Solid signs for Kobe early in the MVP race
After Sunday's win against the Heat, Isreal Gutierrez of the Miami Herald put together a column centered on where D-Wade needs to go in a post-Shaq world, using Kobe as the measuring stick. There were a few parts I think Fans o' the Mamba will enjoy:
"Wade faced the player who has elevated himself and his teammates to the point where O'Neal is merely a pleasant Laker memory instead of a haunting reminder of a ghastly trade.
In 42 minutes of the Lakers' 104-94 defeat of the Heat on Sunday, Kobe Bryant guided in a handful of those demoralizing fade-away jumpers that reminded you of Michael Jordan. He played relentless, suffocating defense reminiscent of Scottie Pippen, practically handcuffing Wade at times. He even threw in a graceful running hook shot from 15 feet that made you swear that was Magic Johnson in a Lakers uniform again (Magic was actually in the stands watching the display for himself.)"
Later in the column, Gutierrez hits on a theme that, at least as far as Kobe's chase for his first MVP goes, could be more important:
"For as much as people mock Bryant for being so obsessive about the game, and how he so obviously attempts to mimic Jordan, he has come the closest to perfecting the game.
Since O'Neal left his painted area, Bryant has not only sharpened his offensive game but finally acquired the team mentality that was missing while he was so desperately trying to prove himself as the league's best talent."
I've never considered Kobe selfish in a "I need my numbers" sort of way. But there has been, unquestionably, over the last 18 months or so a growth in his team game. It's a matter of him learning that by ceding some control, trusting players around him to succeed, then putting them in the best position to do it (like a Steve Nash) he can get what he wants- winning. No doubt improved talent has made that easier, but it's hard to argue that Kobe's game hasn't changed. In doing so, he's actually enhanced the notion to which Gutierrez refers, of showing people he's the best player in the league.
And it's that team game, the perception that he's leading rather
than pulling, playing in a way that helps elevate the team rather than
himself, that will garner him more MVP votes. At this point in the
season, I think he's likely still behind KG, and perhaps even LeBron,
in the incredibly unscientific finger-to-the-wind national balloting.
The Garnett-as-MVP train left the station early, buoyed by Boston's
incredibly hot start and the (correct) belief that he is at the core of
their impressive turnaround. That Garnett was the dominant (positive)
story over the summer and plays in a massive media market for an iconic
and previously downtrodden franchise helps, too. You can certainly
make a solid argument for him.
But the longer his injury lingers, the more the field can catch up. If the Lakers continue to play well and can get to the top of the Pacific and/or the West, Kobe's resume will gain a lot of steam. He's not necessarily any more "valuable" than he was last year, but that value has more importance now because the Lakers have the potential to be very, very good.
Assuming Garnett gets healthy after the break, I think we're looking at a two and a half horse race between Kobe, KG, and, maybe, LeBron. Swapping emails with Gutierrez, he told me that support among eastern writers for James is strong, but that people are paying very close attention to where the Cavs finish in the E.C. Statistically, it's hard to argue with what LBJ is doing. 30.1/7.9/7.2 on 48% from the floor. Those are incredible numbers, and he's dragging along a relatively mediocre team in the process. But unless Cleveland breaks out, he'll be limited by the same factor hurt Kobe in the last two seasons, namely a lack of overall team success.
The good news for 24 is that anytime people write or talk about Kobe
as equally successful as an individual and team performer, as Gutierrez
did in Monday's Herald, it puts Kobe closer to an MVP because it shows
the changing perception of him around the league.
I'd vote for him, but I don't get one. I'm lucky they let me vote in regular elections. But if the Lakers continue to pile up wins- and I think they will- this could finally be the year he breaks through. Good news is that if he doesn't have room on the mantle, he can afford to buy another one.
BK
NO MVP? NO PEACE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 13, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Maybe you can be a super-delegate.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 13, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Kobe is not even the Most Valuable Player on the Lakers- that would be Bynum, in terms of winning a championship.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 13, 2008 at 12:16 PM
What can I say, KOBE, that's my MOFO!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 13, 2008 at 12:18 PM
BK - do you really think Kobe is more valuable to his team than Lebron or Nash?
By valuable I mean, without Nash or lebron could the suns or cavs win games?
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 13, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Nice post, BK.
I also share your observation regarding Kobe's team oriented change over the past 15 months, sans the hiccup during the summer. In doing so, Kobe has finally become a leader of this team. I didn't see this maturity last year or the previous years dating back to when Shaq left. The irony is that I think all of the drama over the summer actually helped him in that it forced him to focus on what he wanted, which led to a bigger change in his attitude.
While I also don't think he's selfish, I think he has a little bit of spoiled child syndrome that comes out every now and then. However, that's the one attribute that I think makes him greater than the other players. That said, I'd take Kobe over any player right now.
Posted by: Enrico Pollazzo | February 13, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Laker Lover, that isn't quite true.
Take out Kobe from the equation and you aren't winning the championship.
Take out Bynum and Kobe, Lamar, Pau still have a very good chance.
Posted by: Bynumite | February 13, 2008 at 12:21 PM
BK,
While I won't dispute the notion that Kobe has grown as a team player, I disagree that he has "learnt" to trust his teammates. He has always trusted his teammates - when they've shown him they can deliver. He trusted Shaq, Fish, Fox and (especially) Horry. It's not a co-incidence that he's trusting his teammates "more" now when Bynum has become a legitimate post presence and when Gasol has arrived.
Just my opinion.
Posted by: hariyahu | February 13, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Kobe can never win the MVP. There are too many forces against him. It's been pointed out that Kobe got no love for taking a D-leage team to the Western Conference playoffs. While LeBron's the man for doing it in the East this year.
This year's excuse? How can you not lead a team with Gasol, Odom, Fisher, and Bynum to 55 wins (apparently the magic MVP number)?
Who else hears MVP chants in other arenas?
Kobe will still be the MVPoP Most Valuable Person of the People.
