Would the Lakers be better if they traded Kobe for someone more "team" oriented?

[Quickfingerz]

Let's face it, the Lakers talent-wise are better than they were last year yet they are still losing games. Last year, they featured Shaq and they won many games. Shaq is still their best player but they can't win with Kobe taking all the shots.

I'm actually not particularly fond of the Lakers... I'm a Sacramento Kings fan... it happens when you go to UC Davis...

 

[Total Refected Power]

Most definetly. They should trade Kobe to the knicks for Chris Childs and say Glenn Rice .

Their team would be altered for the better!!!!!!!

 

[trmiv]

To answer the question in your header, NO!

I still don't get this fixation people have with people saying Kobe isn't "team" oriented. He's no less "team" oriented than Shaq, Jordan or most other superstars. Big time players are going to take their share of shots, and with Kobe playing the way he is, I have absolutely no problem with him doing so. This year the Laker's record is BETTER when Kobe leads the team in scoring that when Shaq leads the team. So, why can't they win with Kobe taking more shots? Who do I want taking the shots in the fourth quarter? Kobe all the way, he shoots almost 90% from the foul line, so there are no worries there.

The Lakers record may not be as good right now as it was this time last year, but it' still third best in the league, and they are still right in the hunt for home court. The west is better this year than last so that is no surprise that their record is a bit off from last year, plus the Lakers are playing with a huge target on their back's, every team wants to knock off the defending champs. Last year they took teams by surprise, this year they are not sneaking up on anyone. Plus this is a team that just got through playing for it all in June, they won't really hit their stride this season until March or so. Basically they are bored.

 

[bcterps]

There are a couple of reasons why the Lakers are as good as last year. First of all, Shaq is not making all the shots that he made last year. He was automatic within like 10 ft. but this year he's missing a lot more shots.

Also, the Lakers dont have a third scorer this year, there's no one to turn to if Kobe and Shaq are having a bad night. Plus, the bench is not playing as well either. But the main reason is Shaq.

--Ben

 

[TuffGuy]

and pick up another "team-oriented" player like AC Green?

 

[The Dancing Peacock]

That's so absurd I won't even answer it.


late.


TDP

 

[trmiv]

<< That's so absurd I won't even answer it >>



No kidding (although I did, I can't resist). The words &quot;traded&quot; and &quot;Kobe&quot; should not even be used in the same sentance, unless you are the Charlotte Hornets. Vlade for Kobe, LOL!!! I still get a kick out of that one.

 

[Tonec]

Even if the Lakers wanted to trade Kobe there aren't many players worth getting in return.
Tim Duncan - untouchable in SA, Shaq is already the center anyways
Vince Carter - plays no defense, availible on the free agent market in a couple years
Chris Webber - free agent next year
???anyone else??? + multiple first round picks

 

[spaceman]

Trade him only if the Daddy gets too upset,u need him more than u do Kobe&quot;im doing my best to BE Like Mike&quot;Bryant.I dont care either way im a Celtics fan

 

[BDawg]

The lakers would win if shaq could hit the 30 free throws he's given a game...

 

[FrontlineWarrior]

no.

 

[KingHam]

The Lakers would be playing a lot better this year if Shaq was condtioned as well as he was last year. He is still able to put up similar numbers offensively but, his defense is not nearly as good.

There is no need to worry though because the Lakers will contiune to cruise until February. They are still the most talented team in the league by a good deal.

KingHam

 

[trmiv]

KingHam: I agree with what you said on Shaq. The Daddy really needs to lose about 20 pounds. Look how much quicker and Fox has gotten since he lost 20 pounds. Another problem is the nagging injuries he has, along with not taking anti-inflamatory drugs that he used to take(Indocin). That Mourning thing freaked him out, so he said he wouldn' take them anymore, and it was really affected his play because he is sore all the time.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

Don't worry, he will get the team thing down, eventually. Remember, Jordan was a ball-hog when he first started!!

 

[bcterps]

<< Don't worry, he will get the team thing down, eventually. Remember, Jordan was a ball-hog when he first started!! >>



When did Jordan stop becoming a ball hog? This is Jordan we're talkin about!

--Ben

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

Well, I am from Detroit and remember the Pistons wooping up on the Bulls every year. Then, when the 90's arrived Pippen's scoring average went up. The main reason is Jordan handled the ball less and passed more instead of just throwing something up trying to make the ESPN highlight films!! Six Championships in the 90's. Pretty damn amazing!

 

[Quickfingerz]

Jordan could be a ball-hog 'cause he could. Everyone knew the bulls could win with the philosophy &quot;In Jordan We Trust&quot;.

 

[loogie]

no way. You fail to mention that the west is vastly improved this year. As mentioned before, shaq is not performing as well this year on both defense and offense and is asking out of the game more often than last year. Fox is filling in nicely as a 3rd scorer...until rider finds his way into the system. The lakers are still the team to beat.

 

[jaydee]

No

 

[Kyle]

ahhh...damn Lakers- Blazers should have beat them last year...
Sorry for being slightly OT
Actually, I think Kobe is doin great for the Lakers and wont be traded.