|
Should LA trade Kobe??
I think there's a ton of benefits to trading Kobe. Everybody on this board either loves or hates, Kobe Bryant. Irregardless of whether it's true or not, non Kobe fans perceive LA and Kobe were behind getting Shaq traded, and in favor of getting rid of P. Jackson, and that LA front office was merely doing Kobe's dirty work. That's just how it's perceived by the majority of fans. Kobe has struggled shooting the ball and turnovers facing double teams this year, but he's been good for so long that LA could trade him and get almost the same assets as they would have a few years ago. But if Kobe keeps struggling, what they would get in return diminishes. Kobe's only 26, so there's value in the fact he has a lot of ballin left. If LA got rid of Kobe, they look like they weren't in Kobe's pocket. They also would get a huge return, and could fit players around Odom, who cleary doesn't fit well w/Kobe. If Shaq is lucky enough to win a championship, or at least make the Finals, it'll upset LA fans and make Kobe/Buss/Kupchak look bad, b/c they traded a title for their "hope" at future titles. But if Kobe is traded, then fans can't blame Kobe, and management for keeping the wrong guy.
I'd trade Kobe and Chris Mihm for a combo of Eddy Curry, Luol Deng, Hinrich or Gordon, and a future 1st round pick, if Chicago was willing to do it. think of the benefit to both teams.
Chicago finally has a player w/star power, something that they have wanted for box office draw and to get past the MJ/Scottie era.
LA gets to start from scratch, something they need to sell the fans who are probably not over the golden era they just had, and won't forget as long as Kobe's around.
LA roster
C-Eddy Curry
PF-Odom
SF-Deng
SG-Butler
PG-Hinrich or...
replace Hinrich w/Gordon, start Atkins and bring Gordon off bench to spell Butler
Chicago roster
C-Chris Mihm
PF-Tyson Chandler
SF-Kobe Bryant
SG-Ben Gordon
PG-Chris Duhon
Mihm is a filler, but he's 7 feet, and Chandler will cover the rebounding, shot blocking, and can guard a 4 or a 5 if Mihm is overmatched. Duhon is a tough pg that can defend and get Kobe the ball. Gordon can supplement Kobe if Kobe is struggling, providing offense for Chicago. This team fit's better b/c these players can get offensive rebounds, don't need the ball on offense, and are all blue collar players.
LA gets a 1st rounder to use along w/there own, they could package two 1st rounders to move up and get a star. Plus they have Curry for the future, the frontline of Odom and Curry will be amazing. Odom can overcome Curry's lack of rebounding, and Odom can also block shots and play the high post if teams front or weakside guard Curry. Also, Deng, Hinrich and Butler can fill it up and defend as well. I think this trade puts LA in a chance to win titles in 2-3 years, w/no ego problems, and LA can forget about Kobe/Shaq and move on.
Kobe gets what he always wanted, his own identity and chance to put his own team on his shoulders and win, and in his dream scenario, he gets to follow MJ's footsteps literally and become the 2nd great player to bring titles to Chicago. The fans in Chicago will embrace Kobe b/c he plays like Mike, and they're desperate for a superstar. Kobe's talents mesh better w/the Bulls players anyway, and the Bulls don't have to take the risk on Curry of giving him a near max deal and having him bloat(joke about his weight) their payroll if he's a bust.
Any other ideas on trades like this for Kobe?
|
02-06-2005, 03:36 PM
Re: Should LA trade Kobe??
