And now back to your regularly scheduled programming
Tuesday there was a game, Wednesday reaction to it. Thursday, the Lakers Universe got back to the same subject that has dominated every purple and gold conversation since the start of the summer. KobeWatch! was in high gear, in the form of reaction to Magic Johnson's comments during TNT's broadcast Tuesday night, and reports that Kobe himself has vetoed potential deals to Chicago that would bring the Lakers Luol Deng in return. In other trade news, Mark Cuban says the Mavs are out, and a potential three-way deal that would net the Lakers Ron Artest and Ben Wallace for Kobe isn't going to happen. (Feel free to take a moment to exhale in relief.)
Kings Prez Geoff Petrie told the Sacto Bee that rumors of the three-way deal were erroneous, and that his team wasn't involved. (Interesting note in there about how no NBA team will ever grant another player a no-trade clause.) Not that he'd say otherwise, of course. Another avenue for creating some movement could be a sign and trade with Bulls FA forward PJ Brown, but Brown's agent says nobody has contacted him about that sort of thing. Not that he'd say otherwise, of course. Meanwhile, the deadline for Ben Gordon and Deng to sign extensions with the Bulls passed without any ink on dotted lines -- are they ever really dotted anymore? -- meaning both are more easily moved than they would be had they signed.
Meanwhile, there was some more news on the home front, and not a lot of it was good. If you were wondering where Dr. Jerry Buss was on opening night, the answer was ... well, not at Staples. The team's owner was suspended for two games by David Stern in connection with Buss' conviction on a misdemeanor drunken-driving charge.
The news wasn't much better for Lamar Odom, who was involved in a two-car accident Tuesday night on his way to the game. It is believed that Odom ran a red light and hit a Downey woman's car, suffering a slight concussion and sending the woman to a hospital, where she was in stable condition Wednesday.
The boos Kobe absorbed Tuesday were still a topic of conversation at practice Wednesday. Kobe reiterated that he wasn't worried about it, and that he was happy folks seemed to come around by the end.
*----------------------------------------*
*THIS GOODBY AINT FAKE....*
*---------------------------------------.*
Laker fans, you are fake, fake, FAKES!
You booed your own star for goodness sakes
You sided with the FO, and let them feed you slop
Falling for the oldest con, good and bad cop.
You let a crackhead jockey go and pull your strings
You let them dis on Kobe then let them dis 9Rings
A house that is divided, can and will not stand
Just ask Dr Buss, he got punished aint that grand
He tried to con everyone, and make the bad guy be Kobe
Stern busted Buss the Drunk, with a 2 game penalty
A lot of so called fans said trade him, he dont want to stay
Would you stay for dinner, if garbage was on your plate
They tried to smear Kobe, say watch him take a dive
So he went out and on the Rockets, dropped a quick 45
Then he asked the Rockets, SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT
Yao said I got this Kobe, Kobe blocked his freakin shot.
Then they said get him Tmac, come on you’re the new MJ
9Rings put Kobe on him, Tmac couldn’t get a shot away.
Folks don’t drink the Kool-Aid, Yeah it taste oh so sweet
But that’s to hide the poison, that knocks you off your feet
Kobe is good as gone folks, that train done left the station
If you put up with this crap, you are all fakes Laker Nation
This is it for Mamba24, I punched my ticket this is it by by
Thank yall for your love, but this FO crap dont fly
To my blogger sister FAITH, Take care I’ll love you forever
To my mentor EDWIN GUECO, a storm is coming get a sweater
To my inspiration and blogger brother, see you later take care THA SHOW
You said it, I understood it, youre right , Time for me to go
You want the truth well you got it, LAKER TRUTH knows why
other teams now look upon the Lakers, FO as a pig sty.
