Notes from the MVP ceremony
May 6, 2008 | 10:00
pm
- Practice was pretty much a ghost town once the gym opened up to us media types. I'm guessing guys wanted to bolt, grab a quick something to eat, then hit the Sheraton Gateway Hotel for the award presentation (which can be viewed here, for those who haven't seen it yet). Few players stuck around to talk, and the ones that did, didn't stay long.
Much has been made about Kobe's evolution as a leader, a progression that has hit previous high points but never with such a sustained positive effect or result over the course of a season. "He's been growing as a leader ever since I got here when the whole (Shaq era) team split up," said Luke Walton when asked about Kobe's 2007-2008 floor captain stint. "This year, as far as leadership and being involved with the team, it's the best job that he's done. Bringing everyone together. Getting everyone to want to play for him and win for him."
Walton cited approaches such as taking teammates out to dinner, spending more time explaining opposition nuances, and arguably the most important element, having the patience to ride out results that aren't perfect. "I think before, he used to be a lot more negative towards his teammates as opposed to now, pulling people to the side, talking to them. Figuring out ways to figure it out together, instead of just coming down hard on them."
- With the exception of Andrew Bynum (in New York getting his knee checked) and Vlad Radmanovic (no clue as to his whereabouts), all of Kobe's teammates were in attendance, with everyone visibly stoked to see him honored. Also on hand were Andre Iguodala (76ers) and Corey Maggette (Clippers). While the former is a free agent and the latter potentially the same, I wouldn't read into their presence as a sign of their interest in becoming '08-'09 Lakers. I think both were just there to lend support.
- Trevor Ariza took the stage for an impromptu mic check. "This is the official check," announced the swingman. "Podium check, 1, 2." Loopy fun stuff.
- Stu Lantz was the emcee, keeping his remarks brief and reserving the limelight for Kobe. What he did say, however, revolved around praise for Bryant, referring to him as, "simply the best of the best" and "someone (I) think so much of."
- Kobe seemed genuinely flattered both by the award and that such a large contingent of the Lakers' family (including that fella known as "The Logo") shared the day with him. In particular, Kobe went out of his way to give his teammates their due. "I'm fortunate to be on this journey with guys that I enjoy. We all get along and have this great chemistry and unity and it's made it all worthwhile... I cannot stress upon you enough that this is not an individual award. These guys make me look better than I actually am. I couldn't have done it without them."
- Walton brought the house down upon asking Kobe if, because "you couldn't have won the award without your teammates, will you be getting your teammates some kind of gift." Kobe was equally amused, chiding Walton for referring to him as "Mr. Bryant" (like Walton's dad would ask him a question) and saying this was another example of the spoiled modern athlete. Similarly, Tex Winter (who described himself as a "triangle consultant", then a triangle "insultant") got laughs after asking Kobe if he liked the offense he once despised. For the record, Kobe likes it.
- Kobe was presented with a Kia, which he in turn donated to the East L.A. Boys and Girls Club. For those now worried, I'm pretty sure he has other vehicles at his disposal, so don't sweat the Mamba getting stuck without a set of wheels.
- As is occasionally the case, Lamar Odom was a little late arriving. And as is more than occasionally the case, his wardrobe made the entrance worth the wait. A letterman's jacket with patches marking every season the Lakers snagged an O'Brien ("Hopefully, we'll add another patch," smiled Odom.") and a purple hat with "Undefeated" in script lettering. Lest anyone accuse Odom of telling a pitcher he's tossing a no-hitter, the hat wasn't sewn together after the Lakers hit the 5-0 postseason mark. It's an apparel line Odom thought was appropriate right now. But he agreed with me that actually tailoring such a lid would be flirting with a serious jinx.
- As I was driving home, I already heard a couple of talk shows getting into a statement by Kobe when asked if he would have handled the summer's drama differently, seeing how things turned out, or if the ends justified the means. After delivering a wickedly straight faced "I was right the whole time" (delivered with such deadpan that the desired laugh didn't come until he added, "I'm joking"), he followed up with a remark that could be interpreted as praise either sincere or begrudging.
"What should be said, which I really don't want to say, but I'm gonna say it anyway, is that we have to give a lot of credit to Mitch Kupchak."
Kobe went on to praise Kupchak's recent trades and draft picks, both of which have led to the Lakers' current contention. But the line could be interpreted as Bryant paying a compliment through gritted teeth. Personally, I think Kobe was going for a dry joke (the punchline basically being a mock resentful "I hate to admit the guy had a clue.") that was awkwardly phrased and fell flat. If you listen, there's a pause for laughs that never came, followed by his own chuckle. But for the skeptics, it's Bryant being less than thrilled to admit someone else may have known more than he did. And frankly, I do think that's the one angle of this unexpected good fortune Kobe isn't wild about acknowledging (which is why he really hasn't). Having said that, I also don't think he was going for a dig at that particular moment, nor am I doubting the sincerity of those particular thanks.
