Tyrone, San Diego: Do you think it is possible for Garnett to end up in Cleveland next year? B.J. Armstrong: (4:18 PM ET ) That's pretty far-fetched that he would end up in Cleveland, because I don't know how Cleveland could give them back enough salary cap wise. It's going to take a very unique situation and unique deal to sway Minnesota to deal Garnett. There are only a couple of cities that could absorb that contract to make it work. Just off the top of my head, New York, Chicago and LA. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conrad(Los Angeles California): Hey BJ, is Kobe going to recieve any help via free agents or trades next season? B.J. Armstrong: (4:19 PM ET ) Yes. The one thing that one has come to understand about players is good players always want to play with other good players. In one form or another, other good players will want to play with a talent such as Kobe Bryant. "Like always goes to like." Los Angeles, California: Do you think Kobe has a chance to surpass Jordan as the greatest all time? B.J. Armstrong: (4:25 PM ET ) Statistically, Kobe has an opportunity to surpass all of MJ's records. Frist, because of his age when he started. Second, he's a student of the game and knows about its history. Statistically? Yes. Overall, surpassing him as the best ever? He has to be in the conversation, after this year, of one of the best of all time. If he continues at this season's rate of production, he has to be in the conversation. Certainly, it won't be because of his lack of trying. Peter (Boston): Do you think there is any chance for a STAPLES-series in the second round? In other words, how do you think Lakers and Clippers would fare against Suns and Nuggets, respectively? B.J. Armstrong: (4:34 PM ET ) It's a very good chance. I really like the matchup of the Lakers and the Suns. I like the matchup with the Lakers. They've only won one game this year against the Suns. The Lakers have a player that can control the tempo in Kobe Bryant. That's going to really reduce possessions that the Suns are going to get. I like them being able to slow down the Suns in the playoffs. Like we always ask, how do you play defense against a good offensive team? You play good offense yourself. On the other side, I think Carmelo is ready to win a playoff series. He's performed on the big stage and I really look for him to have a breakout playoffs. I think he's the one young player that's going to be a superstar when these playoffs end. Nate (Greenville, SC): You played with Scottie. What does Lamar Odom need to do to fill that role for Phil Jackson? B.J. Armstrong: (4:46 PM ET ) Time. We live in a society where we want immediate gratification. Odom is playing for the first time when he's had expectations put on him. He's grown a lot this year. He's in the learning curve of what it means to hold himself accountable. Rome wasn't built in a day and I don't expect Odom to be Scottie Pippen this year. But if we're talking years down the road and he still doesn't play up to his potential, then we can talk. Chris (Port St. Lucie, FL): Can the Lakers be a better team next year? Chemistry-wise, i say yes, but as far as wins are concerned, i say no unless they make some off-season moves which will be hard with the way there budget is structured. B.J. Armstrong: (4:51 PM ET ) First, let's considered what all the experts said at the beginning of the season. Who thought they would be in the 7th spot? I think not many. And they can improve from the best place, from within. They have a lot of young, developing players. The one consistent element they have is Kobe Bryant. They're going to be better from the one place we can't see and that's from within. This year, they made some big strides. New Orleans, LA: Who is this years MVP? B.J. Armstrong: (4:13 PM ET ) Kobe Bryant.
