Exit Interviews: Andrew Bynum apologizes for forearm on Dallas' J.J. Barea
Within a span of 48 hours after seeing the replay, Lakers center Andrew Bynum expressed remorse over throwing a forearm shiver to Dallas guard J.J. Barea in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' Game 4 loss Sunday to the Dallas Mavericks.
"I want to apologize for my actions at the start of the fourth quarter in Dallas," said Bynum, who has also picked up a flagrant foul type 2 and earned a two-game suspension for delivering forearms this season to Minnesota's Michael Beasley. "This doesn't represent my upbringing and I want to apologize to J.J. Barea for doing that. I'm glad he wasn't seriously injured. All I can say is I look at it as terrible."
Bynum wasn't apologetic for the incident immediately after the game, but he said he changed his sentiments after watching the replay. He also plans to reach out to Barea, though he said he won't take offense if Barea doesn't respond considering the Mavericks are still in the playoff hunt and the severity of the foul. He also vowed that an incident of this nature would never happen again
Even with Bynum owning up to his mistake, it's safe to presume the NBA will issue a fine and suspension for an incident that has sparked universal criticism from Jerry West, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher. The incident sullied an otherwise impressive season for Bynum, who made up for a 24-game absence to rehab his surgically repaired right knee with an emerging defensive presence, becoming a more reliable inside option (11.3 points and 9.4 rebounds) and managing to end the season without a major injury. Even with Bynum turning a corner in his development, showing the potential to be a dominant center and posting a consistent 14.4 points and 9.6 in the rebounds in the postseason, he faces a restless off-season. Although the Lakers' front office has conveyed patience regarding Bynum's development and extensive injury history, some including Johnson and Worthy believe his ejection against Dallas will sour his reputation with the Lakers. Even before the Game 4 incident, Johnson argued the Lakers should consider packaging Bynum in a trade for Orlando center Dwight Howard.
"Sometimes you have to man up and own it," Bynum said. "That's what happened. It's unacceptable."
Among the other highlights of his interview:
-- On the Lakers expressing criticism on his foul on Barea: "Everyone has an opinion on it. It's not representative of my upbringing."
-- On the lockout: "I want it to be back and not miss a beat and don't have an idea. What I have to do going in this summer is stay ready."
-- On the trust issues: "I think we weren't out there doing everything together."
-- On if he thinks he'll be suspended: "I believe I will be suspended ... I don't want to be suspended."
-- On his health: "I have no injuries going into the summer."
-- On if the Lakers need to make any changes: "I'm 100% in belief we can win a title. This team is a contending team. It makes it easier to bring guys in to be focused."
-- On why the Lakers needed "intense practices" given Kobe Bryant's surgically repaired right knee and the team's heavy basketball mileage: "We have to practice. I can't address no one's health and no one can address mine. But in order to win, we need to practice and we need to be out there and do things together and that's just where it is. That was the main thing that I saw was different the last two years. Practice wasn't the same."
RELATED:
Caught in the Web: Lakers begin their offseason
Exit interviews: Ron Artest emphasizes Lakers' recent success
Exit interviews: Shannon Brown says he hasn't decided if he'll exercise his player option
-- Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com.
Photo: Los Angeles Lakers' Andrew Bynum listens to a question from the media during his exit interview at the team's basketball training facility in El Segundo Tuesday. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
That was the main thing that I saw was different the last two years. Practice wasn't the same."
-- Mark Medina
---
Reporter: "So you and coach Brown got caught up on Saturday about practice?"
Iverson: "If I can't practice, I can't practice. It is as simple as that. It ain't about that at all. It's easy to sum it up if you're just talking about practice. We're sitting here, and I'm supposed to be the franchise player, and we're talking about practice. I mean listen, we're sitting here talking about practice, not a game, not a game, not a game, but we're talking about practice. Not the game that I go out there and die for and play every game last it's my last but we're talking about practice man. How silly is that?
Now I know that I'm supposed to lead by example and all that but I'm not shoving that aside like it don't mean anything. I know it's important, I honestly do but we're talking about practice. We're talking about practice man. (laughter from the media crowd) We're talking about practice. We're talking about practice. We're not talking about the game. We're talking about practice. When you come to the arena, and you see me play, you've seen me play right, you've seen me give everything I've got, but we're talking about practice right now. (more laughter)
Posted by: The Snake | May 10, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Good insight by Bynum:
--On why the Lakers needed "intense practices" given Kobe Bryant's surgically repaired right knee and the team's heavy basketball mileage: "We have to practice. I can't address no one's health and no one can address mine. But in order to win, we need to practice and we need to be out there and do things together and that's just where it is."
