GT: Lakers @ Queens 12/21/14 3PT

[TyCobb]

The only problem with Kobe, still, is his shot selection. With a declining athleticism, he'll need to pick his shots more wisely, but we all know how stubborn he is and will continue to be.

Given the teams personell, the only thing one can hope for is more losses for a Top 5 pick and Kobe burning himself out to the point of him retiring at the end of his current contract. Personally, I can't take seeing him play this poorly and having everyone's negative comments about him finally being warranted. This guy has played like this his entire career and has brought plenty of joy and satisfaction for me as a Lakers fan providing championship after championship. Only now that his body can't keep up is he a below average player.

This is literally the first year of this happening for him, so it's going to take some time for his mentality to sync up with his current physicality. I don't think his play is hurting anybody more than himself and I expect him to come to the realization of what he is capable of contributing consistently fairly soon. Sometimes you just got to hit the bottom before you get your wake up call.

[Slava]

Good thing I forgot there was a game, this game thread is a new low for this board. Some of you ultimate fair weather fans just cannot handle bad seasons.

You may want to take the next few weeks off as well. Look at the schedule coming up.

Don't mind my ass and wipe your own ****.

[kblo247]

Dirk takes 7 and Duncan takes 10 so they can sign actual NBA players, that is the bigger difference.

Tim took up a third of his cap outright while playing less than 30mpg, skipping games, and being the 1 to lose to 8 with Marc and Zach taking turn killing him

Dirk took discount post knee injury to sign parsons. His cut wasn't anything else. He they still swing the same trade sans parsons If he took his money

And again dirk and Tim spent their whole career in Texas, tax free Texas

Okay. Kobe is coming off a torn ACL and broken leg after playing more minutes than anyone in history. They are making Texas money while Kobe makes China money. Ha. If Kobe takes Dirks deal maybe the front office tries to build an actual team instead of swinging for the fences of Melo/lebron or nothing.
Apparently we had interest in all these guys but were waiting to hear from the big 2. Maybe Pau stays if he sees they are trying to build something. Literally could have been:

Lowry IT
Stephenson Young
Kobe Wes
Hill Randle Kelly
Pau Davis

That looks better than Dallas to me. Probably #4 roster in the West.

Logic is dumb for 2 reasons

1- He didn't tear an ACL or break a leg


2 - The Lakers front office had the money to do all of that this summer with his deal.

They by Lowry own admission told him they would offer him a deal after Melo/Bron but he didn't wait.

They never made an offer to Lance or Thomas as has been reported already despite interest from Lance and IT people reaching out to them.

They never bid on a rfa since 91 so Bledsoe, Hayward, PArsons, and Monroe wasnt happening.

They offered Ding and Ariza both according to Shelburne one year deals without a player or team option'

All that said, with Kobe's pay decrease he took, they could have gave Lowry, Lance, Pau, Hill, and Nick all deals with a simple see ya to Nash and still got Wes and Ed. They chose to use money on Lin, don't twist it, they had a possible 30mil in Cap plus the mini mle and bird rights with vet mins to use but didn't. Kobe made sure they were completely flexible but it's up to them to make **** work.

And no Texas and LA money ain't the same, Dwight makes 6 million more through 4 years after taxes vs 4 years here with his bird rights .... Hell melo makes more 1-4 in ny

[Michael Lucky]

Either way I don't get the anger over the current negativity. Personally I found discussions more irritating when we had a championship contender and the minute the team lost two in a row or just a single loss you'd get overwhelmed by negative posts on how the team has no shot at a title. This time we all know we suck. Let people vent.

[Kilroy]

Negativity in a vacuum is not a problem... I have no problem with people voicing their frustrations about how things are going lately... As long as they're within the realm of reason and not completely illogical...

That's when we have a problem. Because those rampant illogical rantings multiply like bunnies on viagra... And before you know it, you have guys trying to out-react each other...

The other problem, is a lot of the guys on this thread posting negativity, post the same damn thing every time they post. They're just dying for an excuse to post it... Which then derails the post at best or baits a bunch of opposite reactions.

So yeah... Vent, post your frustrations... But keep it at least somewhat based in logic, and don't do it every post.

[Dr Aki]

on the bright side, we are equal 6th worst and 0.5 games off utah which has the 5th worst record

really need NY, detroit and minny to pick up their games

[Mamba Mentality]

On a side note, Demarcus Cousins is going to be putting up some monster games in a couple years time....I'm talking Shaq-esque numbers. It has been a minute since I've seen 40 and 20 type games.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

8 for 30 is bothersome.
But 9 TOs is a killer.
And poor team execution at the end is what did us in.

Kobe shot 30 and scored 25. He had 9 turnovers. Young shot 14 and scored 26. Young had 0 turnovers.

There is a big problem.

This reminds me of 40 year old Jordan and Jerry Stackhouse on the Wizards in 2002-2003.

When his legs are right he is still very good. But the fact is Kobe is highly inefficient and he is a shell of what he was. This is sad and I am not even a Laker fan. He cannot do what he's done for the past near 20 years.