Posted by: mel | February 13, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Enrico,
That 'hiccup' during the summer was arguably the catalyst for all of the success the team is having this year. Drew's reaction to Kobe's comments and the front office's sudden willingness to improve the roster very likely came as a direct result of Kobe's hiccup.
Posted by: Gerbear | February 13, 2008 at 12:28 PM
The Celtics are 6-2 without KG? If Kobe misses 8 games the Lakers are 2-6 at best...and Pre-Pau, the lakers are 0-8.
Im not sure what more Kobe has to do. When Bynum was playing well, he was a distributor so his assists went up, points down. When Bynum went down his points automatically went up. With Pau back, he is playing the perfect two man game. I think people are just jaded by his excellence.
If the Lakers finish in the top 3 of the WC (which is the top 4-5 of the NBA) then its a no brainer, especially if LeBron finishes 5 in the East (or like 13th best in the league).
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 13, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Somewhere at a poker table with 24 yr old blonde bookends, Dr Buss has got to be loving the trade avalanche he started.
Posted by: Vman | February 13, 2008 at 12:32 PM
It looks like the nets will buy out the contract of Stackhouse..That means that he cant resign with the mavs for 30 days....He would be a very handy player come playoff time...Because we are over the cap already we would need to make a trade to get him.....
Posted by: | February 13, 2008 at 12:35 PM
If this Kidd deal goes through it looks like Stackhouse will have his contract bought out...He would be a handy player for the playoffs...He cant resighn with the mavs for 30 days
Posted by: Thirty2 | February 13, 2008 at 12:39 PM
KOBE is by far the MVP. He has made quite an impact and it started with the way he voiced his opinion and passion for the LAKERS to be all that they can be from top to bottom as well as for the players to take a professional approach to basketball.
The result was Andrew Bynum finally getting it and figuring it out. Bynum was a chump last yr despite what the Bynum loves say. This yr he grew into a man after hard work over the summer.
Farmar grew up and knew that he could not sputter out of the gates.
The whole team stepped it up and Kobe raising the bar or standards which had gotten quite POOR around here is the reason.
Kobe Bryant has brilliantly raised the stakes and also played the most balanced and consistent ball of his career.
That is why on the road from Washington DC where I witnessed it, to Orlando, to Miami, to Charlotte, you hear chants M-V-P, M-V-P
Posted by: Lakerbake | February 13, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Laker Lover,
"BK - do you really think Kobe is more valuable to his team than Lebron or Nash? By valuable I mean, without Nash or lebron could the suns or cavs win games?"
I realize you asked BK (and he can certainly speak for himself with his own answer), but I wanted to address the question. In my opinion, that's a faulty way of think about MVP (and I'm not specifically calling you out, since it's a criteria often used by others).
The "If you remove player X from a team, what happens?" question has always struck me as meaningless, because the answer is always the same no matter which franchise player or team. You end up with a team that's worse. But what does that really prove, except how dependant a particular team is on a particular player, which may be more of a reflection of either a specific team dynamic or the supporting cast assembled by a GM. By that logic, the league MVP could very well be Al Jefferson. Without him, The Wolves might be winless. But would anybody really make Jefferson's case?
I personally think the award should be judged primarily on a guy's play in and of itself (judged against the play of others) and his effect playing with his teammates (as opposed to speculating what they'd be like without him), along with a team's success (since that's been an established precident). On those three counts, I think Kobe absolutely has to be considered a strong front runner this season, if not the leader. His play has never been the issue, but in the past, his effect on teammates could work both ways and the team's been nothing special. But not this season. The leadership, trust and confidence Kobe has instilled on the Lakers has been pretty remarkable, especially considering that he was displaying it from the season's outset when he didn't want to be there. And the Lakers are a strong contender.
Should Kobe continue what he's been doing this season and his teammates hold up their end of the bargain, Kobe not only MUST be a central part of the discussion, but I actually think he'll win. I can't guarantee it, but that's just my gut feeling.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 12:44 PM
KOBE is the MVP.
It's time and his consistent and balanced play is the reason. He's been unselfish but yet still explosive.
KOBE also raised the standards within the LAKERS organization from POOR to striving for EXCELLENCE again.
The sense of urgency he brought this summer set the tone.
KOBE is the MVP hands down finallly!!
Posted by: Lakerbake | February 13, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Give Magic Johnson a ton of credit for being a behind the scenes quarterback for the Lakers.
He stated on opening night that the team needed 1 voice and that has held true.
Mitch Kupchak has grown into his role as our 1 voice and deserves his credit with an assist from who else but
MAGIC!
Posted by: Lakerbake | February 13, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I just feel like Kobe was leading a talent-challenged team last year and year before and had great seasons in the process and although we got bounced from the playoffs, the League has already been ready to hand LeBron the MVP since he first entered the league. However, Ashy Nash won it back to back then his boyfriend Dirk Diggler snatched it up last year. Now, this year the talent level and competition has Lebron's Cavs where he is having to score more to stay competitive which to me is what Kobe had been doing years past but he still was unable to earn an MVP..I think Kobe is def more deserviing and Bron is having a great year but I also feel like Lebron has more opportunities to receive that award and Kobe is due NOW rather than later..Just my opinion....
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 13, 2008 at 12:46 PM
ESPN really dropped the ball on broadcasting today, they're missing out on a bunch of good ones.
Denver @ Orlando
Spurs @ Cavs
Knicks @ Celtics (Knicks play Boston extremely well)
Kings @ Rockets
Blazers @ Mavs
And all they could come up with is 1 national game of Suns @ Warriors (great game but they should have at least had a double-header since its the last broadcast for them before All-Star)
Posted by: Bynumite | February 13, 2008 at 12:47 PM
The crazy thing is that the Lakers not only started an arms race in the west, but they basically just forced every other franchise to realize that they will never be the Lakers.
