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Kobe? Laker or No Laker?

16
Vote

by user Romiezzo

Laker Superstar Kobe Bryant re-posted a message on his Web page Sunday, which suggested that he be traded from the Lakers.

"When you love something as much as I love the Lakers its [sic] hard to even imagine thinking about being elsewhere," he wrote on his Web site, kb24.com. "But, the ONE THING I will never sacrifice when it comes to basketball is WINNING. The more I thought about the future, the more I became convinced that the Lakers and me just have two different visions for the future."

The 28-year-old nine-time All Star has four years left on his contract, but can terminate it following the 2008-09 season.

Last month, Bryant voiced frustration at Lakers management and publicly requested he be traded after the team was eliminated by Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs.

Though he said nothing could change his mind, Bryant later backed off after speaking with coach Phil Jackson.

Bryant earned $17.72 million last season and will earn $88.6 million over the next four years. He is considered one of the NBA's most dominant players and a top draw at the Staples Center, but might he need more money to stay with the Lakers? Might he need someone else to join the Lakers in order to convince Kobe Bryant that he's not the only player "tearing it up"? Will this also affect the team chemistry of the Lakers? There are many questions that we can ask about Kobe Bryant, and we'll find clues as to what will happen during the offseason...


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JuTMSY4Legend
923 days ago
Score 2+-
How can Kobe say this, with a straight face:

"But, the ONE THING I will never sacrifice when it comes to basketball is WINNING"

