Kobe is going to FALL OFF A CLIFF next season

[milkshakeballa]

Of course im trolling eventhough what I said makes sense.




Let me ask you a question. Given the chance would you NOT trade Kobe for one of the following players (Deron, CP3, Lebron,Wade, Durant, Brandon Roy, Dwight Howard).



If you answer NO, then explains your logic...

LeBron - Yes. This is my hope. I am hoping to God Kobe has no NTC and LeBron pushes his way to LA. Buss is smart...he wouldn't hesitate.

Deron - No way. Do I really need to explain?

CP3 - No way. Rumor or possible microfracture in a year or two amongst NBA insiders.

Wade - No. Too injury prone.

Roy - No. Would keep the Laker core locked in for the next 3 years and then re-asses. Kobe > Roy all things even for the next 2-3 years.

Dwight Howard - NO ing way. Like we need another big on this Laker team?

Durant - Interesting. Would have to think long and hard about it. He is the only guy you would have to give second thought to behind Bron.

[mogrovejo]

Funny how you know. My friend Larry Coon...who was present at the press conference..who writes for ESPN..who is in constant communication with people from the NBA front office...who is considered a guru on the CBA...doesn't even know if the NTC has been extended and won't find out from the league for another few days.

Funny how you know...

Stuff like NTC are ALWAYS renegiated in extensions as far as I have witnessed...even though it has been rare.

Coon still writes in lakersunderground? What a pussy. The NTC is still there.

I partially agree with this and think he has lost a step but come on...the time Kobe started to throw up bricks was the same time he ed up 2 fingers on his hand?

Oh please, no, not the broken finger again... Now it's 2? To add to the virus, the ankle, teh lower back and all the other stuff I'm forgetting?

This "Kobe is dealing with injuries" routine is getting silly. It's every ing year. When he plays well, he's a hero. When he plays badly, it's because of the injuries. Kobe had never shot at that level his entire career.

In any case, he "broke" (lol) his finger in 12/12, IIRC. The following 11 games he went for 0.49 FG% (0.46 for the season) taking 25 shots per game (21 for the season) and 0.855 FT% (81% for the season) taking 9.5 FT per game (7.5 for the season), this while shooting 34% from behind the line (32% for the season).

So, immediately after the "injury" he started shooting more - and more efficiently and going to the line more - and being more efficient with the freebies. Heck, I'm sure someone could bump a few threads where Lakersfans would praise how well was Kobe playing with a "broken" finger and explain the world what an unique hero he was.

The reason why Kobe started the season looking like a MPV contender was only because he was hitting his jumpers at an insane rate. Once that fall back to earth - and the least of his problems is his efficiency on jump-shots - the reality became clear. Nothing to do with the "injuries".

[milkshakeballa]

Coon still writes in lakersunderground? What a pussy. The NTC is still there.

Source?

Oh please, no, not the broken finger again... Now it's 2? To add to the virus, the ankle, teh lower back and all the other stuff I'm forgetting?

This "Kobe is dealing with injuries" routine is getting silly. It's every ing year. When he plays well, he's a hero. When he plays badly, it's because of the injuries. Kobe had never shot at that level his entire career.

In any case, he "broke" (lol) his finger in 12/12, IIRC. The following 11 games he went for 0.49 FG% (0.46 for the season) taking 25 shots per game (21 for the season) and 0.855 FT% (81% for the season) taking 9.5 FT per game (7.5 for the season), this while shooting 34% from behind the line (32% for the season).

So, immediately after the "injury" he started shooting more - and more efficiently and going to the line more - and being more efficient with the freebies. Heck, I'm sure someone could bump a few threads where Lakersfans would praise how well was Kobe playing with a "broken" finger and explain the world what an unique hero he was.

The reason why Kobe started the season looking like a MPV contender was only because he was hitting his jumpers at an insane rate. Once that fall back to earth - and the least of his problems is his efficiency on jump-shots - the reality became clear. Nothing to do with the "injuries".

I think without a doubt the finger has affected him. If his finger gets hit..he is ed for the rest of the game. It is day to day. Watch in the playoffs when opponents go after his finger (i have no problem with it...i would if i was playing against him) and tell me it isn't a problem..

That's my biggest problem with Kobe. When he has his injured finger and isn't shooting well...he puts up even more shots.

Game in and game out our backcourt this year has had more shot attempts than our front court...and it starts with kobe.

[ChrisRichards]

Deron - No way. Do I really need to explain?

CP3 - No way. Rumor or possible microfracture in a year or two amongst NBA insiders..

You should say yes on both. The Lakers never had a Top Tier PG since Magic Johnson. Both players are young and ultra efficient that will make players better. Gasol and Bynum primarily will benefit from a playmaking true point guard.

