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[AirBrian]

Wow...unlike $haq, Kobe showed total class and didn't say anything negative about Phil and the big guy. Dude has been weight training for 2 weeks too. IT'S ON!!!

And $K$o$b$e$ getting $30 M more didn't have anything to do with his decision to stay with the Lakers.

Kobe makes 'em pay
by Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports
July 15, 2004

All you really need to know about the kind of guy, the kind of teammate, the kind of employee Kobe Bryant is could be found in the look of mourning and terror painted across Mitch Kupchak's face this week.

The Los Angeles Lakers general manager recently had watched his team implode in the NBA finals, had his legendary coach retire under duress and then was forced to trade away Shaquille O'Neal, the game's most dominant player.

Each was, at least in part, a result of either Bryant's actions or wishes.

"A disappointing day in a lot of ways," Kupchak said Wednesday when he announced the O'Neal trade to Miami.

Yet despite all of this, on Wednesday Kupchak still had no idea what Bryant, the free agent, was going to do. The Lakers had dismantled a dynasty and restructured the entire franchise, and in return Bryant told them, "Let me get back to you."

Then he made the entire Laker Nation, that so desperately wants to trust him, fret while he strongly considered signing with the Clippers.

Yes, the freakin' Clippers.

Thursday Bryant wound up re-signing with the Lakers for seven years at $136 million, but not until he made them grovel, sweat and humiliate themselves in the process.

What a guy.

If Lakers owner Jerry Buss still had a modicum of self-respect he would have gotten sick over this soap opera and – when Bryant still hadn't assured him he was going to re-sign – pulled the plug on the Shaq deal.

He should have asked Shaq for forgiveness, rescinded his offer to Bryant and moved on with personnel that understand what being a Laker really means.

Instead he sold his soul and mortgaged the franchise on a me-first, team-third guy. A guy who displayed not a thought about what this pathetic cry for attention was doing to the people and fans who always have backed him up.

Did we mention that Bryant is scheduled to stand trial for felony sexual assault in Colorado beginning August 27, and a guilty verdict could end his playing career?

The Lakers have been one of the proudest and most storied franchises in sports. And Bryant used them like a desperate girlfriend.

The Lakers are better than this.

The thing with Bryant is that it's always about him. There is plenty to like about the guy, from the high-flying game to the high-wattage smile. There is little question he is among the game's five best individual talents, has a knack for crunch-time performances and at 25 still has plenty of peak years ahead of him.

But when it comes to playing nice with others, there is no similar track record of success.

He has been estranged from his parents. He's feuded with teammates and coaches. His first shoe company, adidas, was so fed up with him they dropped him as a spokesperson and let him go unimpeded to rival Nike.

Who knows where things stand with his wife right now?

And this is who the mighty Lakers rolled over for?

They should have been more careful about whom they wished for.

This is the same guy who never could understand that part of his brilliance was a result of playing with Shaq. Who doesn't care enough about winning to figure out a way to coexist with O'Neal and try for a couple more titles. Who never had a problem throwing a game offensively (even in the finals) if it meant proving a point to Phil Jackson.

Despite all of this, the Lakers had done everything they could by Wednesday to keep Bryant – offering max money, changing coaches, dumping O'Neal, pleading and begging.

And in return, Bryant hung them out to dry for another sleepless, gut-wrenching night before grudgingly deciding to stay.

Heck of a guy.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_y...YwN0bQ--?slug=dw-kobecost&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

[Bowser]

Wow...unlike $haq, Kobe showed total class and didn't say anything negative about Phil and the big guy. Dude has been weight training for 2 weeks too. IT'S ON!!!

Total class doesn't win rings...but by that statement, Kobe should be well on his way to 3 or 4 more rings

 

[Cloudy]

And $K$o$b$e$ getting $30 M more didn't have anything to do with his decision to stay with the Lakers.

Too bad you and all the other guys bashing Kobe and calling $haq the angel in this matter refuse to acknowledge that he turned down a deal which would pay more than what Kobe'll get per year (obviously the younger guy would get a longer deal) cos he wants MORE!!!

 

[bionic77]

LOL didn't take long for the vultures to go after Kobe. I think he is partly responsible for the breakup, but so are Shaq and Phil, which no one likes to admit or write about for whatever reason. They were all selfish, egotistical crybabies in the end who wouldn't change to accomodate the others.

