The Lakers, not Kobe, are the problem | SteelCurtain5875's Blog

Well, it seems that Kobe has finally decided on whether he wants to be traded or not, and now, it appears as if the Lakers are the ones flip flopping. They've gone from being receptive to his problems to trying to move him as quickly as possible, and most recently, back to holding on to 24 like grim death. Many sources, both inside and outside the Lakers, have stated that they're reluctant to trade Kobe because they feel they could not get value for him. This, to me, is ridiculous. Anyone who is equal to Kobe in talent (LeBron, D-Wade, Melo) is locked up by their respective teams, and why would the Lakers want a superstar like Kobe in return? Their problem is that they have a superstar with no supporting cast. Why would they want to trade for a lesser superstar and have them struggle even more? It makes no sense. If I'm the Lakers, I'm trying to get young players with a lot of upside and high draft picks. And who has that of all the people interested? The CHICAGO BULLS. They can offer young, promising players like Tyrus Thomas and Ben Gordon, and the ninth pick in this year's draft, which is exactly what this team needs. The Lakers need to realize that they're in the West, where it will take them a few years to contend again, not the East, were they could reload quickly and contend immediately. This will take some time. They already have several good young players like Bynum and Farmar, and could eventually build a core including the already mentioned Bynum and Farmar, Gordon, Odom, Thomas and whoever they get at nine (possibly Yi Jianlian). Now tell me that with another mid first round draft pick and/or a mid level free agent that this team would not make you worried come playoff time. The Bulls could move forward with Deng (who they LOVE) Hinrich, Kobe, Big Ben Wallace, and possibly Nocioni. They would easily win the east, and all of a sudden everybody's happy. However, reports are that L.A. wouldn't be interested in something like this, instead opting for a possible trade with Boston for Pierce, the number 5 pick and some others, leaving both teams in decidedly bad situations. I guess the Chicago deal just makes too much sense. It would work everything out nicely, with all parties satisfied. There is still time, with eight days left before the draft, but don't hold your breath. The Kobe trade saga will end messy and they can't say somebody didn't say so.

Comments (1) Add A Comment

June 20, 2007 06:08 PM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

This whole Kobe fiasco is so old. I dont even think Kobe or Lakers fans really care anymore. Do something or nothing, but either way do it quietly and quickly, as this NBA fan is sick of hearing of this madness on a weekly basis from an organization that is suddenly fronting itself off out there as dysfunctional.