To the renaissance man, they call him GENERIC ONE
Man you’re a genius not generic, you’re second to no one
To KEIFO my blogger twin brother, stay strong and stay on course
I’m sorry my friend and brother, I got to ride the Kobe horse
To blogger sister EAST COAST JESSIE, big kudos sis to you
To root for the Lakers over KG, damn girl respect to you is due
To a man a lot respect, but just as many love to hate
you got skills MIKE T dont give up, Only God controls your fate
To utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, like KRS ONE I got to fly
Keep on posting keep on believing, hold that banner hold it high
To fellow warrior ANGRY LAKER, you think you’re angry listen to this
That water that fell from Staples, that aint water but Buss piss
And finally MAMBA FAMILY, from this nest this mamba must fly
Godd@mnit ithis didn’t have to happen, let me go before I cry
THIS IS IT FOLKS THE FINAL TIME:
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL:
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, Wolf, Man
KIWI, WOW, PEACE, J_COOL, DAVID WHANG, ADAM KILEY, LAKERSRYDEORDIE, CLEON
FISH_GUY,TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOOD, THE_D, SBPIMP, DAXMDD
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, EXHELODRVR,
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, CHARLES,
KHANG VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild,Laker4Life, Laker Seth
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, JR., EASTCOASTJESSIE, Zakee,
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, 244Life, SamII, vi lakerfan,
Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas, BlackMamba24,
FKILLAH, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST), RespectMyAuthorith, Waterboy, Hariyahu, HUBBIT
ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude,
TUKLAW, CDUB0512, MRBARNEYDANGLES,BENJAMIN,MJCMAN32, KobeFromManilas
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman,
Gunner24, GINO, FATTY, CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36,
PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, Alexinho17
BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, Ryan,GiantSquid
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitisNik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack,
Jay Jay, TaosHum, HOBBITIMAGE, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO,
Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. JOVA, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO,
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood, SLO Gal, Thi
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor, Caesar
JEFF, ANDY B., SWANWORLD, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, BENNY BLANCA,CS in Virg
EMMA, TIM IN SYDNEY RISING STAR, LakerBake, JuanMan888,Blkthght06, Man,
Any_One_mouse, 10milliondollarZen, Shiva, Laker_Hopeful, LakerDawg, East Nyboer
,Ghost of Spiderman, Steve in Denver Guy Owanlele, Lincoln Laker, Houston Laker
MITCH KUPCHAK, JERRY BUSS, PHIL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, CLEON, B4hoops
Marc Gasol, Sun Yue, Shamond, Williams, Ronny Turiaf, V. Radmanovic, Jennifer
Maurice Evans, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Brian Cook, KOBES T.
Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Coby Karl, Chris Mihm, Sasha Vujacic
Jordan Farmar, Jarvis Critterton, JERMAINE ONEAL???, Larry Fulcher
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
THE DUMB @SS FO HAS DIVIDED BUT NOT CONQUERED
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 01, 2007 at 09:14 AM
One simple move can change the whole outlook on the Lakers immediately.
Hire Magic as the final say on all decisions basketball. Have Magic become that 'one voice' that we need.
Posted by: Rocky | November 01, 2007 at 09:16 AM
Mamba24,
Will you at least provide us with a list of blogs you are willing post on?
How long have you been a "Laker fan"? Since the late 90's?
Posted by: HAB | November 01, 2007 at 09:19 AM
How 'bout my boy Gil's opening night? VERY KOBE-ESQUE.
34 pts, 10-25 shooting, makes a spectacular buzzer beating trey to send it to OT, then proceed to lose to the helpless, JO-LESS Pacers.
Wizards, BTW were full strength, playing with all 3 of their ALL-STAR PLAYERS.
Posted by: HAB | November 01, 2007 at 09:20 AM
Kobe and Dr. Buss should both come out and say it: KOBE IS STAYING! None of the rumored trades, Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, appears to be going through, and if we are to believe some of the louder anti-Kobes here, nobody would want him anyway. Which suits me just fine. I want to see Kobe win again as a LAKER! No matter how long it takes. That said, the Front Office better get going and assemble a better supporting cast. But alas, I'm not Dr. Buss.
Posted by: batman | November 01, 2007 at 09:34 AM
Mamba24...I'm with you on that one.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | November 01, 2007 at 09:35 AM
While I have no problem with trading Kobe, I don't see any point, unless we get fair value in return. Just tell him point blank, that the Lakers aren't going to trade him, and then we can get on with the season. I still like the idea of having cap space, and then being able to deal with any free agent in the future. Lose Kobe's salary, and Kwame's too, while were at it, and there should be plenty of cash available to land 2 or 3 top notch players, when they become available. Of course, if Kobe stays, it should be publicly stated that he will not be traded, at least until after this season is over.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B. | November 01, 2007 at 09:36 AM
if we dont get AT LEAST both gordon and deng, the lakers FO will have made the two biggest mistakes in sports history. we didnt even get the other team's best player last time, we DAMN better get him this time!