Oh yeah, sports reporters suck.

 

[DMczaf]

Too bad you and all the other guys bashing Kobe and calling $haq the angel in this matter refuse to acknowledge that he turned down a deal which would pay more than what Kobe'll get per year (obviously the younger guy would get a longer deal) cos he wants MORE!!!

No one calls him an angel, but he's a funny guy so Shaq > Kobe

Because Shaq's a Benz on 24s with the top down drivin' to Miami!

 

[AirBrian]

Too bad you and all the other guys bashing Kobe and calling $haq the angel in this matter refuse to acknowledge that he turned down a deal which would pay more than what Kobe'll get per year (obviously the younger guy would get a longer deal) cos he wants MORE!!!

I don't believe I've said Shaq was the angel. I'm pointing out that you putting a $ in Shaq's name is completely hypocritical because Kobe's choice offered more money. One would have to be ignorant to not realize money was a factor in Kobe's decision.

I think he is partly responsible for the breakup, but so are Shaq and Phil, which no one likes to admit or write about for whatever reason. They were all selfish, egotistical crybabies in the end who wouldn't change to accomodate the others.

I'm glad you have enough sense to realize Kobe is at fault as well. As far as Phil being blamed, IMO he can only be partially blamed for the loss in the Finals. He didn't get Shaq the ball enough. But please, Phil's gone because Kobe wanted him gone -- plain and simple. The Lakers made it clear this was Kobe's team, and Kobe got what he wanted.

 

[bionic77]

No one calls him an angel, but he's a funny guy so Shaq > Kobe

Because Shaq's a Benz on 24ths with the top down drivin' to Miami!

No doubt, Shaq is hilarious. Why are the funniest and most quotable athletes always the fattest though (Shaq, Chuck, Mahore, etc.)?

 

[Incognito]

Some of you don't realize what it's like to be the top dog(I have), and the power you can wield is very alluring. Sure, some people get pissed off, but they're the nothings of the world. Kobe is looking out for himself, and the teammates who will support him in his run for more titles. Shaq, clearly, was not going to help him anymore. Phil, being Shaq's secret santa, wasn't too much of a help either. Sometimes, you have to make tough decisions for the benefit of you and the others surrounding you.

 

[bionic77]

I don't believe I've said Shaq was the angel. I'm pointing out that you putting a $ in Shaq's name is completely hypocritical because Kobe's choice offered more money. One would have to be ignorant to not realize money was a factor in Kobe's decision.

I'm glad you have enough sense to realize Kobe is at fault as well. As far as Phil being blamed, IMO he can only be partially blamed for the loss in the Finals. He didn't get Shaq the ball enough. But please, Phil's gone because Kobe wanted him gone -- plain and simple. The Lakers made it clear this was Kobe's team, and Kobe got what he wanted.

Phil had a huge ego too dude, he wouldn't adapt his coaching to his personal and he totally lost the players after the 2nd championship, he shoulders a big part of the blame too. The Lakers first dynasty of this decade ended because of that, but the next one will be a Ego Free Zone!!!!

 

[AirBrian]

No doubt, Shaq is hilarious. Why are the funniest and most quotable athletes always the fattest though (Shaq, Chuck, Mahore, etc.)?

LOL. I miss Sir Charles.

 

[Incognito]

No doubt, Shaq is hilarious. Why are the funniest and most quotable athletes always the fattest though (Shaq, Chuck, Mahore, etc.)?

Because they use humor as a defense mechanism. And it works, too. You're not focusing on their fatty selves, just their quotable goodness.

 

[DMczaf]

Because they use humor as a defense mechanism.

Yeah, I'm sure someone will call Shaq "fat" to his face, retard.

 

[AirBrian]

Phil had a huge ego too dude, he wouldn't adapt his coaching to his personal and he totally lost the players after the 2nd championship, he shoulders a big part of the blame too.

Of course Phil has an ego. But you can't force players to like each other either. I don't care what people say, Shaq and Kobe not liking each other off the court affects them and the team chemistry on the court. It was only a matter of time until this happened no matter who the coach was.

 

[bionic77]

Yeah, I'm sure someone will call Shaq "fat" to his face, retard.

