I heard this on the evening show on 610AM. They said the rumor (apparently its a very strong rumor) was if the Lakers do not repeat, Kobe is gone. The teams were: Phoenix Kidd and Marion for Kobe Toronto Vince Carter for Kobe Magic Tracy McGrady for Kobe I remember those mentioned, but I can't remember if anyone else was involved from those teams mentioned. I can't see how this could possibly be good for Phoenix. LA, on the other hand would be MUCH better. Same thing if Orlando is the team. Personally, I think McGrady is better now than Kobe, and I think McGrady's potential is higher. Toronto, on the other hand I could see doing this: They get a superstar in return who is locked in long-term, which might just save the franchise for Toronto. Anyone know anything about this? BTW, I don't see the Lakers repeating. ------------------ "I have no regrets except that I wasn't up to keep Randy from getting on that plane." --Ozzy Osbourne on guitarist Randy Rhodes [This message has been edited by Lynus302 (edited April 07, 2001).]
The Suns would be fools to trade BOTH of those players for Kobe. I like the Toronto deal as well. Orlando would be better off with McGrady. ------------------ Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.
While it's true losing Marion and Kidd would be a big blow, but it's still Kobe Bryant. As a GM, I would be licking my chops with ticket sales. Besides, the Suns always get knock out of the first round, they might as well mix it up. As for Orlando, I like McGrady way too much. I totally agree with ZRB. It would be nice just to see which one will need more of the other. Besides, they got their ring. ------------------
How about Chicago? I'd bet that Krause would wet all over himself for Kobe. LA should trade Kobe for Brand & Chicago's #1 pick. Let's see how stupid Krause is. ------------------
As for Chicago, not that Krause could ever find a way to make this work, or if the NBA prohibits this practice or how BYC would apply in this scenario, but... The Bulls are way under the huge salary cap, over 20 million I have heard estimated. The Bulls could tell the Lakers to finalize negotiations free agents of their choice to agreements which would equal Kobe's salary. Chicago would then sign these free agents to contracts and do a sign and trade for Kobe. I am sure the Bulls would agree to this. ------------------
I think there is a waiting period of several months before you can trade a free agent that you signed from another team. You can only sign-and-trade your own player. ------------------
The only trade possibility that makes any sense to me is Kobe for Vince. Even then, I don't think it would happen. Toronto loves Vince, and the fans would despise management for trading him, even if it was for a player the caliber of a Kobe Bryant. I know that Vince might bolt, but I'm sure their fans would much rather management take a chance on him resigning. I could see Chicago doing that trade. Brand has already stated he was unhappy, and Bryant would give them a legitimate star. Also, I'm sure he'd like the fact he'd only have to play in LA once a year. I think that these trade rumors are more of a tactical maneuver by the Lakers, much like the 76'ers did with Iverson last summer when they dangled him to the Pistons and Clippers. They're trying to scare him into getting his priorities in the right order. I don't think Kobe's going anywhere..... ------------------ [This message has been edited by tacoma park legend (edited April 07, 2001).]
Tacoma Park Legend, With respect, I disagree. T-Mac burned the Raptors with his, "Well, I might stay." He played the game well: don't say you can't stand where you are, just in case other opportunities don't come around like you want. If Duncan had signed with Orlando, then Grant Hill, T-Mac might have been forced to stay or sign with Chicago (the latter, I guess). I know LA loves Kobe, but Shaq's contract is too big to move, and the two superstars don't get along at all. The Raptors know Carter will leave. If they don't trade superstar for superstar, they might as well get ready to eat a lot of Kentucky Fried Chicken and soft tacos, 'cause they're gonna be playing at The Bucket in downtown Louisville. Which might happen anyway. ------------------
I think I'm going to have to agree with you on this one now that I think about it a little more. I do see that it would be wise on Toronto's part to ensure themselves of a superstar longterm. The existence of their franchise largely hinges on the resigning of Vince Carter. They would be in shambles if he walked. Also, I don't think he and Shaq will ever get along, but winning does solve all problems. I don't think the Lakers will repeat though, which makes this trade scenario even more realistic. I also know that Shaq has an affinity to Vince Carter and would love to play with him. I'm sure he would give the thumbs up to management to do that trade. I'm not sure how they would get around cap rules though. ------------------
