LA Lakers's topics - tribe.net

Bryant asks for trade from Lakers

2007-06-29T14:51:16Z

By JOHN NADEL, AP Sports Writer
May 30, 2007

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kobe Bryant asked to be traded from the Lakers on Wednesday, a day after calling the team's front office "a mess." He said there was nothing the Lakers could do to change his mind.

"I would like to be traded, yeah," Bryant told ESPN radio. "Tough as it is to come to that conclusion there's no other alternative. It's rough man, but I don't see how you can rebuild that trust. I just don't know how you can move forward in that type of situation."

Bryant, who helped the Lakers win three consecutive NBA championships, has four years left on the seven-year, $136.4 million contract he signed July 15, 2004. That was a day after Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat.

Bryant became infuriated Tuesday when a Los Angeles Times columnist quoted what he called a Lakers insider as saying it was Bryant's insistence on getting away from O'Neal that prompted the trade to Miami.

ADVERTISEMENT
Bryant, the NBA's leading scorer the past two seasons, said he spoke with Phil Jackson on Tuesday, and the coach told him he was being let go because the Lakers were committed to reducing payroll and rebuilding long term.

"They said nothing to me about a long-term plan -- absolutely nothing," Bryant told KLAC radio, the Lakers' flagship station. "They told Phil one thing and they told me another. Actions speak louder than words."

"It's a trust thing," he added. "They're in a long-term plan that I had no idea about."

The Lakers and Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka, did not immediately respond to messages left by The Associated Press.

Bryant, an 11-year veteran who turns 29 in August, urged the team at season's end to do what it takes to get back into contention. He essentially repeated those comments last weekend in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

On Sunday, he suggested former Lakers general manager Jerry West should return. West left the team in the summer of 2000 and was succeeded by current GM Mitch Kupchak.

West, an employee of the Lakers for about 40 years as a player, coach and executive, is under contract as the Memphis Grizzlies' president until July 1. He turned 69 this week and has remained a close friend of Kupchak's. West has said he has "no plans to seek employment with any other organization."

It was West who brought Bryant to the Lakers, trading center Vlade Divac to Charlotte in the summer of 1996 for the rights to Bryant -- the 13th pick in the NBA draft. Bryant was only 17 at the time.

On Tuesday, Bryant did a series of radio interviews bashing the Lakers. He contended owner Jerry Buss misled him three years ago, saying the team would try immediately to rejoin the NBA's elite.

Phoenix Suns' Leandro Barbosa, left, of Brazil, is unable to stop Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant from making a jump shot in the first quarter of an NBA playoff basketball game in this April 22, 2007 file photo, at the U.S. Airways Center in Phoenix. Bryant asked to be traded from the Lakers on Wednesday, a day after calling the team's front office "a mess." "I would like to be traded, yeah," Bryant told ESPN radio. "Tough as it is to come to that conclusion there's no other alternative, you know?"
AP - May 30, 1:10 pm EDT
More Photos
"That place is a mess," Bryant said, referring to the Lakers' front office. "If we're not making strides here to improve this team right now, to be aggressive in that nature, then what's the point of having me here?"

The 74-year-old Buss was arrested Tuesday in Carlsbad for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was released later in the day.

Bryant earned $17.72 million last season and is owed $88.6 million over the next four years. He can terminate his contract following the 2008-09 season -- a move that would leave $47.8 million on the table.

By requesting a trade, Bryant would obviously waive his no-trade clause, but he has a trade clause in his contract that is believed to add about $13 million to his total contract value, a cost to be absorbed by any team that acquires him.

That money would be paid like a signing bonus and would not count toward the salary cap. The Lakers had to pay a similar fee to Lamar Odom when they acquired him from Miami three years ago, paying him about $8 million.

The Lakers won championships from 2000-02 and reached the NBA finals again in 2004, losing to the Detroit Pistons in five games. The team was broken up at that time. O'Neal was traded, Jackson left and other stalwarts -- Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Derek Fisher, Robert Horry and Rick Fox -- went elsewhere or retired.

The Lakers failed to make the playoffs the following season. With Jackson returning before the 2005-06 campaign, they finished seventh in the Western Conference in each of the past two years, but were eliminated by Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs.

The Lakers appeared to be a title contender through the first half of this season, going 26-13 despite several injuries to key players. But they lost 27 of their last 43 games to finish 42-40 before losing to the Suns in five games.

"Personally for me, it's beyond frustration -- three years and still being at ground zero," Bryant said a day after the playoffs ended. "This summer's a big summer. We have to see what direction we want to take as an organization and make those steps and make them now."

Bryant has made the All-Star team in each of the past nine seasons, clearly establishing himself as an NBA great before age 30. Only one active NBA player, Kevin Garnett, has a longer tenure with one team than Bryant. Garnett has played 12 seasons for Minnesota.

The Lakers won 20 playoff series from 2000-04 but have won four postseason games and no series in the past three years. Since O'Neal left, they've received little from the draft, trades or free agency.

Bryant has stated repeatedly in the past that he was a Lakers' fan since childhood, and wanted to be a Laker for life. But the O'Neal matter and his feeling of being misled by Buss appear have changed things.

"The fact of the matter is that many people don't know what really went down when I was approaching free agency because I have stayed quiet about it this whole time," Bryant wrote on his Web site. "The real facts are that Dr. Buss requested a meeting with me during the '04 season long before I opted out of my contract, and he told me he had already decided not to extend Shaq, as he was concerned about Shaq's age, fitness and contract demands.

"Dr. Buss made it clear that his decision was final, his mind was made up, and no matter what I decided to do with free agency, he was still going to move Shaq."

O'Neal said on the Philadelphia Inquirer's Web site he believed Bryant "100 percent."

Bryant said he was considering signing with the Clippers and Chicago Bulls three years ago before hearing from Buss.

"Dr. Buss promised me he would rebuild right away, and I believed him," Bryant wrote. "That is why I put my trust in the Lakers. But when stuff like this is coming from the 'inside,' all I can do is hope that someone from the 'inside' comes forward to support me and set straight the facts of what really happened. This is the TRUTH."

posted in LA Lakers - 11 replies

NBA Rumors

2007-06-20T21:44:36Z

Jermaine O'Neal to Lakers deal in the works
Friday, Jun 1, 2007 12:45 pm EDT

Within the last week, the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers have laid the groundwork for a trade that would certainly placate both sorrowful All-Stars. L.A. inquired about Jermaine O'Neal, a move designed to appease star Kobe Bryant, who is demanding the team upgrade its roster.

No specifics were delivered. No negotiating has been done. Still, Lamar Odom would have to be the principal of the package in order to adhere to NBA trade specifications. Surely Andrew Bynum must be included as well.

