here.. Kobe is 100% right in every point here.. if you can find something which he said that was wrong id like to know it..
He is right, but I think what Wave said is true, I don't think they would go at it like this just because of Kobe's not playing good in a couple of preseason games. But it's funny to read it, I always love conflicts in sports.
One thing is for sure Kobe seems to always think before he says something to the media.. Shaq just babbles..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting grizzoistight:</div><div class="quote_post">One thing is for sure Kobe seems to always think before he says something to the media.. Shaq just babbles..</div> Agreed, he wasn't trying to make jokes like Shaq, he was sticking to the point and making well thougt out points. It's obvious from his comments that him and Shaq are further than just not liking each other. Any manager or coach of a franchise wouldn't want his players to publically make negative comments about another player in their team. It'll be interesting to see how much this affects the Lakers and if it makes Kobe think about opting out more.
This is getting ridiculous. I mean seriously, these guys need to grow up. Kobe made some good points, Shaq did as well. But why voice your opinions to the media in such a way? The Lakers already have enough distractions as it is. Kobe doesn't deserve to talk (bleep) right now, nor does Shaq. They need to burry their egos and start thinking about winning another Championship.
I hope the lakers realize they are facing, make Kobe happy or lose him. And I hope they realize, Kobe, not Shaq, is their future. So, either appease Kobe or find some way for Shaq to shut the hell up. That said, I think they are BOTH being egotistical assholes.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Manu:</div><div class="quote_post">That said, I think they are BOTH being egotistical assholes.</div> It takes a certain amount of ego to be a great player though, pretty much all the great players think they are the best and should get the ball. I feel really bad for Payton and Malone having to go through all of this when they are trying to focus on winning a championship. Phil Jackson needs to take some control and get this guys to sit down and talk, taking shots at each other through the media will not solve anything.
Its obvious to me that kobe is more competitive and just flat out loves the game more than shaq and more than anyone since MJ. Would the lakers rather pay 40+ mil a year to an aging shaqwho is going to bad mouth teammates, and poss. not come in to play at great shape, or worry about building a team around kobe.. and starting a new era
Here is the complete transcript I really agree with these 2 parts.. GRAY: What was your reaction to Shaq saying the Lakers are his team, and everybody knows it? BRYANT: It doesn't matter whose team it is. Nobody cares. I don't, Karl [Malone] doesn't, Gary [Payton] doesn't, and our teammates and the fans don't either. There's more to life than whose team this is. But this is his team, so it's time for him to act like it. That means no more coming into camp fat and out of shape, when your team is relying on your leadership on and off the court. It also means no more blaming others for our team's failure, or blaming staff members for not overdramatizing your injuries so that you avoid blame for your lack of conditioning. Also, "my team" doesn't mean only when we win, it means carrying the burden of defeat just as gracefully as you carry a championship trophy. GRAY: Do you consider Shaq to be a leader? BRYANT: Leaders don't beg for a contract extension and negotiate some 30 million [dollars] plus per year deal in the media when we have two future Hall of Famers playing here pretty much for free. A leader would not demand the ball every time down the floor when you have the three of us [Malone, Payton, Bryant] playing beside you, not to mention the teammates you have gone to war with for years -- and, by the way, then threaten not to play defense and rebound if you don't get the ball every time down the floor.
Nothing that Kobe said was a shock to anyone...at least the content wasn't. The honesty on the other hand is earthshaking when you consider the culture from whence it came. Most things are dealt with behind closed doors and yet nothing truly ever seems to be hidden. Everyone has had their opinion on Shaq?s foot and leadership and weight and on and on. It?s great to hear Kobe voice his thought in such a clear and articulate manner. Now the thing about this article that interests me is the fallout. If Shaq stays true to form he?ll read the article, get pissed, deny it and then try to prove it wrong. If the article makes Shaq play mad or play with passion then I think that Kobe will have won and might be worthy of the title "next Phil Jackson". Get the Big Diesel up and running and the year might be a great one for the Lakers.
I can see Kobe seriously considering teaming up with Jerry West in Memphis when he opts out (they'd have to clear some contracts though). I think after winning 3 rings with Shaq he'd like to go somewhere where he's the main man and where he'd have the chance to try and take a struggling franchise forward - I think if Memphis added a marquee player they'd be a top 6 West team too, they just need a bit more class.
K8 would be much better off hitting up the clippers than going to memphis. if the clips got Kobe, they'd have a pretty strong team, definately a playoff team, he'd get to stay in LA, and not have to move.
