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lakerdude
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Post subject: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
 Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 01:38 AM PST
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Serious Laker Fan
Joined: Jun 24, 2007
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By Steve Springer, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 22, 2008
LAS VEGAS -- The U.S. Olympic men's basketball team opened its final week of practice on home soil Monday before heading to China with a scrimmage against a select team consisting of such NBA rookies as O.J. Mayo and Derrick Rose and such veterans as Andre Iguodala and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Did they even bother to keep score?
Photos: USA Basketball workout"I kept score," said Olympian Kobe Bryant, a smile back on his face and the competitive sparkle back in his eyes.
There was certainly no smile on Bryant's face roughly five weeks ago. That was the night his Lakers were crushed and humiliated by the Boston Celtics, 131-92, in the title-clinching game of the NBA Finals. Bryant was understandably somber, his swagger gone, his mood morose as he exited TD Banknorth Garden.
Bryant said he took a week off, even staying out of the gym, his second home, spent time with his family and just returned from a trip to Disney World in Florida.
"No Europe this year," he said Monday, "just Mickey."
He has returned to the court with his optimism and resolve restored, but now focused on a new goal: Olympic gold.
After finishing Monday's practice at Valley High, the first of four daily sessions, Bryant was asked again how he would equate winning the Olympic tournament with an NBA title.
"I think winning a gold medal is more important because you're playing for your country," he said, repeating what has become a kind of mantra. "You're not playing for a region or a state or a brand. You are playing for the United States of America."
There was no joy on Bryant's face, however, when the subject turned to a Lakers loss on Friday -- when the team declined to match a four-year, $17-million offer sheet given to reserve forward Ronny Turiaf by the Golden State Warriors.
"I'm sad about it," said Bryant, who has been talking to Turiaf daily about the situation. "I wish we could have kept him. I love him as a person, I love him as a basketball player and I hate to see him leave. I just wish him all the best.
"He would much rather have stayed with us, but that's the nature of the NBA, man."
Bryant, like the rest of his organization, is waiting for the second shoe to drop. Sasha Vujacic, the reserve guard nicknamed "The Machine" because of his proclivity for cranking up shots, is, like Turiaf, a restricted free agent.
Vujacic has yet to come back to the Lakers with an offer sheet and, in recent days, General Manager Mitch Kupchak has been negotiating with Rob Pelinka, Vujacic's agent, about a new contract.
"I'm optimistic that we can re-sign Sasha," Bryant said. "We definitely should. He's turned into a fantastic player for us and I would hate to see us lose two of our key guys off the bench."
Bryant's optimism may be bolstered by more than just hope since he and Vujacic have the same agent.
There will be one constant when Bryant takes the court for the U.S. -- the injury to his right pinkie suffered in February. Although a ligament was torn and a small fragment of bone pulled off, Bryant decided against surgery until after the NBA season and the Olympics.
The time off since last month hasn't changed anything.
"It's completely torn," Bryant said, "so rest isn't going to do anything for it. It's still going to be painful until I get it fixed.
"I'm used to it. It feels normal to me now because I've been playing with it for such a long time. It's not a hindrance whatsoever. I got whacked on it pretty good during the season. I mean, right on it. When that happens, it will go dead for about a minute or two, but then it will come right back and be fine. I still play with the tape on it. I will be doing that until I get it fixed."
Bryant said he would undergo surgery to repair the finger after the Olympics, and figured the rehabilitation process would take about three weeks.
For now, Bryant is focused on Aug. 10 when the U.S. opens Olympic play against the host nation, China.
"There's a lot of excitement and a lot of enthusiasm on this team," he said. "We are ready and can't wait to get going."
He was reminded that, four years ago at the Athens Olympics, the U.S. team was often booed.
"The fans aren't going to block my jump shot," he said. "I think, for us, it gives us the focus and the intensity to do the job, to play the right way. We want their fans to boo. That's what makes the game fun, makes it passionate. We have our fans. They have their fans. Let's get it on."
Link: http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketbal ... 1372.story |
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Bynumite_17
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Post subject: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 01:54 AM PST
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Die-Hard Laker Fan
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Joined: Jul 18, 2006
Posts: 2431
Location: Lawndale/La Mesa
votes: 15
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| Well if we resign Sasha, it better be for 3 million. And then we need to sign a decent veteran. |
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noam57
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Post subject: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 01:56 AM PST
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Laker GM
Joined: Jul 16, 2007 Age: 22
Posts: 2936
votes: 4
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| we have to sign Sasha... will Kobe miss the season opener??? |
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Fabulicious91
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Post subject: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 02:02 AM PST
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Serious Laker Fan
Joined: Jun 27, 2007
Posts: 411
Location: Los Angeles, CA
votes: 1
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| no i don think kobe'll miss anytime actually cuz the Olympics are over on aug. 24th, and kobe said it'll take about 3 weeks to recover from surgery so we'll round it up to 4-5 weeks and i believe the season doesn't start till late sept-early october so i don't think he'll miss reg season he mite miss preseason but does kobe really need pre-season? |
_________________
'second place just means that you're the first loser'[talk of a true champ]-Kobe 'Bean' Bryant
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BaadMaster
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Post subject: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 02:17 AM PST
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Die-Hard Laker Fan
Joined: May 05, 2007
Posts: 1143
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At least Kobe will be healthy. I don't care what he says, playing with a f***ed up pinkie has to limit him to some extent. He is not the excuse kinda guy. (Remember Shaq and his big toe? Boo-hoo-hoo.) I have seen him lose some dribbles and rebounds because he was basically playing with four fingers on his right hand.
