Question, NOT RUMOR....Kobe leaves AFTER SHAQ

Discussion in 'Los Angeles Lakers' started by Sabretooth, Jun 28, 2004.

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  1. Sabretooth

    Sabretooth JBB JustBBall Member

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    Do you think that it's in Kobe's nature to snub the Lakers, after they've done so much for him? Shaq gets traded, and THEN Kobe decides that he wants a change of scenery and leaves.
     
    Sabretooth, Jun 28, 2004
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  2. Mel JBB

    Mel JBB JBB Webmaster

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    Very very very very...very doubtful. Why would Kobe leave? If Shaq leaves, Kobe has no reason to leave because he will be the man for the Lakers. There will no longer be a power struggle between two big egos. Why would Kobe leave when there is an opportunity to have the team built around him and not someone else?

    Also, LA is the team that can give him the most money. Because of his Bird Rights, LA is the only team that can truly give Kobe the max salary. After the whole alleged Kobe scandal stuff, all of his sponsors have deserted him. The only way Kobe is gonna get money for now is from playing ball.

    LA is his home. He's got so much here and Buss is dedicating a lot of his effort/money into keeping him. Kobe isn't going anywhere.
     
    Mel JBB, Jun 28, 2004
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  3. Sabretooth

    Sabretooth JBB JustBBall Member

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    I know it seems like a silly question, but I've seen weird things in all my professional sport viewing years. The Dynasty that would've been the Magic, Shaq decides it's time to break that dream and goes to the Lakers. Ewing a Sonic and Hakeem a Raptor. Just weird stuff.
     
    Sabretooth, Jun 28, 2004
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  4. lakerswiz

    lakerswiz BBW Member

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    first of all, the Lakers WILL NOT trade shaq until they know kobe is going to stay. why would they trade shaq without knowing if kobe is going to stay. Shaq won't get traded til the middle of July unless kobe signs with a different team.
     
    lakerswiz, Jun 28, 2004
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  5. Emo

    Emo Active Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mel:</div><div class="quote_post">Very very very very...very doubtful. Why would Kobe leave? If Shaq leaves, Kobe has no reason to leave because he will be the man for the Lakers. There will no longer be a power struggle between two big egos. Why would Kobe leave when there is an opportunity to have the team built around him and not someone else?

    Also, LA is the team that can give him the most money. Because of his Bird Rights, LA is the only team that can truly give Kobe the max salary. After the whole alleged Kobe scandal stuff, all of his sponsors have deserted him. The only way Kobe is gonna get money for now is from playing ball.

    LA is his home. He's got so much here and Buss is dedicating a lot of his effort/money into keeping him. Kobe isn't going anywhere.</div>

    Exactly. Athletes these days always say when they step into that podium for the first time with their new team is that they wanted to feel wanted. Now isn't the scenario set now for Kobe Bryant? Shaq will depart, Phil is already gone, Buss is dedicated to him from the start with the 140 million dollar contract on the table, with LA being the only team that can offer him the most money, why not stick around?
     
    Emo, Jun 28, 2004
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  6. Mel JBB

    Mel JBB JBB Webmaster

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    Yeah but Hakeem and Ewing were clearly over the edge, hanging on the final thread of their careers.
     
    Mel JBB, Jun 28, 2004
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  7. jbbReal Deal

    jbbReal Deal Active Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Mel:</div><div class="quote_post">Very very very very...very doubtful. Why would Kobe leave? If Shaq leaves, Kobe has no reason to leave because he will be the man for the Lakers. There will no longer be a power struggle between two big egos. Why would Kobe leave when there is an opportunity to have the team built around him and not someone else?

    Also, LA is the team that can give him the most money. Because of his Bird Rights, LA is the only team that can truly give Kobe the max salary. After the whole alleged Kobe scandal stuff, all of his sponsors have deserted him. The only way Kobe is gonna get money for now is from playing ball.

    LA is his home. He's got so much here and Buss is dedicating a lot of his effort/money into keeping him. Kobe isn't going anywhere.</div>

    I do agree that he wouldn't leave...but I won't say that I believe that 100%. One thing about what you said...about Kobe being the man...he'd be the man on nearly any team he went to, especially the Clippers and the Grizzlies, so why would it matter to him? Would Kobe feel like the Spurs could give him a better shot at the title, then go to them after the Shaq trade? It's possible that they won't trade Shaq off until Kobe makes his mind up to stay...I see why that would be the smart thing to do...but just what if it doesn't happen? Good question...but in my opinion, he'll do the right thing and stay...
     
    jbbReal Deal, Jun 28, 2004
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  8. lakerswiz

    lakerswiz BBW Member

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    lakerswiz, Jun 28, 2004
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  9. Moo2K4

    Moo2K4 NBA West Producer

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    I don't think Kobe would do that. I think that once Shaq is dealt, it's pretty much a done deal that he'll be a Laker. He's going to be "the man" for the Lakers, which is what he's wanted. He's going to get the opportunity to prove all his doubters that he just wasn't a second wheel to Shaq and that he can win a title without him. Plus, he's going to get the most money. With all that, I think he stays once Shaq is dealt.
     