Sucess is defined by longevity, and the Suns and Mavs see that shrinking just like it happened to the Kings and Blazers of the late 90s. They realized that they have to mortgage their future to win now
The Mavs made the dumbest move by trading away their point guard of the future...despite that he was putting up the same numbers as Jason Kidd. Plus the Mavs got rid of Stackhouse who is the player to hit clutch shots in the playoffs. They also shipped of Diop the only guy who can guard SHaq and put a body on Bynum since Dampier is just too fat and slow.
Who's left in a few years? Not Nash and Shaq, Hill and Bell...just Stoudamire and Barbosa in a few years. The Mavs will have an aging Dirk and Josh Howard...nothing to fearful
WHo will the Lakers have?? i guess we can sew up the Lakers, Blazers, T-Wolves for the 5 years from now.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 13, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Damn , Andrew's knee is flaring up under pressure .
Posted by: novolakers | February 13, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Full story on the Jason Kidd trade:
Now the NBA has to decide how Jason Kidd will play in the All-Star game. Hahah, add this to the Atlanta-Heat replay debacle they have right now and this could be pretty entertaining.
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10639209
Posted by: Bynumite | February 13, 2008 at 12:50 PM
The Kidd deal is done...wow the west just got alot crazier
Posted by: Thirty2 | February 13, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Israel Gutierrez knows what he's talking about. And a lot of that is because he's a Gator, like myself. lol
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Novolakers, maybe I missed an entry reading on the blog, but where did you read that info about 'Drew's knee?? But isn't that common with injuiries upon vigorous therapy/workouts???? I would imagine though none of us are Doctors..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 13, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I like the consolidation of power and the "arms race" analogy is a good one. Let this year's playoffs be about battling "super powers". I think that if NJ waives Stackhouse and Dallas resigns him then they just became the favorites...this year. Like I've always said, I believe the pick-up of Gasol will reap its real benefits starting next season.
Posted by: lakers_sth | February 13, 2008 at 01:01 PM
AK,
I usually agree with you but youre wrong on this. You just contradicted yourself. Al Jefferson gives the Wolves the worst record in the conference. if you take jefferson away they still are the worst team, which means he doesnt make that much of an impact.
you take Kobe away and the are probably just ahead of the injury ravaged clippers and Kings, as opposed to 2 games out of 1st.
As I said, you take KG off the Celts and the are still 6-2. You can argue that his teachings have made everybody else better, but with Paul Pierce leading the way and Ray Allen a very valuable side kick, the Celts dont have a gaping hole. You take Kobe off the Lakers, before Pau, and the Lakers are one of the worst teams. Odom would suck even worse, Bynum would be swarmed and wouldnt put up the same numbers and Farmar would be a turnover mess.
youre pulling the MOP argument rather than the MVP.
by the way its easy to answer wahts "most valuable". you miss things the most when you dont have them. Thats just an old adage in which such an award is based on.
Come on you realize how valuable your family or loved one is in your sucess until they are not there anymore.
I dont see how it gets any clearer than that. Obviously there are probably a few players who fit that description, but thats when you can compare stats. Kobe/LeBron are the clear top two, Chris Paul comes next, Nash and then Caron Butler and KG.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 13, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Let the GAMEs begin..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 13, 2008 at 01:03 PM
The Nets are making the Lakers look like petty thieves. I'll wager that Pop would've approved of this trade. (rolling eyes).
Posted by: mel | February 13, 2008 at 01:05 PM
"It looks like the nets will buy out the contract of Stackhouse..That means that he cant resign with the mavs for 30 days....He would be a very handy player come playoff time...Because we are over the cap already we would need to make a trade to get him.."
*************THANKS, YOU ANSWERED MY QUESTION I POSED IN THE OTHER BLOG TOPIC"****************
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 13, 2008 at 01:09 PM
BK....
Just curious......Why no mention of Chris Paul as a possible MVP candidate? The season that CP3 is having is very comparable to Steve Nash's 2 MVP campaigns and NO is experiencing team success as well.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 13, 2008 at 01:10 PM
lakersrydeordie
I heard it on 570am , Loose Cannons , apparently Andrew's knee is flaring up and swells up upon applying pressure during light workouts.
Crapppppppp !!!!!!!!!!!
I am mad at that knee !!!!
Posted by: novolakers | February 13, 2008 at 01:13 PM
People are put off by the obviousness of Kobe's will to succeed.
In Hollywood, Nicole Kidman has suffered from this, and in the Beltway, Hillary suffers from this.
Weird that the obvious comparos are women, but as people have noted, Kobe is viewed as somehow the "vengeful ex-wife" of lovable lout Shaq.
Frankly, I expect Kobe to go all Tina Turner on us all!
Posted by: The D | February 13, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Lake Show,
"AK, I usually agree with you but youre wrong on this. You just contradicted yourself. Al Jefferson gives the Wolves the worst record in the conference. if you take jefferson away they still are the worst team, which means he doesnt make that much of an impact. you take Kobe away and the are probably just ahead of the injury ravaged clippers and Kings, as opposed to 2 games out of 1st."
No, I'm not contradicting myself. If the Wolves without Jefferson go from 10-40 to 0-50 (as was my theoretical projection), that's a ten game swing. If the Lakers without Kobe go from 34-17 to, as you put it, "just above the Clippers and Kings," then they're sitting at around 24-27, which is also about 10 games. The effect and subsquent fall is basically the same. It's just that the Lakers started at a higher point, which is in some part, like I said, a reflection of the supporting cast, not purely Kobe. Even before Gasol, you can't tell me Bynum, Odom, Fish, Farmar, etc. doesn't beat Marko Jaric, Rashad McCants, Craig Smith and Bassy Telefair. Again, that's why I think the "If you remove Player X" question doesn't work well.
Also, it sounds like you thought I was making an argument against Kobe as an MVP contender. Just in case there was any confusion, I was making a case for him as a front runner.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 01:15 PM
By the way, that sportsline article has it wrong. Maybe Shaq and Kidd exchanged Time Zones, but the team that just got better is in the East.
NJ:
PG Harris
SG Carter
SF Jefferson
PF Swift
C S. Williams
Can you find a more athletic line up? Everybody hates Carter for some reason, but the guy still puts up big numbers. Jefferson and Williams actually play D. Harris will be breathe of fresh air.