Posted by: Art | May 10, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Champions vs. Losers: Elbow grease
When Boston’s Rondo hustled, he dislocated his elbow; when the Lakers’ Odom and Bynum used their elbows, they dislocated the team.
These Laker losers owe apologies to Dirk Nowitzki and Jose Barea, as well as to their respective Moms, given that they intended to seriously injure their sons on Mothers’ Day.
Posted by: Dave | May 10, 2011 at 10:42 AM
I AM REPOSTING WHAT I POST ON MAY 5, 2011
LAKERLAND,
It's hard to imagine nothing to watch any sports activities in t.v. in L.A. for the next two months. I don't watch the boring Dodgers and the copy cat Angels at all. I'm used to watching the Lakers in the month of May and June for the last three years. Now, they will be gone by the weekend after the Mavs sweep them. It's hard to imagine this will happen to our beloved team. Well, as a fan we're lucky enough to have 16 championships for our city, unlike fans of other cities in the United States who never experienced having a parade or had a parade decades ago. Don't worry we will be champion again in 2012 when Dwight Howard will team-up with Kobe Bryant. Howard/Kobe a much better version of Shaq/Kobe. Three-peat in the making before Kobe retires.
Posted by: rafanico | May 05, 2011 at 08:48 AM http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/
Posted by: rafancio | May 10, 2011 at 10:43 AM
What Bynum did was stupid, but you have to remember he's still a immature @ 23...hell, I was doing stupid things til my late 20's
Posted by: KL_Beast | May 10, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Laker fan-
You can hate on Lebron and the Heat all you want but they are and gonna be tough to beat.
Posted by: 131-92 | May 10, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Yup, and you are finding that out first hand eh? Must hurt having the princess and his court maids handing you guys a molly whopping.
Thanks
PSP Officer
Posted by: Practice Season Police | May 10, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Dwight #1, CP3 #2, Kobe #3...
Can kobe handle it? I doubt it...
Posted by: KL_Beast | May 10, 2011 at 10:48 AM
I hope Bynum didn't get hurt. That foul to his elbow by Barea looked bad.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | May 10, 2011 at 10:59 AM
BYNUM SUMS IT UP:
"Practice wasn't the same"
This is the first I've heard of this, but if true, explains most of the trouble.
In simple terms, you GET what you practice.
Which is one reason why the whole "practice season" thing was sort of BS. I think most of you knew it was BS but went along with it because we're fans and we will think the most optimistically about our team.
I've made that same mistake in my own life (wishful thinking) and it's cost me a lot. I can't begin to say how much, but a whole lot. It's one reason why even with the Lakers I will try and remain as objective as I can... even though at times, some of you don't think I'm a true fan.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 10, 2011 at 11:03 AM
>>>I hope Shannon Brown ops out and becomes a free agent. He is athletic but
>>>has nothing else. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Farmar/Sasha were
>>>better for the team than him. I can't believe I'm also saying this, but
>>>Farmar/Sasha was a better bench than Blake/Barnes/Brown in the playoffs.
>>>Hustle/Defense/3pt shooting.
I'm going to make it even more "you can't believe you're saying this"...
Farmar/Sasha/LUKE was a better bench than Blake/Barnes/Brown.
Sasha was a more reliable 3-point shooter than either Brown or Blake or Barnes (other than Brown in 2009, who was lights out). He not only hit the free throws to seal the game 7 win in Boston, but in game 3 of the 2008 finals, they would have lost without his 20 points. And Sasha was also a get-under-your-skin type defender that often drew technical fouls on opposing players (remember the Carmelo choking incident?).
Farmar clashed with Phil and wasn't a great fit for the triangle, but he had several things going over Blake - He was tougher than Blake - he took down Dwight Howard in one 2009 finals game so Howard had to shoot two free throws (no and-1). He was faster than Blake - he got to the rim and could finish there or dish to a teammate MUCH better than Blake. He was also a slightly better defender on small quick point guards. He might have erased one or two of the 3000 layups by Terry or Barea in the Dallas series. And unlike Blake, Farmar wasn't afraid to shoot. SOOO many times in the playoffs Blake had a wide open shot and just refused to take it - and when he did take it, he shot poorly.
