Kobe surprises by saying no to surgery
Well, after months of waiting, speculation, and wondering, Kobe Bryant has announced the date for his pinkie surgery: A week from "Not Happening."
On his official website, Kobe provides the following explanation:
"I have always felt that I can still focus and play at a high level even through various injuries. Thatss (sic) really just part of the game. When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery. What it really came down to for me is that I just didn't want to miss any time 'punching the clock' for the Lakers, given all we are trying to accomplish as a team this NBA season. I am just really excited and looking forward to being there with the guys when camp opens in a few weeks. That is a real bonding process and if I can avoid being on the sidelines for that, God willing, I will."
I must say, this particular turn of events threw me for a loop. I can't say I'm wild about the decision.
I get why Kobe doesn't want to miss any camp and I actually think it's terrific that he values so deeply that time on and off the court. But from a purely practical standpoint that recognizes an uncertain future, I'd much rather him be "on the sidelines," as he puts it, during October basketball than a stretch when the games actually count toward the 2008-2009 season. It's certainly not a stretch to worry that Kobe could take a hit to the finger that forces him to go under the knife. I voted for Kobe to have the operation back in February and as it turned out, my fears along these lines weren't realized. But I still think there's only so far you can go trying to push this particular brand of luck.
I don't question Kobe's threshold for playing through pain (a very solid argument can be made that he's the NBA's toughest player), but he's still human and fresh aggravation to the digit could be a lot to deal with. It's also in Kobe's nature to become motivated by the garden variety "It could be really tough to pull this off" challenge and if that's the case, this would be one unnecessarily met.
I appreciate the dedication to all parts of the upcoming season, but I would personally rather him take the safest possible route, even if it means missing a camp where he can still make his presence felt in a leadership capacity.
Which brings us to the Question of the Day: Do you now wish that Kobe had declined to participate with Team USA?
Had the trip to China been bypassed, Kobe would have been able to have the surgery and recuperate in plenty of time for the season. Playing for America cut down the recovery time available before camp, which prompted his surprise decision. Personally, I don't have a problem with Kobe having gone for the gold. For starters, it's a huge honor and often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as you never know when injuries could make you unable to participate. Plus, I see the issues as separate. Kobe could have played and gotten the surgery, since I think it's wisest for him to, if need be, miss camp. But if you see it as an either/or scenario, do you think Kobe picked the wrong "either?" Or the wrong "or," depending on which side of the slash symbol you honor?
AK
btw, did i ever mention that boston fans are annoying as hell?
i went to an Angel-Boston game last year and the boston fans were smug and rude.
just my take.
Posted by: KL | September 09, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Yoos FAKERS are pathetic.
Pathetic.
I was absolutely correct when I said that Stalet was faking it.
What happened to "immediate" surjury? Kobeer Bryant paid off the team doctor to say "poor, poor Kobeef is going to lose his pinky if he deosn't get immediate surjury"
What a load of poop.
Yoos dog on PP for turning his knee in the Finals? That was a real insury which could have been serious.
Pathetic.
"Top of the World" KG
Posted by: Let's go C! | September 09, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Hey, LGC...
How are the Patriots looking this season? Red Sox? Ouch, ouch, ouch.
At least Brady walked off the field. Paula Pierce got carried out with his head resting against Scalabrine's chest. Ah, the stuff of which dreams are made.
Kobe is a warrior. Pierce is an actress.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | September 09, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Let's Go C's
Who was the guy who had to be taken off the floor in a wheel chair in the Finals again only to run back out and hit two threes?
OK.
Posted by: Xodus | September 09, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Pfunk,
"AK, AK, AK Just when I thought you were making progress that emerald snake inside your sub-conscious rears it's ugly head. If you don't think that Kobe is trying to gain admiration by making playing with his injury more than it is.............then why mention it?"
Because I was presenting what I consider a rather outlandish scenario to accentuate what I consider the sensible, plausible explanation, which is that the pinkie isn't healed. It's pretty simple. If you want to treat that as me sending "subliminal negative messages," knock yourself out. But that's pretty silly, considering the tone of the post itself (complimentary to Kobe) and my other comments on the situation doesn't gibe with that notion. Thus, the entire diatribe/listing of Kobe's resume wasn't necessary at all.