Posted by: Fallen Laker | November 01, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Mamba24,
I don't understand why you're leaving? You ARE a Laker fan right. Just because Kobe's leaving doesn't mean the Lakers cease to exist.
I love Kobe as much as the next guy and plan on rooting for him where ever he goes. But at the end of the day I'm a LAKER FAN and will root for the guys that come back in the trade.
Posted by: Xodus | November 01, 2007 at 09:42 AM
I don't believe it. I actually read an LA Times article that criticzed the front office. Sure, the criticism was fairly mild, but nonetheless, I am in shock. I didn't think it was possible. This must've been a gross oversight by the editor after a few drinks. An article without a vindictive agenda, with a little substance, and not entirely dedicated to bashing Kobe. What in God's name is going on? Is it 2012 in the Mayan calender already? Next thing you know, cats and dogs will be making love, Cook will have a great attitde, Luke will start playing shutdown D, Kwame will look like Jerry Rice, Jerry Buss will comb his hair back, not sideways, and Jim Buss will quit the crack.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 01, 2007 at 09:42 AM
This is getting ridiculous. Kobe demands a trade. But he also controls the trade. He has the power to screw the Laker organization. The no-trade clause is going to prove to be very bad business for the Laker FO. They will not be able to get fair value if Kobe has his hands in everything.
I do say the FO has brought this upon themselves by bowing at the temple of Kobe, giving him all he wants. They should have figured out that someone that demanding would not stop being demanding.
-They supported him through Colorado
-They moved Shaq
-They pay him boatloads of money
But it's not enough.
Shaq was definitely annoying at times, but Kobe's on a whole different planet.
Posted by: Sled Dog | November 01, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Chicago must be loving the fact that Kobe is trying to keep more talent in Chi-town.
LA front office rolled the dice on the Prima Donna. They are losing big.
Posted by: Sled Dog | November 01, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Wow. LeBron was so much better than Kobe last night.
Posted by: Kobe's T | November 01, 2007 at 09:47 AM
Mamba24,
I hope you read this before you go. I share your disgust with the whole situation. That's why I couldn't bring myself to contribute to the blog until 24 hours after the opening game.
The Lakers seem rudderless. The blog is reduced to a sea of minuitae since there's no big picture for any of us to grasp.
All that said, thanks for being here for us every morning. Maybe if light ever appears at the end of the darkness, you'll find it in your heart to return. Every one of us who has contributed to this blog is in your debt. Peace.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | November 01, 2007 at 09:48 AM
*--------------------------------------------------------------
ADDENDUM TO FAKES
To the man they call KL, lots of others called the beast
You saved my life for that I thank you, our friendship shall never cease
Exheldrvr they call you, dont know what it means but this I'll say
For your humor and your knowledge thank you brother for coming this way
To the Gods of the blog AK BK, yout work to hard guys get some rest
Knowledge, wisdom, skill and kindness thanks you guys you are the best
*--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 01, 2007 at 09:48 AM
batman, im with you on that one. i dont understand how buss could be so stubborn. we're obviously better off WITH kobe, so why not put the ego aside and actually get the right pieces to bring us back to contention? kobe has already publicly stated numerous times that he wants to be a laker for life and as long as he puts on that jersey he will compete harder than anyone.
Posted by: Fallen Laker | November 01, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Sled Dog-
"-They supported him through Colorado"
They gave him their jet to be able to make it to games after court to make the game winnig shots for them.
"-They moved Shaq"
Becasue Shaq was the Antaine Walker of the 2004 Lakers
"-They pay him boatloads of money"
He's made them 100 times as much by himself.
No worries bro but the LAKERS are no SAINTS here. Just want you to realize that. Actually they are THE PROBLEM. (Maybe Kobe's DESIRE TO WIN is a problem too)
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 09:52 AM
PLEASE TRADE KOBE TO CHICAGO ALREADY.
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Fallen Laker-
We DIDN'T las time, we CAN'T this time. Hell if I was Kobe I would make the life HELL for the OLD F....
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 09:55 AM
Roger B.
"Just tell him point blank, that the Lakers aren't going to trade him"
That is waht we were hoping Buss does. Actually I think that's what KOBE was hoping Buss does. but he got DRUNK TOO MUCH (Like the other day whenhe got busted) and talked too much.
