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jk9999990
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Post subject: Like this city, Kobe trade saga never sleeps
 Posted: Dec 24, 2007 - 12:37 PM PST
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Big-Time Laker Fan
Joined: Aug 04, 2007
Posts: 775
  
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NEW YORK - On the last stop of this four-game trip, the Kobe Bryant trade saga was revived yet again.
Coach Phil Jackson had been quoted in Chicago as saying the book has not been closed on the Bryant story, so Jackson was asked to explain.
"The idea was that this team is going to satisfy what Kobe's desires are to do, what he wants to accomplish," Jackson said Sunday. "Kobe wants to win another championship. Whether we're ready to move to that level or not isn't apparent right now. We have a ways to grow and we have time to do it, but our players are young."
Jackson said the team has to go through playoff wars and adversity.
When asked if the organization might satisfy Bryant's desire to be traded if things aren't going well, Jackson said, "No."
"It's like giving up a diamond for some garnets," he added.
Bryant said the Knicks were one of the teams he considered when asking to be traded over the summer.
"Kobe was just being kind to them," Jackson joked.
Bryant has an early termination clause in his contract that kicks in after the 2008-09 season, allowing him to walk away from the remaining $47.8 million of his deal and sign with another team without the Lakers getting compensation.
Bryant was asked if he could imagine playing here as a Knick.
"You ain't getting me in trouble," he said.
Kidd Trade Talks
The Lakers have made more overtures about acquiring Jason Kidd, but the Nets weren't interested in the offer, according to the New York Post.
The Lakers reportedly offered Kwame Brown and his expiring $9 million contract, Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic, Chris Mihm and a No. 1 draft pick.
The Lakers weren't willing to make Lamar Odom part of the deal, just as they wouldn't give up Andrew Bynum when the Lakers tried to acquire Kidd last season.
The Nuggets, reportedly offering Marcus Camby and draft picks, are considered the front-runners if Kidd is dealt.
Kobe Nursing Groin Injury
Bryant still is nursing a strained left groin but he refuses to rest. He played 41 minutes Sunday.
Time off would do him some good. The Lakers play at home Tuesday, then don't play until Friday. They play again Sunday and then have four days off.
That would give Bryant more time to heal.
"Overplaying him is going to create a situation we'll have to watch ... carefully," Jackson said.
Farmar, Vujacic Benched
With 3:52 left and the Lakers reeling, Jackson grew tired of the mistakes by Farmar and Vujacic, took both out and inserted Javaris Crittenton into the game.
It was Crittenton's first action of the day, and he was being asked to perform with the game on the line.
Crittenton looked nervous when he missed his only shot.
"I wanted to give Javaris a little try out there, see how he could do handling the pressure," Jackson said. "I took a chance."
More Lakers Notes
Luke Walton didn't play Sunday because of a sprained right ankle suffered in Friday night's game in Philadelphia.
Mihm had four points in 10 minutes, his first action of the trip.
http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/lak ... c41b6.html |
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