So we get back a 100% Kobe, a 100% Bynum, a 100% Walton and maybe even a 100% Mihm. Sounds pretty good to me. And the Celtics don't have James Posey anymore.
2008-2009 Lakers. Lookin' good! |
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Bynumite_17
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Post subject: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 03:10 AM PST
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Die-Hard Laker Fan
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For sure, Baad.
I want to see a healthy Mihm again... That sweet hook.
Have you guys noticed that ever since Kobe's ankle surgery he hasn't had that lift that he used to have? When he goes to the basket and on his shot... He has a lot more bricks since.
And of course, my favorite. BYNUMMMMMMM! Absolute beast. |
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cuckooroller
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Post subject: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 04:32 AM PST
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Die-Hard Laker Fan
Joined: Mar 27, 2008 Age: 58
Posts: 2302
Location: Italy
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"I think winning a gold medal is more important because you're playing for your country," he said, repeating what has become a kind of mantra. "You're not playing for a region or a state or a brand. You are playing for the United States of America."
Very diplomatic. Excuse me for not believing that really believes this!
His ankle is another reason that I wished that Kobe had just foregone the Olympics. Nothing wrong with resting it and getting that back into shape along with the finger! |
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Steve
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Bynumite_17
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Post subject: Re: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 04:53 AM PST
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Die-Hard Laker Fan
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Posts: 2431
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cuckooroller wrote:
"I think winning a gold medal is more important because you're playing for your country," he said, repeating what has become a kind of mantra. "You're not playing for a region or a state or a brand. You are playing for the United States of America."
Very diplomatic. Excuse me for not believing that really believes this!
His ankle is another reason that I wished that Kobe had just foregone the Olympics. Nothing wrong with resting it and getting that back into shape along with the finger!
This ankle thing isn't like it paining him. That's just the way it is. When a player gets surgery he/she is never the same even if its the slightest thing. Some are major some aren't... Kobe's ankle just isn't the same. It's never going to be the same either. |
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CAZ_LAKERFAN_KOBEFAN
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Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 07:17 AM PST
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Laker GM
Joined: Oct 27, 2007 Age: 20
Posts: 4575
votes: 4
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| He said he´ll take 3 weeks off to recover from the pinkie surgery, that man is a warrior... |
_________________
The LakeShow is back.
The Sky is the limit.
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CAZ_LAKERFAN_KOBEFAN
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Post subject: Re: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 07:22 AM PST
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Laker GM
Joined: Oct 27, 2007 Age: 20
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BaadMaster wrote:
At least Kobe will be healthy. I don't care what he says, playing with a f***ed up pinkie has to limit him to some extent. He is not the excuse kinda guy. (Remember Shaq and his big toe? Boo-hoo-hoo.) I have seen him lose some dribbles and rebounds because he was basically playing with four fingers on his right hand.
So we get back a 100% Kobe, a 100% Bynum, a 100% Walton and maybe even a 100% Mihm. Sounds pretty good to me. And the Celtics don't have James Posey anymore.
2008-2009 Lakers. Lookin' good!
I completely agree with you, getting every player healthy is the first step. |
_________________
The LakeShow is back.
The Sky is the limit.
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noname24
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Post subject: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 12:18 PM PST
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Lakers Topbuzz Hall of Famer
Joined: Feb 28, 2007
Posts: 8377
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Quote:
Sasha Vujacic, the reserve guard nicknamed "The Machine" because of his proclivity for cranking up shots, is, like Ronny Turiaf, a restricted free agent.
Vujacic has yet to come back to the Lakers with an offer sheet and, in recent days, General Manager Mitch Kupchak has been negotiating with Rob Pelinka, Vujacic's agent, about a new contract.
"I'm optimistic that we can re-sign Sasha," Kobe Bryant said. "We definitely should. He's turned into a fantastic player for us and I would hate to see us lose two of our key guys off the bench."
Bryant's optimism may be bolstered by more than just hope since he and Vujacic have the same agent.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketbal ... 1372.story |
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ReliveThe3PEAT
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Post subject: RE: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 12:38 PM PST
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Laker GM
Joined: Jul 19, 2008 Age: 17
Posts: 4346
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"Bryant's optimism may be bolstered by more than just hope since he and Vujacic have the same agent."
