold.com has a nice comment on it.
Jeff
Posted by: Jeff | October 11, 2007 at 11:07 AM
Jerry Buss has become content with the state of the Lakers. He doesn't have the desire to win championships, as does George Steinbrenner with the Yankees. Stienbrenner's motto is anything less than a championship is a failure. He pays top dollar for his players and coaches and expects the best.
Buss concedes that the team is solely a business, but also that he has "fun." I don't think this path is sustainable for the Laker organization. Buss's job is fun only because Kobe has lifted this average team to the playoffs and his individual skill set sells seats. The Lakers continue to raise ticket prices, but have not made the moves to make this team a contender. Yet Jerry Buss asks what have they "done" wrong. Lets see: trading Shaq for lesser value (could have traded to the west for all star players or held out for D-Wade), letting Caron Butler go (for Kwame, and threw in Atkins), not signing players that wanted to join the team (Baron, Boozer), drafting sub-par players (sasha, etc.).
The bottom line is Jerry Buss wants to continue with business as usual, raising ticket prices and keeping his business prosperous, while not putting a team on the court that is worth of such price to the fans.
Posted by: Nathaniel | October 11, 2007 at 11:08 AM
what's up dice-hate
"1 rebound... hahaha... this what KL and GUNNER should celebrate about... lazy bum that he is..."
shaq's still got 4 rings, 3 finals MVPs and a regular season MVP.
Not to mention the satification knowing that kobe is exposed as the bum DURING THE SHAQ ERA.
Long live shaq....haha.....kobe loyalists and kobe both SUCK ASS!
Posted by: KL | October 11, 2007 at 11:29 AM