I seriously think this would set the Lakers back if this were to happen.

BUT:

Its been close to a year since Bryant's been on Free Agent status. The lack of a new long term contract and Bryant's explanations of LA's playoff performance seem very telling. Any idea of when or should this happen?

Kobe is over-rated. I think if the lakers got some other decent players, fat lazy shaq got in shape and took hoops seriously, they can win a title without Kobe.

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Kidd would have been a kick ass acquisition.

If the mavs can get Kidd & Jermaine Oneal, they can win the title. Of course there is a 1% chance of that happening, but they could swing a couple sign and trade deals for nash and finley. Indiana and New Jersey may be open to doing such a swap, rather than losing their players with nada in return.

Kobe is the real deal, and he will continue to get better. How old is he?? 24?

He wants his own team, to be the main leader and not have to share spotlight with Shaq. I can understand this.

I hope Kobe ends up with his own team, somewhere out East.... the Knicks, 76ers, Miami.... I would like to see a team built around him.

ESPN was talking about the possibility of the Lakers aquiring both Karl Malone and Gary Payton. I can't stand the Lakers with a passion but I would love to see Karl Malone get an NBA title!!

Even if he gets a team "built around him" there's still a question of good coaching. Even with the combined firepower of Kobe and Shaq, LA really only began to ignite with the addition of Phil Jackson.

Which really brings the larger issue to mind--it is a rare combo of players, circumstance, the right coach, and finances that produce a championship franchise.

What are you talking about?
Who are these Lakers and who is this Kobe thing?

Vick, football is coming up soon!!

61 days till the fun Begins
Opening night Thursday Sept 4. Jets VS Redskins

I sure would love to see them trade AI for Kobe but it won't happen. Kobe will stay.

AI teamed with SHAQ.... now that could be a lethal combo (ie., 3peat)

http://www.msnbc.com/news/935503.asp?0cm=c10

Kobe and AI might have more in common.....

Actually I would like to see that trade as well. Would be interesting. Doubt it will happen though.