You say Showtime Lakers? With Deron and CP3, then yes you'll get it back.

Wade - No. Too injury prone..

Wade had two seasons where he had issues with injury but he has been healthy the past 2 years. Kobe actually missed more games in his first 7 seasons than Wade. Also, Wade is also 3 years younger, much more explosive and has much more well rounded game than Kobe at this point. If you're trying to win, Wade is a better option than Kobe next year.

Roy - No. Would keep the Laker core locked in for the next 3 years and then re-asses. Kobe > Roy all things even for the next 2-3 years...

Come on, you seriously dont believe that with an objective mind, do you? Kobe>Roy even for the next 2-3 years? Seriously...

Dwight Howard - NO ing way. Like we need another big on this Laker team?...

Dwight is a no brainer. You dont need "another" big but you need a Better BIG than Bynum whose body is made of glass. Trade Bynum for a AS caliber point guard and a serviceable bench player and the Lakers wont miss a beat with Howard, Odom, Gasol, Ron.

Durant - Interesting. Would have to think long and hard about it. He is the only guy you would have to give second thought to behind Bron.

You dont need to think long and hard about this one MSB. Durant is 21. He's raw but already a top player in this league. He reminds me of Tracy McGrady minus the at ude and playmaking ability. But Durant will get better.

29.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG 69% TS is hard to pass up.

[weebo]

LeBron - Yes. This is my hope. I am hoping to God Kobe has no NTC and LeBron pushes his way to LA. Buss is smart...he wouldn't hesitate.

Deron - No way. Do I really need to explain?

CP3 - No way. Rumor or possible microfracture in a year or two amongst NBA insiders.

Wade - No. Too injury prone.

Roy - No. Would keep the Laker core locked in for the next 3 years and then re-asses. Kobe > Roy all things even for the next 2-3 years.

Dwight Howard - NO ing way. Like we need another big on this Laker team?

Durant - Interesting. Would have to think long and hard about it. He is the only guy you would have to give second thought to behind Bron.

Why the would Lebron want to follow in Kobe's footsteps in LA? That's just a ing pipe dream you laker fans have.

[milkshakeballa]

Why the would Lebron want to follow in Kobe's footsteps in LA? That's just a ing pipe dream you laker fans have.

This is my hope.

Get some reading comprehension dumb .

[ChrisRichards]

Why the would Lebron want to follow in Kobe's footsteps in LA? That's just a ing pipe dream you laker fans have.

Lebron in LA is going to be stupendous in so many levels. Given the opportunity, I think Bron would go to the Lakers so as long as he is given free reign on offense. Marketing for Lebron is going to be out of this world.

[TheSullyMonster]

I'd take CP3 or Deron for Kobe in a year or two, and think about it now. A top tier point guard, setting up those bigs? Scary. And neither player is too shabby in getting their own shot off, as well.

[mogrovejo]

Fortunately, you don't need to worry: nobody in his right mind would trade Deron Williams, Paul, Roy, Howard, Durant or Wade for a 32 years old declining Kobe Bryant. So, you're pretty safe.

[DazedAndConfused]

His finger is pretty jacked up. He needs surgery badly.

Lest we forget the season he was having before his finger problems started.

[namlook]

His finger is pretty jacked up. He needs surgery badly.

Lest we forget the season he was having before his finger problems started.

Exactly. Kobe is not done by a long shot.

[Baseline]

Oh please, no, not the broken finger again... Now it's 2? To add to the virus, the ankle, teh lower back and all the other stuff I'm forgetting?

This "Kobe is dealing with injuries" routine is getting silly. It's every ing year. When he plays well, he's a hero. When he plays badly, it's because of the injuries. Kobe had never shot at that level his entire career.

In any case, he "broke" (lol) his finger in 12/12, IIRC. The following 11 games he went for 0.49 FG% (0.46 for the season) taking 25 shots per game (21 for the season) and 0.855 FT% (81% for the season) taking 9.5 FT per game (7.5 for the season), this while shooting 34% from behind the line (32% for the season).

So, immediately after the "injury" he started shooting more - and more efficiently and going to the line more - and being more efficient with the freebies. Heck, I'm sure someone could bump a few threads where Lakersfans would praise how well was Kobe playing with a "broken" finger and explain the world what an unique hero he was.

The reason why Kobe started the season looking like a MPV contender was only because he was hitting his jumpers at an insane rate. Once that fall back to earth - and the least of his problems is his efficiency on jump-shots - the reality became clear. Nothing to do with the "injuries".