And Luke, HATED as he is by several bloggers here contributed a reasonable amount to the 2008 and 2009 playoff teams. He played 16 minutes a game for those squads, shot better than Barnes, got a reasonable amount of assists and rebounds for the time he was on the floor and even defended well at times. His best play was versus Denver in 2008 (14 points and 4 assists per game) and Orlando in 2009 (80% shooting for the series).
I honestly believe that if the Lakers had kept Sasha, Farmar, and played Luke the minutes that they gave Barnes this season, they would still be in the playoffs (series would be tied 2-2). Might not have been able to pull off another championship unless Pau stepped it up, but they wouldn't have been the disaster bench that the killer-B's were against Dallas.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 10, 2011 at 11:04 AM
How many games did Magic get when he elbowed Isiah Thomas in the Finals?
Posted by: Laker4Life | May 10, 2011 at 11:08 AM
rafancio - I would like to correct yur information
The city of Los Angeles ( Lakers ) has 11 titles.
Those other titles are franchise tack on titles from Minneapolis.
Posted by: gary socal | May 10, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Apperantly Kobe wasnt practicing with Drew lol
chemistry issues!
Posted by: LALakerz213 | May 10, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Remember this Worthy punch?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AldmtFdQFLk&feature=related
Also remember when Mitch and Hakeem got int a fight. I think Magic and Worthy need to remember they had incidents on the court also.
Posted by: Laker4Life | May 10, 2011 at 11:14 AM
>>>Can kobe handle it? I doubt it...
Well, So far everything you've spewed about Kobe in this group has been totally wrong...
KL BEAST: No free agent will ever want to sign to play with Kobe (you probably called him Ko-me or Coby or some such).
WRONG
KL BEAST: Kobe will never win another ring without Shaq.
WRONG.
Why don't you predict that Kobe won't win the title the next 3 years straight. That would almost guarantee it's going to happen.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 10, 2011 at 11:23 AM
glad to see that bynum owned up to his cheap shot. yeah, unfortunately for him, most def he'll be suspended and fined. on the other hand, j.j. barea has a career as a stunt man after his nba job is over.....he can really do that well! ha ha
Posted by: Lakeshowinphx | May 10, 2011 at 11:23 AM
TREY ANASTASIO: That was incredible. I liked band practice better than...
CHARLIE ROSE: Than performance?
TREY ANASTASIO: Yeah.
CHARLIE ROSE: Did you really?
TREY ANASTASIO: My memory of band practice is the thing I`ll miss the most. And maybe that`s part of the reason why we don`t practice anymore. We don`t practice. We can`t. It`s just...
This from Phish guitar player, Trey Anastasio on some of the reasons Phish broke up in 2004 (back together now, gonna see 'em at the Hollywood Bowl among other locals).
The reason I threw this into my comment is this: Bynum, despite his deplorable foul on JJ, is sounding more like a leader than any other Laker right now. Pau is distant and seems resigned to being traded and is maybe even looking forward to going to a smaller market team with less expectations. Whatever he felt he had to prove over the last couple of years has obviously taken a back seat to his emotional state he is presently in. I love and respect Pau Gasol both as a player and as an individual, but I love the Lakers more than any single player, coach, towel boy or owner. It's a Los Angeles thing, man.
Right now Bynum is the best thing the Lakers have going for them. Kobe will retire a Laker (unless he reverts to petulant Kobe and demands a trade to a contender so he can keep chasing rings a la Shaq...but I REALLY hope that doesn't happen). We have seen Kobe's best and it is most assuredly in the rear-view mirror of his career, he can still be effective, dominant even, but the Kobe that could out score Dallas over 3 quarter by himself will never be seen on this Earth again, unless it's in the form of another player. If there is a lock out and he doesn't get his physical ailments taken care of, either by surgery or Troll-like regeneration, he will continue to decline. His hands, feet and legs have all started to lag behind his will. Last year his will prevailed, aided slightly by a monster game from Artest in Game 7, this year we saw that will wasn't nearly enough.
