So, where will Kobe be playing next year ?

[TheNinja]

Originally posted by: Kev

Originally posted by: Stojakapimp
Laker's will trade him for T-Mac

So shaq can have another megastar to fight with? Doubt it

Besides the fact that the Lakers don't own Kobe anymore and have no right to trade him. The only way that's happening is if the Lakers sign him to a HUGE deal (they are allowed to pay him more than any other team in the NBA can) and the trade him, assuming the other team takes on the extremely large salary. The point is that Kobe can opt out of his contract now and is basically a free agent available to the highest bidder.

 

[Lager]

Kobe signs with Celtics.

 

In the corner, with himself.

 

[KokomoGST]

What other team will have people to cry with him when they lose?

 

[johnjbruin]

Hoping he goes to the Clippers. I'd like for him to stay in LA.

 

[cash1220]

he'll be back with the lakers but phil will be gone.

 

[LordUnum]

Originally posted by: nitsuj3580
He'll stay with the Lakers. He'll realize leaving Shaq is just stupid.

Well, on a somewhat positive note for Laker fans, Kobe did mention (in other words) during the post-game conference that whether he stays or leaves is not really in his hands. His agent's? He'll advise him to go where the most money by far is--and that would to be with the Lakers. The Lakers' management/owner? Buss is said to love Kobe as his own son and has mentioned Kobe's re-signing is the foremost among priorities during the off-season. His family? Vanessa (native of Newport Beach, where they live) and daughter appear very much happy & settled here.

The only way I see Kobe leaving the Lakers is if the most golden sign-and-trade opportunity presented itself to the team and Kupchak. That deal would probably need to include at least two great players who could amply fill two starting spots (the void created at SG by Kobe and anyone of their other glaring weaknesses at PG, SF or PF).

For anyone who has been following the Kobe legal tussle in Colorado, the case against him appears to be little more than dog poo, now more than ever. The allusions to him playing in jailhouse blues or an orange jumpsuit appear to be little more than (sick & twisted) wishful thinking... same as it's always been.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

please stay kobe

 

[GhettoFob]

Warriors

 

[waggy]

who cares where he play's? he and the laker's chocked. they were out classed and out played.

 

[SP33Demon]

Denver, so he can stunt Carmelo's growth in the NBA.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Maybe the Clippers. If he does, it'll be a heckuva lot cheaper to watch him play.

 

[LordUnum]

Originally posted by: waggy
who cares where he play's? he and the laker's chocked. they were out classed and out played.

It's hard to win playing 1-on-12 or 2-on-12 (well 11 considering we almost never saw Darko, hehe) as most of this series was played. Kobe and Shaq both remain integral parts to this Laker squad and I believe the Laker management will see it that way. With the right guys surrounding these two, and the proper leadership and motivation (provided by Phil or someone yet to be determined--perhaps preferred by Kobe at least), they're capable of very good things (see the years 2000-2002).

 

[Ranger X]

Originally posted by: waggy
who cares where he play's? he and the laker's chocked. they were out classed and out played.

Apparently the people who are posting here cares and what does this have anything to do with the Lakers in the finals. :roll:

There are only a handful of teams that can afford to pay him. Utah, Atlanta, Phoenix, Clippers, and Denver (I might have missed a team or two). He already said he won't play for Utah or Atlanta, which leaves Phoenix, Clippers, Denver, or stay with the Lakers. I doubt he'll play for Denver because of the obvious, which leaves Phoenix, Clippers, and the Lakers. I don't think he'll end up in Memphis, NY, or NJ unless they pull some miracle trade that keeps them below the cap.

 

[BCYL]

I definitely think Kobe will be leaving the Lakers... If they won the championship this year, I thought he MIGHT stay... but after last night, I'm pretty sure he would be leaving...