Source: New York Post

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

NBA News: Kobe's Historic Scoring Spree

2007-05-30T19:56:51Z

If you would like to see the HTML version (with graphics)
of this e-mail, go to:
==> http://click.nba.com/viewmsg.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135

+++++++++++++++++++++++
NBA Starting Five:
March 28, 2007
+++++++++++++++++++++++

Hey Jair, here's your
Starting 5 lineup this week:

1. Kobe's Historic Scoring Spree
2. Photo Gallery: Nash and Nowitzki Through the Years
3. Quote of the Week: Who Said It?
4. Hot Stuff: Be a Superstar

Also inside: The week ahead, trivia and more

==========================
1. Kobe's Historic Scoring Spree
==========================

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant joined Wilt Chamberlain as
the only other player ever to have four-straight
50-point games. Take a look back at the streak
including video, photos, historical analysis and
stories from around the web.

More on Kobe's Scoring Spree
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o195293

MORE LEAGUE HEADLINES:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Race to the MVP
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o182723

Rookie Rankings
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o181749

Watch LeBron James' Top 10 Plays of the Season
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o195907

Watch Steve Kerr Discuss Playoff Matchups on TNT Overtime==>
http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o195906

Latest NBA Headlines Around The League
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o141442

==========================
New LamisilAT Gel
==========================
LamisilAT Gel(R) is the most ADVANCED way to cure
athlete's foot, with only seven once-a-day doses.
That's half the treatments of any other product. New
Lamisil Gel Advanced(R).

Half the Treatment. All the cure.

Get Your Game Feet On!
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o195908

==========================
2. Photo Gallery: Nash and Nowitzki Through the Years
==========================

From being teammates with crew cuts to opponents with
shaggy coifs, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki have been
through a lot together. Check out photos of the pair
through the years.

Check out the Nash & Nowitzki photo gallery
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o194197

==========================
3. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: WHO SAID IT?
==========================

"I've always said Wilt's a human video game. For me
to be in the same breath with him, even if it's a
short little breath, is pretty cool.”

Find Out Who Said It
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o195916

==========================
4. HOT STUFF: Be a Superstar
==========================

Show your team spirit with the adidas NBA superstar
tee. Find yours in your favorite team at NBAStore.com!

Shop now at NBAStore.com!
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o195902

*************************
THE WEEK AHEAD
*************************
WEDNESDAY, 3/28
NBA:
-- L.A. Clippers vs. Houston Rockets, 10 p.m. ET ESPN
NBA.com:
-- Rob Peterson Column: Central Intelligence

THURSDAY, 3/29
Power Rankings
NBA:
-- Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons, 8 p.m. ET TNT
-- Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns, 10:30 p.m. ET TNT

FRIDAY, 3/30
NBA:
-- Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers, 8 p.m. ET ESPN
-- L.A. Lakers vs. Houston Rockets, 10:30 p.m. ET ESPN
NBA.com:
-- Jeff Schuhmann Column: Reality Check
-- Rick Kamla Column: Living the Fantasy

SATURDAY, 3/31
NBA:
-- Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 3 p.m. ET ESPN
-- New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets vs. New York Knicks, 8 p.m. ET NBA
TV
NBA.com
-- Dave McMenamin Column: The McTen

SUNDAY, 4/1
NBA:
-- Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat, 1 p.m. ET ABC
-- Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks, 3:30 p.m. ET ABC
-- Orlando Magic vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 6 p.m. ET NBA TV

MONDAY, 4/2
NBA.com:
-- Jeff Dengate Column: Double Drivel

TUESDAY, 4/3
NBA:
-- Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons, 7 p.m. ET NBA TV
NBA.com
-- Maurice Brooks Column: Race for MVP

*************************
DID YOU KNOW?
*************************

This NBA player's pregame ritual is saying the same prayer three times

A) Kyle Korver
B) Hakim Warrick
C) Marcus Banks

Find out now
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o195917

=================================
QUICKLINKS
=================================
Game Schedule:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o121091

NBA TV Schedule:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o105628

Buy Tickets:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o131323

Team Standings:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o107387

Video Highlights:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o104361

Fan Center Benefits:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4292c5239124t4135o106324

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Ugly

2007-05-03T15:55:37Z

Well,
Kobe now knows what it is like to be the "man".

Not long ago he said he was happy and called this "his" team.
Now, he is DEMANDING changes and soon.

IMO they can all go other than Kobe, Bynum and maybe Walton. Nothing against Odom but they need to move him.

This should be an intersting offseason. Look for Kidd or Jermain O'Neil to be wearing a Laker uniform. I would like to see them bring in Garnett.

posted in LA Lakers - 2 replies

Odom perseveres, but time may be running out

2007-05-01T23:50:07Z

Odom perseveres, but time may be running out
April 30, 2007

A huge white T-shirt hangs prominently in Lamar Odom's Staples Center locker.

It serves not as clothing, but as a memorial.

On the shirt is a drawing of the smiling face of Odom's infant son Jayden, who was 6 months old last summer when he died suddenly in his crib.

Odom walked to that shirt Sunday afternoon with a sigh.

"Life is pain," he said.

He had just finished throwing his aching body around the court for 35 minutes in the Lakers' 113-100 playoff loss to the Phoenix Suns. Now he was going to do something even more difficult.

He was going to get dressed.

As he gingerly pulled up his pants, he gasped. As he carefully stretched into his shirt, he groaned.

When he finally turned around to face the media, he apologized for the giant beads of sweat that still rolled off his face. Some of it was from the game. But some of it was from that pain.

He took a giant swig of grape juice from a bottle. He stared into the distance and winced.

"It is what it is," Odom said.

Except when it's something much more.

As the Lakers predictably fell behind three games to one in an NBA first-round series that should end Wednesday in Phoenix, Odom's story was about more than his 17 second-half points and 10 second-half rebounds.

It was about more than how he fought through three injuries that would sideline most men — torn shoulder cartilage, hyperextended elbow, sore knee — to make plays and lead cheers.

It was even about more than how, after great personal strife, he has had an extraordinary season that should rank among the most heartfelt in Lakers history.

Sunday was about all of those things, but none of those things.

Because Sunday was mostly about how Lamar Odom may be doing them for the Lakers for the last time.

This team will change. It has to change. As anyone watching Sunday will agree, the Lakers have become the Denvers and Minnesotas of the NBA, only with cooler uniforms.

As constructed, they are capable of making the playoffs and stealing a game or two, but nothing more.

As constructed, Kobe Bryant needs some all-star help.

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

Game 3: Lakers vs. Suns

2007-04-27T22:23:08Z

ok...so we gave them game 1, we got our asses kicked on game 2. Now, we need to defend home court and bring this series back to even.

Who's with me?

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

Smoosh Parker

2007-04-18T18:20:02Z

I was not a real fan of his lazy defense and poor jump shooting and he sure folded the tent against the Suns last year in the playoffs however:

He has looked good on defense the past few games and is draining the 3 ptr.

