so, we traded kwame (and 3 late first round picks) for Pau Gasol. If you string that out a little bit, we traded caron butler for what became Pau Gasol. You string it out a little more, we traded what would be a used up shaq a mere year or two later for lamar odom and pau gasol. The more time goes on, the better Mitch Kupchak looks. And all this with two wacky busses looking over your shoulder? I'm thinking Jerry West's last great gift to the lakers was a patient Mitch Kupchak. Sorry to reach like that, but I just feel a lot of respect for the guy right now.
Has Bucher ever been right? At this point shouldn't he be working for a tabloid or something instead of continuing to pose as an actual reporter?
AK/BK, how do other sports writers view a guy like Bucher, who constantly comes out with rumors that inevitably turns out bogus? Is he just a headline whore or what's his deal?
Wow! This is great news for Lakertown today. And a steal at it as well. I am already loving the idea of a Bynum/Gasol/Odom front court with Kobe dominating the backcourt and D-Fish taking the lead.
A few points I would like to mention here.
1. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kwame back in a Laker Uniform after Memphis buys out his contract.
2. Be ready to see Kobe sign an extension sometime soon.
3. By the way, I am working on perfecting Kobe's fadeaway jumper in the gym everyday.
4. Is it possible that Jim Buss has finally let Kupchak do his job!
Personally, I don't this this trade gets us to Championship level. But the way the Lakers' announcers have been talking bad about Kwame for a while now I have to believe that Kwame asked for a trade. No matter what Kwame did Joel Myers would just skip over it like it was nothing. And when Bynum did something he would get all excited.
That tells me that the organization's personal knew that Kwame had asked for a trade. It makes sense because Kwame didn't fit into the triangle and I don't think he like Phil Jackson or Kobe Bryant.
But Kwame is from the South. Southern folks have manners. They don't do things like Kobe did over the summer. He probably went quietly to management and asked for the trade, probably around the time the season started.
You can tell in the 2nd game against Houston. At the end of that game Lamar Odom had fouled out. And Kwame was in the game. So Phil Jackson pulled Kwame for Bynum. Kwame didn't want to come out of the game. And Kwame gestured his hand in disgust towards Phil Jackson.
Right there I thought Kwame had had enough of Phil Jackson.
Kwame Brown is probably the happiest person in the world right now.
While the Lakers...being so soft in the middle...I really don't know how this is going to work out.
It was KWAME who asked to be traded, and not the Lakers who wanted to trade him. Just like you were right about Bynum being Fool's Gold, you're once again 100% on the money here.
I like your prediction of the Lakers not being championship-caliber after this move, also. Keep up the good work, Nostradamus.
"I think the point with Bynum is that it's a mistake to say he'll be back right at the eight week mark from the injury. Remember, the key with all these things is "minimum." It could take ten, it could take 12. It could take seven (though it's not likely). When I did my math on when he might return, I ran numbers all the way into April, because I figured there'd be a good chance it would take him that long to come back healthy. They're not going to eff around with that knee.
If he comes back quickly and healthy, then they have a great chance to do big damage this year. Whether that means a title this year, it's hard to say. Obviously, it's impossible to predict how everything comes together. But assuming this nucleus (Kobe, Pau, Drew) works, with young talent in Farmar and Ariza coming up, an improving Sasha (I think this makes it much more likely that he'll be resigned) and Turiaf (already a very good bet to be resigned), this is a team that doesn't HAVE to win this season.
Obviously there's some risk, because if it doesn't work they're stuck with Pau for a while, but there's risk with every deal, and this makes a ton of sense, both near term, and more importantly, long term. AK is working on a longer thing now, but it's hard to think this is anything but a great deal.
BK"
Honestly, I don't think he'll be back at exactly the eight week mark, but really it's far too early to tell now when exactly he'll come back. I've heard no news that says he's done for the year. But eight was considered a minimum, so nine or ten is certainly likely. As for the Bucher statement, something like that could come from anywhere. It's not hard to find someone to say, "This is the sort of thing that could cause him to miss the season." Who that is or how well connected they are? Hard to say. IT's certainly posible, but I woldn't worry about it until the news changes.
Players of Kwame's caliber don't ask for a trade. They can't, because they have zero clout. Kwame goes where he is told and takes the money people give him. Notice how there aren't teams clamoring for his services?
