Kobe has always had a stranglehold on Lakers management though I don't know why. Dati pa yan when he threatened to sign with the Clippers in 2004, the it's either me or Shaq, the threat that he was going to be a Bull if they didn't trade for Kidd in 2007.
Hindsight is always 20/20. But nanalo ba yun Lakers ng title during his last 3yr extension? What was always the problem? Cap space because Kobe's salary has eaten up most of the team's salary cap. Could this be the same scenario on the new extension?
on the Kobe or Shaq - well, if I was Jerry Buss and I had to choose between Kobe and Shaq, at that point, prime Kobe would be the clear choice over almost-over-his-prime Shaq. The best option would be to keep the two players but since that was not possible, Jerry made the best choice.
on the "ship his ass out" Bynum for Kidd viral video - well...they didn't budge. So, I'm not sure how much of stranglehold he really has on the Lakers. He even said he'd like to play in Pluto. Sadly for the haters, that never happened as well.
IMO, this smells like Jimmy Buss being Jimmy Buss. Stupid, brainless and knows nothing about being a team owner.
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anyway, first time watching the Blazers this season. Seems like they're all having fun playing with each other. Hope they make it to the playoffs.