    Moo2K4, Jun 29, 2004
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  10. Sabretooth

    Sabretooth JBB JustBBall Member

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    But Kobe is used to winning. Do you think that the Lakers will be able to be successful with G.P., Bryant, and whoever they have that wasn't a superstar (Shaq) or a HUGE shot hitter (Fisher)? So far, I still respect the Lakers franchise, but can't feel the love I had for them before because they've already lost 1, and are losing another one of the factors that I loved about them.
     
    Sabretooth, Jun 29, 2004
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  11. MustardMan

    MustardMan JBB JustBBall Member

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    i could see potentially the lakers end up like that old saying, "don't count the number of eggs in the basket until they hatched."

    cuz like I could see Kobe screwing everything up and this drawing out longer than its supposed to. Kobe, being the big Ego, will want to see how much people or other teams really want him and wait until mid August to decide. during that time, the lakers are stuck in limbo waiting for him. finally there is enough rain of criticism from everyone, newspaper, staff, the newly hired coach, on Kobe that he decides he's going to force a sign and trade with New York. Lakers get Houston and Marbury for Kobe. Shaq, the big Hurt, will be crying foul that they were toying with him all summer. Demands a trade, lakers forced into a corner and have to end up trading him to the mavericks who will give them walker and stackhouse for shaq.

    next season, we'll have five pfs, three sgs, and Gary Payton.
     
    MustardMan, Jun 29, 2004
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  12. Emo

    Emo Active Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting MustardMan:</div><div class="quote_post">cuz like I could see Kobe screwing everything up and this drawing out longer than its supposed to. Kobe, being the big Ego, will want to see how much people or other teams really want him and wait until mid August to decide.</div>

    Just like he said, he's going to go explore the free agent market. Since in eight years, it's the first time he'll get to explore his value amongst other teams. Then if things turn in our way, he will sign the maximum contract with the Lakers, with ourselves being the only team that can offer him the most money, a team where he'll be the man now that Jackson and Shaq are gone, and most importantly he'd feel wanted and important by our Lakers because nowadays when athletes leave their old teams and sign with their new team, the main reasons is they always say they wanted to feel wanted and respected. But if you ask me, everything is set on the table. There is absolutely no reason why Kobe will not be a Laker next year.

    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting MustardMan:</div><div class="quote_post">during that time, the lakers are stuck in limbo waiting for him. finally there is enough rain of criticism from everyone, newspaper, staff, the newly hired coach, on Kobe that he decides he's going to force a sign and trade with New York. Lakers get Houston and Marbury for Kobe. Shaq, the big Hurt, will be crying foul that they were toying with him all summer. Demands a trade, lakers forced into a corner and have to end up trading him to the mavericks who will give them walker and stackhouse for shaq.</div>

    There's no way that Allan Houston, the 100 million dollar bust, and Marbury is even close to being on Kobe's level. Plus, why would the Lakers want to deal with another overpaid contract?? We'd just get finished shipping Shaq away and now we'd have to come back again and work on another huge contract? Not happening. And if Marbury comes to the Lakers, and Gary Payton already exercising his option on staying with the Lakers, who'll be the first to jaw off about who should be the starting point guard?

    Shaq for walker and Stackhouse? By far the worst trade in the history of the Lakers organization.
     
    Emo, Jun 29, 2004
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  13. Oneinpower

    Oneinpower JBB JustBBall Member

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    While all of you discuss this "Maybe it's Kobe no Shaq ohhhh I don't know maybe it's both or maybe it's this or that or how or when this"
    We the Spurs are licking our chops just content with what will happen.
    Why? you ask.
    We look at it this way if Kobe Sign with the Spurs "which makes the most sense,
    if Kobe want to keep winning" this will mean that the dynasty the Lakers had is over.
    Just keep fighting among each other and you will see that later how all of you were wrong.
     