Miami also became doubley better with Marion instead of Shaq. Marion and Wade have already shown that they can put up points and get up and down the court. They will add a valuable player in the draft, either a shot blocking center (Hasheem Thabeet) or an athletic point guard (Derick Rose). Plus some cap space to either sign another big name or spread it around to a bunch of solid players and you get a team that has enough ability as the aging Celtics.
The Wizards are playing well, but when they get Arenas back (who wont disrupt chemistry i dont believe) and you have a legitmate two-header monster in Arenas and Butler similar to Wade and Marion. Jamison may leave in the offseason, but the money they save with him can go to more players. The Cavs will automatically get better if they get somebody with LeBron.
If Elton Brand opts out and goes to Miami, the Heat are contenders. If Deng goes to a place like Cleveland, and Jermaine Oneal goes to say, Chicago, then you have a few potentially good teams.
okay enough rambling for the afternoon!
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 13, 2008 at 01:18 PM
novolakers,
Don't believe those stories on Bynum. In reality, his knee has been swollen this whole time. It wasn't because he overworked it recently. I would bet he will be out past the 8 weeks because his knee is more serious then the Lakers want you to believe. No one seems to agree with me, but the Lakers always downplay injuries to their superstars.. They did it with Shaq, Kobe, and now Bynum. They don't want Los Angeles to lose hope and not buy tickets. Now with Pao in the mix, the Lakers are hoping for more ticket sales before they announce Bynum is done until the maybe the playoffs.. It's all about the money.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Dear Mark Cuban,
I recently read about your trade for Jason Kidd. Clearly, you have decided that your roster as it was constructed was not a viable candidate to win the title. You have now traded a young point guard and valuable bench piece (plus 2 first round picks) for an old point guard. I can sum up my reaction best as follows:
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
Sincerely.
DrewPauKobe
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 13, 2008 at 01:20 PM
"Frankly, I expect Kobe to go all Tina Turner on us all!"
The D, good one.
As much as Shaq and Kobe have said the "right things"
1) They both hate each other now
2) They believe the other is responsible for 3 rings instead of 10 rings.
3) Looking back, they wished they had gotten along
4) They won't admit it, but neither one could have won without the other.
5) They are both bent on keeping the other from getting a ring this year...because the winner is the one that was "right".
Posted by: Bynumite | February 13, 2008 at 01:20 PM
I'll take the Lakers move to get Gasol over the Mavs' and suns'.
I do think we should try to stael Stackhouse if the Nets cut him. He would be great as Kobe's backup.
No?
Don't we still have a 1.5 million contract to offer up?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 13, 2008 at 01:20 PM
I love Bynum..But I know he wont be back in 8 weeks.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 01:21 PM
AK,
Technically the records equal the same amount of wins, but its entirely different in context. Law of averages means you have to win at least a few games, and since youre so bad you can sneak up on people. Theres a big difference between 34-17 as opposed to 24-27....not much of a difference between 0-50 and 10-40. Thats like 13 places in the seeding.
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 13, 2008 at 01:24 PM
He suggests Wade use Kobe as a measuring stick?
First he needs to grow 5 inches,develop a post game, and get a better knee.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 01:24 PM
BK,
give me my props for originally bringing up the topic of DWade having to change his game to become a better player!
Before Kobe said it and before this article!
C'mon we talked about it! ... lol
Posted by: Korey | February 13, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Mitch Kupchak might get GM of the year for making teams worse.
The Dallas / Phx deals REEEEEK of high risk / high reward.
IF both franchise flop this year they are very inflexible of making it happen in the future.
JKIDD AND SHAQ MAKE 20 MILLION!!!!!
The Lakers short and long-term prospects look better eeeeeeryday!
Posted by: Korey | February 13, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Isnt it funny how LeBron is being given props for proving his team cant win without him, and his incredible numbers, while Kobe went thru the same phase and was named a selfish ballhog.
I mean 35/5/5 2 seasons ago, and a starting lineup with a starting point called smush and a centre called kwame....are people saying that team could win without Kobe??
I just wish writers had a bit more consistency in what they write. You cant praise LeBron while diss Kobe using the same arguments.
And I cant believe what im hearing about Kobes chances of an MVP being diminished cos he has an all star playing with him....wtf??? How many all stars does Nash have to dish to?? He has no help and gets dissed cos his team aint winning...his team is winning and he gets dissed cos he has help.
This is the reason why I would not be at all suprised to see Kobe come number 3 again. People just have this inbuilt hate/jealousy that manifests itself no matter what Kobe is doing.
Posted by: Caesar | February 13, 2008 at 01:27 PM
No need to over analyze the MVP race.
Before the roadie I posted that if Kobe can pull this team out with a good record – then the MVP is his. I was not counting on Pau’s devine intervention, but I believe it remains true.
Lakers are getting lots of pub about the longest roadie ever and the best record ever on the road ... etc. The most compelling argument is that the east coast writers are seeing Kobe day in and day out, play in their respective cities.
If the Lakers continue on their trajectory, Kobe will be MVP.
The NBA – Where Young Talent Gets Traded For Old Washed-Up Geezers To Win Now – Happens
Posted by: HmrHed | February 13, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Kobe CANNOT win the MVP -- and I say that hoping he wins it and proves me dead wrong.
He doesn't have the stats Lebron has (plus Lebron gets 20 extra games in the EC to pad his stats even further) and the media loves KG enough that he can get votes just fore winning and overcoming the obstacles presented by playing with 2 other acknowledged all-stars.
Sorry, guys, I think he misses out again this year. But as someone else posted, I think he WILL get his Finals MVP, which would be much, MUCH sweeter.
This list from 2 posts ago is by AN 1. I think it's hilarious so I'm putting it up again for those that missed it. Thanks for the laughs, AN 1.
Take care all.
10 reasons why the Lakers might lose tonight against the T Wolves.