Shaq didn't get fat till recently. And Kobe pretty much did call Shaq fat to his face.

Kobe/Shaq in 05 NBA Finals, highest ratings ever!!!!!!!

 

[DMczaf]

Shaq didn't get fat till recently. And Kobe pretty much did call Shaq fat to his face.

If by in his face, you mean told it to a bunch of media while cameras were recording so Shaq wouldn't touch him...then yes he said it in his face

"IMMA EAT YO KIDS!"

 

[Cloudy]

I don't believe I've said Shaq was the angel. I'm pointing out that you putting a $ in Shaq's name is completely hypocritical because Kobe's choice offered more money. One would have to be ignorant to not realize money was a factor in Kobe's decision.

Let's assume money played a major role in Kobe's decision. I doubt it did because 6 years @ $110 mil is not much different from 7 years @ $136 mil (The Clips upped the offer last night in case you missed it). But let's just assume it did....

A 25 yr old "superstar" getting his first real max deal is totally different from a 32 year old "superstar on the decline" wanting $100 for 3 years after his remaining deal (2 years @ $52 mil ends) How can anyone argue with this?

Or would YOU pay a 34-37 yr old Shaq just $36 mil less than a 25-32 yr old Kobe?

 

[AirBrian]

Let's assume money played a major role in Kobe's decision. I doubt it did because 6 years @ $110 mil is not much different from 7 years @ $136 mil (The Clips upped the offer last night in case you missed it). But let's just assume it did....

A 25 yr old "superstar" getting his first real max deal is totally different from a 32 year old "superstar on the decline" wanting $100 for 3 years after his remaining deal (2 years @ $52 mil ends) How can anyone argue with this?

Or would YOU pay a 34-37 yr old Shaq just $36 mil less than a 25-32 yr old Kobe?

Sure, but your "superstar on the decline" is going to get his team a championship sooner. Let's be honest here, who has a better chance at getting to the finals next year -- Kobe's Lakers in the West, or Shaq's Heat in the East? Even though Shaq isn't as dominate as he once was, he's still the most dominate player in the league. All the Heat has to do is fill in a few holes and the parades begin.

BTW, I'm by no means a Shaq fan. In fact, I think his game is very overrated. However, no one comes close to his size, power, and moves under the basket right now in the league. I would love to see Yao own his ass in the Finals. C'mon Yao, keep working out!

 

[Cloudy]

Let's be honest here, who has a better chance at getting to the finals next year -- Kobe's Lakers in the West, or Shaq's Heat in the East? Even though Shaq isn't as dominate as he once was, he's still the most dominate player in the league. All the Heat has to do is fill in a few holes and the parades begin.

But is Shaq worth $152 mil from age 32 to 37? All the while having no cap flexibility to surround him with ANY talent? And this is obviously not a short term move by the Lakers...

 

[bionic77]

But is Shaq worth $152 mil from age 32 to 37? All the while having no cap flexibility to surround him with ANY talent? And this is obviously not a short term move by the Lakers...

Fine get rid of Shaq, but they should have AT LEAST have gotten a good center and point guard in return. The trade they engineered was totally retarded.

 

[AirBrian]

But is Shaq worth $152 mil from age 32 to 37? All the while having no cap flexibility to surround him with ANY talent? And this is obviously not a short term move by the Lakers...

If he can get the Heat a championship for a couple of years, then yes. I guess we'll have to wait and see how well the Heat do. One very positive thing about Shaq being in the East now is that he just extended his playing career. There are far less big fellas and that will reduce the wear and tear on Shaq's body. I imagine he'll get more rest as well.

 

[Shinobi]

First of all, moron, he didn't suck all of last year. That's the fact. Yes, he sucked during times of the playoffs, but does that equate to all year? No, unless you live in Shinobi's world, which isn't reality, obviously.

My head's buried up GP's ass? That's rich coming from VC's #1 propaganda machine and fanboy. Do you realize how hard it is to adapt to the triangle? You think it happens overnight? You think Kobe and Shaq had it down to perfection after their first year in the system? If you say yes, kill yourself please. And bringing BJ and Derek Fisher does nothing to help your argument, as they've been in the system for MANY YEARS. Something GP hasn't had the privilage of.

