| Sajha.com Archives | |
| Username | Post |
| yOuNgBlOoDz | Posted
on 06-Oct-03 08:26 PM
okie finally, NBA is back.. with the preseason.. memphis beat bucks.. 105-94 yb |
| DWI | Posted
on 07-Oct-03 07:37 AM
N*B*A Gotta watch it tonight. Ax, what's your take on Knicks persuing Mutombo? I think it ain't bad as we are already over the cap anyways for next 3-4 years. We can use the money we saved from Lampe deal. If Chaney doesn't play Mutombo more than 30 games or more than 20 minutes a game, he should be good for the playoff, provided we are in it. |
| Rusty | Posted
on 07-Oct-03 09:45 AM
Gotta say wass up to my brodas.. DWI and YB. Yes I am also watching it... Let the season begin. Nice to see you guys back.. :) |
| DWI | Posted
on 07-Oct-03 10:54 AM
Rusty, where weret thou? Actually I was also in oblivion for a while. Thanks YB for the thread (actually I thought AX started it). Two scenarios to discuss: 1. Knicks signing Deke. If Knicks signs Dekembe, NY Posts reports they might also trade for Kurt Thomas+Charlie Ward for Nick Van Excel. What's your thought? 2. LA Lakers. If Kobe is barred from playing, Phil Jackson thinks he can get Michael Jordan to replace him. Your take? |
| Rusty | Posted
on 07-Oct-03 12:59 PM
OK, I guess it's again time for us to come into Sajha world for sports scrutiny, especially of National Basketball Association(NBA). My attention for this season-- 1. Watch overly-paid LeBrown James and evaluate his versatility and agility to shoot the hoop, as he over-hyped in media. 2. Will the Knicks, my favorite team, go to the play-offs, with the aid of what they have or with the trade of Sprewell? Well, Mutambo, if they achieve him, honestly has no great significance in the team because of his diminishing strength; however, the Knicks are really in need of a big body, which can stand in the middle. Something is better to have than nothing. Yes, I agree with DWI. If he can play for 30 games or 30+ minutes, he is good for the the playoffs. more later.... |
| yOuNgBlOoDz | Posted
on 07-Oct-03 06:49 PM
i think knicks should keep kurt thomas.. he has improved himself.. n getting nick van excel will add sun ma suganda for the team okie bout lakers team.. i have notting to say.. all i want to is to see em LOOSE LOOSE N MORE OF LOOSING.. :-) no offense hoi lakers fan.. its a ball game.. u cant support all teams OH YUP YUP.. its nice seeing you guys here.. its fun goofin bout NBA.. LOVE IT LIVE>> RUSTY BRODA>> DWI BRODA >>> N AX bRoDA... OH ya how come no one talks bout mah home team.. ONE of the great coach i think its too early to even predict or announce the champion.. so lets just all watch n see yb |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 04:51 AM
Younga bro, it sure is fun..ain't it? Preseason game wasn't televised so we missed on that. Knicks lost, big time, to Wiz. We didn't have McDyess or Houston. Lampe and Sweetney both shined with 16 & 12 points each to lead the Knicks (Shandon Anderson 13). We need more rebounds from these guys. Teams are gonna regret missing on Maciej Lampe Lebron James had an okay outing, 8 points but marvelous plays, I read. Houston eh? I think they will make the playoff. John Amaechi is a slight upgrade and will play center, but that trade (Rice) was to save some money rather. |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 05:00 AM
As far as Mutombo deal is concerned there are few pros and cons: Pros: 1. A legitimate center, something Knicks lack. 2. Shot blocker, rebounder... two categories that knicks excelled from behind. 3. Other players can play (KVH, Kurty) their normal position. Cons: 1. Might force a trade for our only center, Kurt Thomas. Now, Deke cannot play more than a year or two, so if we loose Kurt(Which we could loose anyway after his contract expires), then we are screw*ed next few years. 2. Kurt is already challenging Deke that he won't give up his starting job. 3. Over-flux of forwards: Kurt, Harrington, Weatherspoon, Lampe, Sweetney, Keith Van Horn. 4. How much minutes Deke is gonna give anyway? Is he guaranteed for Playoff, that's the biggest need. 5. He is slow. That is why Nets and Mavs rejected him. But since Knicks don't run too much of fast breaks, it might be okay if Chaney thinks so. So, if we get him we will take him. If not, we won't sweat, eh RUSTY? |
| Rusty | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 05:59 AM
