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J-Cool
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Post subject: Rumors: Kobe and Chicago Two Months Later
 Posted: Dec 18, 2007 - 06:16 PM PST
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Laker GM
Joined: Jul 15, 2007 Age: 18
Posts: 3208
  
votes: 31
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Kobe and Chicago: The big quote from Kobe Bryant this summer was "Get your Bulls jerseys, fellas," from the surreptitiously taken video outside an Orange County deli.
The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Bulls tonight and for a moment back in October it really looked like Bryant could be traded to Chicago.
While Bryant still won't out and out say his trade demand is rescinded, he's got a lot of positive to say now that the Los Angeles Lakers have gotten through a quarter of the season playing very solid basketball.
"We're a much better team right now than we were last year. I don't even think it's close," said Bryant. "We're much better defensively. We're better offensively. Our chemistry is much better. I think we're a year older and a year smarter . . . healthier."
The Bulls have gotten off to their customary slow start, but Lakers Coach Phil Jackson says he expects them to pick up momentum as the season progresses.
Luol Deng, the key component who would have come to Los Angeles for Bryant has struggled with back pain this season. The Bulls have had to deal with the hometown crowd chanting Bryant's name during the team's poor stretch to start the season. It'll be interesting to see how they react to seeing Bryant in town still wearing the Laker jersey.
Key to the Lakers' early success has been the play of Andrew Bynum. Spurring Bryant's trade demand was the Lakers' refusal to trade Bynum to New Jersey for Jason Kidd at last year's trade deadline. Bryant called out the team, naming Bynum personally in the "Kobe Video."
In response, Bynum took his frustrations out in the gym all summer. His conditioning and work ethic improved as did his play.
Bryant is awed that Bynum can seemingly just walk into a double-double.
After almost getting a triple-double against the Los Angeles Clippers, the debate postgame was which would come first for Bynum - a 20-point, 20-rebound game or a triple-double?
"I think a 20-20," said Bynum cheerfully.
While he may not suddenly turn into Shaquille O'Neal, Bynum has helped make the Lakers formidable and thus Bryant's trade demands are nothing but a fuzzy memory.
"There's only one old big guy - and that guy was a monster. But Andrew is really developing," said Bryant. "The key for him is to continue to work. The thing that he can provide for us is on the defensive end of the floor; changing the ballgame where teams need to think about their penetration and getting easy shots. That's really what he's good at."
Laker executive and future owner Jim Buss, current owner Dr. Jerry Buss and General Manager Mitch Kupchak all held firm to their convictions - and Bynum is making them look a lot more competent. Perhaps their numerous critics, including Kobe Bryant, judged too harshly and too quickly.
So will Bryant be treated by a chorus of boos or cheers tonight in Chicago?
In LA he was booed on opening night but now it's back to the "M-V-P" chant.
"I think we've had plenty of games here where the fans are going to get fat because they're eating so many tacos," said Bryant, referring to a STAPLES Center giveaway (when the Lakers win games by holding opponents under 100 points).
The future is uncertain but Bryant can't help but recognize that his future in LA may be brighter than he ever expected.
Not-So Big Names: Last week the Rumor Mill covered the top names rumored to be on the trade block - from least likely to be moved (Kobe Bryant) to most (Andre Miller). How about the not-so big named players who could be had at the right price?
Of course there are many more players who can and will be discussed before the February deadline, but here are a few that jump off the page (in no specific order):
Kurt Thomas: Thomas has been a leader in the clubhouse for the Seattle SuperSonics. After a dismal start, the team is starting to develop together. Moving Thomas is not a priority but if a team has some nice prospects, picks and expiring contracts to offer - word is the Sonics will listen. While playoff teams looking for size might call, the Sonics have no real incentive to move him.
Wally Szczerbiak: Playing 21 mpg for the Sonics without missing a single one due to injury, Szczerbiak could be a nice veteran shooter to add to a team on the verge. While the Sonics are fond of him as well, if they can move the former All-Star their cap position changes significantly this summer since he has one year left at $13.3 million. In this financial climate, that may be too much for a team to take on for an expiring contract.
Luke Ridnour/Earl Watson: Rumor is Ridnour would be the guy the Sonics would move. Both have similar three-year contracts, though Ridnour's is slightly higher.
Smush Parker: The Smush Parker experiment is over in Miami. He's on paid suspension and can be had for a sandwich. Odds are the HEAT try to throw him in whatever deal they can get for Jason Williams.
Jason Williams: The key to any HEAT deal is the $8.9 million expiring contract of Jason Williams. If Miami was willing to send promising Dorell Wright out as a sweetener, they may be able to find the missing pieces to help boost the HEAT back into contention. A miserable start can be overcome in the Eastern Conference - but they may not be willing to sacrifice their future (Wright).
Kwame Brown: The Lakers value what Kwame Brown brings defensively; the issue is he's always hurt. His $9.1 expiring deal is probably not enough to bring back high level talent, but the Lakers are willing to send out a draft pick with him considering how much young talent they already have stocked on the roster. What they need back is a big bodied defender who can stay healthy. Udonis Haslem would be perfect (but unavailable), but Kurt Thomas may be more of a realistic target. (Note: Brown has a 7.5% trade kicker).
Gordan Giricek: He can shoot and is relatively cheap ($4 million expiring). The Jazz are struggling on the road and still need help at the two-guard position.
Ira Newble: The Cavaliers are trying to adjust to LeBron James, Larry Hughes and Anderson Varejao returning. Still, as last year's NBA Finals showed, the team still needs to improve the roster. Unfortunately Newble represents the only bit of financial flexibility the team has available with his $3.4 million expiring contract.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=6542 |
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weezy1
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Post subject:
Posted: Dec 18, 2007 - 06:59 PM PST
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Die-Hard Laker Fan
Joined: Oct 18, 2007
Posts: 1955
votes: 4
Status: Offline
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| aha kobe aint goin nowhere |
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