The Lakers

DMW

As if this week hasn't been bad enough for Laker fans.....

So Phil Jackson has stepped down, Kobe has opted out of his contract, and Shaq has asked to be traded. And to top it all off, Gary Payton has said he won't opt out of his contract and wants to stay. :roll:

Buss seems pretty intent on building around Kobe, so now that Jackson is gone, I'm predicting that they'll resign him (paying out the ass in the process) and shop Shaq around. I think this is a big mistake, especially given the fact that Kobe may be going to jail. I'd much rather see them let Kobe go, give Shaq his extension, and go pick up another big name (Tracy McGrady?) that would be willing to utilize the most dominant center in the game. As great as Kobe is, he can be replaced.... Shaq can't.

It's going to be an interesting summer....

Dr. Giganto

Sports Moderator

Payton might be better now that Phil is gone. the triangle offense just wasnt for him.

if i was the Lakers i would do everything possible to keep Shaq and let Kobe walk. Kobe thinks hes more valuable than Shaq, and hes dead wrong.

Plus, Kobe might be locked up next year anyway

The Lakers also have two good young players in Luke Walton and Kareem Rush. So, even though they may not be as dominant as theyve been the past few years, if they can keep Shaq, they should be in decent shape

Simon

Founder/Admin

The media in Boston is trying to start a rumor of Paul Pierce and picks for Kobe.

Kobe would have to do a sign and trade and LA would make out very well with Pierce going Shaq.

Keep in mind that I think this will NEVER happen. But its an interesting theory.

Dr. Giganto

Sports Moderator

As far as rumors go, I've heard a ton of them...Kobe for T-Mac, Shaq for T-Mac, Kobe for Pierce, Kobe signing woth the Clippers, Kobe signing with the Nuggets (which wont happen in a million years), Kobe to Phoenix for Amare Stoudamire and Shawn Marion. Hell, I've even heard Kobe to the Knicks. I have no idea what the Knicks even could offer, except maybe Stephon Marbury

DMW

Speaking of Boston, on a completely unrelated note. Did you hear what Barry Bonds said about Boston being too racist for him to ever play there? Looks like he's laying the ground work to finish his career as a DH for the Yankees.

Randy Orton

WC's Resident Alchoholic

who cares about bonds anyway

DMW

Seriously. He's only one of the top 2 or 3 players in the history of baseball.

Randy Orton

WC's Resident Alchoholic

yea cuz he took steroids, i would be hittin a fuckin homerun every time i got up to if i juiced up

Mr. Hyde

Barry Bonds is a piece of shit. He admitted that he's never even been to Boston. Manny's better than Bonds anyway.

Mr. Hyde

Oh.. And Kobe is way too good to be playing for the Celtics. It would be a one man team.