We know that Pau is not a number 1 option on this team. He may not even be a number 1 option on most playoff contenders outside of New Orleans (without David West), he is a great player for the Triangle in that he can shoot from distance and post up which, combined with his above average passing, made him valuable to this Laker team as currently constructed. If he allowed outside events to influence his play on the court...well, guess what, the man is human and as someone who recently went through a terrible break up and felt like those who could've helped, or at least stayed out of it, didn't and as a result my life has become a morass of misery (hence my lack of posts, but I've turned a mental/spiritual corner and so you should be seeing me pop back up again) so I can feel some compassion for that scenario. If anything, having played with Kobe and won to the tune of two championships would make me hope Kobe would stick up for El Spaniard.
But really, this is all about the future. We all know that the majority of the players on the team are basically unmovable (Fisher, Artest) or don't make enough to get us under the luxury tax threshold (Blake, Barnes, Brown) so the Lakers have to re-invent themselves a la the Material Girl aka Madonna. If we gut the team to sign and trade Howard, how will that makes us any better than New York is (still a major piece or two away from serious contention)? If we keep everyone and re-focus the offense, adjust the defensive principles and start grooming some young guys we get through the draft this team can still be a force in the playoffs. Gutting it would be a mistake as it will actually hurt us in the long run, I feel. If Bynum can mature a bit in the off season, learn that his temper is a good and bad thing but the 'this ain't gonna happen under my basket' attitude is a good thing then I don't see why we can't keep competing for rings.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | May 10, 2011 at 11:23 AM
If I recall correctly, the Rambis clothesline by McHale only resulted in two foul shots. No flagrant, no technical, no ejection, no suspension. Those were, indeed, the good old days.
Posted by: The Snake | May 10, 2011 at 11:23 AM
did mchale get suspended for the "freddy williamson clotheline" on rambis? it's been so long i've forgotten!
Posted by: Lakeshowinphx | May 10, 2011 at 11:24 AM
The difference is that it was a cheap shot directed at a smaller player in an indefensible position.
Posted by: Eric | May 10, 2011 at 11:28 AM
>>>How many games did Magic get when he elbowed Isiah Thomas in the Finals?
And how many games did McHale get when he clotheslined Kurt in the finals?
And how many games did the Detroit Bad Boys get for all their Assault-level fouls?
It's a different era - the rules have changed to not allow that kinda hard fouls any more.
In 1985, Pau's running into Dirk in game 1 would not have been a foul at all (Dirk didn't fall down or lose possession, so incidental contact) and Bynum's hit on Barea would have just been an ordinary two shot foul.
In 2011, McHale would have been suspended for the next two games, and Mahorn, Laimbeer, and Isaiah would have spent more time in suits than in game attire.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 10, 2011 at 11:28 AM
I don't think they should waste time suspending Bynum for meaningless regular season games. He should be suspended for the first round of the NBA Playoffs next year if the Lakers make it. Of course, he might want to be suspended the next time he plays the Mavericks because I know darn well he wants nothing to do with the Mavs enforcer Brian Cardinal. Would love to see Bynum try to pick on someone his own size though.
Posted by: lastvonerich | May 10, 2011 at 11:30 AM
>>>Apperantly Kobe wasnt practicing with Drew lol
>>>
>>>chemistry issues!
Kobe wasn't practicing with anybody. He was AT practice (unlike Iverson, for those trying to make that comparison), but they wanted his knees and ankles to hold together for the playoffs, so he often didn't practice with the team.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 10, 2011 at 11:30 AM
>>>Remember this Worthy punch?
Yeah, but notice in the video that Gatling hits him in the nuts while James is going up for the shot. In today's game, both Gatling and Worthy would be suspended.
But James was just defending himself - Gatling took a serious cheap shot.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 10, 2011 at 11:31 AM
This team has totally gone "Rocky III" before the first match with Clubber Lang.
The only difference is that everyone on the team in addition to doing idiotic things like recording Rap albums, growing mohawks, and starring in Reality TV programs, all (except Derek) decided to marry attention-vampire, histrionic drama-queens, the kind that will only cause trouble in a Los Angeles elite celebrity environment.
Smart. Real smart.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 10, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Yep, Kobe didn't have to practice, some of the other vets didn't have to practice, SMH
And can we move on with this Elbow stuff? It's done, JJ is still playing and Bynum will be suspended, enough time to move on get another championship.
Posted by: hiphopcop | May 10, 2011 at 11:32 AM
It's like I said... if this was an 80's series, then Bynum would have given that kind of hit to Barea in game 1 (and maybe again in game 2 if he didn't get the message).