Bottom line, if I think Kobe was doing this for a sympathy vote, like most things, I'll just come out and say it. Otherwise, you can save us both the time and typing by taking what I'm saying at face value. You're working WAAAAAYY too hard trying to disprove a "false theory" that was never being floated in the first place.
Also, I wasn't "questioning" Kobe to begin with. I didn't come down hard on this decision or take him to task on any level. I actually said that I understood where he was coming from and admired that perspective, but still think the more practical solution that could cover more bases would be to have the surgery. It's just my opinion and not a terribly critical one at that. If that's your idea of me not "trusting" Kobe, the problem may be you being a mite too sensitive about the matter. You're literally the only reader who's had this reaction so far. Maybe this is a case of you overreacting?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 09, 2008 at 04:53 PM
KL,
Well, I guess that's progress.
BTW, while I feel terrible for Brady that he got hurt the one thing I will enjoy is that Bill Simmons is distraught by the injury. I like his columns, but he becomes insufferable when the Sox, Celts or Pats are in their respective title rounds.
Posted by: Xodus | September 09, 2008 at 04:54 PM
I don't like the idea of starting the season without Kobe. Let's get the cohesive energy going right from the get-go! This team has some fire in their collective belly. They got close, they got beat, and now it's time to step it up. The more time Kobe has to work with Bynum and Gasol sharing the floor, the better.
Kobe knows his body. He knows his limits. This is an older, wiser, and more decisive Kobe. I trust his decision 100%. And, as many of you have pointed out, the finger didn't affect his performance as much as I thought it might. I thought that it might limit Kobe defensively, but I don't believe that anymore. He won't injure it further; it's already REALLY injured.
All said, Kobe is the man. And this Lakers team is going to start the season en fuego.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | September 09, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Xodus,
good chat. good time in sports right about know with the NFL and college footbal "kicking off" (pun intended) and the nba just around the corner.
i'm skeptical on how the lakers are going to perform this year. there's a chance that a let down might happen and we end up a 5-7 seed. you never know with a young team and everyone will be gunning for the lakers.
also, as the kobe hater, i'm not sure of what to expect from my buddy kobe.
for now, i'm goint to enjoy the NFL in Los Angeles.
what NFL team in LA you ask?
USC Trojans of course.
Ohio State sucks my left toe. you know ohio state fans are "HI" in the middle and zeros in between. apologies if you're an ohio state fan. just talking trash.
Posted by: KL | September 09, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Pfunk,
Nice post. His list of achievements are "OK for a 12 year career." ;)
Hey BUTLER,
Why don't you whip out GNASH's achievement list and see who's is bigger? Don't foget to include Championships: ZERO
Gold Medals: ZERO
Posted by: JSNV | September 09, 2008 at 05:42 PM
I think he's overlooking a line-straddling 3rd option:
Have the surgery, and then go through training camp using only his left hand for everything while the right hand heals. I'm not saying it's smart, but I bet if you mention it to Kobe he'll think about it for a second...
Posted by: Mayor of Kobe-Town | September 09, 2008 at 05:44 PM
He'll be fine.
His chance of hurting his back again or dislocating a knee is about the same.
This is going to be a great year and I think he knows it. He doesn't want to disrupt the flow from the get go. Good for him.
This may be his most unselfish act he's ever done.
Posted by: jq | September 09, 2008 at 05:47 PM
KLBeast NV,
"don't get me wrong guys, kobe did a good job last year and deserved to be commended."
So we both agree that Kobe did a "good job" last season, as well as the threepeat years. It's Kobe's performance in the years in between that we have always disagreed upon.
I would make the argument that Kobe taking Kwame, Cook, Luke and Smush to the playoffs in the tough Western division is just as impressive, if not moreso, than what Kobe accomplished last year.