DWI, Sorry, I've to contradict your points regarding Mutumbo. Your PROS are good but they are utterly based on his past. He's of course a legitimate center that the Knicks are lack of, but he's no more rebounder and no more shot blocker, like he used to be. Look at the number of games and minutes he played for NJ Nets and his stats. It has been declined drastically, and this year's performance will be even smaller as he's getting older and older. I think the Knicks won't get any better (even by 2%) by achieving him by trading Kurt. BTW, when does Kurt's contract expire? Kurt has been defying Deke that he won't give up starting job, and there's possibility of getting him resigned. More later... |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 06:30 AM
Rusty bro, I personally don't like to see Kurt go for Mutombo, that is why I put that point on Cons. I understand your argument but what else can you analyse other than his past? You probably meant, I am analysing Mutombo of golden years and that ain't fair. Agreed, but lets compare his worst year, last year with the NETS: Mutombo averaged 21.4 minutes to get 1.5 (half of his regular) shots blocked and 6.4 total rebounds. The best shot blocker on Knicks averages 1.2. Rebound wise Mutombo would be second only to Kurt (7.9) but even in that is with Kurt's 31.8 minutes of play and besides Mutombo averages more Offensive rebounds (2.3) than Kurt (2.0). So, Mutombo would be the best shot blocker and second best rebounder in Knicks team. He will allow Kurt to play his natural position. Mutombo strengthens our zone defense and still has a good hook shot. He will teach the two promising rookies few NBA tricks that only 4 time recipient of the Defensive award of the year. Having said all that, I still say we shouldn't sweat if we don't get Deke. If it happens, fine. Kurt shouldn't be traded if Deke comes (but we do lack severly in Point Guard position). 4.5 million for 2 years for such a veteran is a real good deal. |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 06:31 AM
Sorry for the mixed up sentences, u got the point. |
| Rusty | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 07:19 AM
DWI, Thanks for the stats that I was looking for. Mutambo is not in any NBA roster, so I was not able to find his career stat, including what he had with the Nets. Now, it's too late to argue that the Knicks could have done better, should they had achieved this vetern center or that legitimate center. Well, talking about Mutombo in the Knicks can be a topic of hullabaloo, even though he has had great career statatistics. Many teams such as the 76ers and the Nets, who had possibility of winning the tile in the past, have *tried* to use him as a big center, but he couldn't have any big impact in those teams since he was already old and fatigued. Now, comparing Kurt with Mutombo is like comparing apple with orange... Well, I believe Kurt is supposed to play power forward position and Deke is obviously a center. But, anyhow they're gonna play in the same position, so we must look at their analogy in all due respects. Looking at the recent stats, Kurt has more points, more rebounds, and more minutes than Deke, but less block shots.. I don't think Deke's shot block would be significant for the team. However, I would agree to the fact that 4.5 million for 2 years for such a veteran is a real good deal. But, my skeptic thought tells me that he would mostly be sitting in bench with some kind of injuries. Anyways, I won't sweat if Deke come into the Knicks with that cap, but Kurt shouldn't get traded to anyother teams.. |
| Poonte | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 07:56 AM
Khurukkana dhyab-dhyab-dhyab-dhyab ball dribble garera swatta tyo basket ma chhiryaune matra kura nagarera ke antha na satha ko 4.5, 1.5, 2.3, 6.9, 3.6...ke ke...kura gari raa ho? Bekaar ma mero chillo talu ko duita roun ni jhaarna lai :P ehehhe Baru, tyo number-sumber ko kurai garna chha bhane chai...tyo cheer leaders haruko kura garam na! Siti bajaam baajaam laagne jyan ka hunchhan hou tee nakharmauli haru ta! ;) |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 09:42 AM
Okay here is a number for you Poonte: 36-24-36; Profile of most of the Knicks cheerleaders (hotter than the Cowboys cheerleaders). Yeah, we have the same opinion Rust; it is just that our analogies were a little different. I wasn't comparing Kurty with Deke, I was just showing that Deke is the best in Shot blocks and Rebounders if he comes to Knicks and only person to have challenging numbers for him happened to be Kurt. Deke, Kurt, whatever; Knicks is now LAMPE's team. I know Knicks fans won't agree with that statement, but down the line this franchise is going to be built on Lampe. |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 09:44 AM