10. Lakers are looking past the game and looking forward to the in-flight movie on the way home.
9. PJ, wanting to rest Kobe and Farmar for the All Star game, plays Coby Karl and Mbenga in their place.
8. Mitch makes trade just before game time: Kobe straight across for Jason Kidd
7. NBA assigns Dauneghy to ref game.
6. Stu Jackson suspends Kobe for 'unnatural head' hit to D Wades hand in Miami game
5. Lakers forgot they have not played the game and fly home to LA
4. NBA rescinds Pau Gasol trade
3. Harlem Globetrotter's on tour and on the wrong date, show up to play instead of Twolves
2. Lakers confused by all the KCAL tape delays, show up 1.5 hours late for game.
And the number one reason Lakers might lose........
Never forgets and sets his DVR to record the game.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 13, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Posted by: Happydaze | February 13, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Kidd, Dirk, Howard, Terry - extremely forminable, Kidd makes them so much more mentally tough, and sorry, if you watch Kidd often, you see he's still exceptionally dynamic as a player....The west is just amazingly deep, and Dallas is certainly a full on contendor - if they were able to win this year with Kidd, the Kobe vibes could get bad again, as it would, after a a lot of otherwise high moments, take us right back to last summer.
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | February 13, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Laker Lover,
My cat knows more about basketball than you, you have no clue, go away.
Posted by: BrandonC | February 13, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Caesar, I posted an entry similar to yours in the Kobe MVP blog..But yeah I agree with you on that..
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 13, 2008 at 01:33 PM
Caesar ,
Sucks I know. Although if the Lakers can just win the pacific over the Suns, Kobe will probably get it..There will be pressure to vote him in.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Lakeshow,
"Technically the records equal the same amount of wins, but its entirely different in context. Law of averages means you have to win at least a few games, and since youre so bad you can sneak up on people. Theres a big difference between 34-17 as opposed to 24-27....not much of a difference between 0-50 and 10-40. Thats like 13 places in the seeding."
While I don't agree that the difference between 10-40 and 0-50 isn't pretty dramatic (10 games is 10 games), I do agree that 10-40 to 0-50 and 34-17 and 24-17 has a difference in context. But in my opinion, the context differences are more about the supporting cast, perhaps the team dynamic and maybe even the strength of the entire conference than the absence of said player.
For example, the Lakers without Kobe in the east wouldn't drop nearly as far as the Lakers without Kobe in the west. But it's the same team either way. But judging by the "If you remover Player X" question, Kobe would potentially look less valuable if he played for the "New York Lakers," which strikes me as ridiculous. That's why I think that line of logic doesn't work.
It's also why I judge by the criteria I'd mentioned earlier, which, in my opinion, makes Kobe a very strong front runner.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 01:36 PM
The Lake Show...
I agree with you completely about the Kidd situation. New Jersey is losing an overpaid malcontent (similar to Shaq) and becoming younger and better balanced. As I mentioned on the other thread, Krstic is also coming around for them after battling the effects of a post surgical knee. New Jersey made out IMO. At this point in time, JKidd is not worth all the drama.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 13, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Kobe's the people's MVP. That will be it.
Posted by: Faith | February 13, 2008 at 01:44 PM
btw, if New Orleans finishes with better record than the Lakers, how is Chris Paul not the MVP?
MVP list
1.Chris Paul
2.Lebron James
3.Kobe Bryant
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | February 13, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Laker Lover,
I think you may just be trying to ruffle some feathers with your claim that Bynum is more deserving than Kobe, so I won't respond.
But your question of whether Kobe is more valuable than Lebron or Nash is fundamentally flawed. If that was the criteria for MVP, then Kobe should have been MVP the last 2 seasons. He single-handedly willed the Lakers to the playoffs -- and many would agree no other player in the league could have done the same.
Posted by: DK | February 13, 2008 at 01:51 PM
A FEW MISCELLANEOUS TAKES:
---Kobe Bryant on route to first MVP…
AK, nice recap of why Kobe should be the front runner for MVP. It’s as clear as is the need for this country for Barack Obama to be our next president. Hopefully, both events will come to fruition. Not surprisingly, there still seems to be a Hillary Clinton factor involved whenever you write or comment about Kobe. No matter what you say, 47% of the blog still thinks you are NOT a fan of Kobe. LOL.
---Streaking Lakers destroy Timberwolves…
Look for Kobe to go off tonight early to make sure that we don’t take the Timberwolves too lightly. Also look for the other elite west teams to start paying the price for their easier early schedules. Lakers ascent to the pinnacle of the West will be assured. Get well Andrew and Trevor. We need you back ASAP. A championship is awaiting.
---Dallas panics and Cuban blinks…
Wow! Sure would like to get into a poker game with Cuban. After declaring that the Mavs wouldn’t gut their team to get Jason Kidd, Cuban turned around and did just that, trading away Harris, Stackhouse, Diop, George, and 2 first round picks for Jason Kidd. Cuban was right that the Mavs weren’t going to win with the team that they had. Only problem is that they won’t be able to win with the team that they have now AND they suddenly have gotten a lot older and less talented.
---Bill Walton calls out Shaq…
I was glad to see Bill come out and say what we are know to be the truth. Shaq had quit on Miami and wasn’t really trying to get back into shape or come back from his injuries. Now that he has been traded, he is suddenly motivated and ready to win championships.
What a friggin’ hypocrite. It’s not like I don’t appreciate the 3 rings that Shaq helped us win it’s just that I can’t stand guys with great ability who don’t take advantage of it. Shaq is the biggest waste of talent that ever played in the NBA.
---Wade’s flagrant foul on Kobe in the Heat game…
Oh, never mind. Nobody cares that Kobe could have been injured and his career ended. Just look what a severe ankle injury has done to Chris Mihm. Even AK and BK would have to admit if that same play had been Kobe fouling Wade (when the Lakers were getting pounded), the league would have come down on Kobe and suspended him for one game. Maybe after the Lakers win the NBA championship and Kobe the MVP, he will get love.
