He talks about Kobe's chances of opting out during the 08-09 season to pursue a championship... I personally think that Kobe will chose to stay with the Lakers til he retires... Still there is the chance... if he gets seriously frustrated any thoughts? opinions on this?
I think it's a POSSIBILITY, however, highly unlikely. I think before it gets to that point, Mitch Kupchak will do anything in his power to make Kobe happy by bringing in another star player to win a championship. I don't think Kobe wants to go without a ring for the rest of his career, especially considering Shaq O'neal got one already when he left Los Angeles. I think deep down that is killing Kobe inside. Don't worry, though. Kobe loves L.A. and the fans love him too, he'd be a fool to leave, so I believe Mitch will make him happy before it gets to that point.
Kobe is not going to leave LA.. By 08-09, Bynum will be one of the dominat centers and This team will probably win a championship that year or before that time, i really can't see why Kobe would leave
Why is David Aldridge even reporting this nonsense at this junction of the season? Talk about desperation to get readers.
LA is a hot spot for Free Agents/Traded players anyway. I'm sure the team will get enough pieces to secure Kobe's tenure here for a long time.
<div class="quote_poster">Kobe24bryant Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe is not going to leave LA.. By 08-09, Bynum will be one of the dominat centers and This team will probably win a championship that year or before that time, i really can't see why Kobe would leave</div> You think LA will win a championship next season or the one after?
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Why is David Aldridge even reporting this nonsense at this junction of the season? Talk about desperation to get readers.</div> Thank You. I used to respect Aldridge, now he's just junk. How the hell does he know the likelihood of Kobe opting out?
I think Kobe will seriously be thinking about it if next season turns out as crappy as this one. If the team is not in reach of the conference finals, I don't think he will be too happy.
<div class="quote_poster">YourNewChef Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I don't see Kobe leaving the team, it will hurt his image.</div> Who cares if it hurts his image? Everything Kobe does can somehow, some way, be perceived as negative. I don't really think Kobe cares that much about what others view him as. As for him opting out, if Mitch doesn't make some moves, I don't see why it shouldn't be an option, though I doubt it
<div class="quote_poster">Brian Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Who cares if it hurts his image? Everything Kobe does can somehow, some way, be perceived as negative. I don't really think Kobe cares that much about what others view him as. As for him opting out, if Mitch doesn't make some moves, I don't see why it shouldn't be an option, though I doubt it</div> You're wrong, Kobe is very sensitive about his image and how he's perceived in the mass media. He employs a PR firm to protect his image. This is just a sensationlist writing piece by David Aldridge. It's a shame he's had to become a rumor mill without any credibility to get attention. He used to be very straight forward and had a reputation of not making up controversy and reporting facts. This offseason he's been off target everytime he's opened his mouth.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">You're wrong, Kobe is very sensitive about his image and how he's perceived in the mass media. He employs a PR firm to protect his image. This is just a sensationlist writing piece by David Aldridge. It's a shame he's had to become a rumor mill without any credibility to get attention. He used to be very straight forward and had a reputation of not making up controversy and reporting facts. This offseason he's been off target everytime he's opened his mouth.</div> But still, if Kobe has the option to go elsewhere to win a championship, I'm pretty sure he'd take that option over his "public appeal." That is saying, of course, if the Lakers management doesn't make any signifigant changes to take us to the top, and if Kobe endures yet another frustrating season next year
<div class="quote_poster">Marbire Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">You think LA will win a championship next season or the one after?</div> Either one, if the team is healthy and if Mitch gets them help around Kobe.
Very unhighly but definitely a possibility. It seems as though the Lakers management focus on building around Andrew Bynum for the future.
<div class="quote_poster">Kobe24bryant Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Either one, if the team is healthy and if Mitch gets them help around Kobe.</div> I don't think the Lakers will be winning a championship until a couple of years, unless Mitch gets alot of help. The Mavs, Suns, and Spurs are too good.
<div class="quote_poster">Carter Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think the Lakers will be winning a championship until a couple of years, unless Mitch gets alot of help. The Mavs, Suns, and Spurs are too good.</div> What do you mean alot? All they need is a true PG.. The Suns, Mavs, and Spurs are going to be Old teams in 2 years. The Spurs are already old, and they are not as dominant as they used to be. Steve Nash and Dirk will be old by then. Those teams are not going to be dominant. Also, we have Kobe Bryant, I really don't know what you mean by ALOT.
<div class="quote_poster">Brian Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">But still, if Kobe has the option to go elsewhere to win a championship, I'm pretty sure he'd take that option over his "public appeal." That is saying, of course, if the Lakers management doesn't make any signifigant changes to take us to the top, and if Kobe endures yet another frustrating season next year</div> It would have to be a unique situation for another team to even makeup the salary Kobe would give up. Then you have to build a team around him and stay under the salary cap. A better scenario would be Kobe opting out of his deal if he's willing to take less money, and allow the Lakers to sign another superstar. I wouldn't underestimate Kobe's "public appeal." Can you just imagine the headlines and backlash he'd receive if he ever left the Lakers? Kobe is a quitter. Kobe is a backstabber. Kobe has to ride 'player x's' coat tails. Shaq was right. etc. etc. Kobe doesn't have the sympathy a player like KG has in Minnesota around league and in the national media. People aren't going to fault KG for opting out, but Kobe will get his name dragged through the mud all over again, and I don't think he wants to experience that again.
<div class="quote_poster">Kobe24bryant Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">What do you mean alot? All they need is a true PG.. The Suns, Mavs, and Spurs are going to be Old teams in 2 years. The Spurs are already old, and they are not as dominant as they used to be. Steve Nash and Dirk will be old by then. Those teams are not going to be dominant. Also, we have Kobe Bryant, I really don't know what you mean by ALOT.</div> Not only a true point guard. They need to get a better bench and get deeper as a team. The Suns are deep, but don't have as much experience as the Mavs or Spurs in the playoffs. The Mavs are deep also, they probably can't stop Kobe, but the rest of the team will suffer. And the Spurs are deep and they have 2 all stars and one future hall of famer. Duncan is better than Bynum, Turiaf, Mihm, and the rest of the Laker big men and Bowen could hold Kobe to 30 or fewer points. But for the future, I could see the Lakers possibly getting a title, but then again you can't forget about the teams in the east also. Lebron, Wade, Bosh, and Dwight Howard will all be much better then they are now and many other young players with high potential will be available. Some teams in the west have bright futures also, the Warriors are one team with a bright future, Carmelo Anthony himself is gonna be much better. I know there are alot more, but I can't think of them right now. So the Lakers could get a title in a few years, but I don't see it as a big chance.
Kwame Brown has the ability to shut Tim Duncan down with his defense. I don't think the Lakers are championship contenders yet, but I don't think we're that far away. Remember, when healthy, we were one of the top teams in the league. Obviously we've got some weaknesses, but it's nothing that substantial IMO. We've already shown we've got the potential to compete with teams like Dallas, San Antonio, and Phoenix