-WOW GOOD POINT. |
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Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.
-Magic Johnson
Last edited by ReliveThe3PEAT on Jul 22, 2008 - 05:52 PM PST; edited 1 time in total
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KOBEBRYANT24MVP
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Post subject: RE: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 01:20 PM PST
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Casual Laker Fan
Joined: Jul 11, 2008
Posts: 53
Status: Offline
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| wow why doesn't sasha have an offer sheet??? i was fearing he would come back at us with a 6yr 30 mil contract or something ridiculous like that (walton anyone? grrrr). |
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Fletch
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Post subject: RE: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 01:22 PM PST
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Serious Laker Fan
Joined: Apr 22, 2008 Age: 33
Posts: 406
Location: Santa Barbara California
votes: 3
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| I think Sasha's new nickname should be ATM |
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"The good lord and four disciples couldn't beat the Lakers tonight"
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KOBEBRYANT24MVP
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Post subject: RE: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 01:23 PM PST
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Casual Laker Fan
Joined: Jul 11, 2008
Posts: 53
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| if those damn europeans get involved im going to be pissed. Childress might sign with a european team, and i would hate to see europe taking away nba players become a trend... |
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lakersandangels
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Post subject: RE: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 03:05 PM PST
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Big-Time Laker Fan
Joined: Nov 19, 2007
Posts: 898
votes: 2
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| I never knew Kobe and Sasha had the same agent... |
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If you are an Angel fan, consider angels.topbuzz.com We are trying to develop the site and get it some popularity.
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VujacicSlovenia
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Post subject: RE: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 03:14 PM PST
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Laker GM
Joined: Jun 12, 2008
Posts: 3079
votes: 24
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| Sasha recently fired his old agent and hired Pelinka. |
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"It doesn't matter who gets what. It's just a matter of doing what it takes to win." - Pau Gasol
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vabeachkobe24
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Post subject: RE: Re: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 03:32 PM PST
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Casual Laker Fan
Joined: Nov 03, 2007
Posts: 178
Status: Offline
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| I concur. The last couple seasons there has always been an injury stopping us from seeing the true potential of this team. |
_________________
“Just remember…I’m 3 hours ahead”
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VujacicSlovenia
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Post subject: Re: RE: Kobe talks about Turiaf, Sasha, and the Olympics.
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 03:34 PM PST
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Laker GM
Joined: Jun 12, 2008
Posts: 3079
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BaadMaster wrote:
At least Kobe will be healthy. I don't care what he says, playing with a f***ed up pinkie has to limit him to some extent. He is not the excuse kinda guy. (Remember Shaq and his big toe? Boo-hoo-hoo.) I have seen him lose some dribbles and rebounds because he was basically playing with four fingers on his right hand.
So we get back a 100% Kobe, a 100% Bynum, a 100% Walton and maybe even a 100% Mihm. Sounds pretty good to me. And the Celtics don't have James Posey anymore.
2008-2009 Lakers. Lookin' good!
Yeah, but the New Orleans Hornets have Posey now. Not exactly any easier for us.... |
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Tempy
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Post subject: Re: RE: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 03:34 PM PST
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Laker GM
Joined: Jul 12, 2008
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KOBEBRYANT24MVP wrote:
wow why doesn't sasha have an offer sheet??? i was fearing he would come back at us with a 6yr 30 mil contract or something ridiculous like that (walton anyone? grrrr).
Sasha has recieved an offer from the lakers, http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/08offsea ... offer.html
i think the offer sheet refers to no other team has offered him one, my opinion is he is holding out for more money and dont think he particularly wants to leave. Waltons contract aint that bad when you consider posey at 31 is getting 26mill over 4 years |
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optimistic7292
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Post subject: Re: Kobe Optimistic for Vujacic's Return
Posted: Jul 22, 2008 - 06:02 PM PST
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Lakers Topbuzz Hall of Famer
Joined: Jun 27, 2007
Posts: 6970
Location: LA
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noname24 wrote:
Quote:
Sasha Vujacic, the reserve guard nicknamed "The Machine" because of his proclivity for cranking up shots, is, like Ronny Turiaf, a restricted free agent.
Vujacic has yet to come back to the Lakers with an offer sheet and, in recent days, General Manager Mitch Kupchak has been negotiating with Rob Pelinka, Vujacic's agent, about a new contract.
"I'm optimistic that we can re-sign Sasha," Kobe Bryant said. "We definitely should. He's turned into a fantastic player for us and I would hate to see us lose two of our key guys off the bench."
Bryant's optimism may be bolstered by more than just hope since he and Vujacic have the same agent.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketbal ... 1372.story
Yup. Kobe has to remain optimistic.............................................
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