<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Lakers Have No Intention Of Trading Kobe 24th June, 2007 - 2:42 am L.A. Times - "Kobe Bryant has played his last game in a Laker uniform," ESPN's Ric Bucher said Friday. "That, at least, is the message consistently from Kobe's camp and the one he has sent to the Lakers more than once.... "He doesn't want to get to October or November where there's a push that comes to shove and there's a question of, is he going to be in training camp, is he going to show up for that game one? "He doesn't want to get to that, but the Lakers would be well-advised to make a move now and not find out." The Lakers, according to the L.A. Times, have never taken Kobe's threats seriously. If owner Jerry Buss, a renowned poker player, understands one thing, it's trying to buy the hand when you're holding nothing. This isn't something we'll always have to wonder about. Buss has no intention of trading Bryant, who's actually up against an earlier deadline ? the July 20 opening of USA Basketball's training camp in Las Vegas when he'll have to talk to the media. </div> LALALA
<div class="quote_poster">michiganave17 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">okay well. kobe will opt out next year leaving LA assed out.</div> Maybe... anyway does he not opt out 09? Not 08. If he does opt in 09 its because we never got past the 2nd round. I think if we can get to the west finals or possibly the finals, or have lineup good enough for the finals. He might stay, because the 08 free agents might be attracted, you never know what is going to happen. Just watch it all playout.
2nd round? They can't even get out of the first round and struggled to make the playoffs this year (yes yes, injuries played a part but nevertheless).
<div class="quote_poster">Swish Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">This is just the Lakers trying to raise Kobe's value.</div> I don't think so, because may be Lakers are trying to convince Bryant to add few more additional choices or destinations where they can explore more options. It seems like the Bulls already have him on the team which concerns the Lakers because they won't get the same value for Kobe.
if he is'nt dealt now he might opt out after next season, and the lakers would'nt get anything for him. buss/ kupchack might seriously be considering some big moves this offseason to appease kobe.
<div class="quote_poster">Sweetness Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">if he is'nt dealt now he might opt out after next season, and the lakers would'nt get anything for him. buss/ kupchack might seriously be considering some big moves this offseason to appease kobe.</div> Shouldnt your SIG be the other way around? since Pacquiao knocked Morales out in 2 out of their 3 fights?
<div class="quote_poster">michiganave17 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">okay well. kobe will opt out next year leaving LA assed out.</div> ^^ Dont jinx it now. Kobe will not leave if the lakers get JO.
<div class="quote_poster">michiganave17 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">okay well. kobe will opt out next year leaving LA assed out.</div> The Lakers would save $47Million dollars if Kobe opts out, and clear plenty of cap space to pursue top level free agents. Kobe is not more important than the organization and is a lot more expendable than he might think. Los Angeles will never have a problem signing free agents, because the city and franchise has a lot of built in advantages. The Lakers franchise was successful before Kobe was ever a Laker, and will continue to be one if he decides to leave. What Kobe doesn't seem to understand if he opts out, he's going to be forced to take a huge paycut. Teams with title aspirations won't have the cap room to sign him to a $20M+ per year salary. Most owners refuse to pay the luxury tax, which leaves Kobe where exactly once he opts out? It leaves him with less money, and limited options to sign with a contender.
Wow, really good point about the number of competitive teams 20 mill under the cap. How many teams will be under the cap 20 mill next season? 06-07 cap was about 53 mill. 4 more than the previous year, so estimate 07-08 cap will be 57 million. Next season: Bobcats (30 mill under cap) Hawks (9 mill under) Bulls (11 mill under) Magic (18 mill under) Grizz (15 mill under) Wizards (15 mill under) Bucks (15 mill under) I haven't taken into account resigning players though.
<div class="quote_poster">kobe23 Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Shouldnt your SIG be the other way around? since Pacquiao knocked Morales out in 2 out of their 3 fights? </div> i know man i'm a big pacman fan, but i'm a big morales fan as well. he might be calling it quits after one more fight this year, i'm just honoring the aztec warrior before he bows out.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">The Lakers would save $47Million dollars if Kobe opts out, and clear plenty of cap space to pursue top level free agents. Kobe is not more important than the organization and is a lot more expendable than he might think. Los Angeles will never have a problem signing free agents, because the city and franchise has a lot of built in advantages. The Lakers franchise was successful before Kobe was ever a Laker, and will continue to be one if he decides to leave. What Kobe doesn't seem to understand if he opts out, he's going to be forced to take a huge paycut. Teams with title aspirations won't have the cap room to sign him to a $20M+ per year salary. Most owners refuse to pay the luxury tax, which leaves Kobe where exactly once he opts out? It leaves him with less money, and limited options to sign with a contender.</div> I guess that he has no other option than to stay with the Lakers if he wants a lot of money. Plus if the Lakers get KG then the Lakers are Championship contenders for sure!
<div class="quote_poster">Sweetness Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">if he is'nt dealt now he might opt out after next season, and the lakers would'nt get anything for him. buss/ kupchack might seriously be considering some big moves this offseason to appease kobe.</div> Not if L.A. lands KG... I think Kobe is salivating at the opportunity to tear up the west with KG at his side.
