Kobe braces for Euro team offer
Granted, I think the odds of Kobe Bryant joining Barcelona's Catalan Club are about as remote as him hooking up with Olympiakos. But should the former happen, Lakers fans can at least take comfort knowing his departure was neither about the money nor any dissatisfaction with the purple and gold. It's simply about one man's love for football (or as Americans call it, "that sport I don't watch").
For the benefit of the hyperventilating, the article notes that Kobe was kidding. But I already anticipate nervous Nellies wigging out every time he kicks around a basketball like Pele during the stoppage of play. And not to egg those people on, but if Kobe did want to best Michael Jordan on every level, that would include more success in a second sport than MJ had with baseball.
I'm just saying.
AK
It's always something about Kobe. Didn't we have enough grief last summer? Now there's all this speculation of a Euro team. He should do us a favor and put an end to the "kidding." After all these years and all the drama we don't need any more Kobe issues, even if they aren't real. He should give his loyal fans the respect they deserve and knock this stuff off.
Posted by: Chris | October 21, 2008 at 09:26 AM
AK,
Do you get a mild mischevious pleasure out of encouraging Lakers fans to freak out by triggering their neuroses?
It seems like you do.
Anyone know what Kobe's favorite position in soccer is?
Forward, I imagine.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Kobe should do it. The only organization/club that is greater than the Lakers is F.C. Barcelona, and the only sport greater than NBA Basketball is European Futbol.
Posted by: Mayor of Kobe-Town | October 21, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Mamba 24,
Can you repost without the long series of dashes? It stretches out the blog.
Thanks
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 21, 2008 at 09:45 AM
LakerTom,
"Once again, ex sets the record straight. Precise analysis, concise points, decisive statements. You are an artist in logically explaining reality. I always wanted to be the strong silent type who, when he spoke, everyone stopped and listened. Of course, we all know why that never happened."
I agree with you regarding ExHelo. I think he is good for two reasons:
1) Brevity
He never writes a 500 word short story when a sentence or two will do. My college writing instructor always stressed; less is more.
2) Originality
He never beats a dead horse over and over. With him, you want to read the post because you know it is fresh. It is not the EXACT same post every day for a month.
IMO that is why he is the Merrill Lynch of the blog: When he speaks, people listen.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 21, 2008 at 09:48 AM
No problem. Sorry A.K.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 21, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Victory was a pretty sweet movie. I remember watching it at the South Bay drive-in in the back of my parents' station wagon.
Looking forward to seeing if the Lakers can continue to improve with tonight's game. Okafor and Mohammed (or May) are a decent working class front-line. Not spectacular but definitely serviceable. Drew and Pau should be dominating these guys tonight but it's not going to happen unless both players bring the effort on both ends.
Richardson and Wallace are a nice athletic combo. J-Rich has been working on being more of a slasher instead of settling for jump-shots. If he penetrates, I hope Drew is there to welcome him to the paint. Vlad might have a tough time on defense tonight guarding Wallace.
And can someone please cover Matt Carroll! That kid loves killing the Lakers.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 21, 2008 at 09:58 AM
*TUE OCT. 21 LAKERS VS. CHARLOTTE – MJ. Your days as GOAT are numbered*
Behold your successor. KOBE BEAN BRYANT - Behold the Team that will win 73
Games to eclipse the Bulls. BOW DOWN TO GREATNESS & Join the ranks
Of that magnificent draft pick of yours Kwamus Brownus III.
*
8 DAYS TILL THE BEGINNING OF THE KOBE/BEAST DYNASTY -
*
Good morning Charles
Good Morning Morning Crew, Welcome back Sheriff
Good morning Laker Nation
*
AND NOW YOUR STARTING WESTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPION LINEUP:
At small forward # 7 Lamar Odom
At power forward # 16 Pau Gasol
At guard # 2 Derick Fisher
At center # 17 ANDREW THE BEAST BYNUMMMMMMMMMMMMM
AND AT GUARD THE 2008 MVP , KOBE BRYYYYYYYANNNNNNNNT
COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL 9RINGS JACKSON
*
ROLL CALL:
FAITH, BOB, KEIFO, Vman. Jay Jay, CHARLES, Edwin Gueco, Tsiry, FATTY, AngryLaker
Tha Show, Tim-4-Show, TheLakeShow, Generic_One, PIG Miller, Toad, TALIQ, LakerTruth
WesJoeNixon, Zakee, Cleon, SBPimp, The_D, Bozz, #4, Nemia Faletogo, ELLE, HmrHed
ComptonsFinest, LakerLegacy, EXHELODRVR, LAKER TOM, RICK FRIEDMAN, JON K.
