He's in, but not for long
Mark Heisler of the Times is reporting that Kobe will play in Sunday's All Star Game, despite some pretty solid medical evidence that says he should be allowed to skip it:
"Denying a Lakers request, NBA officials insisted Friday that Kobe Bryant remain in the starting lineup for Sunday's All-Star game, which Bryant said he would do."
He likely won't stay there long, though, as Hornets/W.C. coach Byron Scott said he wouldn't risk injury to Bryant by playing him very much. Could be the league is worried about "Pro Bowl Fever." Once this weekend's festivities are over, he still plans on trying to play through his pinky problem, believing the W.C. is too competitive for him to sit for six weeks. The Lakers are holding their breath that 24 will be okay... and so is USA Basketball, who want a healthy Bryant for this summer's Olympic tourney. So we're all left to debate the surgery/no surgery option, as AK did yesterday.
Meanwhile, Kobe and Jason Kidd are making headlines in The Big Easy for totally different reasons. Whether the Mavs can pull an Aaron McKie and send Keith Van Horn to Jersey remains to be seen. In Denver, rumors of an upgrade are swirling, as well.
Great showing for Jordan Farmar in Friday's Rookie/Sophomore game.
Very interesting read about a moment of intersection in history between the Lakers and Globetrotters.
As the stars gather, the NBA is turning into a 3rd world country. 7 teams have all the wealth and the rest have draft picks. WIth all the late additions and Denver possibly landing Ron Artest, they might not even televise the East playoffs till the Pistons and Celtics inevitably go at it.
The Kobe decision will be the most second guessed decision in LA since OJ if it goes wrong.
Posted by: Vman | February 16, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Farmar did great. He got A+ from Hollinger and the guy from SI.
He was Kobe-like in that he showed intensity in a mere exhibition.
I don't know if they're worried about stars dropping out like flies. NBA guys love the ASG.
I think they want Kobe there because his not playing would be a huge blow to the fans. For some reason he's a huge draw. lol.
And it's not like Kobe's faking it.
Nothing wrong with a token appearance, tho.
Shaq's in NOLA now, but is going home to Phoenix (gag) to prepare for his debut and won't be at the game. Kind of sad that he couldn't break the record for consecutive all-star appearances, but like he said himself he didn't deserve it.
Fox website's calling him the Big Cactus.
Posted by: mel | February 16, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Props to Jordan Farmar for putting on a clinic with Daniel Gibson yesterday. That was real cool to watch, even though there was no defense.
As far as Kobe's surgery, I think he's making the right decision. Kobe isn't going to let his pinky finger keep him from making history. He can still throw 30 up on the scoreboard with ease. If it was his middle finger, or any other finger, then he'd have to have the surgery. But it is his pinky finger, not that it's useless or painless, but it's his pinky. Kobe has too much to prove to let a pinky finger injury slow him down.
The only thing is, Kobe is going to have guys slapping down on that finger at every opportunity. That will not feel very good. But Kobe has a chance to set a new standard playing injured, I think he relishes being the only one to ever do something.
Posted by: Rocky | February 16, 2008 at 10:24 AM
http://tinyurl.com/ysgtsl
"Bryant said he'd 'rather not play' Sunday night because of a torn ligament in his right pinkie, but doesn't think he has a choice."
"But what can you do?" he said. "I don't want to be suspended, miss a game."
I like his priorities. Championsip above all else lol.
GO Lakers! Go Kobe!
Posted by: Faith | February 16, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Kobe knows how to handle this kind of situation.
Let him make the decision and I'm pretty sure it will the right one.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: BrownMamba24 | February 16, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I predict Kobe to be out for the rest of the season..
Posted by: never | February 16, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Rod Thorn, the Nets and Mark Cuban are getting exactly what they deserve. We've offered different packages for Kidd the past two seasons only to have Thorn balk and refuse. I hope Kidd stays in Jersey where he and management to can be miserable.
Regardless of how people perceive Devean George, I'm glad he had the guts to do what he did. He basically gave Kidd and the Nets the finger and said find another way to get it done. Mark Cuban is both a pompous and desperate owner that just had his chair pulled out from under him(LOL). This is a business so who cares how Thorn, Kidd and Cuban feel. Quit crying and play ball!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 16, 2008 at 10:59 AM
little off the subject but check out the NO 08 allstar box on the front page of nba.com.
they list all the previous years MVPs back to 2003 except one year...guess which year is curiously left out, and who won MVP that year....