And yes, he is a very unselfish player. He could have signed with any team last year for the big bucks, but he decided he wanted a ring, and unfortunatly it didn't work out. And can you blame the guy for bitching when after nearly every Lakers loss, the spotlight, inexcusably, was on him? He damn near carried the team early in the season when Malone, Kobe, and Shaq were out with their various injuries. So just fuck the fuck off, bitch. I'm tired of your worthless rationalizations.

Don't worry about the Sonics, loser. At least they'll still have their star in place, can you say the same about the Raptors and the baby that is VC? Mister "IVE GOT A HEAD COLD -- MUST MISS 10 GAMES, BUT I"LL DANCE ONSTAGE AT CONCERTS!!!" Hooky. I wonder what injury will suddenly afflict him this year? Diarreha? Rash on the shooting hand? Sprained knuckle? But hey, at least you'll be able to root for Eric Dampier, and er, uhm, who else is on that team?

First off cunt lick, Payton sucked so badly in March and April that Fisher was playing ahead of him at crunch time. And he sucked the entire playoffs. I know for idiots like Sonics fans that November and December is an important time of the year, but for real teams the only months that amtter are the last couple months of the regular season and the playoffs. When the Lakers hit the stretch run, Payton stank. So he effectively stank the entire year, not unlike your body odour.

Second of all, if you realized how hard it is to adapt to the triangle, WTF didn't Payton? What is he, mentally deficient? Again, fuck the excuses...he knew what the program was when he signed with the Lakers, and he found out he couldn't hack it. That's on no one else but him. That BJ and Armstrong were in it for years is nonsensical...Fisher was in that system for one fucking year when the Lakers won their first of three titles you stupid shit. Quit making shit up just to prop up your worthless argument.

As far as selfishness goes, Payton was whining like a little bitch while the Lakers were on that much vaunted winning streak, so don't tell me he isn't selfish. I couldn't give a shit that he took a paycut to win a ring...based on last season's pathetic play, he was still ridiculously overpaid.

And which star will the Sonics still have in place dickweed? Desmond Mason was traded, and that was after he was told he'd be with the Sonics for life. Ray Allen is on the block. Brent Barry is gone. Rasheed Lewis is only a star in Seattle. Hardly matters, cause your team is losing talent while seemingly everyone else is adding or adjusting pieces. And as far as Vince goes, he played far more games last year then Ray Allen, who didn't show up till about ten games before the all star game and wore that faggoty black band around his shoulder. How the coaches selected him for the all star team is beyond me...guess he gave some great head while he was off the floor.

That would be like watching a retard and Einstein getting in an argument.

 

[bishoptl]

Gentlemen, I would hate - hate - to replace Loki's recently vacated spot on the bench with one of you.

Keep that in mind.

 

[Fifty]

Gentlemen, I would hate - hate - to replace Loki's recently vacated spot on the bench with one of you.

Keep that in mind.

It's not hurting anyone! And soon they'll have to repeat their old insults....

 

[Incognito]

Gentlemen, I would hate - hate - to replace Loki's recently vacated spot on the bench with one of you.

Keep that in mind.

I'll keep it in IRC! Anyway, I'll end this feud with:

Ray > Vince

 

[Fifty]

I'll keep it in IRC! Anyway, I'll end this feud with:

Ray > Vince

I'm sorry, but you cannot end it like that. Shinobi ended it quite nicely.

 

[Shinobi]

The Lakers have been one of the proudest and most storied franchises in sports. And Bryant used them like a desperate girlfriend.

Heh, so true...

Some of you don't realize what it's like to be the top dog(I have), and the power you can wield is very alluring.

The fuck are you the top dog of, your hospital ward?

Anyway, since we're being forced to end this latest spat...

THAT'S IT!! I WIN!!

 

[Incognito]

I'm sorry, but you cannot end it like that. Shinobi ended it quite nicely.

If I respond, I'll end up getting banned. The bar was raised!

 

[Incognito]

The fuck are you the top dog of, your hospital ward?

 

[VPhys]

Sigh, screw Payton the Lakers should have kept D-Fish!

Shut the fuck up you whiney little snit. Payton fucking SUCKED last year. If you can't recognize that FACT, you're a fucking IDIOT. BITCH.