Mr..Nano, ERIC M. Big DAWG, NAJA aka BONUS, KOBE_BLITZ, NEVER, The OUTLAW
RDLEE, , TWOODY. HugoBoss, CORNER J., BAYWOOD, HUGO SPAIN, JAMIE SWEET
Tsphere, WeaveMan, SixOneZero, FEARLESS, CBuck, KIWI, LAKER_STH, JANAYA
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, DICE8UP, HTP, EAST_COAST_JESSIE, JMAN,WOW
BackMamba24, BrownMamba24, WhiteMamba24, Mamba24Fan4Life, FanOfMamba,
JustAnotherMAMBAFAN, JustALakerFan, VI LakerFan, MR_BARNEY_DANGLES
HELLRAISER(certified Mamba Fan) LAKERMAN_420, SAMLL, HOBBITMAGE
Purple&Gold_REIN, ZEN, Ando, Brylle, MOKO, JOHNNY P., DAVE ROSENZWEIG
LakerGurl, SFLakerGirl, PsychedLakerGirl, SimiLakerGirl, LakerGirl1980, LakerLass
HoustonLakerGirl, SheKobe, LakersRydeOrDie, SloGal, BOCA Laker Girl, LakerFaze,
DrewPauKobe, GoKobeGo, KobesBad, KobeRocks, Laker/KobeFan, NIK KANNAN
MrBarneryDangles, JESTERGURU, SmoothD, Jeff, David Whang, ISSANG, MAN
Machiavelly, DOC4daLakeShow, LakersMR, HOBBITMAGE, Korey, KARYNANAR,
HAVA98, WREAKJAVIK, EPICMESS, StrangerInTheNight, MBENGA_FAN, CHUCK23
Allan-BRAZIL, Herb Stempel, DarkAngelSK, TROY, T_Sensei, BerkleyLaker, Dave M.
Stars_R_Aligned, Cscoot, The_Dude_Abides, Johnny Laker, The HEAD-MBENGA
MagicMan, SALTLAKER, Todd, WWKBD, Puddle, Sambosola, GREENPAZ, SEAN P.
L.A. Watcher, FUEGO32, EHOMP, KCHW, MICHIGAN_LAKER, COMPLEX_BROTHA
WondahBap, Derek, BENJAMIN, Cyrus(Ventrilquist), 1978, CALIPHILOSOPHER
HappyCamper, HappyDaze, HappyGilmore, CriticalBeatDown, RealityBites, BZAR,
AMAZING HAPPENS, TELLitLIKEitIS PSLakerLover, Lakers4Lyfe, Lakers4Real,
CooLHAIR, The_COOL BOBIE, SpokanLakerFan, Duma, Shum, ManSlayer, EEVEE
LAKERFAN BMAC, FRANK FRIZZO, LakerZeigeist, Playa, FatSam, Anthony Johnson
AKR68, GiantSquid, BotSoy, LakerFan, JLuv, CDub0512, STAN, ANDREW Z.
DAN THE MAN, KOBEBLITZ, CHUCK23, MANTIDA, AJAX, CHE, THIRTY2, XTRO
LAKERFAN, HTJ, IndianLaker, LakerAngolaN, LakerFanCanada, Bogoljub,ValleyLaker
Bruzer, Peanut_Butter_Spread, LAKERKEV, Lakers_Sparks_Fan, Trio, Reality_Check
DANCAT, LakerBandit, TwoForOne7, HAWAIID,Chick4Ever, MIKE DILLS, LAURIA
You Ever Notice? MARKYTHEARKY, Justin Leonard, Linda Pineda, GREEK_DUDE
BronxLakerFan ChitTownLaker, HoustonLaker, TexasLaker, BrazillianLaker, USCLaker
LakerNorth, LakerinBC, ROMY R, Earth_Wind_&_Fire, FKIllah, TEEJ, VIOLATER
AA Los, Wizo, Caeser, Maxximo, Wolf, Chuck23, 10MillionDollarZen, Man, Jeff Grotke
Lakers4Realz, Gino, Gabe, Floyd, Vincent, ROBYN, Khang, Old Scholol, JANDRO
EDDIE BROCK, Paul Lee, Mitchell, David In Spain, J_Doubter, Guy,AFROJOE
Playa, Butler, Franky_J., Daryl, LakerDawg, DK,JC, The Dropper, Afro Joe, KL004
MobWagoneer, PK-in-the-MESA, Andy B, HUBBIT, Jamie SWEET, LAKER_LARRY
THE HAMMER Benny Blanca, MEL, AdamKiley, JUSTIN, CHRIS H, LADIESMAN, TP
Linda Pineda, CaliKing, Aime Williams, Chucky .L.Ohno, Look Lonely, Kyle, LAL FAN
LakerHolic, GDChild, Dion Centralk, Staples24, Robyn, Lakers08, Mel, J.D. Hastings
Laker_Fan, True Laker Fan, Passionate Laker Fan, LT Laker_Fan, Grail, DaxMDD
JHLANNERY, Cameron, EMMA, Thomas, LAKAFOO, PurpleMagic, PHRED, JCOOL
Lakerfan24, SeanDouglas, StocktonShowtime, JoninJAPAN(INCANADA), Revmaxxx
40YearFan, KillerEight, LOTEC9, Todd Battles, ASM, MikeAz, LakaLover, Bynumite,
CS, LakerHopeful, Bobie, MARCO64, Drew, DASCILLA, Purple&Gold_4Eva, Tajluck
B4Hoops, HeWhoHoops, Jorema, Xtro, MCGarnagle, GUGY, Laker4Life, MARTY,
Pince Akrasian, EAGLEBOY, JR., BLKTHGHT06, SighBrandon C. Tully Moxness,
LakerBake, Sean74, Sead94, LongLiveChick , Kinglakernidas, RespectMyAuthorith,
Hariyahu, Alexinh017, NESTROS BISTRO, LiveLakers, Blaze1Bx, Swettual,
KIKOS Dad, RicoTico, SocalSpider BigGameJames, LAKERSNZ MAMBA24
*
ALL TOGETHER LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT A NEW DYNASTY IS HERE:
*
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES.