    Oneinpower, Jun 29, 2004
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  14. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Oneinpower:</div><div class="quote_post">While all of you discuss this "Maybe it's Kobe no Shaq ohhhh I don't know maybe it's both or maybe it's this or that or how or when this"
    We the Spurs are licking our chops just content with what will happen.
    Why? you ask.
    We look at it this way if Kobe Sign with the Spurs "which makes the most sense,
    if Kobe want to keep winning" this will mean that the dynasty the Lakers had is over.
    Just keep fighting among each other and you will see that later how all of you were wrong.</div>

    Well said, and I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately the two people who won't realize and regret this are Shaq and Kobe. As a fan we don't know the entire story and relationship between Shaq and Kobe, and from the info we have the two choices seem to be to decide between Shaq or Kobe.

    The best situation would be for them to bury the hatchet and rev up for another championship run. I still have faith they can, but there are so many factors they need to work out before they can accomplish anything.

    For starters Kobe's legal situation. The Lakers cannot committ to trading Shaq until they know Kobe will be set free. Otherwise they risk losing both of their superstars.

    Secondly Shaq's extension. Can the Lakers work out an arrangement with Shaq so his salary doesn't kill our cap space and not allow us to have quality depth? The Lakers are willing to give Kobe partial ownership down the line, maybe they can offer Shaq something similar to keep him happy and also take a paycut.

    Third ... the new coach. IF the Lakers have Shaq and Kobe on the roster, they will need a coach to sell them an ideal offense to allow both players to shine. The coach will also have to be able to control both of their egos and will need to be able to handle the Los Angeles press.
     
    Shapecity, Jun 29, 2004
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  15. Mez

    Mez JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Secondly Shaq's extension. Can the Lakers work out an arrangement with Shaq so his salary doesn't kill our cap space and not allow us to have quality depth? The Lakers are willing to give Kobe partial ownership down the line, maybe they can offer Shaq something similar to keep him happy and also take a paycut.
    </div>

    That'd be great, but he's said that he won't be willing to take any paycuts. He also expects his extension to be over $30 million a year, so that obviously doesn't fit well with the $20 million a year they are offering Kobe. With just two players alone they'd be way over the salary cap, and that just isn't going to work. Shaq loves to take credit in recruiting Karl and Gary who took HUGE pay cuts, but isn't willing to take one of his own. That's what I call "selfish."
     
    Mez, Jun 29, 2004
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  16. 30 standing ver

    30 standing ver JBB JustBBall Member

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    Just so anxious to see who the Lakers will have this coming season. And Kobe won't leave the Lakers if Shaq goes. I highly doubt a disaster like that will happen.
     
    30 standing ver, Jun 30, 2004
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  17. Shapecity

    Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Phreeze:</div><div class="quote_post">That'd be great, but he's said that he won't be willing to take any paycuts. He also expects his extension to be over $30 million a year, so that obviously doesn't fit well with the $20 million a year they are offering Kobe. With just two players alone they'd be way over the salary cap, and that just isn't going to work. Shaq loves to take credit in recruiting Karl and Gary who took HUGE pay cuts, but isn't willing to take one of his own. That's what I call "selfish."</div>
    Well Shaq has said a lot of things over the years as a Laker. He wanted to retire a few years ago, he's praised Kobe and he's clowned him, he makes fun of the city of Sacramento, the team and its fans, and now he wants to be traded there.

    So with Shaq you really never know what he wants, his thoughts and demands change all the time.

    What I think the Lakers did wrong, namely Kupchak, was making his statements regarding Kobe and the possibility of trading Shaq. He should have had the decency to talk to Shaq and Kobe together in the same room and figure out what it's going to take to have them both in Los Angeles and happy. Instead Kupchak made it clear Kobe was the top priority, and Shaq was offended by it. You can't really blame Shaq, but at the same time, it's the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts. It didn't help to have Buss come in and say the same thing and then offer a piece of the Laker franchise to keep Kobe in the purple and gold. A nasty situation was created and now they have to deal with it and find a way to repair the relationships damaged by speaking to the media first, instead of each other.

    I also find Shaq to be selfish in not accepting a pay cut. If he wants another shot a championship he needs to make the same financial sacrifices he expects from his teammates. He's made more money than he can spend and he wants even more now? Let's also not forget he makes even more money outside of basketball and is treated like a King in Los Angeles.

    It's a tough situation and like Oneinpower pointed out, the only people this breakup will help is the rest of the Western conference.
     