And you Laker fans are just incredible...now you're getting excited about Vlade "Flop Ass" Divac??? Unbelievable...

Huh? STFU we hate Vlade.

 

[bionic77]

Some of you don't realize what it's like to be the top dog(I have), and the power you can wield is very alluring.

Hahaha, I hated the guy who started in front of me in high school. Granted he was probably better then me (most so called 'rationale' people thought he was heads and shoulders above me, but there was a distinct and extremely intelligent minority who thought I was the better overall player). Anyway, the coach of my team sucked but before this player he was always consistent in playing tough defense and holding the ball as long as possible. Then the guy who was our star single handedly won a game against the best team in our league and our big 'rivals'. When I say singlehandedly I mean it, we were down by 4 with like 30 seconds left, he goes and makes a ridiculously difficult fadeaway 2 point shot, then he steals the ball and makes a half court shot to win the game. That paved his way to high school glory and effectively ended my shot at starting.

Anyways, the point of this rant is that the top dog can do whatever the hell he wants because they know how much power they have. I can imagine how much it sucks to play behind guys like Shaq and Kobe in the NBA, you need them to win but you can sometimes get annoyed with them for having so much power over everything and getting all the glory.

End of rant.

 

[Meier]

AIM conversation earlier tonight with my buddy:

My buddy: was at Universal chillin out infront of the movie theatre and shaq comes walking up
My buddy: with his wife
Me: haha awesome
Me: you say anything?
My buddy: i was shocked he actually stood in line like a normal person
My buddy: ya i shook his hand
Me: haha damn
Me: I did that when I was young as hell downtown once
My buddy: then someone from universal came out and escorted him inside
Me: I bet
Me: but yeah I was like 11 or 12 or something (was like 10 years ago) and I was walking to the library with my mom and he gets out of this SUV by there and I'm all hey you're SHAQ! and then I shook his hand and said like "Thank you, sir." or something and he goes, "Don't call me sir, it makes me feel old." and flashed this big grin
Me: what a cool dude

 

[Archaix]

Hah, ESPN had a chat with Bill Simmons (and others) about Kobe and the NBA today.

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5558

Bill Simmons: Here's my theory on the Kobe situation - i don't think he ever had any intention of playing for the Clips, Bulls or anyone else - I think he's doing this whole thing to secure the maximum deal from LA (which he would have gotten from them anyway), and more importantly, to upstage the Shaq trade.

Bill Simmons: I think it's been pretty much established at this point that he's a prima donna and an egomaniac.

...
Scott - Cleveland: Boozer inserts a knife in our back the same week we get voted "most tortured sports city" by ESPN. Can someone make this stop.......please !!!!

Bill Simmons: Yes, I've been meaning to write about this. This was terrible. Why isn't anyone mentioning that Boozer didn't just stab the Cavs in the back, he did it to Gordon Gund, one of the nicest owners in any spot. The guy is BLIND for God's sake! He stabbed a blind guy in the back! And yes, it's easy to make the "Well, that's easy for you to say - you're not the one who would have passed up $28 million" argument. I just feel like the Karma Gods catch up with you for decisions like that.

Bill Simmons: In the words of Tony Montana, Boozer sold out one of the 2 things he has in life: his word. He also stabbed a blind guy in the back. And he gave up the chance to play with the Next Great Guy. I know he basically doubled his salary, but after you get over the $25 million mark, does it really even matter anymore? How big of a house can you buy? How many cars can you have? Arrrrrrrrrgh.

Nick-Philadelphia: Wasn't any agreement that Boozer might've made with the Cavs against the CBA though?

Bill Simmons: Yes, which is why the Cans - in a way - deserved what they got. They were trying to get a deal on Boozer by circumventing the rules, which seems pretty illegal to me. Then again, they were putting their trust that Boozer and his agent wouldn't jam a knife into a blind guy's back, so it seemed like a pretty fair leap of faith.
...
Chris (Valencia): Where would you like to see Vince Carter end up?

Bill Simmons: The Detroit Shock.

Ben, Montreal: Assuming Carter stays, what move do you think the Raps need to make in order to improve the team?