John K,
I see your point, but as LTLF noted, going to Italy might be a non-factor for Kobe. I just think it is unfair to criticize anyone for accepting three times their salary (possibly four times if you include endorsements) to play elsewhere, whether they are making $50K, $1million, or $20 million a year.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | September 09, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Kobe, what the hell are you thinking?
You can still be present in camp some. You can even be on the court in a number of weeks in practice. You miss preseason and maybe some early season which isn't that big of a deal. Long term, getting the surgery makes more sense.
Change your mind. Please.
Posted by: Benjamin | September 09, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Kobe!
Kobe!
Kobe!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | September 09, 2008 at 06:09 PM
"That is a real bonding process and if I can avoid being on the sidelines for that, God willing, I will," said Bryant."
ABSOLUTELY SELFISH. HELL, KOBE IF YOU WOULD HAVE GONE AHEAD AND GOT THE SURGERY AFTER THE SEASON YOU WOULDN'T HAVE TO ADDRESS THIS CONCERN.
I guess the trust he had in this team last year has just been thrown out the window. Well good luck, Kobe. Don't open up you mouth when that finger costs us Lakers fan the rest of the season.
Just not a good start to the upcoming season!
Posted by: Gunner | September 09, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Kobe's about as amderexterious (sp?) as there is in bball, but I would worry about it getting bumped if he did that.
Haters will always find something to hate. It's the nature of the beast (no pun indended for KL beast, just a coincidence lol).
In any case this doesn't blight my optimism of the season. This will still be a season to watch. Esp now that we know and the team can see how much this means.
Posted by: Faith | September 09, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Kobe should get the surgery, this team can maintain without him until January. Then they could make a strong push to the playoffs. There is something to be said for Kobe actually sitting and letting AB and Gasol find there way together.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | September 09, 2008 at 06:16 PM
MAN THIS IS SO FUNNY!
LMAO!!
http://tinyurl.com/5gcjkp
Posted by: Gunner | September 09, 2008 at 06:25 PM
KL,
OLD MAN KOB IN THE HYPERDUNK NIKE.
http://tinyurl.com/5gcjkp
LMAO!!!!
Posted by: Gunner | September 09, 2008 at 06:28 PM
ex,
>>>>>Xodus,
>>>>>"NBA history that can come close to matching that resume are Kareem and
>>>>>Bill Russell."
>>>>>I think Wilt's individual dominance overshadows what they accomplished
>>>>>with much higher calibre teammates.
While we may never agree on politics, it appears that we are no longer strange bedfellows when it comes to basketball. Wilt never had the supporting casts that Russell and Kareem did. He still stands as the greatest center to ever play the game in my book and will stay that way, although I think Andrew Bynum has a chance to achieve greatness in his own generation.
But like no college team will ever surpass Wooden’s Bruins nor any pro team exceed the accomplishments of Russell’s Celtics, Wilt will stand at the pinnacle of centerdom forever. Wilt was my first favorite basketball player with the Warriors and then 76ers. I became a Lakers fan when he was traded to the purple and gold in 1970 and have been since.
May more people vote in this election than ever before in the history of our country. That’s a political wish I think we all can agree upon. Have a good one, ex.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 06:34 PM
As I said before, Kobe is a gambler and he streched further b/c he got used to playing with it. Although I notice some changes in his game during the early part of the Olympics, he avoid blocks that involves his right hand, nonetheless it didn't really bothered him in the end. Why oh why is the rehab take 12 weeks? Does he have an HMO plan at Kaizer Permanente. lol! I think he should go for 2nd opinion even 3rd to get a better medical advice. somebody in this blog suggested before a bionic finger. huh! (my dog, a pomeranian breed got sidewiped by a car driven by a teen, broke his pelvic, his left rear foot was detached from the socket, the vet got it fixed, & in a month's time, he was jumping.) Don't tell me vets are better than orthopedic surgeons in the 21st Century!!!! Why can't a pinkie recover in 6 weeks as diagnosed prior to Olympics? How many of our soldiers from Iraq severely blown body, disfigured face and yet get back in 8 weeks time for another tour of duty. A pinkie injury that the whole world have known. Show me the money, he'll be back in 6 weeks.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 09, 2008 at 06:37 PM
No, I think Kobe may the right decision by delaying surgery until after the Olympics. And I think he's doing the right thing by delaying surgery again.