No one beats time. Tim Duncan is putting up the best fight I have seen. Per minute his numbers are frighteningly consistent over his career. Considering his injuries and his position Kobe IS very impressive. I just don't like him failing so often

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[RSCD3_]

Kobe right now is Josh Smith on more attempts per game with atrocious defense. This is one of the worst seasons I have ever seen from a superstar. 8/29? At what point do you realize that it is just not your night and STOP SHOOTING

http://deadspin.com/this-is-the-only-kobe-bryant-quote-1627105770

Gotham Chopra, the director of "Kobe Bryant's Muse", an upcoming documentary on Bryant, told a story about being with Kobe and watching the Nets and the Heat play. Recounts Chopra, "Deron Williams went like 0-for-9. I was like, 'Can you believe Deron Williams went 0-9?' Kobe was like, 'I would go 0-for-30 before I would go 0-for-9. 0-for-9 means you beat yourself, you psyched yourself out of the game, because Deron Williams can get more shots in the game. The only reason is because you've just now lost confidence in yourself.'"

It's in his personality to think that as a star if you go away from shooting your not giving 100 percent and his work ethic is crazy. So when the lakers are In trouble he thinks I have to save them by myself and tries to put the team on his back

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[ChokeFasncists]

On a side note, Demarcus Cousins is going to be putting up some monster games in a couple years time....I'm talking Shaq-esque numbers. It has been a minute since I've seen 40 and 20 type games.

No kidding, the guy is hitting more than 80% of his FT too.

I think he should still take the last second shot, but he shouldn't be playing 38 minutes in a game and then take that shot.

And on the radio, Scott is thinking about sitting kobe out a game or two. Let see how that goes with Kobe. I guess Scott can't be gray, it has to be either black or white just like his lineup offense/defense balance. He can't settle for anything in the middle.

Right on. Extremist, no tact, no tactics. Uphill battle every game, (except for the fluke OKC beginning) run out of gas at the end.

[cw3k]

This Lakers is sad to watch.

Don't blame the role players.

Then don't watch them. And don't post about it here. This sentiment is the only thing you ever seem to bring to the conversation and it's not needed.

Why are you so offended or maybe simply in denial when someone who point out Kobe is the problem. I know he was chasing the scoring list, now it is done and over. He needs to play team ball. Don't give crap like "he is carrying the team" & "he doesn't trust his teammate" and then blame the role players for losing a winnable game. I have been saying all along, there is no problem shooting 30+ shots a game. The problem is most of the shots are forced and low probability. And Kobe has been forcing most of his shots.

If Lakers want to win, there must be more ball movement. Kobe has to be more select on his shots.

No, Kobe cannot be PG. It is like asking someone who has been using his right hand to write and suddenly been told to use his left. Sure, it can be done, just sloppy at best.

[TARIQ]

This Lakers is sad to watch.

Don't blame the role players.

Then don't watch them. And don't post about it here. This sentiment is the only thing you ever seem to bring to the conversation and it's not needed.

Why are you so offended or maybe simply in denial when someone who point out Kobe is the problem. I know he was chasing the scoring list, now it is done and over. He needs to play team ball. Don't give crap like "he is carrying the team" & "he doesn't trust his teammate" and then blame the role players for losing a winnable game. I have been saying all along, there is no problem shooting 30+ shots a game. The problem is most of the shots are forced and low probability. And Kobe has been forcing most of his shots.

If Lakers want to win, there must be more ball movement. Kobe has to be more select on his shots.

No, Kobe cannot be PG. It is like asking someone who has been using his right hand to write and suddenly been told to use his left. Sure, it can be done, just sloppy at best.

Salute

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[mcscotty]

I'm still giving Kobe the benefit of the doubt. Jordan sucked when he first came back from baseball. Kobe looks like himself in some games, and maybe he can get it back together consistently. If he needs time to see this through, he deserves it. No sense whining at this point, because we're not going anywhere this season, regardless.

[Kilroy]

This Lakers is sad to watch.

Don't blame the role players.

Then don't watch them. And don't post about it here. This sentiment is the only thing you ever seem to bring to the conversation and it's not needed.

Why are you so offended or maybe simply in denial when someone who point out Kobe is the problem. I know he was chasing the scoring list, now it is done and over. He needs to play team ball. Don't give crap like "he is carrying the team" & "he doesn't trust his teammate" and then blame the role players for losing a winnable game. I have been saying all along, there is no problem shooting 30+ shots a game. The problem is most of the shots are forced and low probability. And Kobe has been forcing most of his shots.

The problem isn't blaming Kobe... I've probably been blaming Kobe for stuff longer than many here have been watching basketball...

The problem is you only post one thing... "Kobe Shoots too much"... It's all you have to offer. And when Kobe passes like he has in several games, you are nowhere...

This is the last time I'll respond to questions about the warnings I issued in this thread. PM me if anyone has any questions. Derailing the discussion was the problem to begin with.