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY.
THE ONLY TEAM WITH 2 HOF COACHES. THE TEAM WITH THE MOST
PLAYERS ON THE 50 GREATEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME LIST(6). THE
HOME OF THE REIGNING AND FUTURE MVP – KOBE BRYANT. THE
HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, ELGIN BAYLOR,
THE LOGO(JERRY WEST), PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, BOB MCADOO,
"BIG SHOT ROB HORRY" GAIL GOODRICH THE LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER
CHICK HEARN COACHED BY 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
& OWNED BY THE BEST D@MN OWNER IN SPORTS DR. JERRY BUSS
AND THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN EVER DEFEAT OR DIVIDE US IS US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 21, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Mayor of Kobe-Town,
"Kobe should do it. The only organization/club that is greater than the Lakers is F.C. Barcelona, and the only sport greater than NBA Basketball is European Futbol. "
BLASPHEMY!
Get thee to a nunnery! Repent!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Good Morning Fam,
How about
"The A-Hole Agent's Client and Shouldve played like it was for Spain."
or
the "Luxury Tax Bigs."
Posted by: Charles | October 21, 2008 at 10:10 AM
LTLF,
When did Ron Ron and LeBron become reserves???
Posted by: pslakerfan | October 21, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Lakers_sth-
I loved Victory, too. They used to show it on a seemingly endless loop on HBO back in the early days of cable. Great premise. We're going to escape from this Nazi prison camp... but only after winning a soccer game! The entire movie exists for Pele to do a bicycle kick.
Genius.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 21, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Gotta love the morning roll call. One week till the game count, can't wait....
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 21, 2008 at 10:19 AM
BLASPHEMY! Get thee to a nunnery! Repent!
GO LAKERS!Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 10:03 AM
ROFLMAO
Posted by: MAMBA24 | October 21, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Was it my t.v set or was there always an echoing sound when they played in their soccer match on that movie Victory?
Go Edson!!!
n Go Lakers!!! ofcourse
Posted by: Magia32 | October 21, 2008 at 10:22 AM
I love roll call.
Now let's go beat us down some Bobcats!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 10:23 AM
BK,
"I loved Victory, too"
Arguably the best of the Caine-Stallone-Pele films.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 21, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Jon's Estimation of the Second Round of the "Let's Give Bynum-Gasol a Decent, Unique Nickname" Playoffs:
1. The Tall Trees
2. The Sequoias
3. Twin Peaks
4. The Two-Headed Monster
5. Double-Trouble
6. The Dynamic Duo
What do you guys think? Do these six reflect the second round?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 10:43 AM
PSLakerfan,
"I think you mean EF Hutton, not Merrill Lynch?"
I think you may be correct. Are they even around any more? I don't think Hutton even made it to this years meltdown. lol. I guess people stopped listening.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 21, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Pretty Good. I'd take Twin Peaks
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 21, 2008 at 10:51 AM
"I think you mean EF Hutton, not Merrill Lynch?"I think you may be correct. Are they even
around any more? I don't think Hutton even made it to this years meltdown. lol. I guess
people stopped listening. Posted by: Eric M. | October 21, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I think Meril Lynch took over E.F.Hutton a couple years back.
Of course I may be wrong.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 21, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Keep it coming Mamba24. It's not Lakerville without the roll call lol.
Seriously this whole thing can be summed up in two words..."Wouldn't you?"
If a team offered you all that, wouldn't you jump ship to Europe? I mean EUROPE! If he was just an emperor in China, he'll be bigger than Napoleon was.
