Oh, about Kobe and Europe
Lost in the news of Lamar Odom's preseason PG adventure was a note about Kobe Bryant and the potential for a European expedition after this season. In (I believe) an interview with AM 570's Matt "Money" Smith recorded on Media Day (and within his general Media Day audio), Bryant clarified the remarks he made over the summer about playing overseas should someone show him the money. Heaps and heaps of the money:
"...Bryant recently clarified a report that surfaced during the Olympics that he would be willing to play in Europe for $50 million.
"Sometimes you get some really ridiculous questions," Bryant said. "I'm sitting up there with LeBron [James] and someone throws us this question about playing overseas. I don't want him to answer it -- he's a young kid, I didn't want him to take the controversial stuff.
"So I said, 'All right, if a team throws us $50 million then we'll all go.' Who has $50 million, know what I'm saying? Then it became a serious issue. It's just something that was a joke for us. People kind of took it and ran with it."
Bryant makes $21.3 million this season and has two more years left on his Lakers contract totaling $47.8 million, though he could terminate the contract after this season..."
It remains a fun talking point, but as I've written, until someone actually produces the kind of offer to make this scenario anything beyond a hypothetical, I'm not buying it, and it doesn't sound like Bryant is giving it much thought, either.
Interesting note as well about Shaun Livingston. While the Lakers seem in no rush to bring him in, it sounds as if they are at least keeping an eye on the guy. I don't see it happening, but it's fun to kick around.
BK
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Brian Kamenetzky,
Thanks for the reply. I post on food and music blogs and the moderators never if not hardly reply back. I most definitely appreciate the time you take.
"With that said, I believe they should try the Tree's line up and let Lamar prove he can play the SF. If it doesn't work, then be a part of the bench mob playing closer minutes."
Posted by: Charles | October 02, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Posted by: Charles | October 02, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I'd be happy to take my Ari Gold agent percentage of one contract...
Lloyd!
Posted by: Charles | October 02, 2008 at 11:19 AM
kobey can't go to Europe, or else he'll have to face the legacy of the European MJ: D'ANTONI
D'ANTONI'S incredible accomplishments in Italy would be too much for kobey to equal, so kobey would be relegating himself to perpetual "2nd-best American playa in Europe" status.
But I guess he'd get paid more.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 02, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Jon K. -
I'm betting that last sentence of BK's post nearly caused an aneurysm LOL.
Posted by: puddle | October 02, 2008 at 11:31 AM
BK we've had Mihm on the Team for the last 2 years and
he played in how many games? Hey, we should pick up
this Livingston guy on the chance, just the chance that he
could get back any of the potential he had before the
injury. This guy is young and would go good with
Bynum in the 5th Dynasty.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 02, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Its that time of the year again. Times to play in the yearly YAHOO FANTASY BASKETBALL!! Hope we have as much fun as last year. Sign up now before its full.
*******************************************
*************************
ID - 38535
PW - kobe
http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba
Posted by: The Lamar Show | October 02, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Mamba24,
Maybe this is why Lakers will be very cautious to say at least to bring Livingston, because they have such a bad luck with Mihm. Looking at this guy, how slim and fragile he is, I'm wonder he did play as many games as he did before getting injured. Another thing, as you know, you can not have too many bigs on the team, with injuries and foul situation.
On the different topic how about starting “IGNORE TROLLS” bandwagon? Any member who decided to join should follow through by ignoring any troll posting here… Let them starve and soon they’ll fade away.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | October 02, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Puddle,
I am a Bossa Nova guy myself.
Posted by: Charles | October 02, 2008 at 11:52 AM
The Lakers are holding an open practice that the STHs are invited to attend on 10/15. Can't wait!
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 02, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Take a look at Hollinger's prediction
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/nba/index
This guy is insane, he put Utah to finish 1st in the West. I was reading this thing like twice to make sure he is talking about the same team Lakers handle without Drew and Ariza last season..
Posted by: LAL_Fan | October 02, 2008 at 11:55 AM
The Lakers are holding an open practice that the STHs are invited to attend on 10/15. Can't wait! Posted by: lakers_sth | October 02, 2008 at
YOU'VE JUST BEEN ASIGNED BLOG REPORTER FOR THAT DAY! LOL!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | October 02, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Carlos Boozer said that Robin Lopez was the best defender he'd ever faced after this past summer's match between Team USA and the Summer League All Stars.
Things done changed since Boston won the title!
Posted by: BUTLER | October 02, 2008 at 12:09 PM
On the different topic how about starting “IGNORE TROLLS” bandwagon?
Any member who decided to join should follow through by ignoring any troll posting here…
Let them starve and soon they’ll fade away. Posted by: LAL_Fan | October 02, 2008 at 11:50 AM
You are 100% right, but sometimes you feel so sorry for
the little fellas. You know it must be something to be stupid and not realize it but they seem happy enough with
their state of being. THEREFORE LET IT BE SAID LET IT BE WRITTEN LET IT BE DONE! STARVE THE TROLLS.
Posted by: MAMBA24 | October 02, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Lakers_sth-
That's a sweet perk and should be a lot of fun. I'll be expecting an practice report from you. What extra tickets did you end up getting? I have a list I'm working on for when I get to buy tickets.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 02, 2008 at 12:15 PM
I am a Bossa Nova guy myself. Posted by: Charles | October 02, 2008 at 11:52 AM
DANCING WITH THE CHARLES. LOL!
GO CHARLES, GO CHARLES!