I got nothing but compassion for Kwame. I know he didn't ask to be the number one pick. He also didn't ask for you to treat him like he's the second coming of Wilt Chamberlain. What the hell sort of insane fantasy world do you live in, anyway?? You are more disconnected from reality than anyone I have ever even heard of - you make Michael Jackson look sane.
I was hoping that Kwame's relocation would mean you would follow, but I guess that was a little too much good fortune to hope for in one day.
Do us all a favor. Now that your favorite beefcake is done, take up a new hobby. Why don't you try the Memphis blog?
Just because the coach says something, doesn't mean I would believe it..I like this trade and I love the Lakers, but the Lakers have a history of not telling us fans the seriousness of their player injuries. They always downplay them. They did it with Shaq all the time. They did it with Rick Fox, and they did it with Kobe.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Bynum will not be back in the 8 week window. More like 10-12...Honestly I think we will be lucky if that happens.
I think there are times when Bucher is a little too loose with what he'll report. I certainly don't think he makes stuff up, but when you hear things from "sources," it's hard to know who he's talking about, and everything should, therefore, be taken with a grain of salt. I know he's well connected, for sure, and i'm sure he gets a lot of good info. But in sports, so much is tossed out there by one person or another that it's usually pretty easy to find a credible source who will give just about any angle on a story. I'm sure it's possible Bynum could be out the rest of the season. But that it's possible and even something some might worry about in the back of their minds (reasonable, given his importance) doesn't mean it's the likely outcome. I would want credible info about Bynum's injury specifically b/f I'd make a statement with that sort of implication without a fuller explanation. I do think he's a very good writer, and he clearly knows his stuff.
I think to some extent he falls into that "celeb journalist" trap a little, that is pretty common with guys who do a lot of TV. But my big issue isn't so much that a lot of these things turn out to be wrong- though like I said I do wonder if the reporting could be tighter- it's that when predictions turn out to be wrong, too many people (and I'm not simply singling out Bucher) will carry on as if the previous stuff they said never happened.
It's a function of 24 hour tv/internet sports/news world, in which a lot has to be done to fill the space. There isn't that much news in a day. But something interesting needs to filll the time. There's a lot of noise.
I don't believe Kwame had any position to request a trade. This trade was 100% done by the Lakers Front Office. Now Mike, I believe that the Grizzlies have a "Grizzlies Blog" so that you can follow Kwame Brown.
Seriously, I liked Kwame as a back up to Bynum. Once Bynum got hurt, I saw devistation on the horizon because the Lakers really didn't have a front court appearance. Especially when Ariza went down shortly after.
But to state that the Lakers are not championship contenders after this trade is a hideous statement. Can you name a better front court in the NBA other than possibly the Celtics? Now with the fact that L.A. has Kobe to add on to the equation, this Laker team has become quite scary....that is of course once we get our whole team back.
AK/BK:
Is it possible for the Lakers to buy out Chris Mihm's contract and if so, would you think that this would be a good time to do so?
LOL I'm sure Kwame demanded a trade! When you're one of the most overpaid, least effective players in the league you don't demand trades you're happy to play anywhere you can. And Kobe and Phil as much support to Kwame as anyone.
Kwame didn't demand to be traded the Grizzlies are CLEANING HOUSE. They don't want Kwame Brown. NO ONE wants Kwame Brown.
It's very likely that Kwame will be in the same position Mbenga is this season: Looking to sign 10 day contracts and hook onto a team.
Well guys let's prepare for some old, intriguing battles to continue for the remainder of this season:
I'm sure it's possible, but I don't see the need. He's cheap, and if/when healthy can be a serviceable backup. The bigger question is who they'd get to replace him? It's not like a ton of skilled bigs are out there to be snatched up. So I don't see it as something that'll happen.
dey really screwed andrew bynum over by getting Pau Gassol. He along with guys like Amare and Dwight are the face of the whole strong athletic center type that is making the game more fast and exciting. Now the Lakers aquire Pau Gassol, so i want to know what about Andrew? Hopefully they will be able to play off each other and LA can be a dominant contender in the highly competeded western conference and not just finsh in the 7th seed with a record 5 games or so above 500.
This may sound funny but hearing that the Grizzlies may buy out Kwame's contract, after all, I did like him as a back up. And as bad as Kwame may have played, some of it due to his injuries, I'd sure like him better than a Chris Mihm. Wouldn't you agree?