Dude, thank you for saving me the trouble of illuminating this point about Bryant's "injuries." Please. It has happened for about ten years now after a couple of 5-21, 8-26 games. Today he was 8-24 and was grossly outplayed by a guy with a bald spot. So oviously he's injured now.

Every ounce and every inch of Bryant's career is calculated to make him out as a hero. When in reality, he's just a selfish dude - if not a sociopath - who is pretty good at putting the ball in the hole on given nights, as long as he gets a ton of attempts.

The bald spot guy can not only score the ball - and mind you, while the entire Laker team is trying to stop him - but he can make plays ofr others at a level Bryant could never dream of reaching.

It's sad, really. If Bryant doesn't play like a hero and hit a bunch of shots, he's injured. But there's another guy who doesn't care if he gets even one shot attempt as long as his team wins.

He's not wearing purple and gold. But if you look on the other side of the court, the guy with a bald spot - Number 20 - he's the hero. And his name is Manu Ginobili.

[ezau]

The thing about Kobe is you don't have to double-team him anymore. that's what the Spurs did and Kobe can no longer beat teams on his own. Right now, it's pretty obvious that Gasol is the Lakers' best player. He's more efficient and he'll command the double team more. Just like one poster said, this is the last year that he'll be the Lakers' top guy

[mookie2001]

No he won't

[KidCongo]

Damn guess his finger wont ever heal if he's falling off a cliff.

[picc84]

He's already fallen off a hill. Its almost painful to see him sometimes this season, remembering what he used to look like. 2002, 2003, and 2006 Kobe make this guy look like a scrub. He still has nights where he dominates and looks like the best player, but they are few and far in-between now as opposed to a nightly occurrence.

If it wasn't for the loyalty factor, I would be opposed to the terms of his extension. Its too much considering in 3 years he'll be a s of even this version of himself.

However, its a testament to how good he is and how good his work ethic and preparation is that he can remain a top 5 player 13 years after entering the NBA. Most guys at this point are an afterthought.

[djohn2oo8]

He's already fallen off a hill. Its almost painful to see him sometimes this season, remembering what he used to look like. 2002, 2003, and 2006 Kobe make this guy look like a scrub. He still has nights where he dominates and looks like the best player, but they are few and far in-between now as opposed to a nightly occurrence.

If it wasn't for the loyalty factor, I would be opposed to the terms of his extension. Its too much considering in 3 years he'll be a s of even this version of himself.

However, its a testament to how good he is and how good his work ethic and preparation is that he can remain a top 5 player 13 years after entering the NBA. Most guys at this point are an afterthought.

See. The curious case of Tracy McGrady....It's just sad to see someone go from a really good player, to average all because of a lack of work ethic

[ambchang]

You guys are crazy, Kobe will score 2,500 per season for the next 6 season, and become the first player in NBA history to break 40K points. You heard it here first.

[picc84]

Tmac was ravaged by injuries. It wasnt just work ethic. They really hit him hard.

[picc84]

It makes me proud that even after CLEARLY declining, arguably substantially, he's still a top player in the league. The work and prep behind that is part of why I admire him and cheer him on, even if no one else wants to.

[ElNono]

Ginobili is a year older and can still dominate. So I think Kobe will be fine.

However, Kobe has a lot of miles on him. I think the Lakers would benefit from regulating his minutes throughout the regular season. There's no point in having him play 40 mpg every single game.
He's also been fairly lucky, injury wise. As players get older, it takes them longer to heal and get back in game shape. So I think it's in the Lakers and Kobe's best interest to minimize the possibility of something like that happening.

[ChrisRichards]

If Kobe wants to remain elite for the next 3 yrs then he should forget about scoring that many baskets and focus on the better part of his game that could immensely help his team right now. And that is PLAYMAKING. He's no longer the offensive player he used to be so he should just forget about aiming to score 30-40 points a night.




He should stick with 16 shots a game and dish out 8-9 assists per contest and I think Kobewill have a far better chance of remaining in MVP talks rather than shooting 23 times a game.

[BRHornet45]

sons I have said this before and will say it again ... MARK MY WORDS ... If Kobe Bryant plays for at least another 5 years, he will finish with a career field goal percentage of UNDER .400%. He has always been a below average shooter and is currently at .454% for his career. Five years from now I am predicting his field goal percentage to be in the area of .380-.395%.

oh but sons don't worry. He will continue to average at least 20 points per game due to free throws. the NBA will take notice of his declining shooting accuracy and will increase his amount of free points per game to make up for it.

[in2deep]

something is bothering him. He looks grimacing after every play.

[HarlemHeat37]

something is bothering him. He looks grimacing after every play.

That's just his "scowl"..there's no joy in Kobeville..