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ducks
07-18-2003, 09:54 PM
Back to work
Marty Burns, SI.com


Tell Shaq to start pumping iron.

Tell the Zen Master to put down the peace pipe.

Tell the Mailman and the Glove to forget that talk about playing secondary roles.

Friday's announcement that star guard Kobe Bryant has been charged with felony sexual assault means the Lakers' quest to regain the NBA title just got a whole lot tougher.

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While it's still too early to know whether Bryant will miss any games, at the very least it will be a massive distraction for coach Phil Jackson's team. With training camp scheduled to begin Oct. 1, there isn't much time for a speedy resolution. Barring a plea agreement, it looks like L'Affair Bryant could be a season-long soap opera.

And here Jackson thought his toughest job would be finding enough touches for newcomers Karl Malone and Gary Payton.

The Lakers are still the team to beat. Bryant hasn't been convicted of anything yet. Given the history of pro athletes facing these kind of charges, it's a safe bet he'll be in a Lakers uniform staring down the Spurs or Kings or Mavs in next year's playoffs.

Even if Kobe misses time during the regular season, L.A. has enough talent to overcome his absence. Shaq, Payton and Malone could pick up two guys off celebrity row and win most nights.

They might have to work a little harder, but the Lakers could survive.

The only real disaster for L.A. would be if Bryant is convicted. Then all bets are off. The Lakers probably can't win it all without their stud closer.

In the meantime, Jackson moves front and center as the guy who must keep the Lakers' ship afloat. He must somehow plan two distinct L.A. teams -- one with Kobe, one without. He must convince Shaq to show up in prime shape on Day One. He must prepare the Lakers' players and staff for a media frenzy unlike anything they saw during their three-peat.

And, most of all, the Zen Master must find a way to heal Bryant's psyche.

Kobe has shown tremendous focus and a steely will on the basketball court these past seven NBA seasons. But how well will the sensitive young superstar -- not yet 25 -- hold up with the specter of a criminal trial (and possible jail sentence) hanging over his head? Even if he gets to keep playing, it's sure to take a toll.

Get to work, Zen Master. Something tells us your summer vacation just ended.


Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. scoop (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=backtowork&prov=cnnsi&type=lgns)

Cassius Clay
07-18-2003, 11:08 PM
I have no urge to ever view another game in which the Lakers are a participant, even if they are playing the Spurs. When you have a whore like Jeannie Buss running the show and male whores like Magic Johnson and Wilt as your legends that kinda sets a tone for the franchise.

TwoHandJam
07-19-2003, 05:00 AM
Harsh, but not far off the mark. :shock

T Park Num 9
07-19-2003, 05:04 AM
agree alot cassius.

The organization's morals are obviously shit.

Wilt, Magic, Kobe, Shaq, Phillis.


All pieces of crap.

The Lakers, what a class bunch of guys huh.

IcemanCometh
07-19-2003, 05:16 AM
Alvin Robertson, Willie Anderson, Dennis Rodman, Jerry Tarkanian, Rod Strickland


Spurs what a class organization

Cassius Clay
07-19-2003, 08:39 AM
Alvin never made it back to SA after his problems even though they could've used him. The Spurs took care of Willie Anderson's wife and children when he wouldn't. The rest lasted briefly and then were gone.