It will take Pau, and the Lakers, at least 20 games to get Pau integrated into the offense. Throw in the readjustment of Bynum and Ariza, and you have a rebuilding mentality for the Lakers for the remainder of the season. That said, while I hope for immediate positive results, we may not see the true dividends of this trade until next year.
I listened to Mitch Kupchack on AM570, around 3pm, he said that this trade had owners involved too. This trade talk started a couple weeks ago. Lakers team now are ready to go to NBA final, the only thing holding back is the trial angle offense. Phil is the lucky coach in the NBA, Larry Brown, Pat Riley,.. did not have this opportunity.
Actually, I had that feeling (about Kwame asking for a trade) for some time now because what was happening on the court didn't make sense.
Just like for some time now...since before camp I have a strong feeling that Bynum was going to have microfacture surgery. I couldn't shake that feeling. I know he hasn't had it yet...but something is telling me that it's coming. That was even before he got injured.
This quote here dispels any notion that Kwame demanded a trade or that the Grizz were interested in Pau solidifying them defensively. Not that there was any chance that was the case anyway.
"We're a 13-win team, so when you're in that situation, you've got to make moves," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "Brown was the largest expiring contact we could find in the league where we also got back an attractive young player like Crittenton ... and multiple first-round picks."
That's just my feeling about the matter. Plus I wanted to see Kobe Bryant do a Michael Jordan thing on the court. So really...I'm not interested anymore.
But really, the politics of the game or the Lakers organization is what got to me. I just can't stand politicians.
Man why are you guys wasting your time thinking about that clown called Bucher or whatever is name is!? He said there was a 0% that Bryant would play for the lakers and what happened? If I was him I would be a quiet reporter because what he says is no longer credible! He works for the haters of the league. In stead of making some non-credible comments like "Shaq will retire" "Kobe won't be playing for the Lakers" and so on, he should ask himself... "Why am I always open my mouth to talk crap?" When was the last time I brushed my teeth?... because the reality is that whatever comes out of his mouth stinks and stinks pretty good to the point that people later talks about.... Pathetic reporter
You aren't a laker fan. Why are you still here? The things you post are utter nonsense. Kwame loved it here. He was regularly seen partying with his younger laker teammates in Manhattan Beach. He was given a pass for multiple displays of bad behavior (Cake incident, alleged sexual assault). On top of that fans were usually ecstatic whenever he declared himself "injured" even though almost none of his "injuries" ever showed up in x-rays or MRI's. Just move on to another blog. You are a killing everybody's buzz over what is the best news to hit laker town since their last championship.
After the trade, the Lakers have another roster spot open, even with MBenga
on the 10-day. So if Memphis waives Kwame, the Lakers could re-sign him
30 days from now without needing to cut Mihm. They could have their
cake-thrower and Mihm too.
Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky are contributing writers to ESPN The
Magazine and ESPN.com, and co-authored Fishing on the Edge, the autobiography of 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli, bass fishing's bad boy. While both grew up in St. Louis without NBA
basketball, Andrew became a die hard Lakers fanatic after moving to L.A. to attend USC. That he managed to find a job requiring him to obsess over his favorite team, the same activity that prompted him to waste time while working other jobs, is pretty incredible. As for Brian, his baptism into pro hoops fandom has been provided by the "All Lakers, All The Time" citizens of Los Angeles. Beats the hell out of covering the Bucks.
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Owners all over the West to their GMs: "WHY DIDN'T YOU THINK OF THAT???"
Posted by: JC | February 01, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Damn! I was so looking forward to seeing Kwame miss another slam dunk tonight! :-)
Posted by: Laker Seth | February 01, 2008 at 05:44 PM
AK
What's Bucher talking about Bynum missing the season -- any word from the laker camp??
I'll hang up and listen.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 01, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Bynum, out for the season?! Say it aint so. Is this just crazy rick bucher talk or what?
Posted by: terek | February 01, 2008 at 06:21 PM
so, we traded kwame (and 3 late first round picks) for Pau Gasol. If you string that out a little bit, we traded caron butler for what became Pau Gasol. You string it out a little more, we traded what would be a used up shaq a mere year or two later for lamar odom and pau gasol. The more time goes on, the better Mitch Kupchak looks. And all this with two wacky busses looking over your shoulder? I'm thinking Jerry West's last great gift to the lakers was a patient Mitch Kupchak. Sorry to reach like that, but I just feel a lot of respect for the guy right now.