Posted by: Caesar | February 16, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I predict Kobe to be out for the rest of the season..
Posted by: never | February 16, 2008 at 10:55 AM
LMAO!!! Always great to have jokers on the blog to keep everyone in a light mood. Funniest bloggers on here in no particular order are GUNNER, Mike T, Never, Stranger In The Night and Zakee. Does anyone have any other names to add to this list of jokers and clowns??? Thanks for all the laughs guys, LOL
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 16, 2008 at 11:06 AM
exhelodrvr,
For someone to be quoted on the front page of the LA Times website, I would take it as a great compliment.
Thanks, Man!
You gotta love local boy, Tim Robbins aka The Stranger or better known as Andy Dufresne, nah... maybe you can call him Dave Boyle "Maybe some day you forget what it's like to be human and maybe then, it's ok."
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000209/
It is Tuesday yet? Wake me up when the ASG are over.
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 16, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Isn’t it ironic that this season started with Kobe questioning the abilities of his teammates... in a sense not trusting them… and now… here we are in the stretch run of the season... where Kobe again is in position where he has to either TRUST his teammates to get the job done while he is recovering from surgery or he will play through the pain and believe that only with him in the lineup can the survive the rest of the season.
I’m not saying that Kobe is being selfish by playing through… in fact I respect his tenacity and passion for the game… but do believe that it would be best if he TRUSTED his teammates to hold down the fort and have the surgery… and I totally agree with an earlier post that said that it’s not like he can’t run and exercise to stay in game shape… AND you all know Kobe will end up practicing NEW stuff with his left hand…
Posted by: Reedred | February 16, 2008 at 11:10 AM
I predict that the Lakers will win the title with an injured Kobe winning finals MVP to go along with his first regular season MVP award.
Posted by: Always | February 16, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I predict the Lakers will go 25-5 in their last 30 games and finish on top of the WC. You read it here first ladies and gentlemen.
Posted by: Always | February 16, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I don't know about the kobe injury. In my opinion, he should just get the surgery and be ready come playoff time. I think Gasol and Odom can keep us within the playoffs. the west is so packed anyone is capable of being a one seed.
but that again thats when the homecourt advantage debate comes in. but if you're a championship caliber team, home court shouldn't matter at all. alah 01-02 lakers team. who won the 7th game of the wcf against the queens?
all in all, kobe should get it fixed now rather than risking it getting hurt again only to get surgery later in the season.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: afrojoe | February 16, 2008 at 11:30 AM
All this talk about a pinky...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLuE4WGZZwM&feature=related
Posted by: Rocky | February 16, 2008 at 11:36 AM
David Stern is a tool.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 16, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Always,
nope, LakerTom actually predicted that last week.
Posted by: Korey | February 16, 2008 at 12:05 PM
You gotta love B. Scott!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 16, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I can't wait till Kobe avgs. 25 pts 7 asts a game for the next week and shutz everyone up on this pinky talk.
I mean, c'mon.
It's KOBE BRYANT...If you dont expect the unbelievable then what have you been watching the last 10 years?
Expect Kobe to come out and be ballin. Thats what he does.
Posted by: Korey | February 16, 2008 at 12:08 PM
that Kobe sure is selfish. imagine opting not to get surgery just so that he can somehow insure the team's momentum in order to chase that title. if i was in the nba, i sure as hell would never want a selfish team mate like him sacrificing all that just to win the title. wow...the nerve of this guy to not have enough trust on his guys to keep the boat afloat. and as a fan? forget about it. i'll be on this blog begging management to trade a cancer like him to try and get someone who begs to sit out because of a hang nail.
Posted by: sixonezero | February 16, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Kobe will play in the All-Star game, c'mon, it's not that competitive. Most guys have enough respect not to hurt the other guy in this game.
On a side note, Somebody probably said something bad about Luke to Richard Jefferson
http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/50886/20080215/r_jefferson_allegedly_chokes_minneapolis_man/
Posted by: Bynumite | February 16, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Nobody's been mentioning Jordan's 12 assists. I thought he was great in that game.