Bill Simmons: Buy him some testosterone.
....
Bill Simmons: People don't realize this: The Jazz HAVE TO OVERPAY FOR GUYS. They're in Utah! Who the hell would want to play in Utah? I'm not saying it's a beautiful place, and that there's not a ton of stuff to do... but... I mean... well, read between the lines.
...
Dan, Minneapolis: Make it WWE style and then have Kobe walk in in a Lakers Jersey, rip that offf throw on a Clippers jersey as the announcers yell NOOOOO

Bill Simmons: I would love that. He could even hit Jerry Buss over the head with a steel chair, knocking his toupee into reporters. This would be the greatest moment in the history of sports.

And much much more!

 

[Eminem]

I know he basically doubled his salary, but after you get over the $25 million mark, does it really even matter anymore? How big of a house can you buy? How many cars can you have? Arrrrrrrrrgh.

So. Fucking. True.

 

[Bat]

Shinobi bringing the OWNAGE....

 

[Incognito]

Chris (Valencia): Where would you like to see Vince Carter end up?

Bill Simmons: The Detroit Shock.

Ben, Montreal: Assuming Carter stays, what move do you think the Raps need to make in order to improve the team?

Bill Simmons: Buy him some testosterone.
....

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!

 

[Cloudy]

"Go ahead and sign, Kobe. If you fuck up again, I get half!!!"

 

[Ninja Scooter]

giggity giggity giggity

If there's one thing Kobe is undeniably better than MJ at, its picking a wife.

"He he, you got that right!"

**SMACK**

"OW! Why you gotta do me like that, woman?!?"

 

[Cloudy]

Mitch: "Thank you, Lord"

 

[rc213]

"Go ahead and sign, Kobe. If you fuck up again, I get half!!!"

GOOD GOD! MORE PLZ!

 

[Cloudy]

GOOD GOD! MORE PLZ!

http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/news/?c=news_photos&p=kobe

 

[Ninja Scooter]

BWAHAHAH! I hate Jim Rome, but he just owned the shit out of VC.

"You should realize that you are Vince Carter. You are the most overhyped player of the last 25 years. Nobody cares what you say or think. You are in no position to be making any demands. YOu are no longer the next Michael Jordan, you are just Tracy McGrady's cousin."


BTW, didn't i call ALL this months ago people? The Master Plan came to perfect fruition.

Do not fuck with this man.

 

[rc213]

Kobe needs to have his penix cut-off if he couldnt be satisfied having that at home.

 

[DMczaf]

Hmm, she's wearing a Lakers dress? Yeah I'm sure Kobe is the one who came up with this conclusion...

 

[rc213]

At least i can see daylight from my cell...

 

[DMczaf]

LOL!!!

 

[Hitman]

dmczaf get your ass to the poker room!

 

[DMczaf]

dmczaf get your ass to the poker room!

Oh shit! I forgot!

 

[RobotChant]

"Daddy... we'll get half!"

 

[PartlyCloudlike]

"Daddy... we'll get half!"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH~!

 

[Shinobi]

Chris (Valencia): Where would you like to see Vince Carter end up?

Bill Simmons: The Detroit Shock.

Ben, Montreal: Assuming Carter stays, what move do you think the Raps need to make in order to improve the team?

Bill Simmons: Buy him some testosterone.

Lucky for Bill I still like his tortured ass...

Haha, look at the size of those rocks. Still have a hard time understanding how anyone could step out on that (particularly when the person he stepped out with looks pretty run of the mill).

BWAHAHAH! I hate Jim Rome, but he just owned the shit out of VC.

"You should realize that you are Vince Carter. You are the most overhyped player of the last 25 years. Nobody cares what you say or think. You are in no position to be making any demands. YOu are no longer the next Michael Jordan, you are just Tracy McGrady's cousin."

He's sort of right, but the fact of the matter is that a certain dumbass in Raptors management made a couple promises to him (saying the Raps would go after either or both Nash and Magloire, along with keeping Vince informed about the GM hiring process), and didn't follow through on either one. And from all accounts, VC didn't make any demands when those promises were made...the promises were made voluntarily. So this clown fucked up for no reason whatsoever. And honestly, to say Vince has no business demanding anything is in one sense accurate, but in another sense naive. Steve Francis was making demands about where he wanted to play before he even played a day on a NBA court. That's just the way things are today.