<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Not familiar with McAdoo, I started watching in '91. It's like this. If a free agent goes to a team a plays an important role in a teams success, he earned his ring. When the Rockets picked up Drexler, he was huge in them winning a second title. I don't think they would have won it without him. But then you got guys like John Salley who has like 4 or 5 rings. The rings with the Bulls and Lakers he played no role in those teams success. The same with Mitch Richmond in LA in '01. Like in football when my fellow East St. Louisian Bryan Cox won a ring with the Patrots. I didn't know he was on the team until the celebration. </div> I disagree with this though. Karl Malone will actually be more of a role player then John Salley in 2000 or Mitch in 2002. I am actually convinced (due to Durvasa's last post against me) that he (Malone) is justified in changing to whatever team he wants in the sole pursuit of a championship. Even though I dislike him, even though he really overreacted to this situation, he is basically longing for a championship and in the end, isn't that what it's about? The point that bdubb is trying to make is that he just picks up the team that's most favourable to win it but when you think about it, its the logical thing to do, especially considering he took a pay cut. When you think about it, most players sign on to teams, especially championship caliber ones because they want the maximum deals or the really expensive contracts. Rarely is it for the sole pursuit of a championship. Karl and Gary came to L.A for minimum dollars, I actually forgot about that aspect. The only thing that justifies Karl's team switching methods are his old age and his willingness to take a paycut. Nonetheless, when focusing on the topic of his reaction to Kobe's comments, I will continue to say he overreacted.
I think I pretty much see the situation in the same light. I really don't understand how someone can justify that Malone is wrong in wanting to go to the team with the best chance at the ring. It's not like he really wants to just sit on a bench and get a ring for the hell of it. I doubt it would give him much satisfaction at all. But his as career is coming to an end and he wasn't able to lead a team to the title (though he did have an amazing career nonetheless), he knows that to get a ring now he will have to do this as a role player. I don't think there's anything shameful in earning your ring that way. And I don't doubt that he'll be a big contributor off the bench to whichever team he decides to join. Hell, I've never liked Karl Malone personally, but the more I read/hear about this issue, the more I feel like rooting for him on principle. This seems to be more of a Lakers beef with Malone than it is an issue about Malone joining a new ring-contending team, no matter what's been said. I agree that Malone did blow Kobe's statements out of proportion, and I don't dispute that it could be his way of saving face on the "verbal commitment" he made to return to the Lakers. And since it's a Lakers issue, I don't really have much to say about that.
No, everyone listen. The issue ISN'T that he wants to go to another team...that really didn't have any effect on us as Laker fans. However, now...it does...because he was toying with us for 17 games and throughout the off-season. He's been healthy for a month...yet has not mentioned anything about a date, a month...whatever...for him to come back as a Laker, or for ANY team for that matter. If he had plans for another team, he should've told us at the beginning of the season. If not then, when he was healthy a month ago. If he wanted to be a Laker, he should've told us a month ago, and let us know when. He should've said, "Hey, Jerry Buss...I'm ready to come back to the Lakers on ******. My knee is healed, and I'm putting a note on my calendar for that date/month." Instead, he says nothing. Not a single fan or player, or anyone who works for management, knew when he would be back. He wasted our time...making us believe he was coming back, so we didn't have to worry about picking up a PF out of a trade or signing one for minimum. Maybe that's why we didn't pick up Eddie Griffin, who put up 29 points or so in tonight's game, with over 10 boards. Thanks, Karl. No need to cry about Kobe's comments. Go find someone who cares.