If Kobe's finger is "bent back" again at some point, it will be nothing short of bad luck for the Lakers. Nothing -- not even surgery to fix his torn ligament -- can prevent something like that from happening again.
Posted by: Brandon Hoffman | September 09, 2008 at 06:37 PM
KENYON MARTIN TO KOBE: "F-U"
http://tinyurl.com/55o2uv
Well I guess we will never see him in a Lakers uniform.
Posted by: Gunner | September 09, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Same here Laker Tom, Wilt's greatness on the court may never been seen every again. Unless a center averages 50 points per game and 20 rebounds in a season then Wilt's greatness at center is unquestionable. People also don't know that Wilt at one point averaged 8.6 assists as a center! That's even higher than even Jordan's best year at assists (8 assists was Jordan's highest). Wilt's greatness is unquestionable and not even Russell's 11 rings and his coaching of the Celtics at the same time can really match what Wilt was able to do.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 09, 2008 at 06:49 PM
JonK,
Who among the italian teams here can pay Kobe for 50m with 9 fingers? LOL!
http://tinyurl.com/6psgwm
I think you should listen to Xodus, nobody will pay 35M euro per year for a b'ball player. Ronaldo is a popular football player in Europe and his salary is only 6M euro and there are more people watching football than basketball in Europe. Here in the states, Kobe earns 20M from the Lakers and earns 100M+ for endorsement, if he goes to Europe that endorsement will be reduced by as much as 70%. It is not feasible, story is there to attract attention.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 09, 2008 at 06:51 PM
LakerTom,
If you are going to judge someone as they performed compared to their peers, and not to those who came before or after, I have a hard time believing that anyone will challenge Wilt's status.
The only other athlete I can think of, off the top of my head, to be that much better than their peers for an extended period of time, was Edwin Moses.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 09, 2008 at 06:54 PM
rdlee,
>>>>>How Obama does has little if nothing to do with how far we have come!!
>>>>>The race card is always played when people can't face the fact that their
>>>>>candidate's ideas and policies are not in the best interest of the country
>>>>>as a whole instead of a few radical leftist special interest groups.
>>>>>Keep politics off this Laker Blog, you know better than that.
Come on, rd. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, you cannot deny that there are still segments of our population who are racist and won’t vote for a black man, just as there are segments that are sexist and won’t vote for a woman or ageist and won’t vote for an old man. To claim otherwise would be naïve at best. We may not as a country be ready yet to elect a black man – or a woman or a 70-year old man, for that matter – as president. That was all I was saying. I was not playing any “race” card or complaining. I was just saying that we are still following that same course that Don Haskins so bravely followed. And we are nowhere near the end of the course. As I told AK, I was NOT trying to slip one in. I think you know me well enough to know that I usually don’t try for subtle. Peace.
>>>>>What I do remember about Texas Western was that it was the only team that won a
>>>>>title that wasn't called UCLA in a long run during Wooden's reign that was probably
>>>>>sports' most impressive dynasty.
From 1964 through 1973, UCLA won the NCAA Basketball Championship every year but 1966, when Texas Western won, and 1974, when North Carolina State won. The 1966 season was Wooden’s first after the graduation of Goodrich and Hazard. Give credit to the East Coast stiffs who set rules that prevented Wooden’s prize recruit – a young man named Lew Alcindor – from playing as a college freshman. Otherwise, the Bruins would have won another title. In fact, many sportswriters felt that the UCLA freshman team was really the best team in the country. The 1974 game was just a freakishly hot game by David Thompson who scored 49 points, including a wave of long jumpers – and this was before 3-pointers. Magic times for UCLA and basketball fans.
Bill Walton and Mickey Mantle – two players who might have become the greatest ever in their respective sports were it not for injuries.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Edwin,
Exactly. The would you leave for $50 million is pure speculation. It's never going to happen. At least not anytime soon.
