<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Another Laker literally has filled Bryant's shoes. Caron Butler has worn the same style Nike sneakers as Bryant all season, but now that Bryant is out because of a severely sprained right ankle, Butler has switched to Bryant's personal version - with the fancy print and the "8" on the back. "I learn so much from him, and I'm willing to learn so much from him," Butler said. "All the time, I ask questions - sometimes too many. But I want to know. I want to be in them shoes. I want to know what it's like, what it takes to get there.</div> http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/01/19/s...icle_381571.php <font color="Red"><font size="1">Content edited. Post 2-3 paragraphs of an article, and link the rest. -Brandon</font></font>
Nice endorsement for Butler, he has had some big games for the Lakers this season. I remember he came into the league with a chip on his shoulder after dropping in the draft. He called himself the Paul Pierce of that class of players, and if he can have the same impact Pierce has had with the Celtics, he could very well be the compliment player Kobe needs. So where does that leave Odom?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">So where does that leave Odom?</div> Possibly wanting back out of LA. He doesn't even act as if he likes it here. Those pictures during Media Day were nice and all, but since then, it's like he feels like he's back where he started. I hope he doesn't go back to his old lifestyle...that still worries me.
As long as Kupchak is around, there is no way the Lakers trade Odom. Mitch's legacy is going to be the Shaq deal, and if he gives up on Odom, then he's going to lose his job. Odom is not playing at the level he was last season and there are various reasons. First off, he's no longer the number option on the team. Second, he was happy to turnaround the Miami franchise with Wade, and felt slighted when he was traded. I think the Lakers can afford to see how this year plays out, and to see if Kobe and Odom can learn to play together consistently. If not, then the Lakers might need to change their approach and build the team around Kobe & Butler instead.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">As long as Kupchak is around, there is no way the Lakers trade Odom.</div> I know, and that's why I brought up the fact that I hope he doesn't go back to the way he was with the Clips. If Kupchak were to trade Odom, I'd be shocked for one...but he won't, and the thing is...I'd love for Odom to feel like a huge part of this team, because it's not like he's going to be a free agent in a couple of years. He'll be in purple and gold for a while...and if he doesn't want to wear that #7 on his back, it's gonna hurt us.
sweeet..almost the opposite of shaq..that proves all that kobe bashing is one sided....I knew Kobe wasnt that bad of a teammate.. This proves that Kobe isnt all bad...Shaq and the rest effed his rep
Kobe should be a mentor to Butler anyways, just like he should be to the Lakers in general. He is team leader, he should be donating his blood to the team if he needs to. Lamar Odom is pissing me off, and Caron Butler is shooting poorly - but he's still young. Hell, Kobe shoots poorly as well. But at least Butler is willing to try and step up and lead the team unlike #7 who against the Utah Jazz reminded me of Yao Ming, a frickin' pansy. I know this is off-topic... but I think whoever was going to put up the Timberwolves preview must be absent. The game starts in like less than two hours. I know i'm being negative, life is hell and dial up sucks.