It's all "he said" speculation now. One could argue that Karl has used the Kobe comments/beef as an excuse to jump to a contending team as he feels the Lakers are no longer going anywhere. Kobe also announced that he didn't really count on Karls return. He said that they weren't concerned if he returned or not, because they just had to keep focused on playing the game with the guys they have on the court now. Take that for what you will. Karl claims that was disrespectful and now he wants go elsewhere. Kobe says it was him just focusing on the team, and he wasn't counting on Karl anyway. If that's so, then how can you claim that Karl wasted the Lakers' time "making us believe he was coming back" ? It's a silly thing to dispute when the matter practically has solved itself already. Karl wants to leave, and Kobe feels the team doesn't need him. End of problems. All that remains is angry feelings I suppose, but I see no issue to really dispute anymore?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">No, everyone listen. The issue ISN'T that he wants to go to another team...that really didn't have any effect on us as Laker fans. However, now...it does...because he was toying with us for 17 games and throughout the off-season. He's been healthy for a month...yet has not mentioned anything about a date, a month...whatever...for him to come back as a Laker, or for ANY team for that matter.</div> Who said he's been healthy for a month? At 40 years old, I'd think that it would take him a while to heal and then prepare himself physically for an NBA schedule. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If he had plans for another team, he should've told us at the beginning of the season. If not then, when he was healthy a month ago. If he wanted to be a Laker, he should've told us a month ago, and let us know when. He should've said, "Hey, Jerry Buss...I'm ready to come back to the Lakers on ******. My knee is healed, and I'm putting a note on my calendar for that date/month." </div> Firstly, the decision to retire isn't an easy one to make. He isn't going to commit himself to playing unless he knows he's fully healed and in GAME CONDITION. If he can't get himself to 100%, he doesn't want to play. And at his age, figuring out if you're ready isn't an easy thing to assess. It takes time. Secondly, he has said that if he comes back, he'd come back as a Laker. That was pretty much set in stone. Now Kobe is saying that waiting for Malone has been a distraction, and its unfair to the team (kind of funny coming from Kobe, who's rape trial and contract waffling last year was a much larger distraction for the team). Well, if Kobe says Malone is being a distraction, then isn't Karl doing the team a favor by just saying, "Fine, you don't want me then don't wait for me. I'll sign with another team." That's basically what he said, so what's the problem? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Instead, he says nothing. Not a single fan or player, or anyone who works for management, knew when he would be back. He wasted our time...making us believe he was coming back, so we didn't have to worry about picking up a PF out of a trade or signing one for minimum. Maybe that's why we didn't pick up Eddie Griffin, who put up 29 points or so in tonight's game, with over 10 boards.</div> He didn't know either, so how can you blame him? And didn't he also tell the Lakers to prepare as if he's not coming back? This whole argument is bogus, in my opinion.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">Who said he's been healthy for a month? At 40 years old, I'd think that it would take him a while to heal and then prepare himself physically for an NBA schedule. </div> I've read somewhere that Malone had planned on coming back by December...but that didn't happen. In another article, he stated that he was in great shape again, and that he was healed up...but won't be back by December. So, in other words, he's waiting to see what team has the best chance, and waiting for someone to bring his name up in a somewhat-negative manner. He jumped on the chance, and now he's a good guy for it. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">Secondly, he has said that if he comes back, he'd come back as a Laker. That was pretty much set in stone. Now Kobe is saying that waiting for Malone has been a distraction, and its unfair to the team (kind of funny coming from Kobe, who's rape trial and contract waffling last year was a much larger distraction for the team). Well, if Kobe says Malone is being a distraction, then isn't Karl doing the team a favor by just saying, "Fine, you don't want me then don't wait for me. I'll sign with another team." That's basically what he said, so what's the problem?</div> Malone's word last year wasn't "set in stone" when he said he'd be back in a matter of three weeks. But instead, he missed 40+ games, and after his comeback, ended up missing in the Finals. And...Kobe didn't say Karl was a distraction...that word was not heard once...so people need to get that out of their head. He simply said that it's not fair that he's not giving us an answer...no responses or anything...and you know what? I'd feel the same way. Kobe isn't stupid...he knows Malone is looking for a cop-out to leave Los Angeles...but I'm sure he didn't expect Malone to jump him like he did. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post">He didn't know either, so how can you blame him? And didn't he also tell the Lakers to prepare as if he's not coming back? This whole argument is bogus, in my opinion.</div> Malone said it was a great idea to spend the MLE on Divac, who hasn't done jack for the Lakers so far. Malone also told us that he'd be a Laker...but that would be impossible with a 15-man roster...so we have to leave a spot open for him at all times, just in case he wants to come back. Well...let's just throw our season out the door for a man who only wants a ring and nothing less. Let's just say, "Karl, sure...we'll put Cook on the IR and let you play, but risk your injuries and Cook's development because, anyways...you are a HUGE part of our success last season." Right now, Eddie Griffin > Karl Malone for the Lakers. In fact, in July...Eddie Griffin > Karl Malone. (insert name here) > Karl Malone, if all he's going to do is play for a championship and cry out loud for a reason to leave LA, as well as making Kobe look like a jerk.