Posted by: Xodus | September 09, 2008 at 07:05 PM
What a warrior. Always willing to take the bullet for basketball. It's all or none with him. Do well and people will call him a hero. Do poorly or decide on surgery during the season and he'll be called stupid. Kobe knows what he'll have with the finger as is. Surgery is always risky. That thing may not heal well. Possible infection. Possible complications and not only may he be out longer but may not be able to use the hand as well. Tough call. Tough guy.
Posted by: AndyN | September 09, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Gabe, Jamie, Jon,
Thanks for your props about the Don Haskins quote. I remember that day as clear as yesterday. However, the day before yesterday and last month are just a blur. But it was really a very magical experience. We had all just gotten back from playing our own version of the NCAA tournament, all of us disappointed because our beloved Bruins had not made the tourney. And Kentucky back then, along with Duke and Michigan, was one of those teams for whom Wooden’s success was really a sore point. So we had lots to root for Texas Western.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 07:08 PM
"how about i concede that salary cap is a big limitation, but still hold my position that kobe is not well liked among the league players, granted less than before, which has negatively impacted the laker organization?"
Fair enough. But look at this Mr. KL
http://tinyurl.com/6c3wyb.
I would say the same thing about about the negativity of other players lost good teammates such as Allen Iverson (bye Camby!) , Dwyane Wade this off season (Jason Williams and Ricky Davis bailing on his butt), Vince Carter (oops Nenad Kristic going to Europe not to mention losing Diop and Richard Jefferson), and Gilbert Arenas (bye bye Desmon Mason Jr.).
For us Laker fans thinking Ronny was a HUGE Loss well: IT WAS NOT!! Ronny I love the guy but he faded away in the playoffs not to mention the Finals where he doesn't even BOTHER to try a post game and instead shoot contested jumpers. Where is the rebounding of Ronny as well I thought we drafted him for rebounding?? He never got past double digit rebounding more than once (Miami Heat game). Ronny's shotblocking got him overrated as a big defender since at Center he couldn't guard the post well plus he got bested by elite power forwards like Amare and KG way too much.
Josh Powell is more than a suitable replacement for Ronny except for the cheering department from which Ronny wins hands down.
OUT!! THE TRUTH!!!
LOL!
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 09, 2008 at 07:11 PM
mamba,
Thanks for the Props. Couple of months and we will be needing you badly. How is the offseason training going? LOL.
Mostly night posts now that work has really ramped up. Hopefully, it will be a slow fall so I am not restricted and constricted. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 07:16 PM
JustaLakerfan,
>>>>>Thanks LakerTom for your upbeat views and keep up the good work.
>>>>>State your opinions proudly and don't let the negative naysayers tear you down.
Like you said earlier, it is easy to be positive and upbeat when you’re a Lakers fan.
Now as for my Yankees and Niners, thank God the Lakers Blog is never closed. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 07:21 PM
blitz,
Nor do fans remember that Wilt was a high jumper and sprinter at Kansas. He actually ran the 100 yard dash in under 10 seconds. Think about how fast that is for a 7 foot giant of a man. Wilt not only led the league in scoring and rebounding many times but also in assists during one of his great seasons under Alex Hannum in Philly in 1967. Ironically, Wilt would have been a great center in the Triangle Offense because of his superb passing.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 07:28 PM
ex,
>>>>> If you are going to judge someone as they performed compared to their peers,
>>>>>and not to those who came before or after, I have a hard time believing that anyone
>>>>>will challenge Wilt's status.
Getting hard to find things to disagree with basketball-wise with you, ex. Guess they’re right when they say that winning solves everything – or at least most things. It works in basketball but we’ll have to see how it goes in politics. LOL. Good blogging with you, ex.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Gunner-
Lakers swept the Nuggets and none of the games were even close. Kobe outplayed the whole team, thats why they don't like Kobe. Kenyon has been a loser his whole life.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 09, 2008 at 07:33 PM
AK, do you know if he'll be talking about his finger at Jimmy Kimmel's?
Posted by: Faith | September 09, 2008 at 07:37 PM
First Oprah (did anybody see it?). Now Jimmy Kimmel. Kobe is obviously a man on a mission, tattered pinky finger be damned.