At any rate, Kupchak was asked about Kobe's words. "It sounded like you had to drag it out of him," smiled Kupchak, who didn't seem terribly offended and instead focused on Kobe's pleasure with his supporting cast and being first in the West, along with him affirming a "Laker for life" ambition. Was Kupchak more peeved than he let on? I suppose he could have been. But even if that were the case, I doubt it means much in the long run, because Kupchak has always maintained that priority one is acting in the franchise's best interests, as opposed to making Kobe (or any player) happy. Not that he didn't care about Kobe's contentment. Quite the opposite, I'm sure. But you still have to avoid bending to pressure, whether from Kobe or the fans, when you know a deal isn't right.
Incidentally, those same patient instincts that prevented him from trading Bynum, Odom and Kwame Brown's expiring contract for guys like Jason Kidd or Jermaine O'Neal are the instincts that have set up Kobe and the Lakers for years to come. - Finally, listen to Odom's audio. Good stuff about flying his personal chef to Hawaii's training camp, specifically to fix the team three killer squares a day, the hope being everyone would bond while continually eating together. "My grandmother used to always say you could spend time with the devil and start to like him if y'all hang out every day. You know what I'm saying. Nobody here is the devil, so I had a feeling it would work."
Indeed.
AK
AUDIO
Lamar Odom (MVP presentation): Download lamar_odom_mvp_press_conference.mp3
Mitch Kupchak (MVP presentation): Download mitch_kupchak_mvp_press_conference.mp3
Luke Walton (practice): Download luke_walton_practice_050608.mp3
Sasha Vujacic (practice): Download sasha_vujacic_practice_050608.mp3
Phil Jackson (practice): Download phil_jackson_050608_practice.mp3
MAMBA24 Glad to see you back!
and when will Bill Plaschke, TJ Simers, Hollinger & etc
will stop beating the dead horse?
Kobe's been saying that he was wrong and
he should've handled the summer situation differently
during the whole 2nd half of the season!
Why did he have to ask the same damn questions
over and over?
And when he said it was a joke, it clearly was a joke.
Why did he have to go over the line and type in
something like "may be he wasn't" in his article
and tries to make some readers think that Kobe might be
the Lakers' public enemy No.1?
They seem so desperate to find any dirt on everyone
and that is really sad
Posted by: coolhair | May 07, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Hobbitimage,
The upgrade at PG and C is irrelevant when it comes to Kobe trusting his teammates more this season. They didn't get Gasol until February and it took a good month before it was clear Bynum's leap was indeed for real. Yes, Fish's presence helped, but Kobe wasn't always trusting guys playing the other three positions, anyway.
More importantly, it's irrelevant because the Lakers actually started slow. Everyone forgets they were 9-8 before hitting another level. And Kobe still played in a much more trusting, less "panic button/take over mode" style than in previous seasons. Even if Farmar or Bynum's improvements were obvious, it wasn't translating into wins from the start. The bench was often outplaying the starting unit, but Kobe didn't look to put those guys on his back early in the games. He still afforded his teammates considerably more freedom and faith.
When people talk about it like, "Kobe got Pau and then he trusted," they make it sound like Kobe needed to be handed an All-Star teammate before he could be a leader, which is a terrible shortchanging of Kobe's efforts. I don't understand why fans will insist on doing this instead of simply acknowledging that Kobe improved an aspect of his play, which is to be commended.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 10:02 AM
AK
Faith had some very astute and accurate comments and you are blowing a gasket.
What's your problem dude? Are you one of those jealous haters having a meltdown as well?
Cool down.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 07, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Fairweather,
How am I "blowing a gasket?" I didn't insult Faith and I didn't write in a bunch of caps or anything that suggests "anger." I simply addressed her points and disagreed.
And who would I be "jealous" of? Just curious.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 10:24 AM
I can't read that many words, guys.
C'mon we HAVE A GAME TO TALK ABOUT!
Jazz
- will they really "stop fouling?" I don't think so.
- will they shoot a better %? maybe.
- will they play hard? yes.
- will Deron Williams have a big game? Probably.
Lakers
- can they get transistion buckets? I hope so.
- can Pau stay out of foul trouble? He'd better.
- will Sasha and Vlad shoot as well? Probably not.
- can they keep the Jazz off of the offensive boards? Yes, if they Jazz stop fouling.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 07, 2008 at 10:35 AM
First off, congrats Kobe, well-deserved MVP award not only this season but some of the past ones as well.
Secondly, congrats Lakers, Lakerland is already ecstatic about our awesome season but of course, like traditional Angeleos, we want it all so kick butt and bring the Championship trophy back to where it should always be...Los Angeles.