After that, Barea would be thinking a bit more when he drove the lane, knowing he might not just get to waltz up to the rim with no consequences.
It was a common defensive strategy by certain teams (Boston and Detroit, notably) in the 80's. If you do it now, the STERNBA thinks you're on a level with mother rapers and father stabbers.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 10, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Moderation Killz!
Posted by: LALakerz213 | May 10, 2011 at 11:37 AM
When Lakers got blown out in Boston in 2008, people said this team is soft, we need a tough guys.So Lakers signed Ron Artest, and we knew something bad is going to happen soon or later plus the addition of Mart Barnes.
When Howard lost in the playoffs few years ago, people said he was too nice, and did not know how to use the elbow. So which way is correct ?
Every year we hear the same thing, the Portland Trail Blazers is dangerous team, they have players who can run, dunk,...where are they now ? The strength of this Lakers is big guys, who can score inside, can wear down opponents in the 7 games series, it is up to the coach who knows how to it.
Posted by: bluesky | May 10, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Gary Socal -- only one of those banners they fly in the FleetCenter was earned there after the franchise moved from its previous location in the Boston Gardens. So, by your franchise-championships-don't-count-after-a-move rule, the score is Staples Lakers: 5; FleetCenter Celtics: 1.
Posted by: LAnativeinPA | May 10, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Magic Johnson is the reason I started my love affair with all things basketball. He personally made me put down my Legos, and pick up a basketball. I could finally talk about a sport and actually know something about it! Thanks, Buck!
Lately, though...
Magic Johnson is the reason why I wish these beloved former Laker Legends would just shut up.
I remember the Isiah Elbow, the Worthy Punch, Kupchak vs. Olajuwon, Kermit vs. Tomjanovich's mug, etc...
Does Magic remember this:
http://articles.latimes.com/1996-05-05/sports/sp-832_1_magic-johnson
At least Bynum didn't bump an official.
Frustration brews and brews until it finally manifests itself in some truly uncharacteristic behavior. We've all been there, done that. Seen it. Victimized by it. Succumbed to it.
These Lakers knew they were frustrated, tired, and beaten. They were just way too proud to admit it and imploded in magnificent fashion.
Magic is still my favorite Laker ever. Ever. He just needs to shut his grill and stop imitating the other talking heads on BSPN and NBAtv.
As Mark Jackson would say, "C'mon, Earv, you're better than that."
Cooler heads will prevail.
If anyone should be upset, it's Shaw. The epic fail the Lakers pooped out essentially killed the thought of retaining the Triangle offense and probably any chances of Shaw becoming the Main Man in Los Angeles.
That's all for now.
DBDH!
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | May 10, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Here it is! True Laker fans can see through all the BS,rumors, haters, and those of no knowledge of what it takes to have a job as a professional athlete. First and foremost, this is their job. Job performance is sometimes affected by personal discomforts of life. There job is for our entertainment purposes only and we should be careful because we don't want our employers to use the same measuring stick that we are using to measure their performance. Those other professionals that are so eager to offer their opinion about what should or will happen to Bynum do need to be reminded of their flagrant fouls and shortcomings during their careers. We buy into what the media says is right and wrong which helps them to keep their jobs even if their reporting is WRONG! Now lets enjoy our team, back our team, forgive our team, and this team will prevail again and again. Okay>
Posted by: lakerfan for 40yrs | May 10, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Gary Socal -- oops -- I should have seen that you were objecting to claiming the 16 championships for the city and not to claiming them for the franchise. Sorry.
Posted by: LAnativeinPA | May 10, 2011 at 11:51 AM
Drew. No need to apologize. You should've clothesline him since Game 1.
Posted by: yo | May 10, 2011 at 11:56 AM
I think the lack of practice time did contribute to the disjointed look they had this year. There was a conscious decision made by Kobe and the coaching staff to practice on the knee as little as possible. And while that probably was the right decision given the wear and tear, the team never looked as polished this year.
Posted by: Angie | May 10, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Jon.K, thanks for article about Kobe's wife.
Before Lakers had to choose Kobe or Shaq, now Kobe or Gasol.
Posted by: bluesky | May 10, 2011 at 11:58 AM
The beating by Dallas just goes to show that last years Lakers that barely got by an " old " Celtics team were overrated this year. The switch ain't broken. There never was one.