I should have given Jackson more credit for sticking with this guy.

posted in LA Lakers - 9 replies

Jason Kidd

2007-02-21T04:59:53Z

Bring him to LA.

http://www.nba.com/news/trade_deadline_070213.html

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

Lakers need a lift

2007-02-20T22:02:18Z

Maybe this will boost their moral....

http://www.metro.net/news_info/press/metro_017.htm

YEAH! Spread the word, " public transportaion is coo too!"

...go Lakers

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

NBA News: All-Star is this Weekend!

2007-02-20T16:53:43Z

If you would like to see the HTML version (with graphics)
of this e-mail, go to:
==> http://click.nba.com/viewmsg.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018

.......................
NBA Starting Five:
February 14, 2007
+++++++++++++++++++++++

Starting 5 lineup this week:

1. Las Vegas All-Star Weekend Upon Us
2. All-Star Fantasy Challenge presented by Toyota
3. Quote of the Week: Who Said It?
4. Hot Stuff: Official 2007 NBA All-Star Program
5. Did You Know?

Also inside: The week ahead, trivia and more

==========================
1. Las Vegas All-Star Weekend Upon Us
==========================

Check out NBA.com's All-Star coverage for the return
of the All-Star Blog, the showcase feature of the
All-Star site. The blog is where you will find all
the behind-the-scenes goings on, all the courtside
coverage of the events and all of the personalities
behind the NBA.com nametags.

NBA.com will also have player blogs from Gilbert Arenas,
Brandon Roy and more, as well as a blog from a member
of the All-Star Dance Team. So, if you can't be in
Vegas, you'll know exactly what you're missing.

Logon now:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o189295

==========================
2. All-Star Fantasy Challenge presented by Toyota
==========================

Own a piece of history! Predict the top performers
in each event during All-Star Weekend for a chance to
win an autographed basketball.

Make your picks now!
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o191186

==========================
3. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: WHO SAID IT?
==========================

"Actually about two years ago, I stopped playing because
I was afraid I was going to break an ankle or something.
But the NBA is pulling me back in."

Who said it:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o191546

==========================
4. HOT STUFF: NBA ALL-STAR GEAR
==========================

NBA All-Star 2007 Gear Now

Gear up for NBA All-Star 2007 now at NBAStore.com!
The official program sold at the 2007 All-Star Game is
now available online.

==> For all gear, shop online at NBAStore.com:
http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o191542

*************************
THE WEEK AHEAD
*************************

WEDNESDAY, 2/14
Detroit Pistons vs. San Antonio Spurs, 7:30 p.m. ET NBA TV

THURSDAY, 2/15
Power Rankings
HOuston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks, 8 p.m. ET TNT
L.A. Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 10:30 p.m. ET TNT

FRIDAY, 2/16
McDonald's NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by 2K Sports, 7 p.m.
ET ESPN
T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam, 9 p.m. ET TNT
Jeff Schuhmann Column: Reality Check

SATURDAY, 2/17
D-League All-Star Game, 5 p.m. ET NBA TV
NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by EA SPORTS, 8 p.m. ET TNT

SUNDAY, 2/18
56th NBA All-Star Game, 8 p.m. ET TNT
Dave McMenamin Column: The McTen
Jeff Dengate Column: Double Drivel

TUESDAY, 2/20
San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets, 8 p.m. ET TNT
L.A. Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns, 10:30 p.m. ET TNT
Race for MVP
Rob Peterson Column: Central Intelligence

*************************
DID YOU KNOW?
*************************

This NBA player Has a collection of over 350 autographed
jerseys of past and present players:

A) Jamal Crawford
B) Kevin Garnett
C) Gilbert Arenas

==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o191547

=================================
QUICKLINKS
=================================

Game Schedule:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o121091

NBA TV Schedule:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o105628

Buy Tickets:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o131323

Team Standings:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o107387

Video Highlights:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o104361

Fan Center Benefits:
==> http://click.nba.com/index.cfm?n15001s4187c5239124t4018o106324

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

When?

2007-02-03T02:57:15Z

I know we're a young team, but when are we going to get the guts to play defense on the road? Pitiful effort last night. Should have blown them out.

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

Boston Fans Cheer A Laker?

2007-02-03T00:31:28Z

In Gary Vitti's 23 years as the Los Angeles trainer, a tenure that dates to the great Celtics-Lakers rivalry of the 1980s, he has heard his share of chants from the Boston fans.

"Beat L.A.," usually.

But cheering for a Lakers player: This was a first.

Kobe Bryant returned from his one-game suspension and scored 43 points, helping the Lakers beat the Celtics 111-98 Wednesday night and winning over the Boston fans who stayed to watch their once-proud franchise match a record with its 13th consecutive loss.

"When you miss a game, you come back with a new energy," Bryant said. "I was just really excited to be out there playing."

It was Bryant's fourth career game with 40 or more points against the Celtics, and he got it by taking over the game after Boston cut the deficit to 63-62 with 8:31 left in the third quarter. He hit a pair of 3-pointers to make it a seven-point game and made a 30-footer at the end of the quarter to give the Lakers a 10-point lead.

He scored 15 in the third and 12 more in the fourth, throwing down a reverse dunk in the final 2 minutes to electrify the fans who weren't already heading for the exits. He made a 3-pointer on the Lakers' next possession and then, when Los Angeles got the ball back, some fans chanted "Kobe!" and others, "M.V.P!"

"Gary Vitti was in there telling me how shocked he was, that he heard an 'M.V.P.' chant here in Boston," Bryant said. "But I really appreciated it."

Ryan Gomes scored 23 points, Gerald Green had 22 and Al Jefferson had 10 with 14 rebounds for Boston, which last lost 13 straight in 1996-97. Reserve Brian Scalabrine had a season-high 17 points, and Delonte West scored 10 with nine assists.

The Celtics are 2-19 since star Paul Pierce went out on Dec. 20 with a stress reaction in his left foot that was supposed to keep him out for about three weeks. The NBA's most decorated franchise, with a record 16 championships, needs to beat the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night to avoid a record 14th straight loss.

"Well, I guess that's one way to get in the record books," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "Not the way you want to."

Bryant was suspended by the NBA after whacking -- accidentally, he said -- San Antonio's Manu Ginobili in the face on Sunday. Without him, the Lakers lost to the New York Knicks on Tuesday night for their third defeat in a row.

AP - Jan 31, 10:22 pm EST
More Photos

Bryant, who came in averaging 28.4 points, 5.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds, said he spent his night off pacing in his hotel room, feeling "like a kid that was grounded."

"I couldn't go outside and play on the swings," he said before the game.

"I was finally able to run out in the yard," he said after. "Just have a good time. I have so much fun playing."

Bryant started quickly, hitting the first basket against the Celtics and a pair of 3-pointers at the end of the first quarter. He had 16 points at halftime, and coach Phil Jackson encouraged him to play more aggressively.