Lastly, T.J. Simers, Platschke, etc... are typical bandwagon fans on the Lakers ride. Just wait until the Lakers lose their first game in the playoffs which could potentially happen in this series against Utah. They'll be bashing the Lakers and sitting on the other side again; hyporcrites that they are...
I hope that the Lakers due raise up another Championship banner and that these baffoons have their press passes revoked when the celebration begins.
Posted by: Odysseyguy | May 07, 2008 at 10:48 AM
AK
Your reply just confirms to me that there are three people I find a waste of time to debate with at this site.
GUNNER
KL
AK
And all for pretty much the same reason.
You run an excellent site, that's why I'm here. You have some great insight to the game, and I've learned a lot from you. But I find to have an honest debate with you, an impossibility, because you are not very honest with yourself.
Of course, that's just my opinion, take it for what its worth.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 07, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Fairweather Fatty,
I'm sorry if you feel that way. I don't really see how simply disagreeing with you (or whoever) translates to being "dishonest" with myself. But you're entitled to that opinion.
I appreciate the nice words about the blog, in any case.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 11:03 AM
AK,
Thank you for setting the record straight with FAITH. And those who share her opinions. You nailed it exactly about kobe's growth. This is a new and improved kobe we have seen grow up this season. Those who take this fact as an insult have spent far too long worshipping Kobe and defending him like an abused wife defending her husband.
Posted by: john | May 07, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Fairweather Fatty,
While the K Brothers are great, I will agree with you that debating them is a lot like trying to get the Fonz to say he's sorry.
"I'm s-s-s-s... I'm s-s-s-s..."
It used to really piss me off, now I just take it for what it is and find it to be kind of funny. They do have a bit of passive-aggressive Alpha disease, but what are you going to do?
They both great writers and they do a great job intelligently running this blog. They're human just like everybody else. We shouldn't expect them to be more than that.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 07, 2008 at 11:47 AM
So, I guess we're signing Andre Iguodala and Corey Maggette in the off season. Both would look great in Purple and Gold.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 07, 2008 at 12:59 PM
SHEKOBE:
Using all CAPS is not a problem AND WHAT EVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT. I assume you work for a corporate and exchange emails and do you use all caps at work? In any case there are some perceived notions on etiquettes when usnig Internet, belive it or not. There is a reason for using initial caps and a) it is easy to read and not so glaring on the eyes, b) if there is some highlights to boast then all CAPS comes handy and lastly to most bloggers all CAPS is considered rude or someone yelling. Most of the times kids like to use ALL CAPS as well. Just some basic semantics.
Be Happy at the risk of being rude :)
ALL CAPS
Posted by: ALL CAPS | May 07, 2008 at 01:03 PM
MAMBA24,
Kiss my ring and weclome back.
Luca and Pauley extend their invitation as well.
Posted by: The Mob Boss | May 07, 2008 at 01:05 PM
hey Jon K.
Are both Andre Iguodala and Corey Maggette unrestricted free agents?
Posted by: The Mob Boss | May 07, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Corey Maggette is. I don't know about Andre Iguodala.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 07, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I believe that most of Kobe's teamates are better because of his desire to win, Think about as we put it in our own life, whatever it is work, sports or even at home. If your parents shows a good example of work ethics 80% of the time you will become like them. At work when you see your peers working hard, you feel bad not to work hard too, cause first of all he's making you look bad and
second you try to compete at that level. The best thing that happen to us is we loose Smush and Kwame those 2 are excemptions it seems like they can't focus on the game not a lot of confidence with those two and having Derek Fisher whose excellent as player and as a human
and whose been with those battles like Kobe has and I also believe that all the struggles and hard times they had, make them grow. The way I look at it it's either you take the challenge or you fall, I'm glad they took it upon themselves, after hard times it good times.....Go Lakers go.....Congratulations Kobe.....
Let's not waste this year, Let's take the crown this year......MVP for regular season, Mvp for Championships and Mvp for Olympics....can you imagine.......
Posted by: | May 07, 2008 at 01:59 PM
I AGREE:
I agree with AK's comment on Kobe's growth which was finally realized this year and not in the past. Kobe for the most part in the past has been extremely selfish and far removed from being a team leader. I had always wished that if Kobe could only learn from Magic whom he respects but somehow it never came to be. Magic not only was an ultimate team player but made all his team mates shine bringing smiles so contagious. Magic always had great admirations for Bird and rest of the players whom he competed against but when it came down to basketball then all the accolades were tossed aside. Magic would simply kill his opponents with that smile and passion for his game.
Grasshoppers: Fatty, Jon K and Faith you guys need to learn to observe and not be blinded by your admirations for Kobe. In any case Congrats to Kobe and well deserved THIS YEAR!!
Posted by: Magic Man | May 07, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Magic Man,
"I agree with AK's comment on Kobe's growth which was finally realized this year and not in the past. Kobe for the most part in the past has been extremely selfish and far removed from being a team leader."