Posted by: gary socal | May 10, 2011 at 12:00 PM
@ Gary Socal, you are correct that LA only has 11 of the championships but for those of us Laker fans that would be cheering for them regardless of where they play, we acknowledge all 16.
Posted by: West Coast Ram | May 10, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Glad Bynum was able to man up.
Posted by: Public Advocate | May 10, 2011 at 12:05 PM
bluesky,
I'm so tired of this nonsense.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 10, 2011 at 12:50 PM
DBDH, i'm in agreement with you. yeah i love Magic Johnson (or Tragic johnson, as jim rome calls him) BUT, magic, please shut your pie hole! between telling everyone to blowing up the Lakers or dissing on 'drew for WHATEVER, you were no angel on the court either! all of these old farts are coming out of the woods to dump on drew. on colin cowherd show today, former nba star/analyst mark jackson said when he played for pat riley in new york, it was premeditated when they were going to give someone a "HARD FOUL", someone, who was maybe lighting up the knicks. jackson used the words PREMEDITATED. so, please all of the old-timers who think they played the game clean.....shut up! the only thing the Lakers should have done was knock barea , dirk or terry down, like maybe in game 1? not game 3 in a "win or go home" situation. you should have put the fear of god in them early in the series!
Posted by: Lakeshowinphx | May 10, 2011 at 12:51 PM
LALakers213,
You thought I forgot what I told you last Friday 05-05-11? Remember I will get back to you on Monday, I'm a day late but here it is...........I TOLD YOU SO!!!
Posted by: rafancio | May 10, 2011 at 01:01 PM
"It's like I said... if this was an 80's series, then Bynum would have given that kind of hit to Barea in game 1 (and maybe again in game 2 if he didn't get the message).
After that, Barea would be thinking a bit more when he drove the lane, knowing he might not just get to waltz up to the rim with no consequences.
It was a common defensive strategy by certain teams (Boston and Detroit, notably) in the 80's. If you do it now, the STERNBA thinks you're on a level with mother rapers and father stabbers.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | May 10, 2011 at 11:34 AM "
The game has changed but it has changed for both sides for the best interests of everyone involved. I don't think anyone here wants to see one of the Laker players injured because they went for a layup or were simply playing too well. It's not part of the game. Was anyone here happy when Kurt Rambis got clotheslined?
Posted by: Bay to LA | May 10, 2011 at 01:09 PM
Let go of Pau, Odom, and possibly Bynum for Dwight Howard, CP3, Kevin Love....
And KOBE NEEDS TO CUT HIS SALARY LESS THAN HALF SO THAT HE CAN GET A-LISTS PLAYERS TO HELP HIM AT LEAST 5 MORE YEARS!!!!
DEAR KOBE,
I WILL GIVE YOU STOCK OPTIONS (OWNERSHIP) IN MY INTERNET COMPANY AS A COMPENSATION 1.5 X THAN WHAT YOU ARE GETTING AS AN NBA PLAYER AS LONG YOU GIVE ROOM FOR THE LAKERS ORGANIZATION TO ACQUIRE DWIGHT HOWARD, CP3, KEVIN LOVE, BLAKE GRIFFIN, OR KEVIN DURANT(NEXT 2 TO 3 YEARS).
get back to me at marybchandler@gmail.com.
I am soooo DISGUSTED, WE NEED TO WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS NOW NOW NOW!!!!
Posted by: mary chandler | May 10, 2011 at 01:11 PM
How many games did Magic get when he elbowed Isiah Thomas in the Finals?
Posted by: Laker4Life | May 10, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Whenever I watch basketball, I'm usually watching 80s and 90s from being bored of the quality and circus of today's league and most of their players, and in no way was his elbow the same as Bynum's, let alone the context of it.
You are no 'laker4life' fan, trying to call out Magic who is infinitely better than kobe. You're just a homer for your current team and crop of loser players, and a shallow one at that.
Posted by: thetruest1 | May 10, 2011 at 01:18 PM
@ 'Laker4Life':
Remember this Worthy punch?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AldmtFdQFLk&feature=related
Also remember when Mitch and Hakeem got int a fight. I think Magic and Worthy need to remember they had incidents on the court also.
Posted by: Laker4Life | May 10, 2011 at 11:14 AM
That was an actual fight, after other dude threw the first punch at Worthy.