It's pretty clear from most of the comments that most contributors to the blog think Kobe should have the surgery.
I think he's saying, he'd rather have a Championship. I don't know about you, but I'm good with that. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | September 09, 2008 at 07:49 PM
KOBE made a Mistake. He will Suffer and So will the Team. But his reasoning is appreciable.
ant thoughts on below?
Is this a conspiracy? Did that Pinkie really got hurt? Is he pulling a Paul Pierce on us?
Posted by: Disgruntled,Frustrated Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Laker Tom,
There is a chance that Sun Yue might get some playing time this season. We can't be certain that Derek will last 82 games though he is doing a good job at doing that and for the Triangle offense's sake he is the best choice for a point guard should the SG be a penetrator (John Paxson). Jordan will certainly have to step up his game plus Jordan might have games where he gets really out of synch and Phil won't hesitate to bring in Sun even in non garbage minutes.
For the Pre-Season here's the things to see since Kobe will be in training camp:
1) The Starting 5. How will they do having 2 amazing 7 footers, the reigning MVP, a healthy Lamar Odom, and D-Fish leading the way?
2) The bench mob, Jordan and Sasha HAS to anchor this unit. Similarly to what BJ Armstrong and Craig Hodges did for the Bulls. Is Trevor improved all around enough to show he's starter worthy in more than just defense? And how will Powell and Mihm do?
3) Size vs Small lineups. The best way to dominate small lineups is through size. We beat Golden State the first time with ease with Andrew lost on the 2nd due to the groin injury of Kobe. When Andrew and Pau was gone, the Warriors had an extreme advantage and Ronny was unable to be a BIG factor against the Warriors (and neither could DJ) that LO had play Center at times as well. With a healthy Drew and Pau, small lineups like Golden State will be the ones to show they both can be dominant.
4) Size vs Size.
5) No more camping in Hawaii-eeeee. I prefer them personally in nearby El Segundo anyways.
The Questions now for the Lakers.
Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol: Is this the 3rd coming of the Twin Towers (After Sampson-Olajuwon and Robinson-Duncan)?
Lamar Odom: Numbers may go down and getting rid of that tendinitis really helps for the next season (remember that knee injury in 2006-2007 in the midst of having a break out year?). With him expected 100% healthy and full knowledge of the offense/defense can Lamar flourish as the 4th/5th option?
Kobe Bryant: He already proved he can shoot well even with the Pinky (16-25 shooting against Raja Bell) being taped up and shot 48% in the Playoffs, much better than even Lebron James. The question is really, can he stay healthy in other areas?
Derek Fisher: Derek is an old man now but was the one who brought stability at the point guard slot. His defense is still better than Jordan's and Sun Yue's at the moment. Can he still maintain that beautiful rainbow arc shots and can he stay healthy as well (Bruce Bowen stayed healthy so why not?)?
Jordan Farmar: Leader of the bench mob. Has his offense become even better and less flashy? Will his defense improve at least for the future?
Sasha Vujacic: Glad he stayed in LA, especially with Pau as his neighbor and personal friend. Can he maintain his statistics (hopefully that breakout season isn't going to be like Luke's) and shoot even more consistently? That defense could also improve more than being pesky.
Trevor Ariza: After that foot injury he was worked out all facets of the game and has people believing he can actually start now. How much has his offense improved and can his defense be sustained long enough to be more than just rotation minutes?
Vlad Rad: He hasn't gotten favor from Jon K. at least when he only said that he visited his family during the off season. Will he be alright on the bench at either Forward positions and can he maintain his shooting to be above 40% from 3 point land?
Luke Walton: His off season training has been limited due to recovery from his ankle surgery though he has worked out, more than Radman at least. Can his all around game prove to be much better than Radman's shooting?
Chris Mihm: I was one of the many people who really didn't like Chris when he wanted the entire mid-level exception last off season after not even playing the entire year. Having yet another ankle surgery didn't help many people's opinions. That being said, can he at least be the backup at the center position to have Pau spend less time playing center and instead playing Power Forward more?