SHINE ON MAGIC LAMPE |
| AX | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 09:45 AM
Nice to see this thread and good old nicks :-) Regarding Mutombo, he is a true Center which is hard to find these days esp. in Eastern Conference. I am a big fan of his. I liked him since his stint in NuggetsLand. He was a defensive force and can still be. It seems Deke is leaning more towards signing with Knicks. I don't blame him, his family lives in the Philly area (2-3 hours drive) and he gets to play for an Eastern Conference deprived of a Center. Rusty, how can he have better nos. when he was injured most of the last season? He will be great addition to Knicks with his leadership (Knicks really needs some) and defensive skills. But I would really like Knicks to sign him only if the trade for Nick Van Axel has been confirmed. Otherwise, Knicks will have clutch of players who play PF/C positions. Trade any PG, C and PF for Nick. If rumors of signing Deke and getting Nick is true, I will bet that Knicks will win the Eastern Conference. PG - Nick Van Axel SG - Allan Houston SF - Keith Van Horn PF - McDyess/Sweetney/Othella/Lajmpe ....... C - Dikembe Mutombo After Deke retires in 2 or 3 years, Lajmpe can start as a Center. He will have the experience and the body conditioning by then. I would love to be more involved with this thread but the Yankees are 4 games away from reaching yet another World Series, a foregone conclusion :-) DWI we gotta revive that MLB thread |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 10:02 AM
Couldn't agree more AX. Good point about Lampe being center in future, hope they train him accordingly. For now, sweetney has better low post move but is limited in heights. Lampe is here to stay. I actually am worried about Deke's health as Rusty is. That's why I hope they don't play him for more than 30 game OR 18 minutes a game. Reserve him for playoff and we can beat other Eastern Conference sissies( intended to NETS). MLB is on. |
| Rusty | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 11:38 AM
AX, Of course, Mutombo is a legendary center, who won four defensive player of the year awards; but everything, including human being, is obsolete and nothing lasts forever. As you know, he could have been retired this season since he ain't got the same strength and versatility. Nonetheless, he is persistent for love of game and love of money ( in terms of million dollars), I think. I liked your idea about getting Van Excel, but do we still have time to do that? Is he free agent right now? I thought he's signed by Warrior or some team? And McDyess is not playing for this season?? Hope he's not gonna be the second Grant Hill. |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 11:55 AM
Nick signing with Knicks would have been good and they were speculating the possibilities. But the Warriors GM (or coach) is reluctant to trade him. I think if Knicks think they can get Van Excel, they will sign Mutombo right away. They don't want to pay 9 million for nothing (4.5 million above salary cap, doubles the fine). The earliest Mutombo can be signed is tomorrow (Oct 9th). By the way, one friend sent me his full name: Dikembe Forteda Lestade Fometa Kikicuda Mutumbo |
| AX | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 11:58 AM
wow whatta long name. I don't think Warriors can trade NICK till the end of the November. Getting him should be first priority. |
| AX | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 12:21 PM
It would be exciting to see if Van Gundy and Steve da Franchise can get along. It would be interesting to see how Steve da Fanchise will play as a 2nd option. Van Gundy is a defensive coach and it should help the team tremendously. They are certainly a playoff bound team. Yao is definately going to benefit playing under Van Gundy. Eddie Griffin needs needs to step up. |
| Rusty | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 12:25 PM
Let's change the topic. Yesterday, DWI raised this topic regarding Jax calling MJ for playing for the Lakers. I read somewhere that MJ already denied 100%. What a joke... "If Kobe doesn't play, MJ would you play for the Lakers?" Is this a mortifying news to disgrace MJ. Well, I suppose professional basketball is all about making the games exciting and entertain audience, but it's not, of course, any dramma that this composer Zen Master is trying to compile. What else can be a big joke than our Laker brothers? "Four Freakin Star Players" constricted in the same team, for the fear of not winning champianship? Well, I guess it was players' willing too. If Kobe doesn't play, I think combine points of Payton and Malone would balance the team score. Depending upon how many minutes they will play, they should combine at least 40 pts and 10+ rb per game. |