JJ Barea was defenseless, in the air, and just playing ball (ie., shittin on the f***in lakers team.).
Magic and Showtime, and The Dream >>> Bean and Mr. Kardashian/tall bitches under the basket.
You're a loser. LOL your lakers got swept HARD, WITHOUT homecourt. keep crying.
Posted by: thetruest1 | May 10, 2011 at 01:37 PM
There have been plenty of harder fouls in years past as everyone continues to point out. The difference being those were in the heat of battle. This was simply a cheap shot given in frustration after the game had long been decided. Having said that, Bynum's apology seems sincere and that's good enough by me. Time to move on.
Posted by: Bob | May 10, 2011 at 01:53 PM
So, that means that all Bynum did on the past is no good, looks like you gringos never played a game, give me a break, what kind of fans are you?
oh yes, fairweather fans.
you stick to your team, you support them in good and bad times, Lakers gave me the satisfaction to won 10 championships in this last 30 years, did I abandon them from 89 to 99? NO.
I do not condone what Bynum did, but can you imagine the frustration?
And trade Bynum for Howard? how many rings does he have?
Do you know any other sport organization as successful as the Lakers in the last 30 years? NO
Arriba Los Lakers!!! , will be back.
Posted by: Edmundo Gerardo | May 10, 2011 at 01:58 PM
Sounds like he doesn't want to lose his access to the Playboy Mansion. I say Hef should ban him for a month, that will teach him.
Posted by: LARON THE PROPHET OF DOOM | May 10, 2011 at 02:12 PM
All you sports pundits out there who have reacted with a collective gasp at the classless and thuggish demeanor of the Lakers as they were swept out of the playoffs by the Mavericks, need to sit back, chill-out, and shut up. Planted in your cushy seats in the clouds above the fray and passing judgement while tapping giddily away at your keyboards doesn't take much moxie and does not give you license to denigrate the men who were in the midst of that humiliating pelting. The Laker players, proud champions, didn't observe the ignominy being rained down upon them by the upstart Mavericks, they lived it. The Lakers, as witnessed by the world, were undergoing one of the most severe beatings in NBA playoff history. So what if they lost composure at the end? Understand it. Grasp it. Get over it. And what gave you the idea that basketball is a non-contact sport? J.J. Barea is a tough little guy who knows how to take a hit, how to fall, how to minimize potential for injury. He put in his few minutes of garnering sympathy on the floor and got up unscathed. I gotta be honest, when Andrew had his fill of the smallest man on the court, game after game, continuously driving for the basket unguarded by Laker perimeter players and then decided in a moment of passion to swat him down like a bothersome gnat, I let out a shout of approval. Enough is enough.
Posted by: Danny Stark | May 10, 2011 at 02:18 PM
If Phil Jackson would leave a team without it blowing up ,we could see if he was a good coach or it was his players.You cannot tell me that Phil Jackson cared about three peating ,he only stayed because he did not want to hand a good team off to someone else and destroy his myth. Andrew Bynum spoke the truth ,if the Lakers Org decide to only make changes to the bench(and I hope it means geting rid of Lamar and putting Fish on the bench) Phil will be back,that is why he won't say for sure that this is his last year. Also they need to get rid of the triangle its been picked apart by the pick and roll.
Posted by: Barbra | May 10, 2011 at 02:20 PM
Well, give Bynum a bit of credit, at least he didn't resort to the pseudo-apology that is so common these days: "I'm sorry if I offended Barea by trying to break his ribs". Back to a real apology: I did it, I'm sorry, I promise not to do it again. It's a start...
Posted by: limone1 | May 10, 2011 at 02:47 PM
Well, give Bynum a bit of credit, at least he didn't resort to the pseudo-apology that is so common these days: "I'm sorry if I offended Barea by trying to break his ribs". Back to a real apology: I did it, I'm sorry, I promise not to do it again. It's a start...
Posted by: limone1 | May 10, 2011 at 02:47 PM
"You cannot tell me that Phil Jackson cared about three peating ,he only stayed because he did not want to hand a good team off to someone else and destroy his myth.
Posted by: Barbra | May 10, 2011 at 02:20 PM "
I do think he truly wanted to three peat this year but I have to agree with the second part.