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting durvasa:</div><div class="quote_post"> Now Kobe is saying that waiting for Malone has been a distraction, and its unfair to the team (kind of funny coming from Kobe, who's rape trial and contract waffling last year was a much larger distraction for the team). Well, if Kobe says Malone is being a distraction, then isn't Karl doing the team a favor by just saying, </div> Where in the world did you get the KB said he was a "distraction". I provided a link so you can download the whole interview and if by any chance you download the interview you would have heard that Steve Hartman was the one that said the word "distraction" it never came out of KB?s mouth.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Secondly, he has said that if he comes back, he'd come back as a Laker. That was pretty much set in stone. Now Kobe is saying that waiting for Malone has been a distraction, and its unfair to the team (kind of funny coming from Kobe, who's rape trial and contract waffling last year was a much larger distraction for the team). Well, if Kobe says Malone is being a distraction, then isn't Karl doing the team a favor by just saying, "Fine, you don't want me then don't wait for me. I'll sign with another team." That's basically what he said, so what's the problem? </div> He didn't call him a distraction? That's where Karl got "confused" It was just simple and honest comments, he didn't even call him a distraction. He said that the Lakers are anticipating his return and that we can't be concentrating on Karl all the time because we have to play on without him, its not fair to the antsey younger player eagerly anticipating his glorious return to save the team, and that's the truth. Then Karl comes out as feeling disrespected. Disrespected? What, he thinks he's all high and mighty now? No reason to get all "furious" over it. One of the stupidest reasons to overreact and blow over it. It's all an act, hurry up and join the Spurs like you wanted to in the first place.
malone said to buss before the season : (not the exact words but im rephrasing it) "if theres any chance that i am coming back to the nba, it would b like lakers that i would b playing for" in my opinion he just wants to have an excuse to jump to another team because he realizes lakers has no chance this year and this is 99% his final season if he does come back. he saids he treats kobe like a lil bro but makes him like look the worst leader and the bad guy while shaq is rackin up wins in the east like cake and makin himself look good =(
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting thisbejgz:</div><div class="quote_post">malone said to buss before the season : (not the exact words but im rephrasing it) "if theres any chance that i am coming back to the nba, it would b like lakers that i would b playing for" in my opinion he just wants to have an excuse to jump to another team because he realizes lakers has no chance this year and this is 99% his final season if he does come back. he saids he treats kobe like a lil bro but makes him like look the worst leader and the bad guy while shaq is rackin up wins in the east like cake and makin himself look good =(</div> In the East...just thought I'd point that out. Against West teams, they've only beaten the Jazz (one was a bad call at the end, though...and one was without AK47). I really think Malone needs to weigh out his options before signing with a team, especially the Heat (and Heat fans, it's just an opinion). I really doubt the Heat will make it far, especially against West teams during the regular season (and I really don't understand why). If Malone signs with them, he won't start because Haslem is doing great right now. Also, with Minny...I doubt they want Malone. Eddie Griffin is spectacular...and they would have to make room for Malone, and that means no Griffin. San Antonio seems like a logical team to run to...and more than likely, he'll be wearing a Spurs jersey, if anything...but then again, he'll be off the bench...
i really doubt that the Heat can make it far neither, I dunno why, I guess I'm just a hater hating on the Heat with no regards to how last year's team didn't do so well at first and yet got so far with the little talent and bench they had. I guess cuz I also want to see Shaq and anything affiliated with Shaq fail miserably.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Miami's Finest:</div><div class="quote_post">i really doubt that the Heat can make it far neither, I dunno why, I guess I'm just a hater hating on the Heat and I want to see Shaq and anything affiliated with Shaq fail miserably.</div> Well let's see...the Lakers are 10-8, the Heat are 13-7...one less in the loss category. So, right now, the Heat DO have a bigger chance to win a ring than the Lakers, but only because the Eastern Conference sucks right now (the Pacers have nobody, the Pistons are trying to rebound from their mediocre record, etc.). If the Heat are a championship-caliber team, their record would resemble something like the Spurs right now. Nobody asked for you to come in and raid the thread with your "sarcasm"...when all I did was state an opinion. Malone wants a ring...Miami isn't the place to go. He's got a better chance of winning a ring staying out West...but if he wants to go East, he should go to Orlando or maybe even Washington...not the Heat. You know what I find hilarious about this, though? The Laker fans aren't concerned about Malone anymore. None of us are losing sleep over his decision...and it's the same with Shaquille O'Neal and Gary Payton. We are over them already. Yet, for some reason, our honorary Laker...I mean Heat...fans are still concerned about the trades and decisions made by our organization. It's great, really. Thanks for caring.