In the second half, Bryant did just that.

"We know he's going to take the big shot. We know he's going to take the game over in the fourth quarter," Lakers guard Smush Parker said. "That's his time to shine."

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Lakers Adjacent-THE BIGGEST SUPERBOWL PARTY on THE BIGGEST SCREEN in LOS ANGELES

2007-01-31T22:48:07Z

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
Have you ever watched the SUPERBOWL on a DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND CINEMA SYSTEM MOVIE SCREEN with 38 monitors and plasma screens all around you? It*s the closest thing to being at the Game, except you get to see the commercials, have a DJ, have all your closest friends around, party and it*s FREE. If you haven't, make plans to.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Delta Sigma Alumnus Chapter (Southern California Alumni)

Cordially invites you to attend

THE BIGGEST SUPERBOWL PARTY on THE BIGGEST SCREEN in TOWN (brought to you by ADM Production)

Sunday, February 4th, 2007

@ CINESPACE
6356 Hollywood Blvd. (corner of Hollywood & Ivar)
Hollywood, CA 90028

Doors Open: 2:00 p.m. PST
Game Time: 3:00 p.m. PST

This is a private affair to express our appreciation for all of our friends and associates that have given us support over the past years.

This event is FREE to attend, however YOU MUST BE ON THE GUEST LIST IN ORDER TO GAIN ADMISSION! There will be some current and former NFL players in attendance, including many former UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans. So, come out and join other football fans and turn Cinespace into your own living room... No dress code, No lines, and most importantly NO COVER CHARGE!

So, come cheer on the BEARS or the COLTS and join in all the fun!

Cinespace has a restaurant within it that has a limited menu of your favorites available. There will be Pre Half-Time Drink Specials available and the bars will also be fully stocked and staffed. There are VIP tables available for reservation, so if you would like to reserve one, please contact Cinespace at (323) 817-3456. They are going very fast.

Please remember, YOU MUST BE ON THE GUEST LIST TO ATTEND!
TO GET ON THE GUEST LIST, E-MAIL YOUR *COMPLETE NAME* AND THE *COMPLETE NAMES* OF THOSE, IF ANY, WHO WILL JOIN YOU IN ATTENDANCE to sirmatthews@aol.com

Following the SUPERBOWL, join us in watching the Brothers of Theta Rho Sigma and Rho Sigma Chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (from Miami, Florida) perform LIVE on CBS, during the Late Show with Craig Ferguson. The Show airs Nationally on CBS, directly after the SUPERBOWL. If you miss it, don't worry, this performance will be aired again on Monday, February 5th on during the Show's regularly scheduled programming time.

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

Bryant suspended for striking Ginobili

2007-01-30T20:35:05Z

NEW YORK (AP) -- Kobe Bryant was suspended one game without pay by the NBA on Tuesday for striking San Antonio's Manu Ginobili in the face.

Bryant was to miss Tuesday's game against the New York Knicks, leaving the Lakers without their leading scorer when they opened an eight-game road trip.

The incident occurred with 2.7 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 96-94 overtime loss to the Spurs on Sunday.

Bryant is averaging 28.4 points, 5.5 assists and 5.4 rebounds.

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Like to see more of this:

2007-01-13T10:51:38Z

Laker Basketball, as it should be:

Lakers 123, Nuggets 104

Laker stats:
Los Angeles Lakers (22-11)
Field Goals Rebounds
pos min fgm-a 3pm-a ftm-a off def tot ast pf st to bs pts
S.Parker G 29:29 9-14 3-4 2-2 0 3 3 4 3 2 1 0 23
K.Bryant G 27:36 2-9 1-4 3-4 1 4 5 10 3 0 3 0 8
B.Cook F 23:54 6-10 2-2 2-2 1 3 4 3 2 0 1 0 16
L.Walton F 26:19 7-12 4-5 0-0 0 5 5 8 0 0 2 0 18
A.Bynum C 28:43 8-9 0-0 3-4 4 6 10 3 2 1 1 6 19
V.Radmanovic 23:08 1-9 1-3 0-0 1 2 3 3 2 0 0 1 3
M.Evans 22:01 7-12 1-2 1-1 1 2 3 1 3 1 0 0 16
R.Turiaf 19:17 3-7 0-0 2-6 4 5 9 2 0 0 2 1 8
J.Farmar 14:22 3-5 1-2 2-2 0 3 3 1 0 1 0 0 9
S.Vujacic 13:13 1-7 0-5 1-1 1 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 3
S.Williams 07:03 0-2 0-1 0-0 1 1 2 2 0 0 2 0 0
A.McKie 04:55 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
L.Odom - - -
C.Mihm - - -
K.Brown - - -
Total 240 47-96 13-28 16-22 14 34 48 39 15 7 13 8 123
49.0% 46.4% 72.7% Team Rebs: 12 Total TO: 13

Kobe with more assists (10) than shot attempts (9), five players in double figures (Parker, Cook, Walton, Bynum, Evans), 8 blocked shots (Bynum 6), nearly 50% team shooting... lovely

posted in LA Lakers - 10 replies

The Show

2007-01-04T01:07:41Z

I just finished reading this. The interviews are great brought back a flood of memories and gave alot of insight to things. Some conformation for me also because I said all along that the whole Kobe/Shaq thing wasn't all Kobe's fault...

From Publishers Weekly
The love-'em-or-hate-'em Los Angeles Lakers and their 14 NBA championships may be the most overreported story in professional basketball, with countless books written about the team's flashy playing style and the notorious off-court activities of superstars like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Lazenby, having written excellent books on current Lakers coach Phil Jackson and top Lakers player Kobe Bryant, possesses tremendous insight into the team, plus the trust of players and coaches, which helps him deliver this entertaining oral history. Fans—and detractors—of today's Lakers will devour the book's second half, which presents insights into the Kareem-Magic years, especially about the women and drugs readily available to NBA players. But Lazenby also presents how the 1940s rivalry between center George Mikan and guard Jim Pollard parallels the recent rivalry between center Shaquille O'Neal and guard Bryant. Many authors have depicted the brusque, demanding nature of Jack Kent Cooke, the big-spending Lakers owner during the 1960s and early '70s, as Lazenby does, but it's refreshing to read former Laker Rod Hundley's pithy appraisal of Cooke: "He was the number one asshole that ever lived." (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

First Pacific Division

2006-12-30T00:15:56Z

I like they way they are looking so far this season. Loving the fact they have silenced some of the Clipper Bullshit. If they continue to play this way I don't see anyone in the division that can over take them...

posted in LA Lakers - 16 replies

Odom diagnosed with sprained knee

2006-12-13T21:58:31Z

El SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom will miss at least the next month because of a sprained right knee.

Odom was diagnosed Wednesday by team orthopedist Dr. Steve Lombardo, a day after the 6-foot-10 star was hurt in a 102-94 victory at Houston.