But still people forget it's all speculation. For starters, Kobe is not going to opt out. We got a good thing going here, finally. Even he says, "finally." If Kobe's one thing it's about winning.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | October 21, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Jon K,
>>>the Second Round ...
I'd throw in the Redwoods (for those who aren't as fond of
the Sequoias) and Lords of the Boards
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Right on Mamba24!!
Posted by: dan the man | October 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
I won't repost it, but if you want my Fellowship of the Rings
analogy, see the previous topic.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
oooh. I'll revise it...
The California Redwoods
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Rise up Laker Nation--
Oh I can't wait for the roll call in exacly one week from today -- it may shake this blog to its foundation.
I, being old-school, even though I'm not that old relatively speaking, still like to thumb through my paper, hard-copy style. I have noticed that the LA Times sports section has progressively gotten shorter and less dense. Any one else notice that?
Posted by: HmrHed | October 21, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Anywho -- Kobe will be an assassin on this team -- don't know if his scoring average will warrant the MVP again, because more guys will be getting shots, but with all the attention to the bigs, defenses seem to be losing Kobe as he cuts through te lane without the ball. Keep an eye on him tonight as he moved off the ball –
Posted by: HmrHed | October 21, 2008 at 11:15 AM
That reverse alley-oop dunk by AB Sunday was a nice reminder of how Kwame use to never, ever, make that kind of play, ever.
Posted by: HmrHed | October 21, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Hate to break it to you LakerTom, but check this out (if
you haven't already)...
http://tinyurl.com/5wsmk2
Specifically, read this passage:
"Lee is seeking a five-year extension for his client worth an estimated $17 million a year, while the Lakers are more comfortable paying Bynum about $10 million a year, possibly with incentives for All-Star appearances and team playoff success."
In other words, the Lakers are offering Bynum 50 million
plus incentive bonuses to this point. If the 78 million number
was correct, then it's 50 million plus 28 million in incentive
bonuses.
As I've stated before, I think that's a very generous and
appropriate offer for this point in time. And if Bynum truly believes
that he is fully healthy and will achieve what he says he's
going to achieve, then he should have no problem accepting
incentives to reach the huge payday.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Jon K,
How about The Redwoods?
Though I'm leaning towards ignoring Kobe and just calling them the Twin Towers.
Or how about Gasol-Bynum? That works, too. Simple and to the point.
Posted by: Xodus | October 21, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I have noticed that the LA Times sports section has progressively gotten shorter and less dense.
Any one else notice that?Posted by: HmrHed | October 21, 2008 at 11:10 AM
You should see the Chicago Tribune our parent, it went all the way Tabloid
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 21, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Long Time Laker Fan,
"In other words, the Lakers are offering Bynum 50 million
plus incentive bonuses to this point. If the 78 million number
was correct, then it's 50 million plus 28 million in incentive
bonuses."
I agree that is a very fair offer. David Lee is being unreasonable in asking for the full maximum with no incentives.
Posted by: Xodus | October 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM
"finally." If Kobe's one thing it's about winning. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | October 21, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I'm not worried I'm keeping the Faith. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 21, 2008 at 11:32 AM
hmrhed,
I noticed that Brad Turner is now writing for the Times. Good too, coz he's got all the scoops. And he's not a hater. Which aside from The K's...we know it's a refreshing change.
Posted by: Faith | October 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
HmrHed-
It's not your mind playing tricks. The section, and I believe the entire paper, is smaller and less dense, in terms of text/ad ratios.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 21, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Hmrhed,
"I have noticed that the LA Times sports section has progressively gotten shorter and less dense. Any one else notice that?"
Yes, it's been going that way for a while. I doubt there will be any "HardCopy" papers left in another 5-10 years. They are all going broke because circulations have plummeted.
This is being hastened by their one sided views on issues. At one time, I too read the LATimes daily; Now I wouldn't give them a quarter if my life depended on it. Are you listening LATImes?
The Internet is where the action is. KBothers you are in the right place.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I really hope the team can build on the success of the weekend games tonight. I really don't want to see Lamar take any steps back and I want to see the continued success of Farm and Ariza together.
I don't really care about Fish, Kobe, and Gasol because I know they'll be there but I'm going to be focusing on Bynum's body language. He just hasn't seemed super hungry lately. I almost get the vibe that he expects to get calls now and that he is almost entitled to success. I hope not, but I want to see Bynum play superb on defense tonight against Okafor.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 21, 2008 at 11:43 AM
This is an interesting site regarding Kobe's shooting.
http://www.littlewhitestatistics.com/?p=22
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 21, 2008 at 11:48 AM
The newspaper is dying.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 21, 2008 at 11:50 AM
The Second Round:
1. The Tall Trees
2. The Sequoias
3. Twin Peaks
4. The Two-Headed Monster
5. Double-Trouble
6. The Dynamic Duo
7. The Redwoods
Okay, now what's the third round?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Xodus,
Especially in light of the recent "swelling" in Bynum's knee. They may be downplaying it, but it's not something you can sweep under the rug.
