The will Kobe go, will Kobe stay talks continue. I wrote a post some time ago where I quoted Stephen A. Smith talking about Kobe Bryant’s feelings towards the Lakers “He has absolutely no problem leaving if the Los Angeles Lakers, specifically owner Jerry Buss doesn’t get his act together. Do not be surprised at all if this stuff continues if Kobe Bryant some time around next year is asking to be traded.”
Ric Bucher reported that Kobe said he would demand a trade if Jerry West wasn’t brought back to L.A… A report that Kobe quickly denied. Well, now “Bean” is sounding off on his website:
Was up again, y’all. I saw an article this AM in the LA Timeswhich said a Lakers’ “insider” noted that my wanting to “get away from Shaq” is what created this whole “mess” the Laker’s currently find themselves in. Man, hearing something like that, which is not true, and which comes from the “inside” is totally frustrating. The fact of the matter is that many people don’t know what really went down when I was approaching free agency because I have stayed quiet about it this whole time. The real facts are that Dr. Buss requested a meeting with me during the 04 season long before I opted out of my contract, and he told me he had already decided to not extend Shaq, as he was concerned about Shaq’s age, fitness and contract demands. Dr. Buss thought it was best for the Lakers to make a trade to get value for Shaq while they could.
Kobe goes on to say:
“when stuff like this is coming from the “inside” all I can do is hope that someone from the “inside” comes forward to support me and set straight the facts of what really happened.”
You can read all of Kobe’s post here, including yesterday’s entry about not wanting to be traded…KB24 can claim that he doesn’t want to be traded or he’s a Laker for life, but his words seem to say otherwise. I doubt that Ric Bucher made up the Kobe quotes so there’s the first hint. His beef with “the insider” is just another part of the “I want to be traded” foundation, but the biggest hint, the best clue, is when Kobe said
“Dr. Buss called me from his Vacation in Italy on the eve of my decision and promised me that the Lakers would do everything to build a contender NOW. I told him at that time that my fear was the Lakers waiting to save Cap Room to sign a top notch free agent in 3 or 4 years, so that was why I was leaning towards other teams like the Clips and Bulls, both of who had a cast of good young players.”
If you don’t understand what he’s saying allow me to translate: “Dr. Buss said he was gonna get some real players in here and I believed him, but now, have you seen this @#$% roster? Get me the hell outta here.”
I find it hard to believe that this current Laker regime wants to go down in history for losing Shaq and Kobe. Kobe’s recent outbursts are his way of trying to force the team to do something big… If they can’t get Jerry West back in the fold they need to try to pull off a Jerry West type of deal. You know, try to fleece a team in a trade, land a GOOD free agent, make something happen, make the team relevant. If not, we’ll be hearing Kobe’s (non) trade demands all of next season.
**YBB UPDATE**
Kobe spoke to John Ireland and Steve Mason from The Big Show on ESPN 710 in Los Angeles. The interview is 15 minutes long and Kobe discusses his feelings towards the Lakers organization, the Ric Bucher article, and the Lakes failure to sign Baron Davis, Carlos Boozer, and Ron Artest. Listen here
Kobe spoke to Petros Papadakis and Matt “Money” Smith from PMS on AM570 in Los Angeles. The interview is 23 minutes long and covers a lot of the same topics as the first interview. Kobe comes across more frustrated in this conversation. He’s not only talking hoops as he covers the Wiggles, Barney, and his daughter dancing like Shakira. Listen here
Again, Kobe can say he’s not demanding a trade but if you listen to what he’s saying it sounds like the Lakers are one misstep away from losing #24.
All of the “Kobe demanding a trade” talk is apparently taking its toll on Lakers’ owner Jerry Buss. Jerry Buss arrested on suspicion of DUI courtesy of the L.A. Times
**END UPDATE**
Kobe wants West to return to Lakers with full authority. Courtesy of ESPN.com
Kobe says he’s just suggesting West’s return, not demanding it. Courtesy of ESPN.com
The Truth: Lakers “insiders” all wrong. Courtesy of KB 24
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