*____________________*
STARVE THE TROLLS
BANDWAGON
*___________________*
(01) LAL_FAN - Owner
(02) Pig "Miller" - Driver
(03) TOAD - HEAD Executioner
(04) Mamba24 - Riding Shotgun
(05) EDWIN GUECO - jUDGE JURY & EXECUTIONER
(06) HMRHED - Riding Shotgun
(07) KEIFO - SECURITY
Posted by: | October 02, 2008 at 12:15 PM
mrbarneydangles - I ended up getting extra tix to opening night and the first game against houston. nothing was available for xmas - not even singles (1 seat). maybe they'll make those available for the gen public.
going to the practices is a sweet perk. i love getting to see the facility and all the behind-the-scenes stuff. you get more of a sense of everyone's personalities. they tend to act a little more natural than when they're being interviewed.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 02, 2008 at 12:23 PM
*officially joins the "starve the trolls" bandwagon.
I feel better already!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | October 02, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Mamba24 - I'm pretty sure I can speak for Jon K when I ask that you add him (and me) to the "Starve the Trolls" bandwagon - lol!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 02, 2008 at 01:01 PM
>>>Carlos Boozer said that Robin Lopez was the best
>>>defender he'd ever faced after this past summer's match
>>>between Team USA and the Summer League All Stars.
You better hope Boozer hasn't been living up to his name.
Robin (with no Batman) will probably have to play a lot of
minutes when Snaquille O'Meal goes down for his big
mid-season siesta.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 02, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Welcome back Lamar Show!
Posted by: Faith | October 02, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Jon K......I can see your smile 26.000 miles away....But i think Sun will have first crack at that role.....
Posted by: Thirty2 | October 02, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Man, I would love to see Shaun Livingston in a Lakers jersey. A hell of a lot better bet than this Sun Yue experiment.
Somebody get Shaun Livingston a bottle of Dit Da Jow and a contract!
Get to work, Mitch!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 02, 2008 at 02:16 PM
puddle,
Man, if we could somehow get a healthy Shaun Livingston on this squad, wow, that would completely out of control.
We're talking FIVE-PEAT in terms of Championships.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 02, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Ohhhh mannnnnnnn. We MUST be close to another season of Lakers basketball. Cause I'm about to ask to be put on a freakin' bandwagon!!!
Mamba, please get me on the starve the trolls wagon.
They've run rampant for far too long!
Oh and one more thing...
Hey Shaq! Tell me how my Bynum tastes!
Sucka!
A little premature... But I can't wait to be screaming that at my TV November 20th!!!!
Posted by: magicman | October 02, 2008 at 03:54 PM
BK,
By the way, "European Vacation" was clearly the worst of the Chevy Chase "Vacation" series. Just awful.
If we want to make sure that Kobe doesn't go to Europe, Mitch will sit him down and put in "European Vacation" and watch it with him. A dreadful movie.
It makes "Las Vegas Vacation" look like "Citizen Kane" by comparison.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 02, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Jon-
To go one step beyond that, I'd say any Vacation that has a descriptor, be it "European," "Vegas," or "Christmas," isn't that funny.
They should have quit while they were ahead. From a hoops standpoint, though, I think the title of the movie fits what life would be like for Kobe (or any pro) should one of these hypothetical mega-money deals materialize and they make the jump. Between the cash and the way those leagues work in terms of schedule and quality, it would indeed be a European vacation.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 02, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Jon K,
I must say...I don't get the Livingston love. I mean the Clippers (the clippers!) don't think enough of him to retain him. This after years of hanging all their hopes on him.
Just wondering lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | October 02, 2008 at 05:14 PM
"FAITH"-
Be VERY careful...you are putting 'love' and 'business' in the SAME category. We ALL know that those two DO NOT mix in professional Sports. The clippers DO think fondly of him because they offered a 2 year contract...that says they do care BUT they are smart enough to know he almost suffered a career ended injury so they cant take the gamble. Thats smart. Bottom line is Livingston is a very good basketball player that ANY team would want on their squad. My fingers are crossed that he becomes a back up for us.
GO LA!
Posted by: Blaze1Bx | October 03, 2008 at 07:28 AM
BK,
1. "Vacation" - A Classic!
2. "Christmas Vacation" - Very funny. Mildly heartwarming.
3. "Las Vegas Vacation" - Mildly funny. Has its moments.
4. "European Vacation" - Dreadful and grim. Just awful.
But, yes, I thought the "European Vacation" was a successful tool in creating levity. Well done.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 03, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Faith,
Yes, but the Clippers also drafted Michael Olowkandi and Yaroslav Korolev (an 18 year old no talent kid from Russia) as LOTTTERY picks, and paid huge money for Tim Thomas (aka Los Angeles' sole cancer now that Kwame Brown is gone).
I love Elgin Baylor and Mike Dunleavy (primarily for the fact that they are ex-Lakers), BUT history has shown that they (particularly Baylor and Sterling) have not always been wise in their personnel decisions.
Shaun Livingston was on his way to being a major superstar and that's not just insane Clippers fan Jon K. talking. I heard the topic raised multiple times on ESPN and Fox Sports.
IF (and I do mean "IF") he can come back from that injury he will be an extreem boon to any team he plays for. I just think he's worth the risk.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 03, 2008 at 07:34 AM
I think the Lakers need to just stick to talking simple basketball with the media... If asked "what will your starting 5 look like Phil?", just answer "it'll look like whichever 5 can get it done..." Or if asked "how did you guys manage to win tonights game?" the reply should be "we put the ball in the basket more times than the other team..." Let's stop giving the media stupid stuff to hang on. They continually try to blow anything and everything out of proportion, it's ridiculous and we as Americans are even worse for sitting back and letting it happen.
While Kobe will have the opportunity to leave, anyone is stupid if they think he's actually going to go overseas... I can see Kobe leaving around 35 and playing a few years in Italy just like his dad, but he's not going anywhere anytime before then...
Posted by: Jason | October 03, 2008 at 09:12 AM