Buss Appears Ready To Show Kobe The Door

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Those who have examined Jerry Buss' few public utterances over the years have come to understand one of the paradoxes of Hollywood's swashbuckling sports owner.

He doesn't act. He doesn't posture, he doesn't pose, he means exactly what he says.

What Buss said in Thursday's paper about Kobe Bryant, then, was breathtakingly clear.

He said goodbye.

He said he was weary of Bryant's ridiculing his family and degrading his organization. He said he was tired of living with Bryant's consistent and vocal unhappiness.

He said he would listen to trade offers, which means he will eventually take one.

Maybe Bryant won't be traded this minute. Maybe he won't even be traded this winter.

But it is obvious the minute the Lakers can acquire anything that even resembles fair value, Bryant is gone, and Buss won't much miss him.

Hey, Kobe, turns out you're not the only one in the organization who feels betrayed, huh?

To understand the impact of Buss' statements in his annual interview with the team's beat writers on Wednesday, one must contrast them with his previous comments about his star.

Buss saying he would trade Bryant was like his coach suddenly announcing that the triangle had become a square.

Never has Buss shown anything but unconditional admiration for Bryant.

Never has he even hinted at anything other than wanting him to remain a Laker forever.

Go back to Feb. 22, 2004, when Bryant's rivalry with teammate Shaquille O'Neal erupted in nastiness.

Buss flatly told ESPN that he backed Bryant.

"I believe he will be a Laker for life," Buss said.

In the same interview, Buss questioned Coach Phil Jackson by saying, "There are times when it seems he doesn't want to coach."

Four months later, Jackson was gone.

Later, he also questioned O'Neal's attitude, saying, "We have to talk and see if he wants to stay here."</div></p>

Source: LA Times</p>

 

I'd want Gasol, but Kobe has a no-trade clause and Memphis was not on the list of teams he'd agree to play for. His list is short and includes Dallas, Chicago, and New York. I'm sure the list includes Boston now since they acquired KG and have a legit chance at coming out of the East.</p>

Out of those teams on his list Chicago has the most to send back in a trade, but I don't think Chicago is willing to gut their roster for Kobe.</p>

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Also I don't see new york as a destination either.</p>

Who would Boston send for Kobe?</p>

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If the Lakers end up trading Kobe it will take place in 2009 via sign and trade. Looking ahead to 2009 Ray Allen's contract would be expiring so he would likely be included along with draft picks and maybe some young guys or maybe a third team is included. A lot can take place in two years so it's hard to predict.</p>

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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dark Hero)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

I would not trade Kobe to the Knicks they don't have have young guys that might help us in the future.I'll go for a team like Dallas who we could try to get Harris or Juwan Howard.</p>

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I think you mean Josh Howard. LOL. I also like him a lot, but the Lakers have a logjam at small forward already. I've never been a big fan of Devin Harris either, I like JCrit's upside a lot more. If the Lakers deal Kobe I hope they get a legit PF back, draft picks and cap.</p>

I agree on the Knicks, the only player I'd want from their squad is David Lee, but obviously it's not nearly enough.</p>

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