<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> ANAHEIM -- Reading between the lines and the rhetoric and the speculation around the NBA, it now seems to be a matter of when, not if, Kobe Bryant will be traded.</p> There he was Tuesday night, in Lakers purple and gold, revving up the Honda Center crowd during an exhibition game against the Utah Jazz. As always, "Ko-BE! Ko-BE! Ko-BE!" was the most popular player in the building.</p> But will Bryant be wearing the same uniform when the Lakers open the 2007-08 regular season next week? A report in one New York tabloid Tuesday said not to bet on that one, "even if L.A. must accept an inequitable return" because "that's how repugnant he supposedly has become to the owner's senses."</p> Ouch. Is Jerry Buss that angry at the Kobester?</p> Perhaps, but it's more likely Bryant will be playing for the Lakers until at least mid-December, one team insider said Tuesday, because of the contract status of one player the Lakers are interested in acquiring.</p> Though the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks also have been mentioned prominently in recent trade speculation, most signs point to the Chicago Bulls as the most logical destination for Bryant.</p> Nobody knows what is or isn't going on behind the scenes, but Bryant has the leverage of a full no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he essentially can choose his next team. He also has an opt-out clause in his contract after two more seasons, so the disenchantment he expressed publicly in the offseason has to be taken seriously.</p> There is no urgency to trade Bryant now. The team can sift through potential offers and move him before the February trading deadline, if the Lakers aren't in serious playoff contention at the time, or it can wait until after the season. The team certainly can't wait any longer than that and risk losing him to free agency without any compensation.</p> And if the Bulls are the most logical suitor — and all indications are that Bryant would love to play in Chicago, where Michael Jordan became a star — a deal could happen by December.</p> The Bulls reportedly have made star forward Luol Deng untouchable, so the Lakers made it known they wouldn't agree to a deal unless the incoming package includes center Ben Wallace, a choice between guards Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich, and others.</p> But when the Chicago Tribune reported that Bryant wants to play with Wallace, it meant the Bulls would have to change the package to perhaps include Tyrus Thomas or Joakim Noah, forward Andres Nocioni and a first-round pick.</p> Word is the Lakers are very interested in Nocioni, a former Argentine star who averaged 14.1 points and 5.7 rebounds for Chicago last season. But by rule, he can't be traded until after Dec. 15.</p> There also has been speculation in Chicago the Bulls want to find out how good this team will be before making a major trade.</div></p> Source: OC Register</p>
Hrnrich, Gordon, Thomas and Noah would be the only trade that would help the Lakers and in a star based town will any of those guys sell any jerseys? If they really want to improve the team, start by firing Mitch.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (whatthef?)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Hinrich, Gordon, Thomas and Noah would be the only trade that would help the Lakers and in a star based town will any of those guys sell any jerseys? If they really want to improve the team, start by firing Mitch.</p> </div></p> I'd like to think Gordon could have that "Star Power", and that Tyrus's flashy dunks could impress the LA crowd enough. Both those guys could definitely sell some jerseys.</p> </p>
Well, Kobe does not want to be traded unless Ben Wallace STAYS in Chicago, and Luol Deng is off-limits. The deal will be a choice between Hinrich or Gordon, Nocioni, a future 1st round draft pick, and a choice between Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. If I were Mitch Kupchak, I would pull this trigger right away and take Gordon, Nocioni, Thomas, and the first round pick.</p> Our starting five:</p> PG Derek Fisher SG Ben Gordon SF Tyrus Thomas PF Lamar Odom C Andrew Bynum</p> 6th: Nocioni</p> That is a FAR improved lineup than what we had before. We can also trade Nocioni+Brown+unconditional 2nd rd. pick to the Suns for Shawn Marion(more of a pipe dream) Then, we would be a tough team to beat, and very explosive and solid defensively. I think the Lakers are waiting until December 15, when Nocioni is then legally allowed to be traded.</p> </p>