---Pop’s and Cuban’s comments on Pau Gasol deal…
I actually think that Pop’s original comments were made tongue in cheek. From there, the media just got carried away. Of course, Cuban’s comments were not made in jest. It’s ironic that Pop would comment since his team tanked an entire season in order to get the chance to draft Tim Duncan, probably the only superstar who would have stayed in San Antonio after his first contract.
----Chris Mihm’s need for another operation…
You have to feel for Chris, who has been a dedicated player and a warrior when able for the Lakers. He has an option year that he will surely now exercise so he will be back next year. Chris is due for a change in luck so maybe he will be able to get his ankle to heal and get his game back. We have to look at him like the Jazz did Boozer for the two years he was out with his back problems. If Chris could get back to his old form, it would be a huge boost for the Lakers and would give them a quality affordable backup.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 13, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Kobe Bryant for MVP!!
it's about time, right? i mean, what else do they want from kobe? he was undeniably the MVP the past couple of years, except for the "must win 50+ games" rule... which is fine...
but now he's doing everything anyone ever asked of him -- sharing the ball, trusting his teammates, and leading the lake-show to 55 wins (current pace). All this in the most stacked conference ever!!!
here's a great article on why lebron james doesn't deserve MVP consideration this year:
http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=13
and here's an awesome article that discusses why team & individual accomplishments in the western conference should be worth more than those in the leastern conference (again, provides more reasons why lebron shouldn't be an MVP candidate):
http://www.respectkobe.com/?p=16
Posted by: François | February 13, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Ran across this earlier this morning. Albert/Collins/Smith discussing who they would vote for MVP as of yesterday:
Albert: “My feeling is that usually a team with lesser expectations catches your eye, and to me, the Lakers are a surprise club.”
Collins: “LeBron is No. 1 to me because they (the Cavaliers) have shown that they can’t win a game without him.”
Smith: “I started out thinking it was Kevin Garnett, but I’ve swayed a little bit to Kobe Bryant. He kept his team afloat when (Andrew) Bynum was hurt and until (Pau) Gasol got there, and now Gasol is there and he’s in a championship mix.”
Posted by: DK | February 13, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Korey,
The best thing about these trades is that even if they do work, and I'm not convinced either does, they've limited themselves to being a contender for a maximum of just the next two seasons. We've got at LEAST a 5-year run at championships brewing in LA.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Who cares about the MVP award!!
As long as they win the championship... WHO CARES???
GO LAKE SHOW!!!
Posted by: keifo | February 13, 2008 at 01:58 PM
John Hollinger has a good piece on the Kidd trade. It ilustrates a lot of what I think.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=KiddDeal-080213
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Sorry to act like the smart kid in the class, but can we PLEASE stop using the term resign to mean re-sign. Resign is the opposite of re-sign. It makes a paragraph difficult to read when I have to stop and verify the meaning every time.
Thank you for your help.
Posted by: pslakerfan | February 13, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Hip Hip Ko-bay!
Hip Hip Ko-bay!
Hip Hip Ko-bay!
Kobe for MVP!
Go Kobe!!!
Posted by: Joe | February 13, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I wonder how much the time with Team USA helped Kobe get more into the mode of playing the "team" game better.
MR
Posted by: Matt R. | February 13, 2008 at 02:13 PM
enough with Bynum's knee. I spoke to the guy a week ago and we actually talked about the injury as I told him i suffered the same thing. He says hes good reitterrated "no pop" smiled and I dont think hes lying. Besides its that kind of injury. it doesnt really "heal" like a broken bone does
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 13, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Listen, if NBA players voted for the best player in the NBA, they would OVERWHELMINGLY pick Kobe Bryant.
LeBron James himself says that Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA.
Three reasons why Kobe Bryant has not won the MVP:
1. Coloradogate
2. Lasting distaste at the Shaq-Kobe Drama Years
3. East Coast bias (despite the fact that the Eastern Conference SUCKS!)
Seriously, if Kobe Bryant does not win the MVP this year, we're going to have to charter 300 747s fly to whatever city the anti-MVP is coronated from and riot like its going out of style.
Dirk Nowinski over Kobe Bryant last year? Give me a fricken break.
Members of the media need to appeal to sanity. Everyone knows Kobe Bryant deserves to be the MVP.
NO MVP? NO PEACE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 13, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Laker Love
using the same presumption Kobe should had been named MVP the last 3 seasons.
Use your brain not your feet.
Posted by: OPG | February 13, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Lakertom is an idiot.
"Shaq is the biggest waste of talent that ever played in the NBA."
What!?!?
Go Kobe!
Posted by: Joe | February 13, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Kobe is not even the Most Valuable Player on the Lakers- that would be Bynum, in terms of winning a championship.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 13, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Yeah. I can just see Bynum leading the Lakers to a championship in the absence of Kobe.
Idiot.
Posted by: LM | February 13, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Joe,
If Shaq had a better work ethic, ate right, and could manage his jealous ego better... he would have three more rings right now, his statistics would be better (freethrows), and his career would last two to three more years than it will.
Two more years and Shaq will be known as a the former player once known as the Big Aristotle.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 13, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Joe,
While I don't think Shaq is the biggest waste of talent in league history he didn't accomplish as much as he could have. Shaq could have been the best player EVER if he had the work ethic of guys like Kobe, Jordan and even Alonzo Mourning, who is still in great shape following his kidney problems and being older than Shaq.
He's still an all-time great but he could have been the best ever. Shaq talks about joining the MJ, Magic, Larry conversation, but the reason he hasn't joined that group is because he didn't keep himself in the type of shape he should have and rested on his laurels after winning championships.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 02:28 PM
i dont get it... Why is garnet MVP over kobe?
didnt all these people kept telling us that an MVP has a significant impact on the team? that wihtout the player the team is not itself?
garnet has been out for over a week now... and the celts are winning.
its not garnet... its the big 3 in boston who created this momentum...
im confused.