Odom is averaging a career-high 17.5 points and 8.7 rebounds this season.

He was injured in the first quarter when he landed awkwardly after Shane Battier blocked his shot on a drive. Odom stayed in the game for another 90 seconds, but the Lakers called a timeout to pull him.

"I felt like something was really wrong," Odom said after the game. "I've never had anything like this."

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

Laker Notes

2006-12-12T01:23:33Z

The Lakers have played the most home games (15), won the most home games (12) and played the fewest road games (five) in the NBA. Starting with a game Tuesday night in Houston, they play eight of their next 10 and 22 of their next 34 on the road. ... The Spurs have an 8-3 record against the Lakers in the last 11 games between the teams. ... Lakers F Vladimir Radmanovic, who sprained his right ankle Saturday in practice, sat out his first game of the season. ... The Spurs had their five-game winning streak against the Lakers at Staples Center snapped. ... When the Spurs beat the Clippers 111-82 on Friday night, it marked the first time in franchise history that they've won three straight games by 20 or more points. ... The Lakers are 3-0 without Bryant this season after going 6-12 without him during the past two years.

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Ronny Turiaf

2006-11-04T21:35:57Z

He played a great game last night as well as having the flyest hairstyle in the NBA....It was good Lamar got some time to rest and didn't have to play too many minutes on the 2nd half of back to back and good seeing Jordan Farmar...

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Halloween

2006-11-01T21:15:10Z

Season opener tonight! Time really does fly. Who else is sacrificing costume privilages for the game?

posted in LA Lakers - 6 replies

Raising cane: Jackson getting closer to bench return

2006-10-29T01:45:50Z

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Leaning on a metal cane, Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson declared himself "pretty much pain free" Tuesday in his first public comments since undergoing right hip replacement surgery three weeks ago.

"I'm feeling pretty good," he said after watching the Lakers scrimmage for season-ticket holders at Staples Center. "It's good enough so I can go to practices and feel comfortable on the court."

He plans to return to the bench for the season opener next Tuesday against Phoenix.

And he'd like to do so without the cane.

"I hope to throw it away next week," he said.

Also on the mend is Kobe Bryant, who participated in his first full-court scrimmage Tuesday since offseason right knee surgery.

"It was good enough to get through practice," he said. "We had a lot of breaks in between plays."

Bryant said he should be ready for the season opener, but Jackson wasn't so sure.

"He's stalled out a little bit on his rehab and on coming back," the coach said. "I really want him to be healthy when he comes back because a lot is asked of him and he plays heavy minutes. If things don't go right, it could be a setback."

Jackson confirmed that centers Kwame Brown (right shoulder) and Chris Mihm (offseason right ankle surgery) will miss at least the first two weeks of the season, making Andrew Bynum, who turns 18 Friday, the starter.

Toward the end of practice, Jackson sat on the bench, his hands leaning on the cane propped in front of him. Bryant was next to him, a huge bag of ice wrapped around his knee.

"He had his armor on today, which is the Lakers' sweat suit," Bryant said of Jackson. "He puts that on, it means it's time for business."

During Jackson's recovery, assistant Kurt Rambis has been running training camp and coaching preseason games.

Jackson won't make the trip to Anaheim on Thursday night when the Lakers play Denver in their final preseason tuneup.

"That's still something I'm not quite comfortable doing," said Jackson, who hasn't recovered enough to drive.

For the first time in three years, though, Jackson made it through a couple hours of practice without pain. The hip replacement has also made it easier for him to sleep comfortably at night.

"What's important now is I'm pretty much pain free," he said.

Jackson's rehabilitation involves doing exercises a couple of times a day and walking, which he said should be easy to continue during down time on road trips.

Jackson has attended practice about seven times in the last two weeks, but he's been more of a presence behind the scenes -- watching film and discussing practice plans and lineups with Rambis.

"I don't think my voice is an entity yet in their ear and that's one of the things as a coach, they've got to respond to my voice," Jackson said.

Bryant certainly did.

"He's the same old Phil, jumping up and making sure he yells out instructions and subtleties of the game during practice," he said. "We definitely missed his voice."

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Prosecutors reject assault claim against Lakers' Kwame Brown

2006-07-18T19:59:57Z

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Prosecutors rejected a sexual assault claim against Los Angeles Lakers center Kwame Brown on Tuesday because of a lack of evidence.

The allegation was made during the Lakers' first-round Western Conference playoff series with Phoenix and had been under investigation since. Brown, who was not arrested, said at the time he was innocent.

"I am gratified that the authorities have come to the same conclusion and that the matter is being dropped," he said in a statement issued Tuesday through his agent. "I have been upset and frustrated to be wrongly and very publicly accused of something that I did not do and to have my name and reputation so unfairly damaged."

Deputy District Attorney Darci Johnson wrote in an evaluation of the case that the decision not to prosecute was made after "a medical exam of the victim was reviewed and revealed no signs of forcible sexual assault." There was also no corroborating forensic evidence found and Brown's attorney refused to allow him to talk to police.

The woman claimed the assault occurred in the early morning hours of April 29, hours after Game 3 of the playoff series, which Phoenix went on to win.

In reasoning against filing charges, the evaluation described the claim as a "one on one" allegation.

The woman "admits engaging in some consensual activity" with Brown prior to the alleged assault and she remained in his home for several hours afterward, it said.

The woman's statements were consistent, the evaluation noted, but "the lack of physical evidence or a statement by the suspect means the case cannot be proven at the appropriate standard."

In his statement, Brown denounced what he called "completely unfounded allegations."

"And even when the truth is finally determined the stain of an allegation remains with no real recourse against or penalty to the accuser," the statement said.

"There is no point served by any further comment on the situation and I simply would like Laker fans to know that I am putting it behind me and focused on advancing my career and helping my team in any way I can," it added.

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Espys 2006

2006-07-18T02:48:02Z

http://espn.go.com/espy2006/

Kobe is nominated for "Undeniable Performace Award" for his 81 point game and also for Best NBA Player

Ronny Turiaf is up for "Best Comeback" for having his heart surgery and playing this season (although my vote went to James Blake)

posted in LA Lakers - 6 replies

Infant Son Of Lakers' Odom Dies In Crib

2006-07-04T21:31:17Z

The Los Angeles Lakers say Lamar Odom's six-and-a-half-month-old son has died.

Team spokesman John Black says Jayden Odom died Wednesday night, apparently suffocating while sleeping in his crib in New York.

Black says "Lamar is very distraught." And "both he and the baby's mother are asking that people respect their privacy at this time."

Jayden was born December 15th. Odom has two older children -- a son and a daughter.

The 26-year-old Odom came to the Lakers two years ago in the trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to the Miami Heat. Odom averaged 14.8points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 80 games for the Lakers last season.

