Kobe Bryant Saga/Trade Discussion

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

espn.com

Kobe misses third straight practice, questionable for game vs. Sonics

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant sat out practice for the third straight day Tuesday, then denied a report that he had cleaned out his locker -- a story carried by several local news outlets.
Bryant spoke for less than two minutes in the parking lot of the team's practice facility. Previously, he had said very little to reporters since Jerry Buss stated last week in Honolulu that he "would certainly listen" to trade offers for the NBA's scoring leader.

Continued......

 

[OCBucksFan]

While I've been a Laker fan since I could crawl, I find myself in a flux situation. I grew up on the era of "team-play" with Magic and the fellas. To see an in-grate and self-centered prick like Kobe at the helm it makes it difficult to root. Whereas, living 45 minutes south of Portland, I see a team of youth that acts like they're a "team". I know that's almost anathema to go from the Lakers to the Trailblazers, but on the flip side, the potential of seeing Mr. Oden in years to come is quite appetizing.

Meh, regardless of what happens I will still be a fan of the Lakers. Kobe leaving or staying doesn't make that much of a difference in the long run, if he leaves and we get some expiring contracts we can start building a new team and make a run in a few years. As it stands, we're in a horrible position, we don't get into the lottery and we don't go anywhere in the playoffs. Also, the Blazers may have Oden now, but I remember what that team was 5 years ago.

 

[muffler dragon]

Meh, regardless of what happens I will still be a fan of the Lakers. Kobe leaving or staying doesn't make that much of a difference in the long run, if he leaves and we get some expiring contracts we can start building a new team and make a run in a few years. As it stands, we're in a horrible position, we don't get into the lottery and we don't go anywhere in the playoffs. Also, the Blazers may have Oden now, but I remember what that team was 5 years ago.

I also will probably always be a fan of the Lakers (simply too many wonderful memories). More or less, just a period of disappointment.

As for the Trailblazers recent past, I don't see a correlation (if you were trying to make one). The players and the management have been completely overhauled. Truth be told, my growing interest in the Trailblazers comes from two distinct considerations:

1) Locale. It's really the only professional sports team in the area, and it's the closest one I've lived with in a VERY long time. (Seattle's just a bit too out of reach)
2) Positive Actions. There's an underlying hope to the youth of the program and the direction that is being promoted by the GM.

Edit: Btw, I'm not trying to persuade or justify. Just sharing thoughts.

 

[OCBucksFan]

ESPN - Stein: Kobe looks ready for departure - NBA

After the latest wild spin on the Kobe Coaster, another 24-hour scramble of disorienting turns and steep drops with No. 24, things were actually pretty clear at the end of the ride.

So clear that the end of the Kobe Bryant era in Lakerland has never seemed closer.

The events of a zany Tuesday allowed for no other conclusion. You inevitably wondered, once your stomach settled, whether the Lakers are going to have to live like this for the rest of Bryant's days in purple and gold, however many are left, with the smothering expectation that he's headed to the airport any minute.

It's difficult to believe otherwise when Kobe asks to skip his third successive practice to give his legs some rest … and is promptly asked by reporters whether he thinks he's played his last game as a Laker.

It's especially difficult to imagine a different ending when the famously quotable and revealing Phil Jackson responds to almost every Kobe question he gets by saying he either can't comment or doesn't know the answer.

The Zen Master? At a loss for words? Dark days, indeed.

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

In case the Bulls trade for Kobe or you just don't like them anymore? :p

one would cause the other.

 

[jwinslow]

one would cause the other.

Not pony tail?

 

[exhawg]

one would cause the other.

I don't like him either, but if the Cavs traded anyone but Lebron and Gibson for him I'd take him. Kobe would make any top 8 Eastern team a favorite.

 

[starBUCKS]

Rumors circulating around L.A. have the Bulls suggesting a package of Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Andres Nocioni for Kobe Bryant, which sounds questionable because Nocioni can't be traded until Dec. 15. The Lakers were said to have mocked that possibility.The Bulls, sources say, have put Luol Deng off limits in any trade discussions. Believing the Bulls will not consider moving Deng, the Lakers are said to have asked for four pieces from the Bulls, including at least two from among Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Ben Wallace. Reportedly hearing that, Bryant balked, sending word that if he is traded to Chicago -- and he has the only full no-trade contract in the NBA -- he wants to play with Wallace.

Chi-town possibilites?

 

[muffler dragon]

Chi-town possibilites?

Hinrich in a Lakers uniform just isn't right.

 

[MD Buckeye]

You would think that the Lakers are getting sick of this shit and just trade his ass

 

[OCBucksFan]

You would think that the Lakers are getting sick of this shit and just trade his ass

The problem is he has a full no trade contract, so a deal can only happen if he approves it. Basically, he's said he would go to Dallas or Chicago, ok fine, but he doesn't want to go to Dallas if Dirk isn't there and doesn't want to go to Chicago if Wallace is there. This is fucking stupid because basically he's making sure the Lakers don't improve at all in the deal.

 

[MD Buckeye]

The problem is he has a full no trade contract, so a deal can only happen if he approves it. Basically, he's said he would go to Dallas or Chicago, ok fine, but he doesn't want to go to Dallas if Dirk isn't there and doesn't want to go to Chicago if Wallace is there. This is fucking stupid because basically he's making sure the Lakers don't improve at all in the deal.

Kobe to Dallas for Howard straight up :tongue2:

 

[starBUCKS]

I saw a trade talk brought up with my Suns again something like Marion, Diaw, Barbosa and Hawks 1st rounder for Kobe, Kwame and Cook, possibly also trading out Odom with Kwame. It's interesting, but has no shot. Rivals don't make those kind of trades.

 

[OCBucksFan]

I saw a trade talk brought up with my Suns again something like Marion, Diaw, Barbosa and Hawks 1st rounder for Kobe, Kwame and Cook, possibly also trading out Odom with Kwame. It's interesting, but has no shot. Rivals don't make those kind of trades.

I heard rumors of this too but I don't see the Suns parting with Marion, he's just too good of a player and that would be gutting the team so badly that Bryant would be back in the same exact spot. I think the Lakers will most likely deal him this year, but I don't think they are going to jump for deals, wait and see what comes up, Kobe will crack before Buss does, face it, to make himself valuable, Kobe needs to perform.

 

[starBUCKS]

I heard rumors of this too but I don't see the Suns parting with Marion, he's just too good of a player and that would be gutting the team so badly that Bryant would be back in the same exact spot. I think the Lakers will most likely deal him this year, but I don't think they are going to jump for deals, wait and see what comes up, Kobe will crack before Buss does, face it, to make himself valuable, Kobe needs to perform.

Marion's had one foot out the door for like 4 seasons now. That wouldn't gut them at all. Stoudamire, Raja Bell, Nash, Bryant, Grant Hill...nasty 5. Regardless it won't happen...Suns don't like the Lakers, Lakers don't like the Suns...just doesn't work.