Jordan Farmar
Grade: A
Stats: 22 min., 17 points (6-10 FG, 3-6 3PT, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 12 assists
Analysis: One could make a case for him as MVP. The Lakers guard racked up a team-high 12 assists (with just one turnover) while adding 17 points. He also had a game-high four steals.
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | February 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Last nights game shows you what this league has come to.. They picked an 11 3 pointer ball hog over Jordan Farmar's 18 point 12 assist TEAM effort. Shows you this is all about individual play
Posted by: ocho | February 16, 2008 at 12:45 PM
every player gets a 15-25% BOOST in skill, confidence and a similar decrease in defensive accountability by the other team with Kobe's mere presence on the court. . . .
Sure it looks like all the scrubs are doing good. [btw i love our team and think that they will eventually be one for the ages] But the only teammate who has been there and done that is Fish and Kobe. The rest, are looking for leadership, guidance and the hope that having a transcendent player adds to your team.
If Kobe sits out for 6 weeks, what leadership does he show? How does he point to young Bynum or Farmar that at the end of the season everyone is running on empty and you have to have the mental fortitude to take yourself to the next level even though you have nothing left?
Kobe is many things, but winning is always what has driven him and defined who he is. He knows that he owes his existence to basketball and that he would be nothing without the game. Legacy comes to those who go and get it.
Posted by: SA | February 16, 2008 at 12:48 PM
sixonezero
Other than gasol, and the injured bynum, it's not that he doesn't trust his teamates to hold it down, It's he knows they can't.
I mean c'mon man let's be real here other than the 2 I mention up here who on the roster can start for another contender right now, NOONE... scrubs is what they are, kobe knows that, you guy's know that, I know that everyone in the league knows that.
I hope kobe plays, and plays well along with bynum b/c a SUNS laker playoff series this year is the only way to settle this once and for all........ the reality of it is you guys have a better team on paper (allegedly), but the suns have knocked you out of the playoffs in the last 2 years (in the first round I might add...heeheehee), but got stop short themselves, so both teams have something to prove
that they can and will be champs, and if they can knock out their hated rivals along the way, well that would make the championship that much more sweater.
Posted by: Fire32 | February 16, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever. ---- Shane Falco "the Replacements"
Posted by: SA | February 16, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Bibby going to atlanta? Would he play against us tuesday?
Posted by: Chung | February 16, 2008 at 01:31 PM
What's up with Pau? Has he found a place to live yet?
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 16, 2008 at 01:34 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3248661&n8pe6c=2&categoryId=2459788
The Kob speaketh.
BTW, take a look at the Top 10 plays of the first half. You'll notice no Laker/Kobe footage. A lot of buzzer beaters which we haven't had this year. haha.
Posted by: mel | February 16, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Sixonezero,
"that Kobe sure is selfish......for not trusting his teammates."
Thanks for that post, we need to answer back. you can't satisfy every freakin' fan who may be fans of other Western team. When we suck last few years, nobody comes to this blog to praise this team except us, there always trolls tempting people here, suddenly now there are 1001 dalmatians with various names, cheering for the Lakers. However, the theme never change, It's always it's Kobe's fault.
Remember last year when he gets series of suspension from NBA, yet they love Kobe's games to entertain them. the networks analyze every move he did and when Kobe was absent, they looked for him because the ratings were lower.
His avid fans call him selfish....crucify him, burn him on the stake - heretic! haha... good there are no more guilotine or else he could been beheaded too. what was the problem, for agreeing to play without his choice in All Stars, for opting the Lakers and Olympics...he's still selfish....it beats me!
They always find a negativity on Kobeism, he's a ballhog, not an MJ, LBJ or D'Wade.... no matter what the fellow does there is a shadow of doubt haunting him. I guessed he has been cursed. If he stayed in Charlotte than the high-profiled Lakers when drafted, do you think he would get this kind of attention?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 16, 2008 at 01:49 PM
The Bibby to Atlanta deal is a head scratcher....why on EARTH did they not demand Childress as part of the deal?
Did we start a trend of head scratching trades? about ther only one that's really made sense for both teams was the Kyle Korver trade.
Posted by: Jeff | February 16, 2008 at 01:49 PM
FYI:
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/717681.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | February 16, 2008 at 01:52 PM
sixonezero and co
Im still not sure its entirely about Kobe thinking the other guys cant keep the boat afloat.Sure simply making the playoffs must be a concern... and playoffs or not nobody wants to see the hard built record slowly dwindle or the momentum that has been built....But I still think Phil and Kobe are aware of the chemistry,teamwork ,and trust that needs to come together over a season to have a realisitic chance of contending come playoff time.Particularly with a major midseason trade.