If I were Toronto, I'd do the deal. Carter is gonna pull a T-Mac. And I can't blame him. Kobe better pray the Bulls nab him. I think a better deal would be Ron Mercer, Jamal Crawford and the #1 pick for Kobe. LA can draft Eddie Griffin and have a solid shooting guard who compliments (kind-of) Shaq's game. Of course, that said, we could swoop in with Cato, Walt, Los, and our 3 picks for Elton Brand; Tim Floyd would have Fizer and Cato, possibly draft Jamaal Tinsley.... Sorry, sorry, got carried away there. I love Brand's game. His offensive boards would really help. ------------------
I agree the Toronto trade makes the most sense. However, I don't see how Vince would be that much of an improvement over Kobe in L.A. Is Vince really that much more of a team player than Kobe? I think Vince is a punk too. ------------------
Kidd and Marion would be a huge steal for LA. They would then probably make a run at the Bulls 72 wins, and a lot of dynasty talks would begin. I think with TMac or Vince they don't improve much, just the same old contenders minus the controversy. ------------------
The Kidd/Marion would definately be a steal for the Lackers. Kidd is the perfect guard for the triangle with Shaq. The whole Kobe problem is he wants the ball. Although I see the Carter/Bryant swap, it would be pointless for the Lackers and be a huge win for Toronto. The reason T-mac left was because he wasn't getting the ball enough. Now put Vince and Shaq on the floor and you are going to have the same problems. Ditto with T-mac ... he is scoring too much now to share the ball. Regarding the Chicago trade, why would you trade your guard for a center in which you already have? Im sure the Lackers would love to get their hands on Francis ... they either need him or Kidd. I could almost see a Payton trade also. ------------------ Panties not best thing on Earth ... but next to it.
lol. I bet Kobe would average at least 60 points a game if he played for Chicago. The Phoenix proposal is downright crazy. Robinson/Marion maybe, but not Kidd/Marion. Shawn will be a superstar and Kidd, with his recent offensive explosion could be a huge part of playoff runs in the coming years. ------------------ Chris Webber at the July 28, 2001 3:00 PM news conference when he announces where he will go: "It seemed tough, but with guidance from Steve Francis, I learned my true destiny. That destiny is to play for the Houston Rockets, to bring them back to championship glory. One big man is all they need, and I believe I can fill that void. Thanks to the loyal fans in Sacramento, but Houston, Texas is where I belong."
Kidd and Marion for Kobe would be nuts. One of them plus someone less than a superstar or future #1's would be more like it. The deal that makes the most sense would be Brand + Chicago guards/picks. If the Laker's hands are forced I could see the Vince/Kobe thing going down, but as an on overal player I think Kobe is better. Also, relative to Brand or McGrady for that matter, I think Vince would be the least likely to want to work within a Shaq led offense. Still, do not underestimate what other teams would do to get Kobe. He is still probably one of the 5 hotest commodities in the NBA, and in my opinion this is mostly due to his play, not inflated perceptions. If I were Orlando I would probaly part with McGrady for him too, of course I would try to send Hill first. Payton is a possibility, but when has he ever got along with his teammates, especially good ones. If I could get Kobe for GP plus Lewis or something I would do it in a millisecond if I am Seattle.
If I were the Lakers, I would trade Kobe to Vancouver/Memphis for 'Reef and Dickerson/Swift plus their pick. ------------------ "Of course, thats just my opinion, I could be wrong" -- Dennis Miller
NOW THAT'S A NICE DEAL!! The Grizz\Express\whatevers would get a ticket draw, while keeping a talented F (SAR or Swft). The Lakers get a solid SG, star SF, and a high draft pick. Everyone wins. ------------------
Kidd and Marion for Kobe? YIKES, Phoenix would not be doing themselves much of a favor by pulling the trigger on that trade. ------------------ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Thats not true---it's the furthest thing from the truth. Brand said he'd like to finish his career as a one team man. Believe me: The Chicago Media constantly asks the question and he never wavers in his answer. Artest on the other hand... ------------------
I think the Brand and #1 pick for Kobe deal works...I'd even throw in Mercer to keep 'em happy. You see---the win loss column doesn't show it, and their season-long statistics don't show it---but Crawford and Fizer are both the real deal. They've adjusted, and are both playing really good ball these days. Fizer is going to score 22,23 points a game across his career and Crawford is going to be a great all around player. Let them complement Kobe and the Bulls would have a great, bright future in front of them. Yeah, Krause would wet himself. So would I. ------------------