Posted by: jaworski | February 13, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Cupcake strike again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KOBE traded to the BULLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
see link
http://www.serioussportsnewsnetwork.com/
2007/11/kobe-agrees-to-bulls-trade-only-if-
he-gets-to-be-renamed-michael-jordan.html
Posted by: Bobby | February 13, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Laker lover,
"Kobe is not even the Most Valuable Player on the Lakers- that would be Bynum, in terms of winning a championship."
are you serious?
Posted by: jaworski | February 13, 2008 at 02:32 PM
AK/BK,
In 5-10 years when I'm hopefully an NBA beat writer for someone I'd like to be a guest host on Purple, Gold and Blue. haha.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 02:35 PM
what i think is that nba should really re-think this east-west format... the east is abig joke compared to the west... its unfair that the west only has one team that will go thru...
best example is spurs cavs last year... that was a joke...
Posted by: jaworski | February 13, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Laker Lover & Others,
The most valuable player on the team is Kobynumite. Together as one will get them the championship. They both need each other.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Any of you guys noticed this during the Bobcats game?
Bobcats fan must have said some really mean things to Kobe.
http://www.vimeo.com/686082
Posted by: Bynumite | February 13, 2008 at 02:36 PM
jaworski,
Laker Lover is a Kobe-hater. There's no reason to even try to talk to him about this. lol
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 02:37 PM
i hope i'm totally wrong on this.... but kobe will never win the mvp.... writers have vowed never to vote for him no matter what.... that's the only explanation why he hasn't even been in the top 3 of voting.... his best was 5th place...
i'll take championships over mvp awards anyday of the week, twice on sundays.... kobe is the only player in the league that gets mvp chants at opponents' arenas.... everywhere he goes.... even in BOSTON!!
if it were up to the fans, coaches, gm's and owners he's the mvp... but unfortunately it is up to the sports writers that have a grudge.... it's ok jerry west never won an mvp award either... he's just the logo for the nba....
the writers (east coast bias) have made up their minds to give it lebron or kg.... i love haters....
one last note... all reactionary trades (phx, s.a., mavs) never work out.... to win championships, your team has to be a leader not a follower....
Posted by: xyz | February 13, 2008 at 02:40 PM
My Blog family. I came back from lunch with an Entry reply from the Suns Fan. I apologize for the long blog, but this is the only way I may reply without raising my high
blood pressure.
Now HB= Hubie Brown, Czar = Mike Fratello.
Mi-mi-mi. Ahem*%!
Hubies Up:
HB: "Now, I see a Sun’s Fan has been posting on the LA Times Blog ran by the Kamenetzky Brothers, which actually should be known as the K Brothers Blog. The suns fan is complaining of: Name Calling, and claims of the Lakers being Champions by another blogger named Charles."
Czar: "What does he expect, he goes on a Lakers Fan Site and berates the Lakers and claims that the Lakers don't stand a chanceagainst his team. Maybe he should think before he puts his head in the Lion's mouth"
HB: "But he claims that he llikes the blog. And I quote (I did jump to this blog cause peeps like you, smart n I like what you post.) Now, this is an oxymoronic statement."
Czar: "Are you name calling coach?"
HB: "I am in reference to his post and replying to his entry; just like what Charles did."
Czar: "That makes sense."
HB: "Apparently not to the Suns Fan. Now towards the end of Charles' entry, he mentioned that a Cav's Fan and the Suns Fan were absurd. A fundamental mishap with most communicators is that they don't understand that replies from a blog are reactionary, not personal. The Suns fan puts down the LA bloggers for having their (Blinders) on, without realizing he is putting down the tribal community of the Laker fans. Yet Charles was almost crossing the line on being personal, but needed to be demonstrative in conveying a message. Just like your Lion's head comment."
Czar: "Well I was reading his comments about Nash = Flash. Wasn't that Dwayne Wades nickname? I actually thought a GI Joe cartoon comparison would've been better. Tomax or Xamot, the evil twins from the Cobra empire. Tomax before the Nose taping foul, and Xamot after the bandage. Wouldn't that foul been ok during the 90's? Why are Sun’s still whimpering from that? But I am moving away from the topic."
HB: "Great point coach. Another issue I have is his response or lack thereof. (No more name calling.) Where was his refute to Charles' counters about Shaq, Amare, Bell, and the inappropriate air of Entitlement of the Suns. Charles in the meantime was never claiming for the Lakers to be Champions, but we are still here assessing his statement. (no more name callin CHARLES your better than that) That is a plea for no name calling, yet backhandedly implying that Charles' last post was of a lesser caliber. That coach, is what I mean by oxymoron. Examples: Friendly Fire, Hot Chicks WITHOUT issues and Fun in the Sun."
Czar: "Here what I suggest for all Laker Bloggers (including Charles) to come in unison. Give this Sun's Fan a pre-requisite so to speak. Almost like an Intelligence Quotient test. 3 Questions. If he can answer 2 out of 3 questions right, then Charles and the rest bloggers can reply back to his post. I am asking for 2 out of 3. This will test his spelling, research and comprehension skills.
1) Spell Andrew and Brian's last name. I'm referring to the Host of the Laker's blog now. (Hint: See Top of Blog Page.)
2) How many Championships have the Phoenix Suns won? (Hint: Looks like a Donut.)
3) Who was buried in Grant’s Tomb? (Hint: see question.)
Posted by: Charles | February 13, 2008 at 02:44 PM
xyz,
You can argue that he gets MVP chants everywhere he goes because he's on the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles people are everywhere.
Posted by: zen | February 13, 2008 at 02:48 PM
The Celtics are 6-2 without KG? If Kobe misses 8 games the Lakers are 2-6 at best...and Pre-Pau, the lakers are 0-8.
Im not sure what more Kobe has to do. When Bynum was playing well, he was a distributor so his assists went up, points down. When Bynum went down his points automatically went up. With Pau back, he is playing the perfect two man game. I think people are just jaded by his excellence.