Posted by: kyle | February 01, 2008 at 06:34 PM
If Bynum is going to miss the season his coach isn't aware of it. He talked about working Andrew in with Pao at the outset of tonight's game.
Let's review some of the other Bucher predictions...
Posted by: Vman | February 01, 2008 at 06:36 PM
Has Bucher ever been right? At this point shouldn't he be working for a tabloid or something instead of continuing to pose as an actual reporter?
AK/BK, how do other sports writers view a guy like Bucher, who constantly comes out with rumors that inevitably turns out bogus? Is he just a headline whore or what's his deal?
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 01, 2008 at 06:41 PM
I've heard it nowhere else but from him. Isn't he the same guy that said Kobe wouldn't report to training camp?
Posted by: HmrHed | February 01, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Wow! This is great news for Lakertown today. And a steal at it as well. I am already loving the idea of a Bynum/Gasol/Odom front court with Kobe dominating the backcourt and D-Fish taking the lead.
A few points I would like to mention here.
1. Wouldn't be surprised to see Kwame back in a Laker Uniform after Memphis buys out his contract.
2. Be ready to see Kobe sign an extension sometime soon.
3. By the way, I am working on perfecting Kobe's fadeaway jumper in the gym everyday.
4. Is it possible that Jim Buss has finally let Kupchak do his job!
5. Lakers vs Celtics 2008!
Posted by: Ron | February 01, 2008 at 07:02 PM
HOPE THAT PAU WILL BE HEALTHY TILL THE END OF THE SEASON... VERY GOOD MOVED FROM THE LAKERS... MAMBA24 PUT UP A GOOD SHOW HERE IN TORONTO....
Posted by: joetoronto | February 01, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Personally, I don't this this trade gets us to Championship level. But the way the Lakers' announcers have been talking bad about Kwame for a while now I have to believe that Kwame asked for a trade. No matter what Kwame did Joel Myers would just skip over it like it was nothing. And when Bynum did something he would get all excited.
That tells me that the organization's personal knew that Kwame had asked for a trade. It makes sense because Kwame didn't fit into the triangle and I don't think he like Phil Jackson or Kobe Bryant.
But Kwame is from the South. Southern folks have manners. They don't do things like Kobe did over the summer. He probably went quietly to management and asked for the trade, probably around the time the season started.
You can tell in the 2nd game against Houston. At the end of that game Lamar Odom had fouled out. And Kwame was in the game. So Phil Jackson pulled Kwame for Bynum. Kwame didn't want to come out of the game. And Kwame gestured his hand in disgust towards Phil Jackson.
Right there I thought Kwame had had enough of Phil Jackson.
Kwame Brown is probably the happiest person in the world right now.
While the Lakers...being so soft in the middle...I really don't know how this is going to work out.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 01, 2008 at 07:20 PM
the Lakers will be fine.
Better than fine.
Posted by: Faith | February 01, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Bucher is FOS.
They had Bynum in the local telecast last game...and he looked and sounded good.
Posted by: Faith | February 01, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Yup, you're right Mike T.
It was KWAME who asked to be traded, and not the Lakers who wanted to trade him. Just like you were right about Bynum being Fool's Gold, you're once again 100% on the money here.
I like your prediction of the Lakers not being championship-caliber after this move, also. Keep up the good work, Nostradamus.
Posted by: the alchemist element | February 01, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Mike T,
If Bynum is healthy, I can tell you it will work out great. If no Bynum, the Lakers won't be championship contenders.
Posted by: zen | February 01, 2008 at 07:37 PM
"Kwame Brown is probably the happiest person in the world right now."
Mike T is probably the saddest person in the world right now.
Posted by: Chung | February 01, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Terek-
Here's what I wrote about that earlier:
"I think the point with Bynum is that it's a mistake to say he'll be back right at the eight week mark from the injury. Remember, the key with all these things is "minimum." It could take ten, it could take 12. It could take seven (though it's not likely). When I did my math on when he might return, I ran numbers all the way into April, because I figured there'd be a good chance it would take him that long to come back healthy. They're not going to eff around with that knee.
If he comes back quickly and healthy, then they have a great chance to do big damage this year. Whether that means a title this year, it's hard to say. Obviously, it's impossible to predict how everything comes together. But assuming this nucleus (Kobe, Pau, Drew) works, with young talent in Farmar and Ariza coming up, an improving Sasha (I think this makes it much more likely that he'll be resigned) and Turiaf (already a very good bet to be resigned), this is a team that doesn't HAVE to win this season.