To clarify, I never said Kobe was selfish. My stance has always been that his biggest issue was learning to trust and value teammates more, to cede control at times and risk an unfavorable result for the bigger picture, and not to force the issue at the early signs of trouble. As opposed to selfishness in a "gotta get my numbers, gotta be the man" kinda way. There's a difference, and I've actually defended Kobe in the past with accusations of the latter.
I'm not looking to debate your opinion (even though I don't agree). I just didn't want mine possibly misrepresented.
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 02:47 PM
AK,
You are correct, sir!
And it's a double-sided issue. In the past Kobe didn't trust enough (or appropriately) AND often his teammates didn't deserve his trust in the heat of battle.
Now his teammates have earned his trust and he has learned to trust appropriately, even optimistically.
The result? Harmony.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 07, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Mamba24,
Welcome back buddy! We missed you!
Posted by: Benjamin | May 07, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Mamba24 for MVP!! Most Valuable Poster. Great to see you bandwagoning around!!
Do you think Michaelangelo would be selfish if he did not take time out to talk to the Pope? Was Einstein selfish for not spending time teaching? Kobe does not suffer fools or mediocre people well. That is a mark of greatness, not a failing.
You can tell I love Kobe. As much as it would hurt me, I will say he was NOT wrong for threatening to leave our Lakers. His talent was being wasted with Parker and Brown around. He is a competitor. Why on earth would he be content to mentor losers year in, year out. Without his protest would daring changes have been made? His trade talk was leadership!!
Kobe could not show proper leadership and patience with Kwame. Kwame will not improve. Kobe has only a few more years to be the top. Self-sacrifice and blindness are not virtues if you believe in excellence.
Now that Kobe has role players he can trust, he trusts. That is great.
But Kobe has always worked hard. For those who say he is egotistical, realize that he is competitive and cares. As great as Shaq WAS, he deserved wrath for not working hard. Furthermore, have you ever seen a kinder or more giving interviewee? He is serious and dedicated in his comments. He is generous with is time. He is not egotistic, he cares deeply about his craft.
HATERS back off because you do not understand greatness.
GO KOBE!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! and tonight
GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 03:28 PM
I think the main point is here is that Kobe hasn't changed his game a great deal. He's been adjusting between dominating and distributing for most of his career. After Shaq left, Kobe dominated a little more than he should have, but he didn't completely change as a player. Now he has better players and he adjusts, distributing more.
I think that's the main point with which people have issue. A lot of the these "Kobe deserves the MVP now, but never did" types act as though Kobe has substantially changed his game. It has changed some, gradually over the past few years. His game remains quite recognizable.
The more significant changes were the addition and improvement of better, more serious, teammates and Kobe's much improved team leadership and friendliness toward his fellow Lakers.
So, it strikes many as kind of odd and unfair that Kobe is only getting MVP props now when his game hasn't changed in a major way. And it should. Kobe was robbed in 2006. And in 2003, Kobe probably deserved the ill-formed human poop trophy too. (thanks for giving us that image in the other thread eddie brock, heh)
Posted by: Benjamin | May 07, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Jon K.,
"It's a double-sided issue. In the past Kobe didn't trust enough (or appropriately) AND often his teammates didn't deserve his trust in the heat of battle. Now his teammates have earned his trust and he has learned to trust appropriately, even optimistically."
That's a very good way of putting it.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 07, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Fairweather Fatty,
I encourage you to open your heart to the possibility that AK is an honest and fair discussion partner.
That's what I see and I'm about as hypercritical as they come.
Remember, just because someone disagrees with you doesn't mean they don't see your point.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 07, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Man, can you guys imagine what would become of Igoudala under Kobe's tutelage? Iggy hop is about as athletically freaky as anyone in the league.
Very, very scary.
Posted by: Benjamin | May 07, 2008 at 04:00 PM
AK is analytical and so may seem pompous, but he is just succinctly stating his case. That is what he has to do. It is like playing a straight man to make our RANTS IN CAPS seem more OUTRAGEOUS!!!! : ) !!! And believe me, if he were ever rude to Faith, I would jump on him like a "man" striking at Mamba24. He hasn't been. He does his job respectfully and well.
BTW Stu Lantz is GREAT. Whomever disses him is a dog! But more analytically, following AKs tone, his insight, fluidity and humor are perfect. Can we forget his loving and long relationship with Chick? Don't put down such an integral member of our Lakers family.
GOooooooooo LAKERS!!!! At the top of my LUNGS!!! THAT"S WHAT ITS ABOUT!!! KOBE MVP!!!
STAPLES crowd, lets make some NOISE!!
Gooooooooooo LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | May 07, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Benjamin,
Igoudala and Maggette both want to win and Kobe's their friend.
It's okay to hope. It's not irrational.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 07, 2008 at 04:09 PM