No, Kobe cannot be PG. It is like asking someone who has been using his right hand to write and suddenly been told to use his left. Sure, it can be done, just sloppy at best.

See and this proves you have no idea what the hell you're talking about... Offensively, Kobe is probably the best PG we have on the team right now. Best court vision, best passing ability, highest BBIQ, best skills, comparable handles...
Our 'role player' pgs just aren't that good... And Kobe is better as a SG.

The problem is defensively... But that's not what you're talking about here.

[drivewayball]

Kobe's making winning impossible!

Cut it out, just because a team is losing doesn't mean the board is a free for all to make whatever remark you damn well please. This isn't the first troll attempt you have done and it better well be the last or your days are numbered.

-Slava

[tenten]

See and this proves you have no idea what the hell you're talking about... Offensively, Kobe is probably the best PG we have on the team right now. Best court vision, best passing ability, highest BBIQ, best skills, comparable handles...
Our 'role player' pgs just aren't that good... And Kobe is better as a SG.

The problem is defensively... But that's not what you're talking about here.

I think most will disagree with you on this. I think Lin or even price is a better pg than kobe offensively as they actually call plays to initial the offense and they are much more comfortable bringing the ball up compare to kobe at this age. Just take a look at the "scott thinking about playing kobe as pg" thread and you will see the opinions of the this board regarding kobe at pg.

[KungFuJoe]

I still think, as the head coach, most of the blame should fall on Scott. Coaches obviously can't get on the court and play, but they need to preach consistency and work ethic.

Scott is creating an atmosphere where Kobe can do no wrong. There has never been, not one time, where Scott made mention of Kobe's shot selection or lack of defense or arguing with the refs when the other team scores. On any other team, this is stuff that puts a player in the dog house and the end of the bench. Instead, Scott makes mention of "playing Kobe too many minutes" or taking breaks off from practice. Then, when Scott continues to play Kobe 30+ minutes a game, he'll say that he wants to do whatever it takes to win games, indirectly passing the blame to the rest of the team by saying Kobe has to pick up the slack.

This enables Kobe to continue to play the way he's been playing. Not that he'd have cared otherwise, but he has the ultimate green light and no pressure from anyone to play differently. The rest of the guys get called out (Boozer for D, Lin for pretty much everything from not playing PG correctly and being a ballhog). It's ridiculous.

But, ultimately, we're all going to have to watch how this plays out, because Scott isn't getting fired, and Kobe will never play less minutes. He might sit a game or two...but he'll be right back in there, playing 35 minutes, with no legs in the 4th.

At this point, you have to think the Lakers front office is just letting Kobe play out his career the way he wants out of respect and loyalty and are just waiting for him to retire to rebuild.

[dipstick]

I still think, as the head coach, most of the blame should fall on Scott. Coaches obviously can't get on the court and play, but they need to preach consistency and work ethic.

Scott is creating an atmosphere where Kobe can do no wrong. There has never been, not one time, where Scott made mention of Kobe's shot selection or lack of defense or arguing with the refs when the other team scores. On any other team, this is stuff that puts a player in the dog house and the end of the bench. Instead, Scott makes mention of "playing Kobe too many minutes" or taking breaks off from practice. Then, when Scott continues to play Kobe 30+ minutes a game, he'll say that he wants to do whatever it takes to win games, indirectly passing the blame to the rest of the team by saying Kobe has to pick up the slack.

This enables Kobe to continue to play the way he's been playing. Not that he'd have cared otherwise, but he has the ultimate green light and no pressure from anyone to play differently. The rest of the guys get called out (Boozer for D, Lin for pretty much everything from not playing PG correctly and being a ballhog). It's ridiculous.

But, ultimately, we're all going to have to watch how this plays out, because Scott isn't getting fired, and Kobe will never play less minutes. He might sit a game or two...but he'll be right back in there, playing 35 minutes, with no legs in the 4th.

At this point, you have to think the Lakers front office is just letting Kobe play out his career the way he wants out of respect and loyalty and are just waiting for him to retire to rebuild.

I tend to agree with this. And this is not on Kobe. Kobe will always be Kobe and he will shoot, but it seems like BS is treating Kobe like some infallible God. Kobe can still be efficient and he is trying to pass the ball around, but it just seems that when he gets frustrated, he takes it upon himself to do everything, and you cannot fault that attitude. That's leadership. When no one wants to step up, you do it. However, the coaching staff has to get everyone else involved. But even if the 2nd unit is playing well and playing better than the starters and with Kobe being tired, BS still puts him in the game when its not yet necessary.

Some others will say, the team lacks talent. That's a given. However, I don't see the coaching staff doing anything to effect these changes. Instead, we still give everyone playing time and don't even consider waiving anyone and picking up more proven players. That's not the FO either. Its the coaching staff because the only players who you can waive based on contract and talent are being made to start or playing big minutes off the bench.

And related to this, are there any other teams in the league that do subs like this? I'm used to coaches having at least a few starters playing with the 2nd unit at all times, and not wholesale changes every time we make a substitution.