I posted my thoughts on this matter directly onto the story, but here they are again for posterity:
This makes me think more and more each day that his "trade demand" was nothing more than a publicity tool to keep the spotlight on LA and keep the media involved since the last NBA Finals was the least watched of the past 10+ years.
I'm sure ol' Stern-O had his hand in this one, too.
Thankfully I'm not an L.A. Lakers fan and didn't have to endure the daily "will he? won't he?" drama propagated by a certain Kobe Bryant. I doubted his sincerity in demanding a trade from the only team he's played for and I still doubt it now despite what comments this article might say. The truth of the matter is simple: Kobe needed and wanted the spotlight and didn't appreciate a younger LeBron stealing it from him. The Cavs were soaring high after their surprise leap to the NBA Finals, and Kobe hasn't managed to escape the hell known as the first round. Tsk, tsk.. Let's create some drama to draw away all the media focus! "I WANT TO BE TRADED!"
My A double S he did.
Do I blame Kobe Bryant for this entirely? No. Certainly not. Jerry Buss has managed to put his spin on it, and I shame them both for their desire to air and actual 'dirty laundry' regarding Bryant's displeasure in the three ring circus called the media. Sure, the Lakers are not playing as Bryant has hoped since he ran Shaq out of town (Laker fans, call it what you want, but this is what happened). Does he have room to complain as their sole superstar and marquee player? Absolutely. Did the Lakers make any major or franchise saving moves? Nope. Sorry. Many call for Mitch Kupchak's head... perhaps they should get it, but not any time soon.
In all honesty, Kobe never wanted a trade. Ever. He merely wanted to make a colossal stink about his lack of leadership, maturity, and unwillingness to make the most of what he has around him. Boo hoo. Man up and admit it was all a sham, Kobe. Maybe you'll get some measure of respect back from all the fans who feel so slighted by your mere whispering of a trade.
Enjoy your lack of help. With your bloated contract, you're not likely to get any more of measurable worth.
Boo hoo.
Say your worst of me, Lakers fans. I have no problem smiling back at you and thinking: "I told you so."
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Comments (8)
LBJ is probably a bit stronger than Kobe is right now.
BUT: by the time Kobe turned 24 he had won three rings, had been all-american first team a couple of times, he had been all-defensive team a couple of time.
LBJ got close to winning, but didn't. he was never a selected as one of the top defencemen in the league--and he has yet to show that he can have that scoring genius that Kobe possesses (or by which Kobe is at time, for my delight, possessed).
and, mark my words, next year or the year after next Kobe (with Bynum) will get his fourth ring.
You'll have plenty of boo hooing to do.
hugefury | 12/13/07, 09:56 PM
Report Offensive CommentIf you compare Kobe and LeBron's figures straight up for the first five seasons, there's no comparison at all: LBJ wipes the floor with Kobe. Should anyone not believe me, check the stats yourself. Further, Kobe would not have had ANY rings without Shaq and anyone who says otherwise is an idiot. Kobe is at the top of his game right now and can't get past the first round. That's not going to change within the next year or so, either. I'll be ha ha-ing and not boo hoo-ing as you will be. Rest assured on that.
Skybill40 | 12/14/07, 10:05 AM
Report Offensive CommentWhat is the point of this? (eyes rolling)
heatherb005 | 12/14/07, 12:22 PM
Report Offensive CommentWhat's the point? Maybe you should read it again. Kobe NEVER wanted a trade in the first place and wanted the spotlight and attention LeBron was receiving.
Skybill40 | 12/14/07, 12:30 PM
Report Offensive CommentLBJ sits down because is lil finger hurts him. Kobe gets his arm and ribs banged up and still plays. Whatever dude. Kobe for MVP.
ArmyOfOne11 | 12/14/07, 11:53 PM
Report Offensive CommentUmm.. No. My vote goes to KG. Years of playing in a battered franchise and never once a complaint or a "demand" to be traded. EVER.
THAT'S the measure of a leader and a champion. Kobe may have the rings, but he doesn't have the heart, humility, or resolve to be half the man Garnett is. Period.
Skybill40 | 12/15/07, 01:59 PM
Report Offensive CommentThis obsession with Kobe and the Lakers is turning from pathetic to scary,..
Turn that imaginary satellite, which you imagine reads minds, around and focus in on yourself..
After all, in reality, it's the only mind that you have access to,....or at least did,..
I think it would best if you delete this blog,.. most will never remember,. and you can carry on as if nothing happened....
NBAallTheWay | 02/10/08, 07:02 PM
Report Offensive CommentAfter your comment on my Playoff Picture blog, here's a good blog to fire a rebuttal on.
But I can't say you "know little about the NBA" because you do. Kobe's rant this summer WAS to gain attention, though I don't think it was in the way you imply. I don't believe it had anything at all to do with Mr. James. It was about the Lakers mismanagement. They had traded Caron Butler for Kwame Brown. They had made little (or no) moves to build around him as they had promised they had. Kobe wanted the management to understand that they had messed up. I don't think it was his ego or having to be in the spotlight that sparked it. His style of play this year indicates that he no longer is that type of player. Since then, the Lakers have come out, become one of the top teams in the West, and seem poised to create a championship-caliber team.
All in all, I would say Kobe's stunt had an effect on the players around him to step up and the management to understand (or at least believe) it's "now or never" with #24. The West is too deep to say they won't go out first round again. However, it's not that high of a likelihood that the Lakers won't see the second round this year.
Theo Bulzi | 02/11/08, 05:33 PM
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