Kobe Is Not the Answer Man

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LAS VEGAS ? This time the Kobester didn't pass on best regards to Fred and Tracy, or poke me in the ribs like we were buddies again.

Every time I mentioned the Lakers, he groaned, so we know he's no different than most Lakers fans these days.

But does he still want to be a Laker? Will he still be a Laker?

He started it. He raised the issue earlier this summer, the big baby throwing quite the tantrum and letting everyone know how unhappy he was with teammates and front office executives -- calling Jerry Buss an idiot.

The last time we chatted, the USA basketball team had gathered here for workouts. Maybe he got a nap, or his tummy was full, but whatever the reason, the big baby handled questions about the issues that he had raised earlier with poise and charm.

Some suggested that he was just trying to work on his image given the number of national reporters on hand last month.

When it came time for Wednesday's session, most of the media not arriving until next week's games begin, it was only me and the Kobester. And he moaned. Here I am, taking valuable time away from the Choking Dogs, who need all the help they can get, and not for one second did he show his appreciation.

"So, what do you think of the Garnett deal?" I began.

"As far as what?" he snipped.

"Are you disappointed the Lakers couldn't make something happen?"

"I don't have a reaction either way," he said. "I don't think about it too much."

"You don't think about the Lakers, and what they could or could not do to improve after everything you had to say?"

"Why should I?"

This was not the same guy I had met a few weeks ago. I don't know, maybe he was uptight because he was one of three players picked to take a drug test. He was clearly on edge and I hadn't even mentioned Mitch Kupchak's name yet.

I had called the Lakers' publicity department to ask about Kupchak's availability, but was put on hold where I had to listen to Smush Parker highlights. And the Kobester thinks he has it rough.

I hung up, the Lakers called back, and I was told Kupchak was on vacation until the 24th. I'm not surprised he left town after what he told the Daily News recently. "If this was the team that we started the season off with, I'd be fine with it. I feel that we're an improved team over last year."

I read those comments to the Kobester and said, "So what do you say?"

"Talk to Mitch about it, man," he said, obviously forgetting my first name. "If that's what he feels, that's what he feels."</div>

Source: LA Times