Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff
Kobe Bryant, arguably the best individual player in the NBA, has said repeatedly today that he would like to be traded from the Los Angeles Lakers, the organization he won three NBA championships.
Bryant has earned All-NBA honors in each of the last eight seasons, has been named to the NBA’s All Defensive six times, and he has been named a starter for the Western Conference All-Star Team in each of the last eight games.
Bryant expressed frustration this week in an interview with ESPN’s Ric Bucher with the Lakers organization and their inability to put a contending team on the court.
The Lakers star later denied Bucher’s report that he wanted to be traded, but he changed his tune today after an unnamed source told the LA Times that Bryant had pushed the organization to get rid of Shaquille O’Neal.
He told Stephen A. Smith that he now wants to be traded on the radio today and in a story in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer.
Bryant also told ESPN Radio’s Dan Patrick today that he was “disappointed more than anything” with the way things have gone.
He also said he came to find out after he re-signed with the Lakers that the organization told Phil Jackson that they were looking at a long-term plan, while Bryant was told they were planning to rebuild immediately and turn things around.
Bryant also reiterated that he had nothing to do with the trade of Shaq following the 2003-04 season.
“At this point I would play anywhere,” Bryant said in response to Patrick’s hypothetical of being traded to Atlanta. “I just want to play basketball.”
Dr. Jerry Buss, owner of the Lakers released a statement today stating: “We are aware of the media reports. However, Kobe has not told us directly that he wants to be traded. We have made it very clear that we are building our team around Kobe and that we intend for him to be a Laker his entire career. We will speak directly to Kobe and until we do that, we will not comment publicly about this.”
The Los Angeles Dailey News, one of our sister papers out west, has been all over the deteriorating situation (click here for their Lakers Blog).
Kobe for some kind of package featuring Paul Pierce (a Los Angeles native)...what do you say gang?
I was wondering who was going to be the first one to bring that up.
Pierce does run a summer charity game in LA with Baron Davis.
Let the Pierce-for-Bryant talk begin.
Would that deal make either team better??? I'm not sure.
Lynn, you should have known I'd be the first guy to bring that up. I think I'm the only Kobe fan on this site. But I guarantee you, if the C's somehow land him, he'll have a lot more rooters when they see him play every night.
I like Paul Pierce. Think he's one of the top players in the game. Can't carry Kobe's jock strap, however. Straight-up swap...the C's will become a much better team while LA regresses. Throw in Gerald Green, Delonte West, and we're still much improved. If you could pull it off without the #5 pick, you would become a title contender with Kobe, Big Al, Rondo and the #5 added to the mix. However, I think you're going to have to give up that #5, or maybe even Jefferson....and even that might not be enough to get it done. You can bet the Bulls offer up Gordon, Deng and their high first rounder.
I hope the next couple of days bring NBA rumors that such a deal is indeed possible and not something I'm dreaming about.
And just like that, my dream appears dead. Kobe did an interview with an LA radio station...said he spoke with Phil Jackson and was assured the Lakers are committed to winning now, not rebuilding. Kobe says he feels better now and is open to staying.
Oh well, was fun while it lasted...LOL! MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MIND!!!
Kobe is without a doubt one of the Best current players in the NBA, But he will not go to the Celtics plain and simple. I am as Big of a C's fan as you'll find, but Kobe wants to go somewhere that he believes he has a true chance to win it all and unfortunately that is not the case for a while with the Celtics. I cant help it, I am just telling it like it is. Thats my story and I am sticking to it.
Shappy