Art Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) ARTICLE . 02.07.2012. NEW YORK POST. KOBE BRYANT; I DID'NT SELL HOWARD ON L.A. “How do you think I feel at my age having to chase down thisstuff,” I answered. “I understand your position. But if it’s untrue, any of it,and allowed to circulate throughout the league, which already is happening, Iwould think you’d want to say it’s not.” “It’s not true,” Kobe responded. New York Post“As far as what? I haveno clue what’s even being said. I have a lot to deal with as it is,” hereplied. That was extremely revealing in itself. In other words, L.A.’s media,especially the Lakers’ beat writers, felt the story lacked such credibility,nobody even bothered to ask Kobe about it. New York Post” Supposedly, Kobe alsomade it clear Los Angeles would be Howard’s, “but only once he [bryant] decidedhe was done playing.”All that was missing was, “Hurry, offer ends at midnighttonight.” None of what the author claimed came out of Kobe’s mouth sounded likeit’d been transmitted from his cerebrum. New York Post"We can (contend)," Bryant said. "We have to play verysolid, near-perfect basketball, particularly with our second unit, which wehave in the past. We're capable of contending. Our margin is just not as greatas some of the other teams." Los Angeles Daily NewsKobe Bryant: "I'm not going jump ship to go chase a 6th ring. It'sgoing to happen here or it's not going to happen."Twitter"You think I'llhang around and average 19 points or 18 points? Hell no." Twitter Edited February 7, 2012 by Art Hues Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) The fact Kobe thinks he can't (or won't) contribute significantly to a championship team averaging 18 or 19 points tells me all I need to know about him. Edited February 7, 2012 by Check my Stats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted February 7, 2012 Owner Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 The fact Kobe thinks he can't (or won't) contribute significantly to a championship team averaging 18 or 19 points tells me all I need to know about him.He said he won't average 19 points per game with this Lakers team, because the truth is, if he did that, they wouldn't win. Probably won't get into the WCF as it is, even with him averaging 30, because Drew isn't creating for anyone out of the post (and playing back down to expectations), and Gasol isn't allowed any room in the paint because of Drew, nor is he posting up on the low block when Drew is out of the game. Regardless of the situation, though...I wouldn't want Kobe going to a team with two other superstars, either, to average 20 and be the third wheel. You said yourself that you hate when teams do that. Kobe is still a superstar in this league, not a ring-chaser, like Pierce, Allen, Garnett, LeBron and Wade. I'm glad he's still keeping that mindset, and doesn't want to be known for getting his sixth by "tagging along" and relying on another superstar or two to carry him there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nitro Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) He said he won't average 19 points per game with this Lakers team, because the truth is, if he did that, they wouldn't win. At least in the context of the quote, that's not how I interpreted it. I took it as, "You won't see me play in this league being a fringe 20PPG guy." In other words, he wants to go out being viewed as one of the best in the game, putting up big stats. I respect that, and wish MJ never came back to be a 40 year old, 20PPG guy on an awful Wizards team. Kobe is still a superstar in this league, not a ring-chaser, like Pierce, Allen, Garnett, LeBron and Wade. I'm glad he's still keeping that mindset, and doesn't want to be known for getting his sixth by "tagging along" and relying on another superstar or two to carry him there. I kinda get the LeBron and Wade thing, but how were Pierce/KG/Allen ring-chasers? Pierce was drafted with the Celtics and was under contract when those moves were made in 2007, and KG and Allen were traded to the Celtics, didn't sign there. And don't act like there weren't plenty of games where Gasol carried the Lakers during their 2-peat (especially in the 2010 Finals, where Gasol outplayed Kobe in at least half those wins). Edited February 7, 2012 by Nitro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted February 7, 2012 Owner Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 I kinda get the LeBron and Wade thing, but how were Pierce/KG/Allen ring-chasers? Pierce was drafted with the Celtics and was under contract when those moves were made in 2007, and KG and Allen were traded to the Celtics, didn't sign there. And don't act like there weren't plenty of games where Gasol carried the Lakers during their 2-peat (especially in the 2010 Finals, where Gasol outplayed Kobe in at least half those wins).Garnett was wanting to leave Minnesota, to go where he could win a championship. I doubt he would've left to join Jamal Crawford in New York. Same with Ray. Pierce was just there, so I guess that's different. Who said Gasol didn't contribute, or do a great job? And I'd expect Gasol to outplay Kobe in those Finals, because Thibodeau centered his defensive scheme around stopping Kobe, much like he did with LeBron. Everyone will always know who led that Lakers team, who facilitated and drew the defenders away from everyone else while being the primary scoring option. I'm not sure where you're going with that one. The day Kobe goes ring-chasing while still having the ability to put up 25+ PPG, I'll lose respect for him. If he's 40 and struggling to get 20 a night, that's a little different...but nobody in their primes (even though Kobe is not at his best and is exiting his prime, he's still a superstar) should be chasing championships and relying on other superstars, especially when that player has cemented his legacy with five rings as a main (or co-main) contributor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nitro Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Garnett was wanting to leave Minnesota, to go where he could win a championship. I doubt he would've