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

I'm hearing now that the Phoenix Suns are offering Kobe a 6 year 100 million dollar deal, and I should be thinking to myself that there's no way that he'll sign with the Suns, but here's where it gets interesting. Mike D'Antoni is one of Kobe's idols going back to the days when he was in Italy. It's the same reason why he wears the #8. Would Kobe somehow be tempted to be with one of his coaching idols, or would he like to team up with the likes of Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire? Only time will tell, but this is just the beginning because financially, they'll be more teams that'll keep throwing the cash at him.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Emo:</div><div class="quote_post">I'm hearing now that the Phoenix Suns are offering Kobe a 6 year 100 million dollar deal, and I should be thinking to myself that there's no way that he'll sign with the Suns, but here's where it gets interesting. Mike D'Antoni is one of Kobe's idols going back to the days when he was in Italy. It's the same reason why he wears the #8. Would Kobe somehow be tempted to be with one of his coaching idols, or would he like to team up with the likes of Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire? Only time will tell, but this is just the beginning because financially, they'll be more teams that'll keep throwing the cash at him.</div>

Bryant, Marion, and Stoudmire......DAMN

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sabretooth:</div><div class="quote_post">Bryant, Marion, and Stoudmire......DAMN</div>


that trio would be amazingly potent. Makes me want to try it out on NBA live 2004. Emo - I know you're loyal to Kobe and the Lakers and all but what Kobe is doing isn't exactly helping out the team. His need to be wined and dined, his need to be wanted by other teams, are they not totally selfish in heart? To me, he's putting himself in front of the team like Shaq is doing now. And to me, that is the definition of toying with the team cuz there isn't anything else the Lakers could have done to placate Kobe that they haven't already done to please him.

I fear for the worse but hope for the best.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MustardMan:</div><div class="quote_post">that trio would be amazingly potent. Makes me want to try it out on NBA live 2004. Emo - I know you're loyal to Kobe and the Lakers and all but what Kobe is doing isn't exactly helping out the team. His need to be wined and dined, his need to be wanted by other teams, are they not totally selfish in heart? To me, he's putting himself in front of the team like Shaq is doing now. And to me, that is the definition of toying with the team cuz there isn't anything else the Lakers could have done to placate Kobe that they haven't already done to please him.

I fear for the worse but hope for the best.</div>

BUT!!!
Another way to look at this is that Kobe and Buss have already made the decision, and Kobe's trying to get wined and dined as the highest rated available free-agent before he commits himself to the franchise. Admit this, wouldn't it make sense for Kobe to be flown every where, treated to anything he wants while knowing that he has a franchise that wants him to be there future? He wants to use the "Jordanesque" line of sending (opponents) fans home unsatisfied.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sabretooth:</div><div class="quote_post">BUT!!!
Another way to look at this is that Kobe and Buss have already made the decision, and Kobe's trying to get wined and dined as the highest rated available free-agent before he commits himself to the franchise. Admit this, wouldn't it make sense for Kobe to be flown every where, treated to anything he wants while knowing that he has a franchise that wants him to be there future? He wants to use the "Jordanesque" line of sending (opponents) fans home unsatisfied.</div>

do you think Buss wants Kobe to be wined and dined as the highest rated available free agent before he commits to the Lakers? Tell me, what value does Kobe toying with the Lakers bring to the organization?

He's already made us look foolish for pursuing Coach K. The man isn't going to leave his throne to come down and coach for general manager Kobe. Like Phil Taylor said, if Kobe has the power to hire a coach, he has the power to fire one. And Coach K isn't going to risk his legacy on Kobe even if he's as great as we all know he his.

Make sense for Kobe to be flown everwhere, treated to anything he wants? Yes it makes sense for Kobe the big EGO to do that. But does it make sense to me a Lakers fan, does it make sense for Kobe a team player, a true Lakers, to be doing this? NO. no no no. I don't care how you can spin what I just said but Kobe isn't looking for anyone but himself.

Think how many problems the Lakers could have solved if he would commit to them right now- 1) they would have the security of knowing they have the best free agent signed 2) they could concentrate their time on looking for a coach that can suit the Lakers, not Kobe . 3) They could begin looking to sign a big man or a quality free agent, instead of holding all their money for Kobe, waiting for his next move. 4) They could actually seriously pursue this Shaq trade instead of hanging in limbo, waiting for the next move.

There are so many better positions the Lakers could be in if Kobe would commit and quit jerking the organization around.