Posted by: Faith | October 21, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Faith,
Yep. I'm not overly concerned since he's had no ill effects after the back-to-back, but if Bynum wants a deal now the most logical offer is 5-years, 50 million guaranteed. I said a few days that the most I would offer Bynum is 5 years, 55-million and it seems like management is thinking the same way.
Posted by: Xodus | October 21, 2008 at 12:24 PM
hello laker people im back in the blog....
love the roll call mamba....
now lets go down to business...
i think the exact call for the bynum gasol tandem is the sweet and sour i red it here somewhere in the blog but the best and most fearful name would be the Cerberus!!!
although the depiction and background surrounding Cerberus often differed across various works by different authors of the era, the most notable difference being his number of heads; while most sources describe or depict three heads, others show him with two, a lesser number show a variable amount, sometimes as high as 50.
so cerberus can have to heads and just as stories told cerberus is a 2 or more headed dog which guards the gates of hades
The Lakers' Cerberus are 2 7 footers that will take care of the pain in both ends of the floor....
how bout it Jon K. a little bit mythological background a pretty scary name too....
think about it.... remember THE CERBERUS
LET HELL BE RAISE LAKERS!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
GO CERBERUS!!!
GO MAMBA!!!
GO IMPS AKA BENCH MOBS!!!
Posted by: hellraiser(certified mamba fan) | October 21, 2008 at 12:35 PM
hellraiser,
I kind of like Cerebus.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Jon K,
Put a vote on Dynamic Duo
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Hey gang, thanks for the positive feedback yesterday. Glad we're all feeling the early season mojo.
Can we puh-lease drop the Kobe is going to sign for 50 million in Europe reporting? Can we at least freak out about it if it ACTUALLY happens? it is the most boring topic, in my opinion, on the Blog.
Anyhoo, looking forward to tonight, it'll be interesting to see how Vladdi responds after an off game (if he's in the starting line up).
Bynum needs a break out game to get himself and his negotiations moving. He's saying all the right things, but I've never known anyone who's worried about a pay check putting their entire focus into something other than gettin' 'er done. It's life.
Have a good day Crue!
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 21, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Just like what Egon said to Dr. Vankman:
"Print is dead!"
Posted by: 1978 | October 21, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Mamba - nice roll call. The universe will be restored with an awsome season!
Jon K - #3 all the way! The TWIN PEAKS
Also - Jordan and Ariza are front page on Yahoo video highlights. May this post as a warning to the rest of the league....
Go Lakers!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | October 21, 2008 at 12:52 PM
what about Wonder Twin Powers?
Posted by: ding how in prattville | October 21, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Rousing roll call Mamba24 - thanks and can't wait for the game tonight AND - of course - the season to FINALLY start!!!!
Dynamic Duo all the way!!!
SLAM - DUNK - POW - SWAT
That's what I'm talkin bout!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
ps - FATTY - hope your back is ok man.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 21, 2008 at 01:07 PM
I agree with Jamie Sweet, only the media is interested of keeping this story alive. GM Colangelo dismissed such tall tale which financial suicide in the midst of economic meltdown. It it is true on what the italian website reported that Greek team offered contract not 80M but 60M for three years. Kobe is enjoying the positive bidding compared to negative dissing him four years ago and these media are the No. 1 Anti-Kobe. It is all about ratings whether positive or negative breaking news on Kobe or Magic.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 21, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Thanks for the responses on the LA Times -- It's too bad, I feel like I'm losing an old friend or something --
times, they are a changin'
Posted by: HmrHed | October 21, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I personally like the Two Titans.
Posted by: The Big Fence Defense | October 21, 2008 at 01:13 PM
how about Tango and Cash? LOL! Frightening...
If Bynum's knee was swelling, this might be a good thing in a way because I didn't want them to rush him back. Let's say Bynum plays 25 minutes/game instead of 35. He can exert more energy in those minutes if he knows he doesn't have to save himself. Then Gasol and Mihm could provide the other Center minutes with trash minutes going to Mbenga.
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | October 21, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Jon K,
>>>Okay, now what's the third round?
I suggest adding an 8th nickname and doing a single elimination
vote to determine the most popular one. Group up names that are
similar and allow everybody to vote for 1 from each group:
The Tall Trees vs The Sequoias vs The Redwoods
Twin Peaks vs The Sierras
The Two-Headed Monster vs Double Trouble
The Dynamic Duo vs Sweet & Sour
Then for the next round, pair off the winners. One more
round after that determines the winner.