left to join Jamal Crawford in New York. Same with Ray. Pierce was just there, so I guess that's different. Of course Garnett and Allen wanted to leave...Garnett hadn't even made the playoffs since 03-04, and I'm pretty sure the surprising 04-05 Sonics run was the last time Allen made it as well. They didn't demand a trade specifically to Boston, and them wanting to get out of pretty bad situations to go to a legit contender certainly wasn't them "ring-chasing." It just so happened that they were all paired with each other. Who said Gasol didn't contribute, or do a great job? And I'd expect Gasol to outplay Kobe in those Finals, because Thibodeau centered his defensive scheme around stopping Kobe, much like he did with LeBron. Everyone will always know who led that Lakers team, who facilitated and drew the defenders away from everyone else while being the primary scoring option. I'm not sure where you're going with that one. My point is that whether you considered Gasol a superstar that season, he certainly played like it, especially in the Finals. There were plenty of games in those post-seasons that Gasol out-played Kobe, and without it Kobe wouldn't have his 4th and 5th championships. Point being, it really isn't any different than Pierce needing another star by his side to win, or any combo of the Big 3. When the Lakers were successful that series it was with the offense running through Gasol in the post, and I think the fact that Gasol out-assisted Kobe in 2 of those wins, and tied him in another speaks volumes to that. He was dominant at times in that series, enough to where people were putting him over Dirk and into top 10 lists. IMO he was the most important player in that series, if not the best player. A fringe All-Star doesn't do that for you...he truly played like a superstar. The day Kobe goes ring-chasing while still having the ability to put up 25+ PPG, I'll lose respect for him. If he's 40 and struggling to get 20 a night, that's a little different...but nobody in their primes (even though Kobe is not at his best and is exiting his prime, he's still a superstar) should be chasing championships and relying on other superstars, especially when that player has cemented his legacy with five rings as a main (or co-main) contributor. If Kobe didn't throw a fit in the 2007 off-season, and throw the Lakers under the bus for not pulling the trigger on the Bynum for Kidd trade (when Kidd was still All-Star caliber), he wouldn't have 2 of his rings, and I GUARANTEE would have formally demanded a trade to a better situation by 2009 the latest. IMO, there is nothing worse for a superstar to have his prime wasted on teams that don't have a serious chance at contending. 82 games, with each game individually meaning very little, and a quick knockout in the playoffs is miserable for a player the caliber of Kobe. He wants to perform on the biggest stage, and wants to be put in a class above the likes of LeBron/T-Mac/VC/AI by winning championships. It's what seperates the greats from the truly elite. And in order to do that, you need a lot of help, usually with another star that can carry the team on your off-nights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted February 7, 2012 Owner Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 LOL. You are overrating what Gasol did in the Finals, if you thought that he played like a SUPERSTAR. His first two games, he did. In his last five games of that series? He shot 46% or less in every game (under 43% in three of those five), scored over 20 just once (21), and had over four assists in just one of those games (the big Game 6, with nine). He averaged 16.4 PPG on 42% FG with less defensive attention on him (versus Kobe) in those final five games. That is not a superstar, and that is not carrying Kobe. He played awesome in those first two games against Boston, but don't overrate him for your argument. If Boston decided to take their zone and stuff the paint, to keep the ball out of Gasol's hands and double him immediately when he did get the ball (instead of relying on Garnett and his bad knees, and Perkins, who you called an overrated defender), Pau would've been eaten alive as bad as he was against Dallas last season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNotoriousBANG Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Kobe would rather average high ppg and play in a mediocre squadas opposed to playing a role and being a key role player in a contributing squad i see him just retiring rather than averaging 12 ppg off the bench 5 years down the road and still being a key player on a team (grant hill role) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makaveli Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Kobe would rather average high ppg and play in a mediocre squadas opposed to playing a role and being a key role player in a contributing squad.1st of all, Kobe would NEVER be a just a role player, even when he's in his late 30's. 2nd. Kobe just said that his 6th ring is going to be with the Lakers or never. i see him just retiring rather than averaging 12 ppg off the bench in (put a number of years).and still being a key player on a team (grant hill role)If he's managing about 30 ppg with a really bad wrist injury, playing in his 16th season then why would you think he's gonna get less than 15 ppg 5 years from now? 65-70% of his points are coming off long jumpshots now. Even though his lift isn't the same as it was some years ago, his basketball IQ still eats his defenders alive..too many moves, too many fakes. On the offense he's picking his spots and even though his age is quickly catching up to him, his IQ still leaves guys dazzled day in and day out. NO WAY he's gonna average 12 ppg in 5 years. KB is just too smart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sħãlïq™ Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Couldn't help posting this perfect jersey switch. It belongs here: http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/4457/dwighthowardlakers.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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