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 09:58 AM
kobe is a pretty damn good business man.
so is dr. buss.
kobe has his trade veto power that no other player in the league has.
and dr. buss has turned a city (region: so cal?) against its once beloved star player in a matter of 3 months (mostly by the star player's own doing).
now it is all coming to head, hopefully.
something has to give, either kobe's trade veto or the lakers willingness to continue this shirade.
for those hoping that the lakers will add some talent to help kobe, that ship has passed.
Posted by: tha show | November 01, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Sled Dog
why are you on this blog if you're a Jazz fan?
Posted by: bob | November 01, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Bring on the added depth. It is true that the Lakers might be stuck in the doldrums for a while(If they make a trade, esp regarding Kobe), but the truth is, this team is not a championship contender and unless we can win our 16th world championship, I see no reason why we should continue the charade of Kobe masking our lack of talent.
I thought Kwame play very well on Tuesday....running the floor, catching the ball, and finishing. I don’t suppose I can expect him to make his freethrows?
I was at the game on Tuesday, and noticed something of glaring deficiency in Bynum's game. HE JOGS BACK DOWN THE COURT ON D-FENSE. He needs to sprint back under the hoop and then find a man. It was like he was walking back down the court to play Ming, but Ming already had crazy post position and it was foul after foul. Can someone light a fire under this 20 year old?
I really wish Kobe would be a little more conducive to us getting a player or two back of some value; it is like Kobe wants to be traded for Viktor Kryapa, two beers, two tacos, and two cheap hookers.
I just think at this point, we have to make some move. Unlike what Cupcake was saying earlier in the summer, we at this point do need to make a move, just to make a move. Even if it is as mundane as getting rid of cook for a 2nd round pick, or trying to resurrect the JO deal. Or obviously trade Kobe…and truthfully I think that any comination that includes Tyrus Thomas is a good trade for the Lakers. He is explosive and raw, but needless to say he was the number one overall pick two years ago. Let the Bulls keep Noah, but trade away the other piece away for Ron Ron.
D-fish/Farmar/Crittenton
Deng/Sasha/
Artest/Walton/ Snowboarder
Odom/T.Thomas/Cook
Brown/Bynum/Mihm
In this situation our second unit may be as good as 75% of the 1st units in the league, with obvious defensive stability for our starters. I have always like Artest's tenacity, and anyone whose that mental has to scare most NBA players. I think i like that trait of RON RON a lot. Besides he could give some lucky fans at staples love taps(aka Punches).
Anything will do as long as we get some change. I am sick of hearing all these rumors, I just want a chance to gain some momentum, get into the playoffs, and let the dice roll. Hopefully resolution is near.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | November 01, 2007 at 10:02 AM
I agree with Steven A. "Kobe's got one of sports all time best contracts."
Up to 70% of his salary up front per year. A no trade kicker. VETO POWER, and max dollars...
From a fans perspective, the F.O. got beat by the agent. Which brings us back to the problem at hand. Bad decisions by the F.O. didn't just begin they have been going on for a long time. Magic can't help, Buss has lost it, lil Jimmy never had it, and poor Mitch is just content collecting a check. This whole saga is bringing a new meaning to die hard fan.... when you try hard, you die hard!
Posted by: LakerFaze | November 01, 2007 at 10:05 AM
The Lakers front office is as dumb as they come. You don't trade Kobe you get him help Deng isn't going to sign an extension, the bulls don't want to pay him more than 50 million because they won't be able to keep gordon too.
During free agency a team will sign Deng for max dollars you can bet your life on that one. The bulls won't, what you do is swing a deal to get Deng. Kobe wants to play with Deng, he see's what Deng will become the bulls will give him up if you give up Bynum.
Lakers add Odom to take the deal over the top and add Farmar/ or Critter and the bulls add Wallace to fill Odom's salary. Both rosters are helped tremendously and the Lakers look like one of the best front offices in the league again.
Instead they want to trade the best player in the game and watch him win championships with Deng in Chicago. The fall of a franchise or do the Lakers believe OJ Mayo is the next Jordan........ IDIOTS!!
Posted by: vizardronin | November 01, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Mamba -
A sincere thank you!!!
And kudos for having priciples and morals.
I admire you for your decsion. In this day and age everyone questions the term loyalty...Why would you be loyal to something you no longer believe in?
Where will you be heading, wherever Kobe goes?????
All the best!!
The MJCMAN
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | November 01, 2007 at 10:06 AM
No thanks. I don't want Ben Wallace. Trade him to some other sucker team.