If Kobe sits out now you hope you can make the playoffs where you have to beat an elite team without home court advantage in the first round with a team that has hardly played together.
There are risks involved in his continuing to play but with a bit of luck the team still has a CHANCE to contend.Take Kobe out of the lineup for an extended period now and no matter how strong he comes back the chance to contend may no longer exist not becasue the lakers arent in the playoffs but becasue no matter what the lakers talent and potential is they just wont be able to compete with teams that have spent the whole season working to peak come playoff time.
Posted by: Kiwi | February 16, 2008 at 01:58 PM
Always,
I'm the only Nostradamus in this blog. Your predictions must hold up to my most accurate prohpecies...
Anyway, I see piranhas with the likes of Bowen, Bell, and Shaq trying to take a bite out of Kobe's finger.
Posted by: never | February 16, 2008 at 02:03 PM
what up all true laker fans,,,i was watching some kobe footage on youtube of all his most clutch moments. And it may me realize why I have always loved Kobe. Quite simply, the young man is amazing. You hold your breath almost everytime he has the ball because you believe he will always deliver. As a laker fan since 86, I just love the fact that we've gotten that "we can win" feeling back as a collective. Sorry for rambling guys, but i just wanted to say when your the greatest. you have the most haters. so hate on bandwagoneers. see you at the parade!!!
Posted by: pico/union | February 16, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Never,
"Anyway, I see piranhas with the likes of Bowen, Bell, and Shaq trying to take a bite out of Kobe's finger."
If this happens, Kobe will give them his Middle finger :-)
Posted by: BrownMamba24 | February 16, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I dont get it: if kobe's pinky is so fragile as to get hurt in the allstar game, then kobe should sit it out and the next game as well. If it is playable for the next regular season game, why doesnt kobe play valuable time in the all star game. Why is it such a big deal and such a hard decision? any thoughts?
Posted by: reason | February 16, 2008 at 02:41 PM
I'm someone who hasn't liked how Kobe has acted since the last year with Shaq through the last summer.
But if the Lakers do well this year and wins just the Western Division, how can you not award Kobe the MVP this year?
Granted, KG has turned Boston from bums to champions in one year. And Kobe had little success for the last year or so prior to this season. But he's grown alot this year. He's more mature (alot) and he's a solid leader now exuding patience and grounded consistency.
He's holding this team together. His absence would be horrific. And he's struggling through that ripped tendon and bone fragment.
That's an MVP.
Posted by: KiboMeansHope | February 16, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Here are the results from two posts ago --
Scenario 1: He has surgery after the ASG after re-considering his options. He is back by the end of March – That’s 22 games missed, and he’ll be ready for the playoffs.
MiloRambaldi
Scenario 2: He has surgery after the ASG after re-considering his options. He is back by the end of March – That’s 22 games missed, but the team is buried in the brutal west.
None
Scenario 3: He waits and tries to play, but he can’t play anymore in a couple of weeks, has surgery and is out for the start of the playoffs – nighty night.
None
Scenario 4: He’s superhuman. He plays at the same level, and the Lakers don’t miss a beat.
The Outlaw; SA; vilakerfan; keifo; justanothermambafan; so now you know; “anaonymous”
I’m actually surprised this got that many responses given the insane tone of last night's post.
Jon K
>>>HmrHed,
Dude, then why did you just bash on former Laker and champion Devean George?
GO LAKERS!<<<
Because I’m the biggest basher there is. I was trying to convince myself to stop, but I couldn’t. Even D-George’s mama doesn’t believe he is Bird’s class.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 16, 2008 at 03:36 PM
If Kobe keeps playing and he averages 15 ppg, 55% FG%, 10 apg, 1 TOpg, and Lakes finish 1 or 2 in WC standings then he gets regular season MVP without a doubt bec. he silences all the doubters who have always said that he didn't make his teammates better, dribbles too much, shoots too much, poor shot selection, FG% never as good as Mike's, can't carry a team all the way.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 16, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Hello,
Do you keep Odom for the long haul, do you trade him before the deadline or during the upcoming off season?