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

NBA Draft

2006-06-29T19:21:05Z

Jordan Farmar of UCLA to the Lakers...definitely a great point guard...and defensive minded....is he following the tradition of great Bruins that have played for the Lakers??

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Lakers vs. Suns

2006-05-09T03:45:14Z

Series tied 1-1 and Steve Snatch got dunked on by Kobe...

Sure it may have been a offensive foul, but they say that only the MVP can get away with that call : )

posted in LA Lakers - 26 replies

I have been saying it all year!

2006-05-02T05:07:15Z

Lamar Odom is a stud! If you look at it realisticaly he is! He makes his teamates better, can take anyone off the dribble and create, and has the skill level of say a Magic! I am not comparing him to Magic, but in a year or two if we are patient, he will be one of the very best. Phil has got to love someone like him on our team. I think it is looking up for us, maybe not this year but in a few we will be title continders. Keep Lamar!!!

posted in LA Lakers - 23 replies

Always Intertwined??

2006-05-01T23:26:16Z

Just like old times, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal are celebrating. The former Lakers teammates became fathers again Monday when their wives gave birth to girls six minutes apart.

Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant was born at 2:03 a.m. PDT in Orange County, Calif. Kobe and Vanessa Bryant are already parents to 3-year-old Natalia.

"The arrival of our new daughter Gianna early this morning is such an incredible blessing for me and my family," Bryant said in a statement. "We are all full of beautiful emotions after such an incredible day."

Shaquille and Shaunie O'Neal became parents for the sixth time when Mearah Sanaa O'Neal was born at 4:57 a.m. EDT in a South Florida hospital.

It's the third girl for the O'Neals, with Mearah joining sisters Taahirah and Amirah and brothers Myles, Shareef and Shaqir, who turned 3 last month.

Both mothers and their new babies were said to be doing well.

Fatherhood helped O'Neal and Bryant end the feud that led to the breakup of their pairing with the Lakers. When the Miami Heat played at Los Angeles in January, O'Neal congratulated Bryant on the birth of his daughter and the impending birth of the second one.

Bryant and O'Neal are both in the playoffs. Bryant's winning shot in overtime Sunday gave the Lakers a 99-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns and a 3-1 lead in their series. The Heat and Chicago Bulls are tied at two games apiece in their series.

Bryant didn't attend practice Monday or travel with his teammates to Phoenix for Game 5, to be played Tuesday night.

"I told him not to worry about that, to come when he can and get the rest he needs," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "Hopefully he'll get there tonight, or if not, shootaround tomorrow.

"There's a huge emotional feeling about having a child that's just beyond belief. We're happy for him. The timing's right, he'll have some rest, but I'm sure it's not easy to sleep after all those things happen."

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

On the Bubble

2006-03-02T21:36:59Z

The Lakers have been happy to be hanging on to playoff hopes, but they are now 8th in the Western Conference. How long can the Lakers ride on the bubble before it pops?

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

"I own Phil Jackson" - Mark Cuban

2006-02-09T19:14:29Z

what a jackass! = http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2323199

"I own Phil Jackson. Not literally of course. That thrill belongs to the smartest businesswoman in professional sports, Jeannie Buss. Figuratively however, the coach formerly known as the Zen Master must now be considered my bucket boy.

"This wasn't an acquisition I proactively pursued. There wasn't an official competition that I won, thereby confirming my dominance of his psyche. Instead Phil has initiated an ongoing commentary about me that started in his previous stint with the Lakers and was reinstated this year with his return, that proves I own the guy.

"For whatever reason, I have gotten to Phil so completely and thoroughly that every time he comes to Dallas he has to offer unsolicited comments about me to the media. I wonder if he dreams about me the nights he spends here in Dallas. Ok, I don't wonder. I'm curious about it.

"How can the NBA coach with so many championship rings find me so intimidating? I really don't know, but he said as much in December when he called me an 'intimidating force' to the LA Times:

"'Consider a place like Dallas, where the owner runs around, pumps up the volume, intimidates the referees and ... has announcers as hired cheerleaders, which is an intimidating force.'

"Then of course last night he again took the initiative to comment to the media about how I am such a presence in the NBA that I turn the officials into 'nervous nellies.' Implying that I can have more influence on the outcome of a game than his coaching skills. I wish. But if Phil wants to this so, I'm fine with that. That's what happens when you own someone, they can't get you out of their head, and they don't often think, speak or act rationally.

"I guess Phil was so overwhelmed that it caused him to take back-to-back delay of game penalties and the technical foul that comes with it, rather than send his team out to the court at the conclusion of a timeout in the 4th quarter.

"Of course the officials weren't intimidated. At least no more than the other officials who have given Kobe technical fouls to the tune of a league-leading 11. Maybe, instead of being so concerned with Mark Cuban, Phil should be worried about the new rule in place that causes a player to be suspended a game after he gets his 16th technical foul of the season. And if I remember correctly, every technical after 16 results in a 1-game suspension as well. Can't wait to hear what he has to say when that happens.

"Of course I don't truly believe that I own Phil. But that won't prevent me from walking up to him and saying 'Boo' to see if he jumps, just to find out for sure."

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

I Love The 80's

2006-01-26T20:48:10Z

From the Lakers website

I Love the 80s -- Kobe Makes History

By Darren Misener
Jan. 22 -- This time he played all four quarters.

E-mail photo | Buy photos

These two points were a part of NBA history.
Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images

NBA TV highlights from Raptors-Lakers: Play
Photo gallery: Kobe's historic night
2005-06 Scoring Race: Kobe, AI, LeBron
60 Points or Better: Timeline

A month after tallying 62 points in just three quarters, Kobe Bryant put his name No. 2 on the all-time NBA single-game scoring list by dropping a ridiculous 81 points on the Raptors Sunday night, in a 122-104 Lakers win. Not Since Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points over 40 years ago has the NBA seen a performance like this. Chamberlain scored 100 for Philadelphia against the New York Knicks at Hershey, Pa., on March 2, 1962. Now Kobe's name resides second with 81 on Jan. 22, 2006 in Los Angeles.

"It hasn't really sunk in yet," Bryant said after the game. "We had four days off coming up and I would have been sick as a dog if we lost. It turned into something very special."

Special doesn't do it justice. Bryant drilled 28 shots from the field, including seven from three-point land and went 18-20 from the charity stripe. There are few words to describe that kind of line. The man himself had a tough time grasping it.

"I couldn't even dream of this when I was a kid, not even in my dreams." Bryant said. "It's tough to explain, it just happened man."

Kobe scored 55 points in second half alone. That's more than anyone other than Kobe has scored in the NBA this season -- for an entire game. The 55 was also just four shy of Chamberlain's record for points in a half.

Kobe obliterated the Lakers all-time scoring record -- 71 set by Elgin Baylor in 1960. Only four players in NBA history had even scored over 70 points in a game, and none of those are named Michael Jordan. Chamberlain, Baylor, David Thompson and David Robinson were the only people to crack 70 until now -- you can add KB to that list.