Posted by: Bay to LA | May 10, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Some interesting interesting final thoughts on the Series. I agree with these guys Kobe can never become MJ now but do not agree that the 2011 Lakers are the 1991 Pistons.
http://chasing23.com/phil-jacksons-last-dance/
Posted by: Lakersfan3434 | May 10, 2011 at 02:57 PM
Some interesting interesting final thoughts on the Series. I agree with these guys Kobe can never become MJ now but do not agree that the 2011 Lakers are the 1991 Pistons.
http://chasing23.com/phil-jacksons-last-dance/
Posted by: Lakersfan3434 | May 10, 2011 at 02:57 PM
Also, we need to forgive Bynum now that he has apologized.
Posted by: Lakersfan3434 | May 10, 2011 at 03:02 PM
Gee . . . Bynum can't apologize publicly through the maedia on his own.
He has to ( be forced ) to do it in a Lakers team " Exit interview "
What a lame thug.
Posted by: Gary socal | May 10, 2011 at 03:05 PM
Bynum manned up and apologized. Issue over. Stop with the histerics. I've seen the same level of contact during high school soccer. Big deal.
If anything, Bynum should knocked Barera down in an earlier game. I know I got tired watching Barera parade around the lane like it ways layup drills
Posted by: getoverit | May 10, 2011 at 03:10 PM
getoverit . . . You are a perfect example of how screwed up our society has become.
Posted by: Gary socal | May 10, 2011 at 03:18 PM
The insensitivity Kobe Bryant and the Lakers exhibited towards the Armenian genocide was distressing. I think their season was over at that point.
Posted by: Larry H | May 10, 2011 at 03:19 PM
"Bynum manned up and apologized. Issue over. Stop with the histerics. I've seen the same level of contact during high school soccer. Big deal.
If anything, Bynum should knocked Barera down in an earlier game. I know I got tired watching Barera parade around the lane like it ways layup drills
Posted by: getoverit | May 10, 2011 at 03:10 PM "
Bynum should have been getting in the face of the guards that kept allowing Barea to penetrate the lane or Terry or Stojakovic to shoot from outside. The defensive rotations were awful.
Posted by: Bay to LA | May 10, 2011 at 03:24 PM
"so, please all of the old-timers who think they played the game clean.....shut up! the only thing the Lakers should have done was knock barea , dirk or terry down, like maybe in game 1? not game 3 in a "win or go home" situation. you should have put the fear of god in them early in the series!"
You know nothing about basketball. All that would have done is ejected somebody that much sooner. And you know nothing about how the game used to be played. Today's game is much more physical. Clotheslining a much smaller player as he's moving defenseless through the key is disgraceful.
Kudos for Bynum for apologizing. He was wrong, period.
Posted by: Bob | May 10, 2011 at 03:27 PM
Although it was a ridiculous foul and uncalled for, I appreciate where it came from. Bynum is the center and should feel like he owns the paint. I'd have been madder if he just let Barea fly right by him without doing anything.
Next time, at least try to make a play on the ball. Even if Barea flips around and hits the ground, at least you can say that you were attempting to make a legit play.
Posted by: Art | May 10, 2011 at 03:31 PM
glad to see LA loose - after flagrant BS like that they don't deserve squat - you've been shut down, you have nothing to say!
Posted by: SHUT out now shut up! | May 10, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Dear SHUT out now shut up!
Two things:
1) When is the last time your team won multiple rings? Like,let's say 5 in the last ten years or so.
2) The word is lose, not loose. Learn how to spell.
Posted by: LARON THE PROPHET OF DOOM | May 10, 2011 at 04:39 PM
His shot to JJ was not good but I am shocked at the reaction, it's like we've been conditioned as Angelinos and Laker fans to be so soft, and "profesional" when one of our guys does something like that which was not nearly as bad as it looked, that ff it had been a celtic the reaction wouldn't have been like it was, by the media, fans, everybody. That being said I don't condone what he did at all, but for some of you fans to throw Andrew under the bus, instead of the guy's performance in the series, is even sadder. I mean for real, these "cheap" shots were commonplace and a resurgent theme not long ago, and there have been worse plays before, and even by more reknown players like Kevin Garnett and they didn't get 5 game suspensions, unless they actually swung a fist.. so a bit uptight, here.. people calling for face-to-face apologies and roses & chocolate deliveries for an action in the heat of a 7-game series by which they were pouring it on, the Lakers were so demeaned and dissed, c'mon people get a hold of yourselves.
Posted by: PointForward | May 12, 2011 at 06:25 AM