Isn't this the same guy who ousted shaq to be the man and wound up being the best player on a weak team in a great conference...there are 4 waaaay better teams in the west, for sure, and Kobe as zero show at...winning
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 0+-
The Shaq bit has recently been refuted. Even though I hate Kobe.
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Willf123JV Squad
923 days ago
Score -1+-
Agreed..
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DNLLegend
923 days ago
Score 1+-
Or, you know, took an extra year and salary that he'd have gotten anyway to stay a Laker, when the Clippers were clearly better?
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 1+-
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Don't let Isaiah trade for him. Please.
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InsanMajor Leaguer
923 days ago
Score -1+-
Why not? I think it would be awesome to have Kobe on the Knicks.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 0+-
Because he'd have to trade like 8 players and several 1st rounders for him. I'm sorry, Kobe Ball Hog Bryant is not welcome on my team. He's Marbury with better Skills. He doesn't make ANYONE better, and no one has won a championship with just a superstud and no one else stellar. Iverson came the closest, but Kobe isn't half the player Iverson was at his best, from a participation stand point.
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InsanMajor Leaguer
923 days ago
Score -2+-
I disagree. I think Kobe would be great for the Knicks. Sure they would have to get rid of guys that the Knick fans love (David Lee). But they would have to make significant sacrifices to grab of the NBA's top 5 best players right now. The supporting cast is a huge upgrade from L.A. Eddy Curry is growing to be a great center, and contrary to popular opinion, Marbury is a great PG. Its just the Marbury doesn't have anyone to pass the ball to. With Kobe, he could turn into Jason Kidd. Kobe's defensive presence will be significant along with Jared Jeffries and Renaldo Balkman (assuming they're not part of the trade). I would definitely pull the trigger to grab Kobe and would be very excited if he gets traded to the Knicks this offseason.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 1+-
They'd have to trade half that cast to get him. And if you think Marbury is a great PG, there's no point in arguing with you. You're just wrong. He's a great basketball player, but he is not a great point guard. Write it down now. Kobe Bryant will NEVER win a championship as long as he is the best player on his team. NEVER NEVER NEVER.
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JuTMSY4Legend
923 days ago
Score 1+-
So are you saying that the kobe/shaq early 2000s lakers featured shaq as their best player and not kobe?
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 1+-
Yes. That team went through Shaq and he was the pivotal piece of the championships.
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JuTMSY4Legend
923 days ago
Score 1+-
I've said that for a long time, but you're going to get a lot of dissenters here, i think...hmm...
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 0+-
Take Shaq off that team, and they wouldn't have won. OH WAIT! They did, and they haven't. Any dissenters to this haven't been paying attention to who wins championships these days.
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JuTMSY4Legend
922 days ago
Score 2+-
Now could you say the same thing about a Kobe less 2001 Lakers?
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
922 days ago
Score 0+-
YES. Even Marbury could have won there. Iverson definitely. LeBron? Yes. Garnet at the Point ? Hell yeah!(That would be hysterical) Kidd? For sure. Nash? 100%. But so would adding John Starks there. Or One of about 50 other really damn good guards. It's not that hard to be awesome when your center draws constant triple-teams and the only way to stop him was to foul constantly.
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KelsdadAll-Star
922 days ago
Score 0+-
Isiah is brain dead. Which means Kobe will soon be Knick.
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Tyrone BriggsHall of Famer
923 days ago
Score 0+-
Bryant is a dickhead and just confirms why Jackson and O'Neil hated this guy during their championship run. Exile the prick to Dolan's Inferno.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 0+-
Mark my words now. I've almost bailed on the Knicks at this point, and if they trade for Kobe, I'm going to either become a Grizzly fan, or forget about the NBA altogether.
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DNLLegend
923 days ago
Score 1+-
I became a Grizz fan when the Knicks took on Sprewell
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GoGrizzWaterboy
923 days ago
Score 1+-
Yeah! Go Grizz! We'll take fans any way we can get them.
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ChristofMVP
923 days ago
Score 0+-
Kobe changes his mind more often than a girl changes her outfit.
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Tyrone BriggsHall of Famer
923 days ago
Score 0+-
Bryant flip-flops just enough to become a sports journalist or ESPN commentator as a post-basketball career.
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CallMeCoachSoccer Kid
923 days ago
Score 0+-
I don't know how Kobe to NYK could make us any worse. A lineup of Crawford, Kobe, Richardson, Frey, and Eddie Curry would be strong enough to contend in the East. Problem is, we'd be devoid of scoring off the bench. To ensure a lineup like this we'd have to deal Marbury and Lee at least. Lee is the best thing the Knicks have going for them right now, but Kobe Bryant, despite his insanity, is good enough to make the Knicks relevant and exciting again.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 2+-
A one man show ballhog, versus a bunch of kids trying to improve together? I'd much rather watch the kids. What, exactly, has Kobe done without Shaq except score a lot of points for a team that didn't go far in the Playoffs? Let us keep our picks for '08 and on and let Isaiah do the one thing he excels at, finding talent in the draft (we can debate where he picks them, but he at least gets decent picks).
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InsanMajor Leaguer
923 days ago
Score 0+-