If you trade him, what type of player do you think we need in return?
Posted by: Lakers 24 365 | February 16, 2008 at 03:39 PM
ALL HAIL LUKE
LUKE CAN DO EVERYTHING THAT KOBE CAN.
HE CAN DRIBBLE
PASS
REBOUND
CREATE HIS OWN SHOT
INTIMIDATE
PHIL IS JUST BESIDE HIMSELF
SCARED, SELFISH KOBE
40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS WITHOUT KOBE
LUKE WILL LEAD US TO THE PROMISED LAND
IT'S LUKE TIME
ALL HAIL LUKE
LUKE LUKE LUKE LUKE
POW
Posted by: DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE | February 16, 2008 at 03:41 PM
MEMO TO EVERYONE WHO READ MY POST AND DIDN'T GET IT.
I was being sarcastic. Obviously there are people who post here that don't understand the concept of chasing something great. i.e. an NBA title.
Kobe going out there competing with a torn ligament on his hand is a good example of sacrifice for glory. I'm going on a freakin limb here and just say that the feeling of actually being a center piece of a championship team is far better than the couch jockey cheering for his team that just won that title.
For crying out loud, who gives an F about his finger. Just feel fortunate that the team that you are rooting for has a warrior that possess marbles not many players on this game have.
Posted by: sixonezero | February 16, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Do you keep Odom for the long haul, do you trade him before the dead line
Lakers 24 365
trade him for a.k from utah
anything odom can do, ivon dragoo can do better
Posted by: LAGUNERRO | February 16, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Guys, guys, guys!!!
I think that Sixonero was just being sarcastic. Just go back and read his post. It was total sarcasm.
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | February 16, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Kobe will be allright.. he's done this before.. with foot injuries, shoulder, etc... it wont be a problem for him.. you guys just worries to much. he's playin like he got no problems in his hand last 3 games... so just relax.. we're seeing greatness in the making.
GO KOB... TAKE US TO THE FINAL.. and beat BOSTON..
Posted by: kobe_24 | February 16, 2008 at 04:38 PM
sixonezero & Edwin Gueco...
I think you both misunderstood what I was trying to say with my post.
If you read it again... you will notice that I said that I did NOT think Kobe was being selfish... what I said was... can Kobe TRUST his teammates to hold down the fort while he was gone (if he has surgery)?
I never said he WAS being selfish... or that he was a cancer... or that we should trade him... your sarcasm was screaming through your post and I don't know how you inferred my negativity through my post...
I personally think that the team can keep them afloat and win MORE than 50% of the games that he will miss... but I don't believe (like Kiwi said) that Kobe thinks they can...
My point is this... Kobe has taken a HUGE step this year after the turmoil of the summer... I applauded him when he spoke out against management... He said everything that we as fans were thinking... He said his piece... made his stance and then put it in SOMEONE ELSE'S HANDS... he focused on his teammates and they have responded... now he has another level of trust to get to... can they get it done without him... he needs to show them that he believes in them as well... and IF they succeed... talk about chemistry when he comes back...
IF Kobe plays through it with no surgery... I will cheer the entire way and be amazed at his effort and tenacity... he will continue to facilitate and take this team to another level... he is by far the best player in the league and his competitive spirit is unparalleled in the league... I believe that the Lakers are in a good situation either way... we have a great team... and Kobe is by far the leader of this team...
Posted by: reedred | February 16, 2008 at 05:15 PM
help please,,
I don't have espn (any cable at home).
and channel surfing is not working for some reason.
can anybody tell me a link to the ALL STAR saturday??
Posted by: lakersgameboi | February 16, 2008 at 05:25 PM
LAGUNERRO,
I'm with you. Where there is a weakness on this team, it's at the three. There is so many questions because the team is not yet whole. By the time it's all in palce the trading deadline has come and gone. This team needs that threat with defense,quickness and outside shooting. Combine Ariza and Rad, you get the right parts. Will we miss the rebounding if L.O. leaves? Or does anyone think the combonation of Bynum and Pau can make up for the loss? Besides AK47 then who? Artest? Mike Miller?
Posted by: Lakers 24 365 | February 16, 2008 at 05:28 PM
guys, channelsurfing is not working.
do you have any other link for me, please.
thanks.
Posted by: lakersgameboi | February 16, 2008 at 05:42 PM