My votes:
The Sequoias
Twin Peaks
Double Trouble
The Dynamic Duo
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 01:27 PM
I think we should call the Gasol - Bynum tandem: The Great Gas-By. Er... maybe not. :-)
Posted by: stevevillakers | October 21, 2008 at 01:39 PM
We'd better get this Bynum deal done before the deadline or we loose all our leverage. We'll end up overpaying the kid by an unfathomable margin, only to loose out on needed free agents in the future, be handicapped financially for the next half decade and be neigh unable top re-sign any of our own free agents who would be happy with an average market-value contract. To Pay Bynum the max is to make the Gasol / Bynum twin tower experiment (almost) doomed from the start, because how can a franchise find success when it's second and third best players--both near max contracts--play the same position?
The reason the Celtics won last year was in large part because of a lack of redundancy in their players' games. We can probably carry a bit of a redundancy in player position, but we can't have a redundancy in max contracts per position.
We can't pay Bynum the max. Not with the twin tower thing almost 100% unproven at this point. Wait--no official games yet where Bynum and Gasol played along side each other?--then it is 100% unproven.
Thinking out loud,
Wes
Posted by: | October 21, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Jon K,
I can't vote for Twin Peaks since that's what I call Mrs. Magicman. hee hee.
I do like Double Trouble though.
Double Trouble is comin' to your town and they're gonna make rubble!
Anybody remember the Chili Peppers song Magic Johnson??? If so, that line should sound a little familiar! ;-) Blending the past with the present. Gotta love it.
Posted by: magicman | October 21, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Gasol / Bynum duo alternative nicknames:
-Drewpau
-Bynasol
-Purple and Gold People Eaters
-Euro and Hardy
-Pau Byn-yon
-Bam Bam
-El Cid and El Kid
-The Pair for Glory
-Different Strokes
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 21, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Lose. Ugh.
Wes
Posted by: | October 21, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Here's my nicknames for Bynum and Gasol. Didn't I suggest us creating names like 4 blogs ago?
AB, PG
Too Tall
7 & 7
Skyscrapers
Posted by: ajax | October 21, 2008 at 02:06 PM
LTLF,
Sigh more nick name suggestions ... though yet to get some love from the blog for any so guessing they're all crappy ...
Python (Pau's the longer snake ) and Anaconda ( Andrew's the heavier snake ) ... http://tinyurl.com/58zsuk
Sweet ( pau's sweet offensive arsenal ) and Sour ( andrew's bitter defense )
Big (andrew) & Tall (pau) ...
well frankly the other suggestions seem like blatant rip offs of the twin tower or just plain corny, so if they can make the grade y not my crappy nick name ... jeez aint this the same league that has the oklahoma thunder cats ...
Posted by: Taliq | October 21, 2008 at 02:07 PM
The blog has spoken:
Third Round of the Nickname Playoffs for Bynum-Gasol:
1. The Sequoias
2. Twin Peaks
3. Double Trouble
4. The Dynamic Duo
Which two make it to the Fourth Round?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Jon K-
"The blog has spoken:
Third Round of the Nickname Playoffs for Bynum-Gasol:
1. The Sequoias
2. Twin Peaks
3. Double Trouble
4. The Dynamic Duo
Which two make it to the Fourth Round?"
Um, I don't think any of those are quality nicknames. We need to dig deeper into our creative minds people!!
Posted by: ajax | October 21, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Wes,
What are u takling about? Have u not been watching the games? Gasol and Bynum HAVE played together, and NO they do NOT play the same position. Again, have you not been watching??
Posted by: The Big Fence Defense | October 21, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Taliq,
I like the Big and Tall names for Bynum and Pau, you got my vote.
Posted by: The Big Fence Defense | October 21, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Jon K.
"The blog has spoken: Third Round of the Nickname Playoffs for Bynum-Gasol:"
I demand a recount. My nick names were never up for consideration. Furthermore I think we need to better understand the relationship/correlation some of the names chosen (in particular dynamic duo, double trouble, and twin peak) with twin towers. Let me be clear that I'm not interested in a washed up nick name like twin towers and i'm just concerned the obvious correlation between the names you chose and twin towers will lead to accusation that we're paling around with washed up duos.
Posted by: Taliq | October 21, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Hey, Jon K.
Although I like The Sequoias, I'll go with Dynamic Duo. The Sequoias are indeed huge but just stand there. Dynamic Duo implies action - SLAM - DUNK - POW - SWAT!
Go Dynamic Duo!