I see the angle Paxson is playing here. Its quite magnificent actually.</p> Right now the trade he has on the table is Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah , and then draftpicks of course.</p> Lakers seem buttered up to that. But obviously this trade can't happen until December 15th. Paxson's master plan is to get Gordon exed out of that trade. Paxson is waiting for Gordon to just come out of the gates exploding, average 25+ for the first month and a half, and just tack on Gordon untouchable (if Gordon's averaging 25 PPG on a higher TS%, while Kobe is averaging around the same amount....you can't justify trading Gordon for Kobe. Thats Paxson's hopes. Ship off Hinrich, Nocioni, and Noah plus draft picks.</p> PG-Ben Gordon/JamesOn Curry SG-Kobe Bryant/Thabo Sefolosha SF-Luol Deng/Thabo Sefolosha PF-Ben Wallace/Tyrus Thomas C- Aaron Gray/Joe Smith</p> Effectively you keep your two best players in Deng/Gordon, you still have your best bigman in Wallace, and your two top big men prospects in Tyrus and Gray. You get rid of a possible detriment to the team in Nocioni with all his gunning. Unfortunately you have to move Thabo or JamesOn Curry to main backup point guard, but you also give Thabo backup 2/3 minutes, which puts him in a better position to succeed.</p> For CBA Purposes: Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah, Viktar Khryapa, Adrian Griffin and AChris Duhon for Kobe Bryant and Brian Cook, plus fillers.</p> Gordon/Kobe/Deng would rank up there as one of the best perimeter (if not the best) trios of all time.</p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Gordon/Kobe/Deng would rank up there as one of the best perimeter (if not the best) trios of all time.</p> </p> </div></p> Magic/Scott/Cooper, DJ/Ainge/Bird, Isiah/Dumars/(Microwave, Dantley, Rodman, throw any of them in here), Frazier/the Pearl/Bill Bradley, Jordan/Pippen/ (any one)</p> There are plenty of comparable and even better perimeter trios in NBA history. It's not one of the greatest.</p> </p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> I see the angle Paxson is playing here. Its quite magnificent actually.</p> Right now the trade he has on the table is Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah , and then draftpicks of course.</p> Lakers seem buttered up to that. But obviously this trade can't happen until December 15th. Paxson's master plan is to get Gordon exed out of that trade. Paxson is waiting for Gordon to just come out of the gates exploding, average 25+ for the first month and a half, and just tack on Gordon untouchable (if Gordon's averaging 25 PPG on a higher TS%, while Kobe is averaging around the same amount....you can't justify trading Gordon for Kobe. Thats Paxson's hopes. Ship off Hinrich, Nocioni, and Noah plus draft picks.</p> PG-Ben Gordon/JamesOn Curry SG-Kobe Bryant/Thabo Sefolosha SF-Luol Deng/Thabo Sefolosha PF-Ben Wallace/Tyrus Thomas C- Aaron Gray/Joe Smith</p> Effectively you keep your two best players in Deng/Gordon, you still have your best bigman in Wallace, and your two top big men prospects in Tyrus and Gray. You get rid of a possible detriment to the team in Nocioni with all his gunning. Unfortunately you have to move Thabo or JamesOn Curry to main backup point guard, but you also give Thabo backup 2/3 minutes, which puts him in a better position to succeed.</p> For CBA Purposes: Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah, Viktar Khryapa, Adrian Griffin and AChris Duhon for Kobe Bryant and Brian Cook, plus fillers.</p> Gordon/Kobe/Deng would rank up there as one of the best perimeter (if not the best) trios of all time.</p> </div></p> Where do you get the notion the Lakers have 'buttered' up to that offer? Their stance all along has been no Deng, no deal. The Lakers aren't going to settle for a bad trade and the idea of Noc, Hinrich, Noah or Thomas and a pick is a bad trade.</p> </p>
Hell no, in any Kobe trade to Chicago you have to have either Gordon and Deng without any of them then then there is no deal.I hope that if we do trade Kobe that we get Gordon, Noah and Nocioini I'll be happy if we at least get those three players.</p>
Kirk Hinrich is equal value to Andre Miller/Lamar Odom. Andres Nocioni is greater value than Joe Smith/Caron Butler. Joakim Noah is greater value than draftpicks.</p> I don't think that trade is too farfetched, especially if Kobe is tanking, taking some extra games off for minor injuries, playing lethargicly, etc, and the Lakers are out of the playoff race come December, and Kobe's discontent is growing greater and greater. In addition, Kobe can veto any trade if he thinks the opposing team is giving away too much value. Not a Shaq or AI case, where they can speak of displeasure of a place, but can't techinically stop it.</p>
Sweet avatar Dark Hero!Bynum for Most Improved!</p> I agree Bulls need to give AT LEAST Gordon, Noch, Noah and a pick for Kobe. If Kobe wanted out so bad he'd waive his no trade clause. If he wants to opt out in two years I'd call him on it because he'll never make the money back that he'd be giving up. Kobe can say he's all about winning until his face turns blue, but these athletes are more about the money. If Kobe was really only interested in winning he would never have signed a max deal and would have allowed the Lakers cap flexibility to sign another high profile free agent.</p>
