Kobe wants out - demands trade - rescinds - makes a fuss again

[bedir than average]

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Bryant, who turns 29 in August, has four years and $88.6 million left on his contract. Bryant's frustration has continued to boil since the Lakers were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in five games earlier this month, and Bryant has been increasingly vocal with his displeasure, which started with his acknowledgement to The Times last Saturday, when he said he wanted the team to acquire more pieces around him.

The franchise has not decided what to do with Bryant's declaration, although it will not be as easy as it appears to move him.

Bryant will obviously waive his no-trade clause, but he has a trade kicker in his contract that is believed to add about $13 million to his total contract value, a cost to be absorbed by any team that acquires him. The money would be paid like a signing bonus and would not count toward the salary cap. The Lakers had to pay a similar fee to Lamar Odom when they acquired him from Miami three years ago, paying him about $8 million.

This max plus contract will limit Buss' (or whoever) options when replacing him. The Lakers are basically hosed. They chose the larger ego and now even he wants out

[BravesRule22]

I listened to this interview earlier this morning and have been reading up on stories since and the most popular opinion seems to be that this is just a ploy by Kobe to get them to trade for a star like a KG or make a run at JKidd.

Something along those lines

But if it isnt a ploy then I dont know what to think because there are not many teams that can take on Kobes salary.

Obviously 1 team that could would be my Knicks

WE have the big contracts to trade and young talent to give the Lakers back as well, but I doubt that happens just a dream on my part.

When all is said and done, I would put my money on Kobe being a Laker and the Lakers making a run @ Jason Kidd

[bedir than average]

Seattle area radio is talking sign and trade of Rashaard Lewis + for Kobe.

Just run and gun with either of Kobe/Ray bringing the ball up with Durant at SF, Wilcox and Collison.

[BravesRule22]

I thought about Rashard but I thought I read that he was opting for Free Agency, which would eliminate the sign and trade aspect.

I would bet my money on Jason Kidd for Andrew Bynum, Smush Parker and a 1st round pick........maybe even Bynum and Odom for Kidd

type of deal going down this offseason.

[bedir than average]

Rashaard will be opting out of his contract making him a Free Agent, but that's the only way a sign and trade can ever happen

[BravesRule22]

I know, im aware of that....but I read that Rashard has no interest in helping out the Sonics that he is just going to sign elsewhere and a sign and trade isnt an option anymore

That was in an article about a possible Knicks and Sonics sign and trade for Shard

[bedir than average]

I'm unaware that Rashaard wants less money. Word out here is that he'd be willing to sign a max deal with Seattle.

[BravesRule22]

Well, I would take the SEA writers words over the NY one

Just going off what I read out here though

[BravesRule22]

Kobe has now come out and changed his stance

Now says he wants to stay with the Lakers

[dlb]

What a drama queen. If Kobe wants us to care about him in late May, he needs to win playoff games.

[BravesRule22]

Well this from Rotoworld plays into my theory of this was all a stunt to get the lakers to make a big move :

Rumors are floating around that the Lakers are set to acquire Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers.

One of the reasons Kobe Bryant changed his stance on his trade request is rumored to be because Phil Jackson assured him the Lakers were in the process of acquiring O'Neal from the Pacers. Jamaal Tinsley and O'Neal for Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and this year's No. 19 pick works for both teams. While Bynum was untouchable last season, Kobe's recent outburst will likely cause the Lakers to move Bynum, one of the best young centers in the league, this summer.

This deal is a good one for both teams

Bynum can easily step in and start for JO, and moving to the East will surely help him delvelope and put up numbers at a better rate. You get Odom who is good for a trip dub on almost any night and you get a 1st round pick.

The Lakers get an immediate force in JO, while they trade away the Center of the future in Bynum, its risk they are taking to win now and please Kobe, if the deal goes through. Tinsley is a very good starting PG and a nice improvement over Smush Parkers shoot first, pass second style.

[dlb]

Besides, it's embarrassing to have a guy named Smush on your team.

[JoseA]

The trade demand is back on:

Kobe Bryant's trade demand apparently is back on.

The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday that the unhappy superstar told owner Jerry Buss that he would like to be traded by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Citing a source with knowledge of the situation, the newspaper reported Bryant asked to be traded in an "emotional" conversation with Buss while in Spain on vacation. Bryant again voiced concerns over the direction of the franchise, according to the report.

Article

Jerry Buss' son made it sound like his father is going to trade him because he posted something on his myspace page. Whatever, the case is I believe the Lakers should try to keep him. He is one of the most recognizeable faces in basketball and is improving his all around game.

[dlb]

Maybe he's just peeved by all the attention Paris Hilton is getting, but after his differences with the Lakers were supposed to have been smoothed over, LA's prima donna point producer is suggesting that he may want to make string music on some other city's stage. Chicago seems to be the most likely place for Bryant to land, as his other two preferences are problematic. Phoenix is in LA's Western Conference and the Knicks don't have anything to offer in return.

Were I in charge of the Lakers, I'd be staying up late to find a new home for this problem child. Sure, he can score, but he's not a winner. As he moves into the final phase of his career, he promises much more downside than up.

That being the case, if I were in charge of the Bulls, I'd show a near-complete lack of interest in Mr. Bryant. Why should I screw up a promising young team by acquiring a guy who can't lead his own squad past the first round of the playoffs?

[TexasG]

Yea, but you got to admit, the chance of getting Kobe on your team is pretty tempting. He's going against some pretty tough teams in the west.

If the Bulls were to trade for Kobe and keep Hinrich that would would be a pretty stout backcourt. You put Kobe on that team in the East and they go deep in the playoffs.