Obviously there's some risk, because if it doesn't work they're stuck with Pau for a while, but there's risk with every deal, and this makes a ton of sense, both near term, and more importantly, long term. AK is working on a longer thing now, but it's hard to think this is anything but a great deal.
BK"
Honestly, I don't think he'll be back at exactly the eight week mark, but really it's far too early to tell now when exactly he'll come back. I've heard no news that says he's done for the year. But eight was considered a minimum, so nine or ten is certainly likely. As for the Bucher statement, something like that could come from anywhere. It's not hard to find someone to say, "This is the sort of thing that could cause him to miss the season." Who that is or how well connected they are? Hard to say. IT's certainly posible, but I woldn't worry about it until the news changes.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 01, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Mike you are a joke.
Players of Kwame's caliber don't ask for a trade. They can't, because they have zero clout. Kwame goes where he is told and takes the money people give him. Notice how there aren't teams clamoring for his services?
I got nothing but compassion for Kwame. I know he didn't ask to be the number one pick. He also didn't ask for you to treat him like he's the second coming of Wilt Chamberlain. What the hell sort of insane fantasy world do you live in, anyway?? You are more disconnected from reality than anyone I have ever even heard of - you make Michael Jackson look sane.
I was hoping that Kwame's relocation would mean you would follow, but I guess that was a little too much good fortune to hope for in one day.
Do us all a favor. Now that your favorite beefcake is done, take up a new hobby. Why don't you try the Memphis blog?
Posted by: SBPimp | February 01, 2008 at 07:44 PM
The Lakers already look more efficient without Kwame Brown and they don't even have Gasol yet.
Posted by: zen | February 01, 2008 at 07:45 PM
Vman,
Just because the coach says something, doesn't mean I would believe it..I like this trade and I love the Lakers, but the Lakers have a history of not telling us fans the seriousness of their player injuries. They always downplay them. They did it with Shaq all the time. They did it with Rick Fox, and they did it with Kobe.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Bynum will not be back in the 8 week window. More like 10-12...Honestly I think we will be lucky if that happens.
Posted by: zen | February 01, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Weatherman-
I think there are times when Bucher is a little too loose with what he'll report. I certainly don't think he makes stuff up, but when you hear things from "sources," it's hard to know who he's talking about, and everything should, therefore, be taken with a grain of salt. I know he's well connected, for sure, and i'm sure he gets a lot of good info. But in sports, so much is tossed out there by one person or another that it's usually pretty easy to find a credible source who will give just about any angle on a story. I'm sure it's possible Bynum could be out the rest of the season. But that it's possible and even something some might worry about in the back of their minds (reasonable, given his importance) doesn't mean it's the likely outcome. I would want credible info about Bynum's injury specifically b/f I'd make a statement with that sort of implication without a fuller explanation. I do think he's a very good writer, and he clearly knows his stuff.
I think to some extent he falls into that "celeb journalist" trap a little, that is pretty common with guys who do a lot of TV. But my big issue isn't so much that a lot of these things turn out to be wrong- though like I said I do wonder if the reporting could be tighter- it's that when predictions turn out to be wrong, too many people (and I'm not simply singling out Bucher) will carry on as if the previous stuff they said never happened.
It's a function of 24 hour tv/internet sports/news world, in which a lot has to be done to fill the space. There isn't that much news in a day. But something interesting needs to filll the time. There's a lot of noise.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 01, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Mike T,
I don't believe Kwame had any position to request a trade. This trade was 100% done by the Lakers Front Office. Now Mike, I believe that the Grizzlies have a "Grizzlies Blog" so that you can follow Kwame Brown.
Seriously, I liked Kwame as a back up to Bynum. Once Bynum got hurt, I saw devistation on the horizon because the Lakers really didn't have a front court appearance. Especially when Ariza went down shortly after.
But to state that the Lakers are not championship contenders after this trade is a hideous statement. Can you name a better front court in the NBA other than possibly the Celtics? Now with the fact that L.A. has Kobe to add on to the equation, this Laker team has become quite scary....that is of course once we get our whole team back.
AK/BK:
Is it possible for the Lakers to buy out Chris Mihm's contract and if so, would you think that this would be a good time to do so?