I agree CallMeCoach, the Knicks can't get any worse. He can only make us better on both ends of the floor. I don't know about dealing Marbury though. I don't think the Lakers want him. I say it's better that Crawford leaves. We are 70 million dollars over the salary cap. Its time to take advantage of it instead of waiting another 5 years for our young guys to develope and have to go against Lebron, Oden, Durant, Howard, Mayo, and Beasley. Win now, before its too late.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 2+-
Too late for what? In 2 years, most of that cap damage goes away. They've sucked for a while, why not let us clear out the cap mess and rebuild correctly.
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InsanMajor Leaguer
923 days ago
Score 0+-
I think it's pretty much widely accepted that 5 years down the road LeBron, Oden, Durant, Howard, Mayo, and Beasley are going to be running the NBA. Unless the Knicks are the team to get Mayo or Beasley next year, there's no chance they're going to win a title. I'm saying, with the cap damage, put it to good use by picking up superstars like Kobe and win a chapionship before these guys mature and dominate the NBA. Beign over the cap doesn't have to be a curse; it can be a blessing in disguise. The Knicks haven't won a championship for 34 years. They can't continue to look at rebuilding, they've been rebuilding for 7 years. This is a perfect oppurtunity to be serious contenders.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
923 days ago
Score 1+-
Explain to me, in how you view the world, trading Crawford and Lee/Robinson/or whatever, plus probably several draft picks, is giong to bring a championship. The Knicks cast, as said previously would be worse than the Lakers, and there will be no picks left to grow with. There is no way Kobe wins a championship in NY, unless of course, Curry morphs into Shaq, and Isaiah morphs into a coach. Come out of your fantasy world. With our without Kobe, there will not be a Knicks championship without a real big man. And the cap situation currently prevents it. The only way they are getting a legit big is in the draft, and only if Zeke doesn't trade our picks away.
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InsanMajor Leaguer
922 days ago
Score 0+-
My thinking is, Crawford needs to leave regardless, he is way too inconsistent. He has the superstar mentality with average player skills. What guarentee is there that Robinson and Lee become great? I love Lee and think he's the best player on the Knicks, but that doesn't mean he's going to turn into Duncan/Malone. What guarentee do the Knicks have that Kobe will be great? Pretty high... Eddy Curry is a lot better than Knicks' fans credit him for. He's 24 years old and is getting better every year. He has the strength to become a respectable center. I can understand your viewpoint of Marbury but I personally believe he will be better with a superstar on the team. With those pieces plus Kobe, the Knicks can sneak in a long overdue championship before the next generation dominates the NBA for the next 10 years. If the Knicks skip out on Kobe, barring incredible luck, look for them to be held without a title for 45-50 years.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
922 days ago
Score 2+-
I'm sorry, but do you just do a bong hit, type whatever comes out, and then hit submit? 45-50 Years? Do you read what you type before you hit submit? The cap is clear in 2 years. 2. This isn't Atlanta. This team can be rebuilt. But Kobe is not about wins, he is about Kobe. Curry does not rebound like a normal big man, and he's SOFT. If he was playing next to Ben Wallace, or Rodman in his prime or Motumbo in his, it would be great. But he's not. I like him and all, but he's not a championship big by himself. He's a perfect third piece on a championship team. Kobe is the Perfect #2. Without the draft or any cap room, you'll never get the #1.
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JuTMSY4Legend
922 days ago
Score 1+-
Who plays the role of shaq for the knicks...answer that question and we'll know if the knickerbockers and Kobe will work...I'm not saying Kobe's so bad that he needs a talent of shaq's proportion to win, but someone of similar large talents...even a vintager heat zo mourning would work...the knicks don't have anyone like this...
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JuTMSY4Legend
922 days ago
Score 1+-
Uh yeah...45-50 years...no NBA team has that type of problem...maybe 5-10 years? but 45-50...i don't think any mistake in the NBA could cause that...not even illegally signing joe smith...
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InsanMajor Leaguer
922 days ago
Score 0+-
My 45-50 years prediction is based on 34 years without a title already plus 10-15 more years when the rookie superstars mature. I'm not saying that the Knicks will be without a title for 45 MORE years. I agree with you that Curry can't win a championship by himself. That's exactly what I'm saying. But with Kobe and Marbury or a few other pieces, the Knicks can contend. A team doesn't nessacarily have to have the #1 or #2 pick to get better. Look at the Lakers, Shaq was acquired and Kobe was drafted like 13 or something. Plus being a horrible team doesn't guarantee you the future superstar, look at the Grizzlies and Celtics this year. The trade market allows a team to decide their own fate.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
922 days ago
Score 1+-
The team has no cap room, and you want to make a trade that continues that problem, and removes a chance of adding that extra piece. If you take Kobe, what do you trade for the #1 piece? Marbury? No one wants him. Francis? The #1 picks for 08,09, and 10 you just sent for Kobe? Sorry man. I think you left the E off at the end of your name.
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JuTMSY4Legend
922 days ago
Score 1+-
"My 45-50 years prediction is based on 34 years without a title already plus 10-15 more years when the rookie superstars mature. I'm not saying that the Knicks will be without a title for 45 MORE years. " This is the equivilant of me saying if the eagles don't acquire player X, they won't contend for another 47 years...what you mean to say it...if they don't acquire Kobe, any titles hopes are dashed for the next 5 or 10
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InsanMajor Leaguer
922 days ago
Score 0+-