    Shapecity, Jun 30, 2004
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  18. MustardMan

    MustardMan JBB JustBBall Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Emo:</div><div class="quote_post">Just like he said, he's going to go explore the free agent market. Since in eight years, it's the first time he'll get to explore his value amongst other teams. Then if things turn in our way, he will sign the maximum contract with the Lakers, with ourselves being the only team that can offer him the most money, a team where he'll be the man now that Jackson and Shaq are gone, and most importantly he'd feel wanted and important by our Lakers because nowadays when athletes leave their old teams and sign with their new team, the main reasons is they always say they wanted to feel wanted and respected. But if you ask me, everything is set on the table. There is absolutely no reason why Kobe will not be a Laker next year.



    There's no way that Allan Houston, the 100 million dollar bust, and Marbury is even close to being on Kobe's level. Plus, why would the Lakers want to deal with another overpaid contract?? We'd just get finished shipping Shaq away and now we'd have to come back again and work on another huge contract? Not happening. And if Marbury comes to the Lakers, and Gary Payton already exercising his option on staying with the Lakers, who'll be the first to jaw off about who should be the starting point guard?

    Shaq for walker and Stackhouse? By far the worst trade in the history of the Lakers organization.</div>

    obviously, im painting a prettty drastic picture. Do I think the Walker and Stackhouse, Marbury/Houston trade are any good? No of course not. Lakers would get crap, absolute crap in return for the best 1-2 punch right now. but considering how Kobe is toying with the Lakers after Buss has lain down his organization, head over heels to accomodate, I wouldn't be surprised if things ended up like this.

    There's already talks of trades for Shaq that are starting to wittle down to crap. Like Cuban guaranteeing that Dirk won't be included. He's already been backed into a corner. Each day Kobe holds out, puts the Lakers in a less desirable spot cuz the offers will began to pan out.
     
    MustardMan, Jun 30, 2004
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  19. Emo

    Emo Active Member

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    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting MustardMan:</div><div class="quote_post">obviously, im painting a prettty drastic picture. Do I think the Walker and Stackhouse, Marbury/Houston trade are any good? No of course not. Lakers would get crap, absolute crap in return for the best 1-2 punch right now. but considering how Kobe is toying with the Lakers after Buss has lain down his organization, head over heels to accomodate, I wouldn't be surprised if things ended up like this.</div>

    I really wouldn't say Kobe is toying with the Lakers right now. Let's not forget, he does have some other things on my mind i.e. the rape trial, which he has endured all of last season with basically the rest of his life on the line, from what I've heard a possible split with Vanessa, and exploring his value as a free agent like what any typical free agent would do. As I've already mentioned time and time again, Kobe understands that Jerry Buss is doing everything he can to keep him, giving him the keys to the franchise and being an assistant GM so to speak, and I feel he'd also want to be wined and dined by several franchises, and taking private jet trips to meet with other GM's concerning their respective ballclubs. It's the typical free agent life. Going exploring. But when it's all said and done, Los Angeles is the perfect situation for him. His family likes it here, us fans have loved and appreciated him even though he does have this rape case looming over him, and most importantly, he'd be the man that'll receive all the offensive gameplans drawn up for him, the man that'll lead his team to a championship someday which isn't far-fetched at all, and financially the money is all there. All we need Kobe to do is gin the dotted line.

    <div class="quote_poster">Quoting MustardMan:</div><div class="quote_post">There's already talks of trades for Shaq that are starting to wittle down to crap. Like Cuban guaranteeing that Dirk won't be included. He's already been backed into a corner. Each day Kobe holds out, puts the Lakers in a less desirable spot cuz the offers will began to pan out.</div>

    The Laker organization isn't worried one bit. One thing that we do know, one team will make a significant offer to get Shaq even if it means that particular team will have to give up talent. I'm sure the phones are ringing non-stop 24/7. Because if we give up the most dominant player on the planet, then other teams definitely can't B.S. us and they'd have to give back talent in return. The day will come when Shaq is in a different jersey. It's all about patience.
     
    Emo, Jun 30, 2004
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  20. DarkCloud

    DarkCloud JBB JustBBall Member

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    I really doubt that Kobe is going to be playing anywhere else. I think it's a money issue. He lost alot of sponsor money because of his rape trial. He lost close $90 million maybe even more. You don't see any of his ads anymore. Mcdonalds, sprite or nike (he got signed to nike right before this whole thing started) dropped him quick. By opting out now he gets a much bigger deal and the lakers can pay him the most.

    That being said I think Kobe is a knuckle head with a HUGE ego problem. So I wouldn't be totaly shocked if he did kinda screw us over. Us being lakers fans.
     
    DarkCloud, Jun 30, 2004
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