Ron
Posted by: Ron | February 01, 2008 at 07:53 PM
LOL I'm sure Kwame demanded a trade! When you're one of the most overpaid, least effective players in the league you don't demand trades you're happy to play anywhere you can. And Kobe and Phil as much support to Kwame as anyone.
Kwame didn't demand to be traded the Grizzlies are CLEANING HOUSE. They don't want Kwame Brown. NO ONE wants Kwame Brown.
It's very likely that Kwame will be in the same position Mbenga is this season: Looking to sign 10 day contracts and hook onto a team.
Well guys let's prepare for some old, intriguing battles to continue for the remainder of this season:
The Lakers vs. the Spurs, Suns, Mavs
And Mike T vs. Reality.
Posted by: Xodus | February 01, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Ron-
I'm sure it's possible, but I don't see the need. He's cheap, and if/when healthy can be a serviceable backup. The bigger question is who they'd get to replace him? It's not like a ton of skilled bigs are out there to be snatched up. So I don't see it as something that'll happen.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | February 01, 2008 at 07:57 PM
NA NA NA NAAAA....
NA NA NA NAAAA.....
MIKE T.....
GOOD BYE
NA NA NA NAAAA.....
NA NA NA NAAAA....
KWAME BROWN....
GOODBYE
NA NA NA NAAAA...
NA NA NA NAAA.....
MIKE T.......
GOODBYE
NA NA NA NAAAA......
NA NA NA NAAAA.....
KWAME BROWN.......
GOODBYE
DOO BEEE DOOO BEEE DOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 01, 2008 at 07:57 PM
HEY MIKE T YOU MORON IF QUEEN QUAME REQUESTED A TRADE (LMAO at that idea) THEN I SAY THIS:
THANK YOU KWAME BROWN I NO LONGER HAVE TO THROW UP EVERY TIME YOU TRY TO MAKE A LAY UP.
THANK YOU KWAME BROWN I NO LONGER HAVE TO THROW UP EVERY TIME YOU AIR BALL A FREE THROW.
THAT YOU KWAME BROWN I NO LONGER HAVE TO THROW UP THINKING ABOUT HOW MUCH YOUR LAZY AZZ IS OVER PAID
THANK YOU KWAME BROWN
THANK YOU KWAME BROWN
DOO BEEE DOOO BEE DOOOOO
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 01, 2008 at 08:02 PM
well said BK. Props.
Posted by: Faith | February 01, 2008 at 08:02 PM
dey really screwed andrew bynum over by getting Pau Gassol. He along with guys like Amare and Dwight are the face of the whole strong athletic center type that is making the game more fast and exciting. Now the Lakers aquire Pau Gassol, so i want to know what about Andrew? Hopefully they will be able to play off each other and LA can be a dominant contender in the highly competeded western conference and not just finsh in the 7th seed with a record 5 games or so above 500.
Posted by: Rashad Aziz | February 01, 2008 at 08:12 PM
You don't have to be a superstar to ask for a trade. All you have to be is unhappy.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 01, 2008 at 08:15 PM
BK,
This may sound funny but hearing that the Grizzlies may buy out Kwame's contract, after all, I did like him as a back up. And as bad as Kwame may have played, some of it due to his injuries, I'd sure like him better than a Chris Mihm. Wouldn't you agree?
Ron
Posted by: Ron | February 01, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Mike T.
Is this wat is has come down to?
You SPECULATING on if Kwame asked for a trade 3/4 MONTHS AGO?!!!
oh, how the mighty have fallen...
Posted by: Korey | February 01, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Hey Mike T,
Why would you think Kwame was unhappy?
Posted by: Ron | February 01, 2008 at 08:21 PM
It will take Pau, and the Lakers, at least 20 games to get Pau integrated into the offense. Throw in the readjustment of Bynum and Ariza, and you have a rebuilding mentality for the Lakers for the remainder of the season. That said, while I hope for immediate positive results, we may not see the true dividends of this trade until next year.
Posted by: troy | February 01, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Stranger in th Night,
The one drawback to the Kwame Brown trade is that we'll no longer be able to enjoy your satirical posts about Kwame Brown.
Sigh....lol
Posted by: Xodus | February 01, 2008 at 08:23 PM
I'd resign Kwame for 4 to 5 mil.
He'd be a great backup to Bynum.
Posted by: Faith | February 01, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Ron,
no no no NOOOOOO!
No Kwame Brown on this team anymore. That's just not cool.
It is time to move on.