I would consider Kobe the number one piece. You don't need 2 superstars, just one and then one or two all-stars and a few role players. Our cap is really bad but theres no sense in waiting to make it better now. Having said that, I'm done with this discussion because of the fact that you're making it personal and attacking me. I thought we were enjoying ourselves and having an interesting fun debate. I guess you aren't seeing it that way.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
922 days ago
Score 1+-
Geez, i didn't say anything about your mom, just suggested your ideas were crazy. I'll take it back. I don't think you did bong hits before submitting. Take a joke. Kobe has proven himself to not be a #1, in that he can't win in LA without Shaq. His Knicks cast would be even worse. He and Stephon would wind up wrestling over shooting rights.
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JuTMSY4Legend
922 days ago
Score 1+-
Personally, I think everyone could use a few bong hits...
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Anonymous Fanatic #1
923 days ago
Score 1+-
I am personally very sick of all of this. In fact, if the Lakers end up trading Kobe, I will not be buying any Lakers <a href="http://www.s...ing-any.html>tickets</a> next year. There is no way equal value can be had with any trade out there short of Lebron or Wade. We all know neither of those guys are moving.
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I am a cpcpMajor Leaguer
922 days ago
Score 1+-
Kudos on sic-ing the improper us of "its"
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Anonymous Fanatic #2
922 days ago
Score -1+-
..Anybody who followed the knicks last year saw marbury take HUGE strides in becoming a leader..remember marbury has been a 20 and 8 guy his whole career, i think if steph continues to improve his intangables he would not only accept playing 2nd or possibly 3rd fidel but would also excel..With teams focusing on shutting down Curry in the paint and trying to throw 2 or 3 guys at kobe, steph could find himself picky up tons of points playing against his opponents 2nd or 3rd best defenders not to mention a truck full of drive and dish assist...And Kobe is twice the player A.I is at any time in either of there careers...theere were plenty of playoff and finals games that Kobe took over because shaq found himself in early foul trouble, kobe is the greatest player on the planet right now, A.I and Lebron included..The knicks could definately snatch him up with maybe a Frye, Crawford and sumone else packaged with some pics..In the East the knicks are a playoff team right now, with kobe they absolutely run away with a weak Atlantic Division...What you say about having all that cap space cleared in 2 years is a valid argument, it really gives them a chance to pick up key pieces without having to give up young core guys like Lee, Frye or Balkman..But If Kobes available any Gm who doesnt feel tempted should b fired.. the greatest player in the world is available, Isiah has arguably the biggest market for him, enough weapons were Kobe has options on a rare off night and the young guys to work out a deal to get him..Isiah has a legit shot, he has to make an attemp here.
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YanksAgainIn07Soccer Kid
922 days ago
Score 1+-
***JUST WANTED TO RE-POST THIS WHILE I WAS LOGGED IN*** ..Anybody who followed the knicks last year saw marbury take HUGE strides in becoming a leader..remember marbury has been a 20 and 8 guy his whole career, i think if steph continues to improve his intangables he would not only accept playing 2nd or possibly 3rd fidel but would also excel..With teams focusing on shutting down Curry in the paint and trying to throw 2 or 3 guys at kobe, steph could find himself picky up tons of points playing against his opponents 2nd or 3rd best defenders not to mention a truck full of drive and dish assist...And Kobe is twice the player A.I is at any time in either of there careers...theere were plenty of playoff and finals games that Kobe took over because shaq found himself in early foul trouble, kobe is the greatest player on the planet right now, A.I and Lebron included..The knicks could definately snatch him up with maybe a Frye, Crawford and sumone else packaged with some pics..In the East the knicks are a playoff team right now, with kobe they absolutely run away with a weak Atlantic Division...What you say about having all that cap space cleared in 2 years is a valid argument, it really gives them a chance to pick up key pieces without having to give up young core guys like Lee, Frye or Balkman..But If Kobes available any Gm who doesnt feel tempted should b fired.. the greatest player in the world is available, Isiah has arguably the biggest market for him, enough weapons were Kobe has options on a rare off night and the young guys to work out a deal to get him..Isiah has a legit shot, he has to make an attemp here.
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InsanMajor Leaguer
922 days ago
Score -2+-
You have a lot of good points. While I wouldn't consider the Knicks a playoff team right now, they will definitely become contenders with Kobe. I completely agree with you that Marbury is a great PG who has had his career tainted playing with subpar teammates. With Kobe, he will have a huge role setting up plays and dishing to Kobe and Curry. We saw what happened to Cleveland without a PG; LeBron was forced to create plays and score which didn't work out too well because all the Spurs had to do was double team him. Isiah's history shows that he will push hard for Kobe, harder than anyone else. In 99% of the trades he executed, he recieved the player with the better history: Marbury, Francis, Curry, Jalen Rose, etc. It's obvious he doesn't care about draft picks because he is so good finding sleepers, and with the current system, there's no guarentee in getting the prize. I personally would be very excited if Kobe lands in New York but obviously, the thought isn't shared by too many people.
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JoshkrossDraft Pick
921 days ago
Score 0+-
Insan, better History, but not the better future. (Look at Francis and Rose). Future is what matter. I'm a huge Francis fan, as I was at Maryland the year he was and watched him tear up the ACC, but that deal wasn't exactly the cherry on Isaiah's reputational sundae. As for Yanks..07's post, Lee and/or Frye will be part of the deal, for sure. Probably both. Remember, the Lakers aren't stupid.
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