Posted by: Paul | November 01, 2007 at 10:07 AM
The Lakers did more than just give a jet to Kobe. They could have suspended him. They walked alongside him in support despite the fact of his boorishness.
I do say the FO has screwed this up. Kobe is an off the charts talent, but he is also a head case. He has a knack for destroying relationships. Jerry Buss poured everything into Kobe, and it will in the end injure the Laker organization for years.
Posted by: Sled Dog | November 01, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Hey what was wrong with the post, Calling William Wallace (Will-Wal) or my Pink Floyd ref.
rayray note to hisself-
Do not talk about Jerry 'JDRUNK' Buss DRIVING DRUNK.
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Bottom line: Buss, Kobe and Shaq all have their dysfunctions. So things are bound to continue in a lame manner...
Posted by: Sled Dog | November 01, 2007 at 10:15 AM
can you imagine Kwame and Big Ben together on the same court? OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION!!!
Posted by: Fallen Laker | November 01, 2007 at 10:16 AM
Anyone read Riles sour grapes quote?
It went something like this (not word for word)
Its interesting how the league sets up its schedule...After 2006 when we won the championship, we played our bitter rivals (the Bulls) on opening night...This year, the spurs drew the Blazers, who were basically the worst team in the league last year...
Correct me if I am wrong, but I recall the Lakers playing teams like the Nuggets on opening night, when they received their rings, after winning a championship...
I used to admire Pat. But ever since he left the Lakers, he seems to always be looking for excuses.
Posted by: MJCMAN32 | November 01, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Sled Dog-
That's fair. I love KOBE too much to call him a head case (And let me tell you: he is not, his desire to win all the time being the TOP DOG hurts him some times but all ALFAZ are that way) But what you're saying is PRETTY FAIR.
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Never thought I'd say this, but I absolutely HATE KOBE BRYANT! Dude is screwing us so many different ways - can't keep Shaq in LA because of his whiney butt and we got stuck with Kwame + L.O., now we can't get Deng and all the while we have to listen to him complain and watch concume our offense, which is not basketball by the way. I HATE KOBE BRYANT. Ship Kobe out! Keep Bynum!
Posted by: Jeremiah | November 01, 2007 at 10:19 AM
tha show-
Fo Sho
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 10:20 AM
>>>This is getting ridiculous. Kobe demands a trade. But he also controls
>>>the trade. He has the power to screw the Laker organization. The no-trade
>>>clause is going to prove to be very bad business for the Laker FO. They
>>>will not be able to get fair value if Kobe has his hands in everything.
I don't really see it that way. Kobe can't really screw the Laker organization,
because they ALSO have veto power on any trade. Kobe does NOT have
the power to say "you will trade me to this team for this exact set of players".
It now sounds like Kobe wants to keep Deng on the team at all cost, but it's
okay with him if Ben Wallace goes out in the trade. Or that could all just
be speculation by the media.
There really aren't that many possible combinations of trades that actually
work right now. Kupchak and Bryant and Paxson should just sit down
at the table and review every possible combination and see if there's one
that all three can be happy with. If so, do it. If not, then you know it's
not possible at this time.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Kwame would come off the bench sixth man style for bigger centers in my proposed trade but the lakers front office isn't that smart.
Kobe get yours my man, be the only man in history to single handedly destroy a franchise then win chamoionships and laugh at the league.
Posted by: vizardronin | November 01, 2007 at 10:22 AM
The problem with Kobe is not his abiltiy, but the size of his head. He lacks the grace and humilty of a Garnett or LeBron. I'm all for a passionate desire to win, but must it always be the excuse for his destructive ways? MJ was purely competitive, but knew how to carry himself. MJ even knew how to make lesser players play better. Kobe seems to lack this ability.
Posted by: Sled Dog | November 01, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Fallen Laker-
LOL
MJCMAN32-
Riles has always been complaining. He's complained his way into 5 rings playa.
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Anyone think Magic would be an effective GM for the Lakers?
Posted by: Sled Dog | November 01, 2007 at 10:27 AM
a letter to Jerry Buss:
Please don't DRINK and DRIVE. You can kill somebody OLD MAN. Somebody's life is not the Lakers fans emotions you can PLAY with. And tell your SON to put the BONG away. (Is this acceptable?)
Posted by: rayray | November 01, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Did I mention that I hate Kobe Bryant?