| Rusty | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 12:35 PM
Oooh I also wanted to talk about LeBrown James.. I've a hunch that he won't be "Rookie of the Year" Well, let's see. Can somebody give me a list of #1 pick for each year since the beggining of NBA? |
| DWI | Posted
on 08-Oct-03 01:04 PM
He he, reading your post, Rusty, it seems like GOD did a justice by potentially taking Kobe out of the lakers team. Balance, eh? Zen master, under the hood, has lots more tricks up his sleeves. Lebron might be a rookie but will be truely challenged by Darko Milicic and Maciej Lampe. for few lateset rookies: 2003 LeBron James, Cleveland 2002 Yao Ming, Houston 2001 Kwame brown, Washington 2000 Kenyon Martin New Jersey Cincinnati 1999 Elton Brand Chicago Duke 1998 Michael Olowokandi L.A. Clippers Pacific 1997 Tim Duncan San Antonio Wake Forest 1996 Allen Iverson Philadelphia Georgetown 1995 Joe Smith Golden State Maryland 1994 Glenn Robinson Milwaukee Purdue Going back to 1966, here is the list: - http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketba/skn/sknd016.htm |
| yOuNgBlOoDz | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 12:05 PM
Wasssup with mah home team.. neways its just a preseason.. our starting line up still in da bench..they should make sum changes when they bring their ass back to court on regular season.. ani oys.. eeeeeee khais with ur lakers hahahah yb |
| AX | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 04:33 PM
Cheer up Knicks fans :) Mutombo signed with the NY Knicks. http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1634417 |
| oys_chill | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 04:41 PM
YB, There's calm before the STORM :) Its interesting to read all the stats., players, roster and all, but in the end, in the floor, at the moment of truth, ITS FIVE VS. FIVE. With or without Kobe, you can't match Lakers. I will be quiet for now. I still remember the eclipse on that Thursday nite last semester. The moon is breaking through frome the shadows. I'll be back :) Now, the question remains.......what if Kobe returns? THEN THEN THEN.........ummm... AX bru, is your leg getting allrite? you could be their point guard :P eheh :) ;) |
| DWI | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 04:43 PM
Yeah Yeah Yeah I hope fans would start hating Scott Layden lesser. It was because of him we were able to sign Deke (making Lampe sign for less). Today Knicks play with Nets 7:30, No live score, no tv no radio. SHUCKS. The victim of Kobe Bryant's case claims she was attacked from behind and forcefully raped. Kobe is in CO today for the hearing. |
| AX | Posted
on 09-Oct-03 05:09 PM
Knicks are one trade away from being a Eastern Conference Champion :) Yankees time now :) |
| Rusty | Posted
on 10-Oct-03 06:26 AM
Great win for the Yanks:) I won't be surprised if Kobe is proved guilty in future. I think that girl is not lying.... Well, Knicks have lost two preseason games in a row... Let's see how Mutombo can make a difference in the team. who are they playing with... Go Yanks goooooooooooooooooooooo..... Beat Bean Town Ballers..... |
| khimu | Posted
on 10-Oct-03 02:47 PM
i don't know about "KNICKS" but "CleVeland" is coming hot shot hows doing my Lakers ni |
| Rusty | Posted
on 15-Oct-03 07:50 AM
What up dawgs... don't forget to watch tomorrow's preseason game between the Lakers Vs Cavaliars at 10:30 TNT |
| paad ka | Posted
on 16-Oct-03 03:31 AM
Yall hatin on the tru ballas nah mean......WHY YALL TYPE A MOFO ON UNSOLVED MYSTERY....fA REAL GOD....I mean yall talk abot Lampe or whoever and yall mention Kobe but fa real quit hatin on my nigga Jerry West.....nigga was crazy back in dem days....housin kids like a curfew , nah mean.....Fa real, kids went kerplunk!! when ol' Westy showed em the killer boss crossover....Westy could shoot, board, pass, and commit turnovers....Boy was sicker than an allergy....One time he threw down on Big Bear Wilt the Stilt Chamberlain....Like KAPOWWWWIE!!.....Same game, Westy scored 126 points, had 45 rebounds, 22 dimes, 13 stls, and 22 blks....Yet yall keep frontin on him....Aight, word is bond. 