If the Lakers finish in the top 3 of the WC (which is the top 4-5 of the NBA) then its a no brainer, especially if LeBron finishes 5 in the East (or like 13th best in the league).
Posted by: The Lake Show | February 13, 2008 at 12:28 PM
The Lake Show,
Best post I've seen on this subject. I agree with you totally. Funny how other people miss the points you make. Good stuff mate. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | February 13, 2008 at 02:48 PM
@Xodus.
pretty obvious. i just cant help it :)
hat's off to all the kobe haters here!
Posted by: jaworski | February 13, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Psl,
Azking pepul tu not misphel wurds ez veri deficult.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 13, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Kobe will still be the MVPoP Most Valuable Person of the People.
Posted by: mel | February 13, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Uhm, I have declatred to have a patent for Kobe, the People's MVP (being cheered on on every arena they play). Anybody using that phrase should quote me. j/k. lol.
Anyway, I do believe that Kobe will get the hardware this year. Why? Because AK says and believes so. AK declared D-Wade over Kobe (much to the bloggers consternation) before and it became true. Wade got the finals MVP. I don't know if AK has the sharpest of observations, has inside tips, etc. Whatever, I'd like to say, from AK's mouth to God's ears.
Yeah, Kobe is the MVP!
Posted by: Lakergurl | February 13, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Ohohohoo! Dallas gave up way too much plus they gave up DeSagana Diop which means they are depending on Dampier for the playoffs??? Good luck! That dude sucks as hard as Kwame! Wow, just a horrible move by Dallas... now they have a 1-2 year window, San Antonio's getting older, Shaq in Phoenix is highly doubtful... looks like our main rivals the next few years are going to be Golden State and Portland, maybe UtaR... maybe Houston if they can unload McGrady for somebody who plays more...
Also, I thought Stackhouse was their locker room leader? and 2 first round picks??? Hoofa... maybe Kidd from 3 years ago but now? Horrific move by Dallas.
Posted by: TaosHum | February 13, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Have you guys heard about Stern wanting to add some European teams to the NBA. What do you guys think about that. Personally, I don't like it because of the logistics. Traveling would become even more of a pain. Also I think it may water down the league a little too much.
I think 35 teams is just way too many.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Xodus,
"While I don't think Shaq is the biggest waste of talent in league history he didn't accomplish as much as he could have."
Has anyone else had more "could have been championships had he personally worked harder" than Shaq? On a personal achievement level, he's definitely not the biggest waste, but he may be on the championship level.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 13, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Have you guys heard about Stern wanting to add some European teams to the NBA. What do you guys think about that. Personally, I don't like it because of the logistics. Traveling would become even more of a pain. Also I think it may water down the league a little too much.
I think 35 teams is just way too many.
Posted by: Xodus | February 13, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Charles,
"2) How many Championships have the Phoenix Suns won? (Hint: Looks like a Donut.)"
Need to rephrase that question. It looks like you're taunting Shaq.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 13, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Thirty2,
>>>If this Kidd deal goes through it looks like Stackhouse will have
>>>his contract bought out...He would be a handy player for the
>>>playoffs...He cant resighn with the mavs for 30 days
Actually, he wouldn't be all that useful for the Lakers. His shooting
percentage is abysmal this year and he'd be taking minutes away
from The Machine, who is playing well as Kobe's backup.
But here are some teams with some MLE money to spend who might
try to pick him up:
Cleveland - $4.1 million
Detroit - $3.86 million
San Antonio - $4.4 million
Phoenix - full midlevel
If any of them offered more than a veteran's minimum, Stack might
see his odds of winning a ring with those teams as just as good as
with Dallas (if not better).
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 13, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Xyz,
A couple things. First, Kobe's done better than 5th in voting. He's actually been tied for 3rd in MVP voting on two different occasions (including last season) and 4th another time, if that's any source of comfort.
Also, I don't buy the notion that writers disliking Kobe too much will prevent him from ever winning. I admit there are writers that aren't wild about Kobe, but there are also many who do like him, as well as plenty who are indifferent towards him, at least on a truly personal level.
Beyond that, I've spent a lot of time around both baseball and basketball writers and I can tell you without any hesitation that Bonds is WAAAAYYYYY more disliked on a personal level by his sports' writers than Kobe. He's not even in the same stratosphere as Bonds. Kobe may not be the media darling he was early in his career, but his actual working relationship with the media is fairly cordial. Bonds' is outright hostile. Barry also has 7 MVP awards. If he can win it 7 times, Kobe can win it once. I firmly believe that.
Like I said, if Kobe keeps up what he's doing and his teammates follow suit, I'm betting he's taking it this season. Just my gut talking.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 02:58 PM
is it only me who thinks that shaq's comment on bill walton was quite funny? :)
the "nba player coder" haha
altho shaw is out of it already, I think he has a point after bill walton blasted him on espn :) You gotta love shaq's entertainment value!
Posted by: jaworski | February 13, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Lakergurl,
"Anyway, I do believe that Kobe will get the hardware this year. Why? Because AK says and believes so. AK declared D-Wade over Kobe (much to the bloggers consternation) before and it became true. Wade got the finals MVP. I don't know if AK has the sharpest of observations, has inside tips, etc. Whatever, I'd like to say, from AK's mouth to God's ears."
While I appreciate the Nostradamus comparisons, BK was the one who actually "voted" for Wade in '06. I cast my "ballot" for Elton Brand (with Kobe and Nash tied for 2nd). Just to clarify.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 13, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Lakergurl,
I knew someone said that Kobe was the People's MVP. Now I know who.
Thought I'd tweak it a little. MVPoP looks kind of cool, huh?
Posted by: mel | February 13, 2008 at 03:07 PM
jaworski,
No matter what Shaq thinks of himself. He disrespected Bill Walton. No way around that. Shaq lost some points with the living legends for sure. That's one thing Kobe's always respected was the history of the game and the players before him.
Posted by: mel | February 13, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I say we take Boston and Detroit and put them in the west, and make the playoffs between the west only....
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | February 13, 2008 at 03:18 PM