Posted by: Jeremiah | November 01, 2007 at 10:30 AM
The Lakers were not winning last year or the year before and Kobe was not a "distraction" then. They need some help. Why would anyone deal with the Lakers so called management? Anyone who has a Phd. and insists on being called doctor and drives drunk with 22 year old girls has problems. Mitch has had four years to build a team and all we hear is that it is too tough to make a deal and we have a lot of young inexperienced players. He does reseign everyone or make deals like the Vlades. It is time to sell because you can't get rid of this "family" managemnet team any other way. Jim Buss is the son! "Dr" Buss had been a great owner but he has lost it. Move on. Buy the team Magic!
Posted by: Matt | November 01, 2007 at 10:30 AM
"A source with knowledge of the trade talks said Deng has been included in proposals swapped between the teams, but Bryant has continually threatened to veto almost any deal in which Deng would be included. Bryant wants to be sure that the team he joins has enough talent remaining to compete for the NBA title."
.....stop watching and reading espn... thats like watching fox news for an unbiased report on the country
Posted by: bob | November 01, 2007 at 10:32 AM
I"m happy a player controls their own destiny. Never before has a player had this kind of power, it's business. Organizations don' t give a flying F about you, when it comes to money they would kill your mother. The Lakers supported Kobe because how good he is if it was Sasha they would have cut ties.
Produce and they love you, fail and they would spit on you. It's the nature of the beast so Kobe do what you need to do. It's business, you know if you were a bum they would screw you over and laugh in your face.
So do what no man before you has ever done, be a player GM put the people around you You want to play with. In the process do to a franchise what THEY have done to players in every sport.
If you destroy a franchise on they way out so be it!! They would destroy you!!
And yea I like Kobe respect his game. I worship no man but I also don't give a crap about the name on the front of the jersey. Jerry Buss doesn't give a flying F about me so why should I care about his business?! It's a product I look at sports as a analyst not some crazed fan.
To be honest I could care less is the Lakers win another game. I respect Kobe's game, he's the most entertaining and I hope he can get to a winner. I like Garnett the same way hope he wins but to say I ride or die with a 80 year old caucasion man's team lol yea right.
P.s. it's not a black white thing it's a "real" thing. I can identify with a basketball player a lot better than the owner of a team. My dad played division 2 ball. Kobe's doing what's best for him F everyone one else get yours.
Posted by: vizardronin | November 01, 2007 at 10:33 AM
I hate to say this and it is sad that it has come to this but Kobe needs to go and the sooner the better......as a 30 + fan oftheis team I can no longer take it. Trade him....trade him now!
Thank you Kobe for all the good times and best of luck in the future.....now get your butt on a plane to Chicago.....stop blocking the trade....let us get Deng and move on.
Posted by: todd | November 01, 2007 at 10:36 AM
MJ didn't make his players better, they just were better.
You can put 92 MJ on this team and Cook will still be Cook.
Mihm will still be Mihm.
Kwame will still drop the ball (into the opposing teams basket).
Sasha will still only hit shots in practice.
Some people give the dude way too much credit.
He was lucky to have a kick-ass supporting crew in his later years. Kobe just wants the same.
Posted by: frank1rizzo | November 01, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Sled Dog-
I think Magic would make a GREAT GM. He's the only one who seems to have any sense in the Lakers organization!
Posted by: Fallen Laker | November 01, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Bob is right on. The Lakers as my mom used to say got to big for their britches. Buss and his PR and marketing people think that they will always sell out to corporate ticket holders. Kobe could change all that and I hope he does even though I have been a Laker fan forever. Maybe Magic, Jeanie and Phil, and Kobe could take over the management. And Phil, let us hear you say you agree with Kobe one more time.
Posted by: Matt | November 01, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Sled Dog: "The problem with Kobe is not his abiltiy, but the size of his head. He lacks the grace and humilty of a Garnett or LeBron."
I believe KG in that statement but not LeBron. When I hear LeBron talk, it sounds to me like he's playing a role. He's trying to be the "unselfish" to Kobe's "selfish". Kobe has given him something to play off of. Fact of the matter is that LeBron dominates the ball more than Kobe does. The majority of Cleveland's plays are run for LeBron. They do that run LeBron off of double screens thing ad nauseum. KG I believe. LeBron I don't. But that's purely a subjective thing.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 01, 2007 at 10:42 AM