|
| Rusty | Posted
on 16-Oct-03 12:29 PM
Padka???? I really didn't get that ghetto accent.. Can u be real? |
| paad ka | Posted
on 18-Oct-03 07:30 PM
Shiiiiet aite....now yo check it.....peeps be housin fa real......Kids be talkin bout KG and Shaq Diesel but yall forget about the greatest center of all time.....Manute "The Cheetah Chaser" Bol....Anyhoo, this brother had sick handles could bust anyone with his cross....like SHAZAMBO!!.....Nah mean....In 1984-85 season he averaged 132.6 pts per game, 67.4 rebs, 55.6 asts, 34.3 stls, and 224.6 blks.....One time, he dunked on Michael "Uncle Tom" Jordan.....And another time he fell while trying to cross Luc "Captain Kangaroo" Longley......this proves he is greatest player ever besides Strom Thurmond and Jackie Joyner Kersee 
|
| khimu | Posted
on 19-Oct-03 02:53 PM
finally knicks are coming back. my lakers also doing good without shaq and Kobe go lakers go i am with you |
| Rusty | Posted
on 20-Oct-03 07:40 AM
What???? The Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics agreed on a five-player deal that sends All-Star forward Antoine Walker and Tony Delk to the Mavericks for three players, including Raef LaFrentz. |
| Shiva Shiva!! | Posted
on 20-Oct-03 07:49 AM
With Walker and Delk in line, Mavs is going to be a proven team this season. Can't wait until then guys!! |
| Rusty | Posted
on 20-Oct-03 11:59 AM
Damn with Mark Cuban, collecting all star players in his team. Walker is more consistent player..so does Jamison...both 20 plus and +5 rebounds. Interesting!! However, their stats will go down coz of limited time. Now, it seems like there are only two teams in NBA: Mavs or Lakers!! I bet, Spurs won't repeat the title... |
| rayy | Posted
on 20-Oct-03 04:38 PM
How about the houston rockets? What do u think about Yao and Steve? Do u think they might be better than last year? |
| yoUnGbLooDZ | Posted
on 20-Oct-03 09:33 PM
hey yo ray.. ur concerned bout houston rockets???? hhmmm r ya frm houston or sumthin................... just askin.. hopefully they will do better then last season.. coz of the new coach n steve n yao.. they should.. n they better yb |
| paad ka | Posted
on 20-Oct-03 11:09 PM
This is the next superstar....Or wait, is that just his shadow???.....Anyways, seems like this dude been out in the sun too long....forgot to use that fair and lovely cream....Looks like daffy duck with his beak shot off 
|
| Rusty | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 11:47 AM
|
| Rusty | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 11:49 AM
Lakers fan, Kobe is playing tonight.... |
| Gaz | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 01:02 PM
Thursday, Oct. 23 GM Survey Topic 9: West Winner, Top Big Men Who are the top players? Who is the best coach? Which team has the best chance of dethroning the Spurs? Which player would a GM sign first if he were starting a team today? NBA.com posed questions to the league's general managers to learn what the men who make the personnel decisions in the NBA really think. Shaquille O'Neal Which team will win the Western Conference? Los Angeles Lakers 57.1% San Antonio Spurs 23.8% Sacramento Kings 14.3% Dallas Mavericks 4.8% Gary Payton Which team made the best offseason moves? Los Angeles Lakers 54.8% Minnesota Timberwolves 45.2% Others receiving votes: None Tim Duncan Which player has the best post moves? Tim Duncan, San Antonio 95.2% Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers 4.8% Others receiving votes: None Vlade Divac Which player is the best passing big man? Vlade Divac, Sacramento 38.1% Tim Duncan, San Antonio 33.3% Kevin Garnett, Minnesota 14.3% Others receiving votes: Yao Ming, Houston; Chris Webber, Sacramento |
| NepaliThito | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 01:37 PM
Hi folks, Finally KOBE is back on the court. Lets see what he has to say on the Court not the CourtHOUSE. AM really very excited to see MY MAN KOBE! playing tonight and of course TOMORROW night against ALL time RIVAL, so called KINGS. Cheers NepaliThito |
| AX | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 01:40 PM
He belongs to JAIL ........ |
| NepaliThito | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 01:44 PM
AX Can't say at this point. NOT GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN... CHEERS. NepaliThito |
| khimu | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 03:54 PM
shut-up AX yeah! finally Kobe is back . go go go....Kobe |