After the game Lakers great Magic Johnson gave Bryant a call to congratulate him on the performance, a gesture that will leave a lasting effect.

"Talking to Magic after the game meant more to me than the 81 points," Bryant said. "Him calling me after the game meant more than the points."

STAPLES Center was electric with chants of MVP for Bryant as he drilled his 80th and 81st points from the free throw line, points that put his name second on this list.

TOP SINGLE-GAME SCORERS
1. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi. March 2, 1962 vs. N.Y. 100
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A.L. Jan. 22, 2006 vs. TOR 81
3. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi. Dec. 8, 1961 (3OT) vs. L.A.L. 78
4. Wilt Chamberlain, Phi. Jan. 13, 1962 vs. Chi. 73
Wilt Chamberlain, S.F. Nov. 16, 1962 vs. N.Y. 73
David Thompson, Den. April 9, 1978 vs. Det. 73
7. Wilt Chamberlain, S.F. Nov. 3, 1962 vs. L.A.L. 72
8. Elgin Baylor, L.A.L. Nov. 15, 1960 vs. N.Y. 71
9. David Robinson, S.A. April 24, 1994 vs. L.A.C. 71
10. Wilt Chamberlain, S.F. March 10, 1963 vs. Syr. 70

If Kobe keeps playing like this, the MVP could indeed be in his future.

posted in LA Lakers - 6 replies

Rollin

2006-01-23T05:07:18Z

Dwanye Wade or Kobe? Looks pretty easy to me, Kobe, keep Wade on a Different World where he belongs. Lake show is starting to play, an Odom is a stud!!! I am liking the direction they are going, Once Kwame gets more comfortable with his role, we role.

posted in LA Lakers - 20 replies

Can the Lakers get Artest

2006-01-11T22:22:21Z

I've been hearing a lot of trade rumors revolving around Ron Artest from the Pacers and several possible Lakers players. The names that I most often hear is Devon George and Luke Walton, but I'd be happy to dump Lamar Odom. But, just because the Lakers can trade for Artest does that mean they should?

posted in LA Lakers - 9 replies

Road trip

2005-12-28T03:49:46Z

Well that was our best road trip since 2000. It looks like the team is starting to trust each other & understand the offense.
The key now is to build on this and win these 3 games at home . And can someone tell me why there are, all of a sudden so Clipper fans I can't wait for the weels to come off there bandwagon

posted in LA Lakers - 2 replies

Game On!

2005-12-16T21:16:20Z

The 2005 season is finally here and the Lakers looked much better during their opening game vs. the Nuggets then they did last season. I was very happy to see some of the additions that the Lakers made, especially Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, and the rookie Andrew Bynum. I think Phil Jackson is going to get this group of Lakers to gel well around Kobe and take us back to the playoffs.

See you at Staples!

posted in LA Lakers - 6 replies

George Vreeland Hill

2005-10-25T21:45:04Z

Hope for a better season.
We will be BACK!!
GO LAKERS!!!

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

kwame?

2005-08-04T22:10:10Z

so what do you guys think of the trade? more specifically how do you think kwame will turn out? i'm hoping that jordan just burned the kid out and he still has a lot in him - he just needs the right environment. i think phil will give that to him. but my buddy thinks kwame's gonna be another benoit benjamin - tons of talent but no discipline. let's hope he's wrong.

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Rudy Out - Phil In?

2005-03-09T01:25:08Z

Just heard how Rudy T had to resign for health reasons. Now reports are saying Phil Jackson is a possible cadidate. I bet he'll take the Knicks job before going back to handle Kobe.

What do you guys think?

posted in LA Lakers - 17 replies

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

2005-03-02T23:57:50Z

Experts: Settlement makes sense for both sides in Bryant case

By JON SARCHE, Associated Press Writer
March 1, 2005
DENVER (AP) -- Experts believe a settlement between Kobe Bryant and the woman who has accused him of rape makes the most sense for both sides because it allows them to avoid a potentially embarrassing trial that would bring out intimate details of their lives.

ABC News Radio reported Tuesday that the NBA star and his 20-year-old accuser have reached an agreement in principle, with a settlement possible as early as this week.

Attorneys for Bryant did not return calls, and the woman's attorneys declined to comment on the report.

Earlier, the woman's attorneys had scheduled a seven-hour questioning session with Bryant on Friday, but it was scratched, prompting speculation a settlement was close.

Denver attorney Bill Keating said a settlement always seemed the only logical end for the high-profile lawsuit.

Bryant and many observers ``recognize this is a case likely to be very time-consuming, very expensive and a case that delves into intensely personal issues on both sides,'' Keating said.

``It's really the perfect case to be settled because there are lots of areas of compensation other than money that come along with getting the case settled: not having to be involved in this public issue any more,'' he said.

A settlement would offer Bryant ``an end to litigation, an end to courtrooms, an end to meetings with lawyers,'' Denver attorney Larry Pozner said. ``And what you give back is money, and what Kobe Bryant has a lot of is money.''

The woman filed her lawsuit in Denver federal court in August, three weeks before the criminal case against the Los Angeles Lakers star collapsed when she decided she could not participate in the trial.

Allegations in the lawsuit echoed those of the criminal case: The woman said Bryant flirted with her during a tour of the Vail-area resort where she worked in June 2003. After the two ended up in his room, they began to kiss and Bryant became more aggressive, holding her by the throat while he raped her from behind.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for mental injuries, humiliation and public scorn. Bryant, a married father of one, issued an apology to the woman but maintained the sex was consensual.

Bryant, 27, has to bring an end to the civil case if he hopes to regain a semblance of the rising-star image that brought him lucrative product endorsements before he was charged with sexual assault, said David Carter, a sports marketing consultant with the Los Angeles-based Sports Business Group.

``There's going to be some real short-term pain attached, but absent this, he'll never be able to move on to any kind of marketing career,'' Carter said. ``Without this closure, without putting it behind him, he's left twisting in the marketing wind.''

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

Phil's Bookl

2004-10-17T22:56:21Z

Anyone going to read it? Any thoughts on what you have heard so far.

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Who's really to blame?

2004-07-28T03:29:56Z

I don't want to assign blame to the who's and why's of who got traded. But with Gary Payton staying and Karl Malone considering staying. How is that Kobe is running everyone away? Supposedly they were brought here by Shaq. I will say again I love Shaq but enough is enough.

posted in LA Lakers - 10 replies

Vlade the new LAKER

2004-07-28T03:27:40Z

Everyone pull out your # 12 Laker jersey Divac the flopper is back. I think its a good move considering the Lakers need size in the middle, but it would be nice if Malone stayed as well and didnt go to the Spurs or Heat.