Coby Karl: Hey I'm Coby Karl, I'm George's son! That clip made me laugh so hard. In more serious note, can he still keep his spot away from Joe Crawford and be a solid backup should Sasha be shooting 11.1% again? Being George's son won't make him friends with the Denver Nuggets.
Newly Arrivees:
Josh Powell: Looks like staying in LA. Can he be the player that we couldn't get from Ronny? Dancing is secondary to winning games.
Sun Yue: Ni hao. Welcome to the Lakers hope that Olympic experience made you somewhat ready for the NBA. (Olympics are much tougher than ABA). Sun's size gives him an advantage over other point guards but can he show up a little bit of "Magic" during his time with the Lakers? Don't have to try to become Magic Man though.
Joe Crawford and Dwyane Mitchell: Fighting for roster spots. One outplayed George's Son in the Summer League while the other was an all star in the D-League. Can they perform well enough to at least get a roster spot in the Lakers?
-blitz
Hey I'm Coby Karl, I'm George's son!
http://tinyurl.com/6c4wte
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 09, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Gunner,
It's time to take the meds again. Side effects may include delusions of grandeur and night terrors about Kobe lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy. If your feelings of disassociation and loathing persist for longer than 4 hours, don't call us we'll call you.
Posted by: HmrHed | September 09, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Wrong, AK! Kobe is not human, he is a machine. No need for surgery until next summer.
I'm glad that he played for team USA because they probably would have gotten worked by Spain in the Gold metal game had he not! Peace.
Posted by: T-Rock | September 09, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Maybe Kobe is saying what he means.
The man loves the game, loves his team, loves Laker life.
Especially the current Laker life.
He's ridin' the crest of a happy wave and doesn't want it wiped out. It weighs the same on both sides of the medical scale, so it is what it isn't. Understandable.
Posted by: Vman | September 09, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Rick F,
I saw it. Kobe stands heads and shoulders above other athletes in his articulate-ness lol.
And you can tell he was happy to be there. He was literally in the crowd shaking hands and hugging the fans afterwards...while some chose to go straight through into the backstage.
Posted by: Faith | September 09, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Faith,
Wow. That's an excellent review. I guess you're saying the game has found its ambassador. Makes me especially proud to be a Laker fan and a Kobe fan.
This is what the MVP should be all about and Kobe obviously recognizes it. Just awesome!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | September 09, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Tom - I'm kind of with you on the finger thing. I did the same thing to my right-hand ring finger several years ago, playing ball. I doubt that I crunched it as bad as Kobe but I did rupture the tendon and it pulled some bone off. My doctor said that surgery was kind of 50-50... it might work but it's tricky. Granted, he wasn't a hand specialist. I went with plan B and splinted it. It healed okay but it's got the bump at the joint and will never be the same finger again. Of course, Kobe didn't really give his finger much in the way of healing time - he just went out there and kept abusing it. I'm sure he's gotten the best opinions possible - the digit's probably pretty much screwed by this point unless he gets some serious reconstructive work and a lot more healing time than he's will ing to go with.. and at any rate, there's no guarantees. Anyway, his situation's not that unique - there's a lot of ugly looking fingers in the world of pro sports.
At any rate, I can understand people thinking he should have the surgery but it's highly doubtful that he has the same options now that he did right after the injury. He'll just tape it up and roll with it.
As far as the Olympics go, are you KIDDING ME? Olympic athletes compete hurt all the time - they get their shot at the gold and they're gonna go for it if there's any way possible.
Posted by: dave m | September 09, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Xodus / Edwin Gueco,
The possibility of a Euro team offering Kobe or Lebron $50mil a year is not that farfetched. MLS, I repeat, the frickin MLS, somehow was able to pay David Bekham $250 milliion for five years. MLS made a ridiculously large investment to draw attention to the entire league by bringing in a huge star, even though Bekham was way past his prime. It's not unrealistic to think a Euro league would make a similiar type of investment to bring in the biggest basketball star in the world in his prime. Basketball in Europe is more popular than soccer is in the U.S., and I would guess that Kobe would have a bigger impact (both financially and in popularity) than Beckham has had for MLS.