| realist | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 04:04 PM
tyo kobe le jaslai chikyo tyo tero bahini hunu parne ani taha pauthies tyo jail ma hunu parne ki basketball court ma. |
| NepaliThito | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 04:11 PM
sala realist, Bhai ni ko rape bha bhe hunthyo bhancha, kasto nakachara raicha. mora. Cheers NepaliThito |
| khimu | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 04:37 PM
hey Rialistic Nepali ma testo kura nagara na dude. That wasn't rape or anything i think gurl was up to his money but she walked wrong way (200 PMH wrong lane) and Kobe f*cked up so badly |
| AX | Posted
on 23-Oct-03 06:54 PM
Truth HURTS fellas what if the girl was your sister/daughter. Will you have the same opinion about KOBE? |
| paad ka | Posted
on 24-Oct-03 01:06 AM
It seems as though some of you great enjoyment kissing Kobe's black ass.....Just cause he puts a gay ass orange ball into a hoop, you act as if he is a great human....That nigga aint shit...If he wasnt 6'7 or a close relative of african monkeys, he'd be either in Africa climbing trees and chasing cheetahs or in America stealing tv's and collecting welfare checks....However, due to the game of basketball, this potential cheetah chaser is now shooting errant shots during the season and molesting little girls on his off time...This is another girl that he has done the deed with.....Her name is Ping Pong a girl who sings in the thong song and just arrrived from Hong Kong to make fortune cookies...Anyways, hopefully Kobe gets the death penalty...or better yet he can get AIDS from his boyfriend, Magic "Faggot" Johnson...and we can watch him die slowly....either way, more oxygen for me 
|
| Gaz | Posted
on 24-Oct-03 10:20 AM
paad ka seems like kobe F*ck your gf/sis. |
| Rusty | Posted
on 27-Oct-03 06:07 AM
Read the following article. The Lakers are Shaq and Kobe's feud -------------------------- EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Lakers will open the season Tuesday night at home with all four of their future Hall of Famers starting against the Dallas Mavericks ... but nothing even close to total harmony. That's because Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant are feuding anew, out in the open, after a long thaw in their historically icy relationship. O'Neal and Bryant seemed to be interacting comfortably Sunday on the practice floor, sharing the ball freely during an afternoon workout. Then they traded nasty verbal jabs after the session -- arguably their harshest comments since L.A.'s second championship season -- all stemming from O'Neal's suggestion Friday night in Las Vegas that Bryant "should probably look to be more of a passer until he gets his legs strong." Bryant, recovering from offseason knee and shoulder surgeries, didn't welcome the suggestion, saying: "I definitely don't need advice on how to play my game." Not even advice from O'Neal? "Definitely not," Bryant continued. "I know how to play my guard spot. He can worry about the low post, and I'll worry about the [perimeter]." When apprised of Bryant's reaction, O'Neal lashed out harder. "As we start this new season, we want [expletive] done right," Shaq said. "If you don't like it, then you can opt out next year. As long as it's my team, then I'll voice my opinion. If you don't like it, then opt out." That was a reference to Bryant's plan to exercise an option in his contract at season's end and test the free-agent market next summer, a stance Bryant has said he won't change in the wake of his felony sexual assault charge in Colorado. Asked to clarify his "my team" remark, O'Neal added: "Everybody knows that. You [media] guys may give it to [Bryant] like you've given him everything else his whole lifetime, but this is the Diesel's ship. So ... if you ain't right [physically], don't be trying to go out there and get right on our expense. Use the people out there, then when you get right you [can] do what you do." Not since the middle of the 2001-02 season -- the second of L.A.'s three consecutive championships -- have O'Neal and Bryant sparred in the press like this. Their relationship seemed to blossom into friendship during the third championship and also appeared to survive last season's 11-19 start and subsequent crash out of the playoffs with a second-round loss to San Antonio. Throughout this first month back to work, however, there have been thinly veiled hints from O'Neal that problems have resurfaced, starting