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | October 21, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Bynum and Gasol Names:
Uptown Boogie and the Vibe
Boof and Rollie Fingers
Dick Pole and Rock Cherry
Monster and the Spaniard
Dank and Smooth
Buffoid and the Carpenter
Air and Silky
Mangler and the Tangler
Sky and Slim
Muscle and the Tussle
Taste Great Less Filling
Daddy Green and Filmore Slim
Boy in Lean and White Folk
Lovetron and Planet Game
Sixth Sense and the Green Mile
The Kid and the Hustle
Starsky and Clutch
Bounce-Rock-Skate
Super Bad and Pee-Gee
NC17 and the Trade
Tracy Morgan and Charlie Murphy
Posted by: Charles | October 21, 2008 at 02:30 PM
>>>We'd better get this Bynum deal done before the
>>>deadline or we loose all our leverage.
I just don't get that argument. How does Bynum's agent get
more leverage after the 31st?
The Lakers will still be able to offer Bynum more money than
any other team in the summer of 2009.
The Lakers would also be able to offer Bynum more money
than any other team in the summer of 2010.
The Lakers would still be able to match any offers from other
teams in the summer of 2009. Because of this, most teams
won't even bother to make an offer... See Deng, Igoudala,
Okafor from this summer.
It would be a huge huge risk for Bynum to play the 2009-10
season for 3.7 million dollars rather than 5 years for 50 million
guaranteed (or whatever the Lakers or another team offer).
Even if he did all that, there's no guarantee that he'd make
more than the Lakers are offering now. 3 of the 4 guys who
got offered 50 million plus last summer got offered LESS money
this summer and took it (the only exception was Igoudala).
Trust me, the Lakers have all the leverage until the summer
of 2010. At that point Bynum would be an unrestricted free
agent and would be able to accept less money to go to another
team if he wants (the Lakers could still offer more than any
other team at that point).
Whatever team Bynum goes to, they're less likely than the
Lakers to be championship contenders, so he would likely
earn less money to play for a worse team in a worse city.
To this point Bynum has not shown a high enough level of
play consistently over a full season to warrant a max contract
or anywhere near one. PERIOD.
If his agent wants max dollars with no strings attached, then
Bynum's got to show that he's worth it by playing out this
season. I'd say to get max dollars, he has to:
a. play at least 70 of the 82 games
b. average at least 10 rebounds per game
c. average at least 2 blocks per game
d. average at least 15 points per game
e. At least come CLOSE to making the All-Star team
If he does those 5 things, I guarantee you the Lakers would
have no qualms about offering him a max contract. If he does
less than that, the Lakers will offer him less than a max contract
next summer. How much less depends on what he does next
year.
And you know what? If he goes out and plays less than
half the games for another year, then the offer will be
more like 40 million for 5 years, because it will be clear
that he is a high injury risk.
That is the gamble that Andrew takes if he decides not
to accept the Lakers generous offer by the 31st.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Quick shout out to Charles for sending some Dit Da Jow to Gary Vitti and getting The Machine back online!!!!
Posted by: magicman | October 21, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Again Jon K,
Dynamic Duo get a vote,
Wes,
"We'd better get this Bynum deal done before the deadline or we loose all our leverage."
No in fact we have almost all the leverage. The Lakers next year can offer the max should Drew perform like a $17 million dollar player. If Drew finds a better deal (save for Europe) then the Lakers can match the deal. Plus he would be a Larry Bird Free Agent so the Lakers can go beyond the cap all the way to the maximum deal to resign him.
Maybe not all the leverage and there is certainly risks to not signing him now but heck Lakers should be signing at most to $13 million per year. The Lakers shouldn't give in at $17 million unless it's next year and Drew shows he can sustain a high level of performance for the season AND the Playoffs.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 21, 2008 at 02:33 PM
>>> 7 & 7
oooh. I do like that one as well.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 21, 2008 at 02:34 PM
well i gotta go now, but I say...
"7&7"
just think about it used in context. "Phil, what did you think of your defense down low tonight?"
"Well, 7&7 really helped us out down there, collecting a total of 21 rebounds. That helps us out a lot."
Posted by: ajax | October 21, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Jon K -
Not bad with the nicknames. I'm a little partial to the Twin Peaks if we had to choose from those 4. BUT...
For a dark horse candidate, I have one kind of out of left field: "The N2O Duo". Why?
Because if you combine the end of Bynum with the beginning of Gasol, you get NumGas. A "Gas" that "Numbs" is Nitrous Oxide, or... N2O. Plus, it knocks people out, which Bynum and Gasol are bound to do to many forwards/centers, AND N2O rhymes with duo. Thus, The N2O Duo.
A stretch? Yes. Preposterous? Yes. Will I forever be labeled as the Laker Blog dork? Most likely.
But I still like it.