Thanks Shape!If the Lakers don't get either Gordon and Deng in a Kobe trade then the Lakers got once againg riped off.It doesn’t really matter if Paxson says that Gordon is untouchable because there is no way the Lakers do any trade not involving either Deng or Gordon the Bulls are receiving Kobe what else do they want? If the Bulls really want Kobe than they would just keep Deng and throw in Gordon.</p>
seriously... if the trade happens... it will be gordon, nocioni, thomas and/or noah, picks for Kobe... Deng will be untouchable while gordon wont... this is the best possible scenario for both teams because if the bulls give up hinrich then no one will be good enough to man the point in the bulls lineup</p> Lakers: Fisher/Gordon/Walton/Odom/Bynum Bench: Nocioni/Noah and/or Thomas/ mihm etc</p> Bulls: Hinrich/Kobe/Deng/tyrus or noah (if both arent traded)/Wallace Bench: ermmmm problem here... duhon? / thabo/ Smith/ they have to sign someone to contend</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> I see the angle Paxson is playing here. Its quite magnificent actually.</p> Right now the trade he has on the table is Kirk Hinrich or Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah , and then draftpicks of course.</p> Lakers seem buttered up to that. But obviously this trade can't happen until December 15th. Paxson's master plan is to get Gordon exed out of that trade. Paxson is waiting for Gordon to just come out of the gates exploding, average 25+ for the first month and a half, and just tack on Gordon untouchable (if Gordon's averaging 25 PPG on a higher TS%, while Kobe is averaging around the same amount....you can't justify trading Gordon for Kobe. Thats Paxson's hopes. Ship off Hinrich, Nocioni, and Noah plus draft picks.</p> PG-Ben Gordon/JamesOn Curry SG-Kobe Bryant/Thabo Sefolosha SF-Luol Deng/Thabo Sefolosha PF-Ben Wallace/Tyrus Thomas C- Aaron Gray/Joe Smith</p> Effectively you keep your two best players in Deng/Gordon, you still have your best bigman in Wallace, and your two top big men prospects in Tyrus and Gray. You get rid of a possible detriment to the team in Nocioni with all his gunning. Unfortunately you have to move Thabo or JamesOn Curry to main backup point guard, but you also give Thabo backup 2/3 minutes, which puts him in a better position to succeed.</p> For CBA Purposes: Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, Joakim Noah, Viktar Khryapa, Adrian Griffin and AChris Duhon for Kobe Bryant and Brian Cook, plus fillers.</p> Gordon/Kobe/Deng would rank up there as one of the best perimeter (if not the best) trios of all time.</p> </p> </div></p> </p> So they're going to get Kobe (one of--if not the--best players in the league)while keeping all of their best players and all of their best prospects? You think they won't be able to get anything better then that?</p>
Fact of the matter is that the Lakers deserve to have either Gordon or Deng thrown into that deal and it is going to be one of them for sure. We already know Deng is off limits and Skiles has said time and time again that Hinrich is the leader of his team and he doesn't want to part with him andneither does Paxson. I bet if anything were to happen it would be Gordon, Nocioni, Thomas, fillers(likely Khryapa for one) and future draft picks.</p> </p> Personally, I think the whole trade concept sucks though and I strongly prefer to keep the players we have right now.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Kirk Hinrich is equal value to Andre Miller/Lamar Odom. Andres Nocioni is greater value than Joe Smith/Caron Butler. Joakim Noah is greater value than draftpicks.</p> </div></p> Where on earth do you get Andre Miller and Joe Smith out of all of this. LO is way better than Miller. Caron Butler is better than Nocioni.</p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (M Two One)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Fact of the matter is that the Lakers deserve to have either Gordon or Deng thrown into that deal and it is going to be one of them for sure. We already know Deng is off limits and Skiles has said time and time again that Hinrich is the leader of his team and he doesn't want to part with him andneither does Paxson. I bet if anything were to happen it would be Gordon, Nocioni, Thomas, fillers(likely Khryapa for one) and future draft picks.</p> </p> Personally, I think the whole trade concept sucks though and I strongly prefer to keep the players we have right now.</p> </div></p> I've been saying that Wallace+Deng for Kobe+filler is the deal, and I think it works out the same if the Lakers would take Gordon in place of Deng.</p> If the Bulls give up Wallace, they're not going to be in position to give up any of the rest of their forwards, including Nocioni, and especially Thomas/Noah.</p> </p> </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumpman)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Kirk Hinrich is equal value to Andre Miller/Lamar Odom. Andres Nocioni is greater value than Joe Smith/Caron Butler. Joakim Noah is greater value than draftpicks.</p> </div></p> Where on earth do you get Andre Miller and Joe Smith out of all of this. LO is way better than Miller. Caron Butler is better than Nocioni.</p> </p> </div></p> </p> </p>