I personally don't think Kobe's going anywhere. My guess is the stars in the league are making these "threats" to have ammo for the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, but the threat itself is legit, and should not be ignored by the owners, nor the fans.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | September 09, 2008 at 09:28 PM
blitz,
One of the most fascinating things about last season was how many players on the team had the best years of their careers, starting with Kobe, Drew, Lamar, Sasha, Jordan, and Trevor. Taking his history into consideration, you could easily make a case for this being Pau’s best year, too. Although he faded a little in the end due to his injury and possibly age, Fish really played well and far better than most expected. I think in the end Vlade, Luke, and Ronny disappointed and Chris, DJ, Coby, and Ira really didn’t get a chance to play. So our team career year score was 8-3-4 for the 15 player roster. Can we repeat that this year?
If we do, we will win the championship for sure. So here is my take player by player on our career year score for this year. No matter how you calculate it, it adds up to championships:
(01) Kobe Bryant – will win 2nd Regular Season MVP, first DPOY, and 1st Finals MVP.
(02) Andrew Bynum – will win MIP and All-Star Selection and status as top center in NBA.
(03) Pau Gasol – will win 2nd All-Star Selection and play better at his natural position.
(04) Trevor Ariza – will emerge as the team’s starting small forward and defensive stopper.
(05) Derek Fisher – will still start and provide leadership, toughness, and clutch shooting.
(06) Lamar Odom – will win 6th Man of Year coming off bench playing multiple positions.
(07) Jordan Farmar – will push Derek Fisher to start and take his game to the next level.
(08) Sun Yue – will win playing time by becoming outstanding defender at point guard.
(09) Vladimir Radmanovic – will consistently improve his 3-point shooting to 43%.
(10) Luke Walton – will finally be healthy and playing at level he started two years ago.
(11) Chris Mihm – will return to pre-injury form and earn quality minutes backing up Drew.
(13) Josh Powell – will become the banger and tough rebounder that Ronny never became.
(14) Coby Karl – will win occasional playing time with consistent strong 3-point shooting.
(15) DJ Mbenga – will earn quality minutes backing up Drew by becoming great shot blocker.
Of course, there is not enough playing time for all 15 players to have “career” years, but I think there is a good chance that we could repeat our 8-3-4 record from last year. But it would probably be enough if we had five of our top 8 players have career years. The future is bright.
The Era of the Beast is almost upon us. Go, Lakers!!!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 09:29 PM
dave m,
>>>>>Tom - I'm kind of with you on the finger thing. I did the same thing to my right-hand
>>>>>ring finger several years ago, playing ball. I doubt that I crunched it as bad as Kobe
>>>>>but I did rupture the tendon and it pulled some bone off. My doctor said that surgery
>>>>>was kind of 50-50... it might work but it's tricky. Granted, he wasn't a hand specialist.
>>>>>I went with plan B and splinted it. It healed okay but it's got the bump at the joint and
>>>>>will never be the same finger again… Anyway, his situation's not that unique - there's
>>>>>a lot of ugly looking fingers in the world of pro sports.
That last comment said it all, dave. Almost every guy I know who played ball all his life has some form of finger injury or deformity. I think everyone is overreacting as to Kobe. This is just like the last time we had this situation. After we win the championship and everybody has forgotten about it, Kobe will announce he is taking care of it. Hell, if you’re a millionaire star why live with a screwed up finger like us mortals. LOL.
The truth of it is that Kobe just wants to play. I know some people will point and compare his situation to that of Tiger but it’s just a pinky, not a knee. Don’t we know by now that that is not going to be enough to keep Kobe from playing? Bottom line, he is as eager for the season to start as Andrew is – which should say something to the rest of the NBA. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 09:46 PM
LakerTom,
what happened to the Sloveniac Manic?
In my opinion, Sasha will win the 3 point shooting contest and his first of 7 MVP's. He will add an all-defensive first team to his career year. So did you say those were the best case scenarios, or what is likely to happen?
Posted by: greek dude | September 09, 2008 at 09:48 PM