I think the Knicks are posting a record just above .500 and are in the lead in their conference. Obviously the competition isn't as hot over there at this point. The Heat also havent faired very well against West Teams either.
The truth is out for the real reason of KB's and Karls relationship falling apart. I can't believe this is the reason, seriously I can't believe it. Shame on you Karl for trying to spin this whole thing to be KBs fault, but I still want you as a Laker. KB and Manley agree for the reason so in all posibility is very true. I don't blame KB for defending V and he is not at fault but I know some will blame it on KB cause KB cant do no right. Here it is ladys and guys don't be shocked, you will be. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">There's almost nothing you can say these days as it relates to the Lakers without drawing a line in the stands between the Kobe lovers and the Kobe haters, and now here's more fodder to ponder. Both Bryant and Karl Malone ? speaking through his agent, Dwight Manley ? confirmed Saturday night that they had a major falling out involving Bryant's wife, Vanessa, two weeks before the Bryant radio interview that had supposedly ticked off Malone so much. Before Saturday night's game with the Clippers, Bryant listened as I relayed the story that's going around town, and when I finished, he said, that's true.</div> http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-simers...eadlines-sports <font color="Red"><font size="1">Remember Jesse, you can only post two or three paragraphs from an article, followed by the link. -Brandon</font></font>
^wow, that is shocking... For Malone's sake, I certainly hope that isn't entirely true, but I wouldn't doubt it simply because Malone obviously overreacted to Kobe's statement last week, and you knew there must have been something extra behind it.
Well we knew there was something extra behind the radio interview because of what Malone said about personal thing but I never thought it would be this. Peter Vescsy(sp) came out with the story on Thursday or Friday but I was like no that can't be it but since Simers wrote it I believe it. For the people that saw KB's and Jack Hailey?s (sp) interview on FoxSportsWest it now makes sense when KB said, ?we had other personal discussions but I don?t see how that affects basketball decisions." Which I agree. Any of you think they could patch things up and continue being friends. I hope so but in my heart no when you mess with V KB takes you out of your friend list.
Funny.. just a couple posts before you there's someone who said, and I quote, "The Laker fans aren't concerned about Malone anymore. None of us are losing sleep over his decision..." As much as the whole Lakers organization amuses me with their silly soap opera antics, it's getting quite ridiculous with all the non-basketball stuff. No other teams in the NBA has registered so much non-basketball drama besides the Lakers... It's like the team is a running drama channel or something.. Now, onto the issue you brought up Jess. Kobe/Lakers bias aside, I really do not think it is in Malone's best interest to resign with the Lakers. He would be much better off playing with other real championship contending team such as the Spurs, Pistons or even the Pacers. The Lakers, sadly to say, has fallen out of the ring contention at least for this year and is in a semi-rebuilding mode. Malone doesn't have the time luxury to wait around for everyone else to get better and hunt for the ring. The Lakers also don't need Malone. He's too old and doesn't fit with the relatively new and young Lakers team. Most importantly though, he doesn't like Kobe and vice versa. We all know what happens if that's the case. Just ask Shaq and Phil.
wow. Behind the scenes stuff. Thanks for the article. I usually am good with keeping up, but this is news to me about the whole vanessa thing.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Malone hugged Vanessa, and then Vanessa asked ? as Manley recounts this part of the story ? "Hey, cowboy, what are you hunting?" "She said it twice," Manley said, "and Karl answered the second time, 'I'm hunting for little Mexican girls.' "</div> Sounds like she was flirting. Oh well atleast we know what's really going on behind the scenes. I still don't know why Kobe did that interview. Do you have an article why he did the initial interview and spoke about Malone?
Just a thought to add into this whole fray... It might be that Vanessa is trying to get back at Kobe for cheating on her. It makes perfect sense. Vanessa flirts with Malone, making him a scapegoat, then denies the whole flirting with Malone thing and reverse the facts to get Kobe jealous / mad. Kobe makes a fool out of himself, loses a friend and a supporter in Malone, and there you have it, a mini-revenge by Vanessa. Ah the drama... I was talking about this with my friend last night, who's a big Laker fan, and both of us agree that sometimes, the Lakers doesn't look like a real basketball team. They look like a bunch of aspiring drama actors who happen to play basketball. I mean one can even argue that the Lakers are known equally for its basketball prowess and their soap opera episodes at the same time.. No other teams even come close to having the drama that Lakers have.