from the veterans' first day of training camp in Hawaii. Bryant did not fly on the Lakers' team charter and reported to camp a day late. O'Neal said at the time that "the full team is here," leading some to speculate that he preferred to play this season without the distractions attached to Bryant's court case. Days later, explaining why he was sitting out an exhibition game with a sore left heel, O'Neal said: "I want to be right [in the regular season] for Derek, Karl and Gary.'' He was referring to Derek Fisher and new teammates Karl Malone and Gary Payton -- and O'Neal ommitted Bryant's name from the conversation more than once. Malone and Payton, by contrast, have publicly supported Bryant as strongly as anyone in Lakers circles. But even Payton has urged Bryant to ease his way back into the team flow, after Bryant fatigued quickly and shot poorly in the second half of the Lakers' final two exhibition games. Eyebrows were also raised when Bryant, for Thursday's exhibition in Anaheim against the Clippers, rode his motorcycle to and from the game instead of riding on the team bus. Yet O'Neal, when pressed, insisted that the Lakers can play through any problems he's having with Bryant. "I don't really worry about that," O'Neal said when asked about the state of the relationship. "I'm here to do a job. ... If he's open, I'm going to give it to him. If I'm open, I expect him to give it to me. I don't care about [expletive] else he does, and I know he don't care [expletive] else I do." What's clear is that Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who spoke to reporters before his stars started volleying barbs, has his first real challenge of the season, less than 48 hours before the season opener. And it's right in his own locker room, not in a Colorado courtroom. Asked about how he plans to play against the Mavericks on Tuesday night, Bryant said: "No change in my game whatsoever." Said O'Neal: "Just ask Karl and Gary why they came here. One person, not two. One. Period. ... I'm not telling [Bryant] how to play his position. I'm telling him how to play team ball." |
| DWI | Posted
on 27-Oct-03 06:38 AM
Right Rusty, As soon as I saw the article in ESPN, I envisioned KOBE playing for the Knicks in the future (as soon as 2004). If Kobe is proven innocent, he will certainly opt out of his contract next year, following the recent feud and aftermath of the legal hassels (now I am not advocating for Kobe's innocence here. I still think he is guily). When he is out, where else can he fit better but in the lockerroom of the Knickerbockers. The only question is if that deal can go through the NBA rules. The only prospect we can trade is H20 (Houston) and the rules might not allow it. But still something to think about, something to feel good about. Knicks season starts on Wednesday against T'Mac Magic. |
| Rusty | Posted
on 27-Oct-03 07:41 AM
DWI, Yes, Kobe, regardless of his guilty or innocence, will fit better in the Knicks Lockerroom :-) Trade Houston and get Kobe... I agree that Kobe might opt out next season and get traded somewhere, but I am not sure where he will be joining. I hope Mavs won't add him on top of the mount of star players. I am ready to start the season...ARE YOU READYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY??????????? yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee |
| paad ka | Posted
on 27-Oct-03 01:57 PM
GAZ, you are an imbecile...Fukin idiot posting Nba.com opinion polls.....No one cares who is the "best passing big man in the western conference"...And wtf is up with this other kid proposing they trade Houston for Kobe????.....Knicks got nobody Lakers want......Cause the Knicks suck giant cock....thats why they havent won a championship in 30 years |
| Kiddo | Posted
on 27-Oct-03 03:36 PM
Who is this stupid A-hole punk Paad ka? Is it possible for you to discuss anything others have started, without using your stupid expletives? What kind of name is that anyway? What was wrong with posting NBA.com opinion polls? You should name yourself PAAD KHA (mine). |
| Kiddo | Posted
on 28-Oct-03 08:10 PM
Oye chhakka, Ke ama ko fariya muni lukera website ma gali gari rakhya chhas? Aaija agadhi. Expect an email chhakka, and do reply it with your real name. I will do the rest. "Those who start the abuse on other's mothers, have certainly f*** their own." Janne bujhne le bhanya. Sorry SAN dai, this guy just doesn't get it. U will keep deleting, he will keep posting. |