Posted by: puddle | October 21, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Jon K. & LTLF,
Ok got yet another new top nick name but first lets recount the gems my efforts have produced so far
1. Python N Anaconda
2. Sweet N Sour
3. Big N Tall
And last but certainly not the least, this is a nick name with it's roots in LA.
http://tinyurl.com/32ahog
"The first SWAT team was established in the Los Angeles Police Department in the 1960s"
Our 7 footers will be patroling the paint and given our new mantra of defense, I suggest we call them "SWAT team", for all the shots they'll swat away in the paint
Posted by: Taliq | October 21, 2008 at 02:52 PM
I've been watching...
Wes
Posted by: | October 21, 2008 at 02:54 PM
I like Double Trouble for obvious reasons, but I do think we can get better than Batman and Robin's old nicknames.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 21, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Ok...
Fric and Frac
Purple People Eaters II
Manchild and Sasquatch
Socks and Spaghetti? Oooooooh... hmmmm...
The Jersey Beast and the Spanish Inquistion...
Mas Conquistadores
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | October 21, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Jon K,
Double Trouble. And they'll probably be double double trouble no less.....
Charles,
If Bynum starts sporting an afro, we're going to vote offa your list. You're outta control man.
puddle,
My head hurts now. Stop that.
Posted by: magicman | October 21, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Jon K,
"I like the Big and Tall names for Bynum and Pau, you got my vote." from the big fence defense ...
See see there are more names out there ... we should get AK & BK to setup a poll ... this election must not be rigged ....
Also having found a fan for one name, I will now proceed to ditch (anaconda/pyton - don't like snakes enough to have 3 on the team, sweet n sour - sweet ain't gonna help our soft reputation ) ... leaving these two
1. Big N Tall
2. SWAT Team
Posted by: Taliq | October 21, 2008 at 02:58 PM
When I say leverage, I mean that we'll end up paying near the max for Bynum if we don't get him signed by month's end. And the last thing this team needs is to pay Bynum the max. In my eyes, the difference between a Bynum max deal and a Bynum 10 million a year deal is a player like Lamar. If Bynum gets the max, there is no way we keep Lamar, and Lamar is a really valuable member of this team. His value greatly outweighs an extra 7 million a year for Bynum. If we let another team offer him a contract. I guarantee that it'll be a max deal. Are you kidding me? A player like Bynum is a once in a decade player that some team is going to bite on. The only way to avoid this is to sign him to a 10 mil a year deal by his BD.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 21, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Slob & Big
Posted by: rl | October 21, 2008 at 03:03 PM
How about:
Nibs and Scooter.
Or...
Giggles and Cherry. That's a good nickname.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 21, 2008 at 03:06 PM
magicman
How about : NC17 and PeeGee
Movie ratings I know. But they fit the bid...
Chest Pound to the Family today!
Posted by: Charles | October 21, 2008 at 03:06 PM
magicman
How about : NC17 and PeeGee
Movie ratings I know. But they fit the bid...
Chest Pound to the Family today!
Posted by: Charles | October 21, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Charles/Taliq,
I think we're looking for one nickname to explain the Bynum-Gasol connection in a "Twin Towers" vein but unique to the pair and the Lakers.
Big and Tall and The Kid and the Hustle are individual nicknames linked by the word "and".
I think we're looking for a nickname that describes the duo. That's why the fourth round was chosen as it was AND because of how the blog voted.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Taliq,
I also likethe following:
SWAT Team
The Pilars
The Titans
Big and Tall
Posted by: The Big Fence Defense | October 21, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Taliq ,
SWAT Team is BA. Like Barrackas.
Other new suggestions:
Bacardi and Cola (A couple of tall drinks)
Backboard Bandits
The Rim Guardians
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 21, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Two to Tango?
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 21, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Yesssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!
We're back.
Hope we're in for more thrilling basketball moments.
This is what we root the Lakers for.
Their ability to extricate from this thrilling moment and come out Winning.
Go Lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LakersNZ | October 21, 2008 at 03:23 PM
What I'm saying is that the only way we get Bynum at 10 mil a year is if we get him before this deadline, before Oct 31st, before other teams can make offers.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 21, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Twinsies
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 21, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Chip and Peter.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 21, 2008 at 03:31 PM
"Giggles and Cherry. That's a good nickname."
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 21, 2008 at 03:33 PM
How about...
SLAM-tony and Cleo-PASS-tra.
That's real good.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 21, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Charles,
NC17 and PG... I can dig it.
I tried to refrain from jumping into this myself.
But what the hell.......
How bout Chico and The Man?
Bynum being only 21 and Gasol being the elder......
Ehhhh maybe.
Posted by: magicman | October 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Could you imagine Andrew Bynum with a huge afro and a giant bushy beard?
It could happen.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Wes,
Don't worry about it. Pig, Charles, and I are going to have a little "talk" with David Lee using three sacks of oranges. That deal is going to be surprisingly affordable.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 21, 2008 at 03:44 PM