July 19) -- Vlade Divac has reached an agreement to rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving the Sacramento Kings after six seasons, an NBA source told The Associated Press.

posted in LA Lakers - 2 replies

Shaq is gone

2004-07-18T17:51:39Z

What do you guys think? Looks like no other team other then Miami is willing to give up a quarter of there team in order to get Shaq. And the Lakers are not getting his value in return, but what are you going to do when you Most Domiant Player is only Domiant for only 35mins a game, and teams arent willing to give up much.

posted in LA Lakers - 17 replies

Kobe Resigns

2004-07-16T03:00:37Z

Never fear C.D. The lakers will weather this stay positive. Don't be like other people who broke their ankles jumping off the bandwagon. Just got a report that Lakers spokesperson John Black announced today that Kobe will resign with the team!

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

so who will coach the lakers?

2004-07-10T03:14:38Z

rudy t, coach K from duke...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/basketball/nba/07/01/lakers.krzyzewski.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

d

posted in LA Lakers - 2 replies

what's up for next year?

2004-06-28T16:57:55Z

what do you think. kobe? shaq? phil? malone? fox?

posted in LA Lakers - 6 replies

Who should we get

2004-06-28T16:56:45Z

I was watching sports center and the were running through the list of players and coaches the Lakers could recruit.

So far my fav player is Jermaine O'neal

Fav Coach- undecided

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Well.. it IS BASEBALL SEASON!

2004-06-16T18:22:41Z

and I hear the Dodgers are doing well!

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

think its over

2004-06-15T18:57:28Z

the lakers are done ...damn never thought it would happen like this..

d

posted in LA Lakers - 2 replies

game 3?

2004-06-12T22:53:36Z

hold onto your hats...lakers have to cut the turnovers the pistons converted 14 of 16 ...that in itself is a story.

kobe missed his first 5 3 pnters ...that shot was so sweet..
stake in the heart..the pistons are for real though. someone from the bench has to step up I doubt malone can play tommorrow.

I still say this is going 7..

d

posted in LA Lakers - 4 replies

what happened

2004-06-12T22:31:04Z

what has happened to the lakers defense. i know you cannot count the lakers out until the last buzzer sounds but they also have the abilty the fuck up a wet dream.

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

game 2

2004-06-10T05:02:34Z

the lakers let the pistons hang on, they take the lead with just over a minute by as much as 8 then with 2 secs kobe drills a 3...kobe and malone have missed way too many 3's and the lakers have 16 turnovers..

d

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

lakers stunk up game 1

2004-06-08T20:33:40Z

to say that was sad is an understatement they best come to play or its all over the lakers let those believe in themselves and they need to stop reading the papers and believing the hype. they had best play ball. I'm ashamed of them.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=neel/040607

d

posted in LA Lakers - 2 replies

sunday staples arena

2004-06-07T03:12:25Z

gonna be good think the matchups will be interesting

wallace vs shaq
hamilton & kobe
prince vs devan makes me kinda nervous
malone and rasheed..ouch...
billups on payton...

this one goes 7..

d

posted in LA Lakers - 7 replies

Western Confrence Champions

2004-06-01T22:27:14Z

Tonights game was incredible. Special props to Kareem Rush for making the clutch 3 point shots. Timberwolves played a good game, I almost felt bad for Kevin Garnett, but I feel better for Gary Payton and Karl Malone. Lakers came through in spite of the worst oficiating I have seen this season. Is it just me, or did it seem like the officials were leaned on to drag this out to a full seven games?

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

so pistons or pacers any thoughts?

2004-06-01T20:07:46Z

I like richard hamilton, rasheed is a wild card...he finally drove the blazers to unloading him.

I haven't seen either team this year but the pistons were ole favs.

d

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

the wolves have led the entire 3rd qtr...!!

2004-06-01T03:15:11Z

spree and garnett are killing us...gawd if we lose tonite..
I can't stand it...64-62 with 1:28 in the 3rd.

d

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

one more and the lakers return to the finals

2004-06-01T02:10:37Z

without sam cassels the wolves look to go home as the lakers with 7 of the their last 8 under their belts.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2004/news/story?id=1811715

the wolves have no answer for Kobe or Shaq.

d

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

the Tiredwolves

2004-05-22T04:16:45Z

poor guys.

low energy all game for everyone it seemed.

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

A new cheer

2004-05-21T18:06:26Z

From here on out, everytime Kobe makes a clutch shot, you must scream loud enough for the neigbors to hear, "NOT GUILTY!!!!!!" This is especially useful for pissing off Laker haters and entertaining the rest of the bar.

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

Lakers Vs. T-Wolves

2004-05-21T17:53:13Z

So now we know who we're playing, Minnesota gets home court advantage. I say the Lakers take them in 5 games.

posted in LA Lakers - 4 replies

Phil Jackson's future

2004-05-20T17:36:35Z

sports.yahoo.com/nba/news

all good things must come to an end.

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

What do you want to see

2004-05-20T02:48:54Z

I would love to see the Timberwolves beat the Kings because I just don't like the Kings. That said, I would love to see a Kings Laker game because I just don't like the Kings and it would be very dramatic.

In the east, I don't know. Well Miami is out. hmmm a Detroit/Lakers series would bring back memories! I don't know enough of the east teams but they all kinda seem lack luster. But skool me cause I really don't know.

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

from espn the whole story

2004-05-16T07:35:12Z

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=240515013

am off to bed nite

d

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

the Lakers win 88-76 the Spurs are vanquished!!!!

2004-05-16T06:03:24Z

Kobe knocks down 26 I'm happy ...will be watching the Wolves and Kings tommorrow.

d

posted in LA Lakers - 0 replies

is this phil jacksons last year?

2004-05-15T23:18:06Z

the rumours are rampant that he's burnt out, the kobe shaq thing and kobes trial, he's got some very explosive personalities to handle. he's a family man and you know this season has been hard on him.

posted in LA Lakers - 3 replies

let's do this

2004-05-15T22:57:17Z

let's do this people. lakers in 6!!!!!!!!!!!!

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

No, no, no...

2004-05-15T18:34:37Z

Fuck all that shit silent Bob...the Laker camp needs Norm Van Lear on the Mic, Darryl Dawkins on the backboard, and Dennis Rodman pulling in the rebounds...

posted in LA Lakers - 1 reply

Derek Fisher is God

2004-05-15T05:06:53Z

Derek Fisher needs to get a shoe contract and a soda endorsement. .4 seconds left for the most incredible game winning shot I have ever seen. For all the glory of Shaq and Kobe, tonights game belongs to Fish.

posted in LA Lakers - 4 replies

2 questions

2004-05-15T04:55:01Z

Obviously the Spurs are pissed. Game five could not have been any closer. 2 Questions-

1.Will this series go all seven games?

2. Do you want to see the Lakers play Sacramento or Minesota in the next round?

posted in LA Lakers - 4 replies