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Those saying that Kobe will go for sure are pretty uninformed. They obviously don't live in LA, nor are they Laker fans.
Facts are that Phil is leaving, I don't see him coming back at all. BUT, this is a good thing. Kobe is more likely to come back once Phil is gone.
Why would he want to leave the Lakers, he's got a great thing going with Shaq and co. and winning 3 championships out of the past 5 seasons is nothing to scoff at. He's gonna ride Shaq to as many championships as he can, and once Shaq retires I think Kobe will go elsewhere.
The Lakers need a lot of restructuring in regards to their bench and supporting cast. They have some very good developing talent in Devean George, Luke Walton (man he really surprised me this year), and Kareem Rush. I think, regardless of if Malone comes back or not, we could use a real power forward. We could also benefit from a point guard that can slash, drive, and shoot to alleviate some pressure from Kobe and Shaq.
To anyone who says this is the end of the Lakers, think again. We'll see you in the finals next year......

 

[maddogchen]

He's gonna play for the Warriors!! or a sign and trade for Chris Webber, Yeah!

But its most likely he'll be a laker

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

when you think about it, where the hell can he go where he can have as much success as with the Lakers? Everyone knows that Kobe is hands down the best player in the league talent wise. He just needs more time to develop his game mentally. I think a new coach will help immensly in helping Kobe develop his game.

 

[jinduy]

what do you all think about tmac coming to the lakers to replace kobe?

 

[maddogchen]

Originally posted by: jinduy
what do you all think about tmac coming to the lakers to replace kobe?

in a sign and trade? the question there is why would Kobe want to go to Orlando? If T-Mac couldn't stand it there, why would Kobe want to go there?

 

[jinduy]

Originally posted by: maddogchen

Originally posted by: jinduy
what do you all think about tmac coming to the lakers to replace kobe?

in a sign and trade? the question there is why would Kobe want to go to Orlando? If T-Mac couldn't stand it there, why would Kobe want to go there?

kobe's got the rings and right now he wants to prove that he is the best. what better way than to make himself the clear cut #1 player in the league? I think tmac and kobe are arguably the top two swingmen in the league. orlando's gettin a #1 pick and the roster's gonna be changed a bit so that might help. just my 2 cents, but yeah it's a 98% possibility that this won't happen but it would be interesting .

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: lilcam
either denver or NY. i would be surprise if he doesnt opt out

i don't see how NY could possibly free up the cap room to sign a Kobe type FA. the only way i see it happening for NY is if LA decides they would like to have Alan Houston and work out a trade.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
when you think about it, where the hell can he go where he can have as much success as with the Lakers? Everyone knows that Kobe is hands down the best player in the league talent wise. He just needs more time to develop his game mentally. I think a new coach will help immensly in helping Kobe develop his game.

Shaq, TMac, and KG/TD are the most talented players at their positions. Mentally develop his game? lmao, you can't change character man. Kobe isn't a team player, it was painfully obvious this series when they should have been dumping to Shaq practically every time, not taking off balance 20 foot jumpers...

Trade Kobe to Boston for 2 1st round picks and Paul Pierce... that would be quite a steal.

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

Kobe is hands down the best player in the league. Tmac, KG, etc. just don't have the skill that he has. He can do everything well, most forget that he can play amazing defense. The only thing that is stopping him is himself really. I agree that you can't change character, which is why I don't think he'll ever be as great as Jordan. Jordan had a greatness personality that can't be taught.

 

[DevilsAdvocate]

Originally posted by: Sudheer Anne
Kobe is hands down the best player in the league. Tmac, KG, etc. just don't have the skill that he has. He can do everything well, most forget that he can play amazing defense. The only thing that is stopping him is himself really. I agree that you can't change character, which is why I don't think he'll ever be as great as Jordan. Jordan had a greatness personality that can't be taught.

Hmmm... where was this phenom during the Finals? As I recall, the Pistons did a great job stopping him.

I think that Shaq's very presence has made Kobe better. I don't think you can say the reverse.

Sorry, Kobe is overrated.