Dont even think about us resigning Kwame!
Posted by: Korey | February 01, 2008 at 08:26 PM
I listened to Mitch Kupchack on AM570, around 3pm, he said that this trade had owners involved too. This trade talk started a couple weeks ago. Lakers team now are ready to go to NBA final, the only thing holding back is the trial angle offense. Phil is the lucky coach in the NBA, Larry Brown, Pat Riley,.. did not have this opportunity.
Posted by: bluesky | February 01, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Actually, I had that feeling (about Kwame asking for a trade) for some time now because what was happening on the court didn't make sense.
Just like for some time now...since before camp I have a strong feeling that Bynum was going to have microfacture surgery. I couldn't shake that feeling. I know he hasn't had it yet...but something is telling me that it's coming. That was even before he got injured.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 01, 2008 at 08:29 PM
This quote here dispels any notion that Kwame demanded a trade or that the Grizz were interested in Pau solidifying them defensively. Not that there was any chance that was the case anyway.
"We're a 13-win team, so when you're in that situation, you've got to make moves," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said. "Brown was the largest expiring contact we could find in the league where we also got back an attractive young player like Crittenton ... and multiple first-round picks."
Posted by: Xodus | February 01, 2008 at 08:30 PM
That's just my feeling about the matter. Plus I wanted to see Kobe Bryant do a Michael Jordan thing on the court. So really...I'm not interested anymore.
But really, the politics of the game or the Lakers organization is what got to me. I just can't stand politicians.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | February 01, 2008 at 08:31 PM
as bad as Kwame may have played, some of it due to his injuries, I'd sure like him better than a Chris Mihm. Wouldn't you agree?
Ron
Cmon guys why so much love for kwame he tortured us for 2 in a half seasons
the dude was strong like a man, but P.H balanced like a woman
Posted by: | February 01, 2008 at 08:36 PM
Xodus,
Line of the year. Kudos brother.
"Well guys let's prepare for some old, intriguing battles to continue for the remainder of this season:
The Lakers vs. the Spurs, Suns, Mavs
And Mike T vs. Reality."
Posted by: Andrew Z | February 01, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Man why are you guys wasting your time thinking about that clown called Bucher or whatever is name is!? He said there was a 0% that Bryant would play for the lakers and what happened? If I was him I would be a quiet reporter because what he says is no longer credible! He works for the haters of the league. In stead of making some non-credible comments like "Shaq will retire" "Kobe won't be playing for the Lakers" and so on, he should ask himself... "Why am I always open my mouth to talk crap?" When was the last time I brushed my teeth?... because the reality is that whatever comes out of his mouth stinks and stinks pretty good to the point that people later talks about.... Pathetic reporter
Posted by: | February 01, 2008 at 08:40 PM
kwme brown didn't ask for a trade..he was traded because he wasn't helping. he even apologized to mitch kupchak.
Posted by: mike | February 01, 2008 at 08:42 PM
Mike,
You aren't a laker fan. Why are you still here? The things you post are utter nonsense. Kwame loved it here. He was regularly seen partying with his younger laker teammates in Manhattan Beach. He was given a pass for multiple displays of bad behavior (Cake incident, alleged sexual assault). On top of that fans were usually ecstatic whenever he declared himself "injured" even though almost none of his "injuries" ever showed up in x-rays or MRI's. Just move on to another blog. You are a killing everybody's buzz over what is the best news to hit laker town since their last championship.
Posted by: kyle | February 01, 2008 at 08:43 PM
bluesky,
Are you talking about the same Pat Riley that coached 3 number 1 overall picks and one of the best supporting casts in league history?
Posted by: Xodus | February 01, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Ron,
After the trade, the Lakers have another roster spot open, even with MBenga
on the 10-day. So if Memphis waives Kwame, the Lakers could re-sign him
30 days from now without needing to cut Mihm. They could have their
cake-thrower and Mihm too.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 01, 2008 at 08:45 PM
we got 3 shotblocker now in bynum,Gasol, and turiaf .......:D ..
more taco night for us :)
Posted by: Farmteam | February 01, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Jordan thing? Jordan didn't do a Jordan thing until he had boat load of talent around him.
Posted by: kyle | February 01, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Andrew Z,
lol thanks. Who do you think would be the ideal player to fill LO's role at the 3 if he doesn't pan out there?
Posted by: Xodus | February 01, 2008 at 08:56 PM