[ESPN] Kobe: I want Jerry West back or I want a trade

Why? even Rudy doesn't want to come back. So Yao has to fight with Rudy and change his mind first before front office could do anything.

 

So none of you guys would be mad if Kevin Garnett wanted to join your team, but the only catch was the Laker's have to trade an unproven center several teams passed on? Knowing even if Bynam pans out, it takes centers longer than any other position players to develop, especially in the West.

I'm assuming Kobe's has thought of the above and thinks that in 4-5 years if Bynam is an all star, he has a great supporting cast, good coaching, then he will be able to compete in the West again. As long as every aspect falls into place at the right time. So how old will he be then when the team should be feared? Also, will he be 100% healthy? That's all. Lakers in 2012-2013! Don't book it!

 

No sympathy for Kobe, but it's true that Kupchak has been crummy as a GM. Doesn't help that the Buss family play backseat GM on him.

Evan

 

Kobe needs to play out the hand he delt himself!!!

 

Yes, because KOBE was the one who came out and said he wanted jerry west or he wants to be traded.

 

I want CD back or I will stop being a Rockets fan.

 

Woj goin woodshed on Kobe:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...a8vLYF?slug=aw-kobe052907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

As others have mentioned, Lebron doesnt have incredible talent around him but he is a selfless superstar who makes his team better. There is more to a player than just talent. I think its obvious at this point that Kobe will never reach the Jordan-like status he's always wanted. He doesnt "get it" and likely never will.

 

THE BOTTOM LINE:

Kobe didnt chase Shaq out of LA. On the other hand he didnt campaign for Shaq. Shaq was old and overweight and wanted big money. Jerry Buss said no.

Kobe wants to be the man. Cant blame him, he is too good to be second fiddle.

Lakers mgt has not put a good team around him. Bad management. Kwame Brown lol.

Kobe needs to make his teammates better. Who does he have to make better?

Kobe has to realize that this frustration comes with the territory.

 

shaq had 2 yrs left on his contract the yr he was traded. so no, they did not have to trade him then and there. they could have let him play out his contract. had he sulk about not getting a new contract and is more lazy, he wouldn't get his money extension => so shaq would have been motivated.

the reason buss traded him then and there is b/c of kobe. kobe cant play w/ shaq anymore. did u see his final appearance and how he jacked up shots over double teams and didn't want to pass to shaq?? that was so blantanly selfish on kobe's part. even laker radio announcers said that.

kobe is a great talent. but he's very difficult to play with. i can see kobe toying with yao all day every day.

 

they had to trade him to get more value. Everyone knew shaq was on the decline.

 

shaq on the decline > all big man in the league outside of duncan in terms of drawing double teams. again, shaq was motivated the next yr in miami and was really in shape.

so had the lakers force him to playout his contract and trade him the NEXT yr, which they still can, he would be more motivated.

they did not have to trade him then.

belive what u want, if kobe wanted shaq as part of his resigning with lakers, shaq woudl still be a laker.

 

rockmanslim, WOW! That is one vicious article on Kobe.

ubigred, you either have selective memory or worship Kobe. He held the franchise hostage over Shaq and made it clear he was bolting if Shaq wasn't traded. He was so out of control that season PJ called him "uncoachable". Did PJ make that up out of thin air?

You ever heard the expression, "Where there is smoke there is fire"? The smoke around Kobe could choke and entire city, but you say there was no fire.

 

shaq was motivated due to his ego taken a hit since he was traded. I would of done the same thing, because there relationship was gone.

I also agree that if Kobe campained for Shaq then he would of stayed. Shaq should of retired as a Laker.

 

I understand you. But the info on Kobe seems to be so one-sided.

 

i think how shaq acted was a result of kobe's looming free agency. their egos were just at it. very sad to see. how can u not work it out after winning together?

it's very sad to see kobe risking winning to be a first option. but its also very sad to see shaq being such a baby.

lucky tmac and yao can win someday so they won't go down that path, but due to losing.

 

there are not a lot of articles that will defend kobe as an individual outside of basketball. he doesn't seem to have many "close friends" per se.

 

Either you didnt read Phil's book or you dont believe what he wrote (which included direct quotes from Kobe about not wanting Shaq back).

 

your right.

But you have to agree Kobe wants to be the Greates of all time at all costs.

 

I assume you've believed all of Kobe's crap in the past, no reason to doubt him now huh?

It's like women who stay w/ a boyfriend who swears it's the last time he's going to cheat on her.