Jerry West clearing capspace for Kobe after next season

[s_knight8]

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/6195580.htm

The rest of the Lakers just need to be committed and handle their
business, just as Bryant always has, improving some element of his
game each year.

No other player, no coach, no front-office official with the Lakers
can make such a claim, so the time for change is now, unless L.A.
wants Eddie Jones back with O'Neal instead of Bryant. And it would
help if the Lakers could get P.J. Brown, Juwan Howard or Alonzo
Mourning.

If not, remember that Jerry West, the man who brought Bryant to L.A.,
is presiding over the Grizzlies in Memphis. And he'll have cap room.

The Grizzlies' payroll is about $35 million for next year. They have
team options on Shane Battier and Pau Gasol next summer, which could
potentially free up an additional $7.5 million for West to get Bryant.

Think otherwise? Remember all those bodies West unloaded when he was
with the Lakers to steal O'Neal away from Orlando?

West pulled off the blockbuster while O'Neal was participating in the
1996 Olympics. Bryant will be in Athens, Greece, for the 2004 Olympics
next summer.

The Lakers can appear blasé about Bryant's potential departure if they
wish and assume he won't leave.

Fools, like suckers, are born every day.

[Lonnie]

Post by s_knight8
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/6195580.htm
The rest of the Lakers just need to be committed and handle their
business, just as Bryant always has, improving some element of his
game each year.
No other player, no coach, no front-office official with the Lakers
can make such a claim, so the time for change is now, unless L.A.
wants Eddie Jones back with O'Neal instead of Bryant. And it would
help if the Lakers could get P.J. Brown, Juwan Howard or Alonzo
Mourning.
If not, remember that Jerry West, the man who brought Bryant to L.A.,
is presiding over the Grizzlies in Memphis. And he'll have cap room.
The Grizzlies' payroll is about $35 million for next year. They have
team options on Shane Battier and Pau Gasol next summer, which could
potentially free up an additional $7.5 million for West to get Bryant.
Think otherwise? Remember all those bodies West unloaded when he was
with the Lakers to steal O'Neal away from Orlando?
West pulled off the blockbuster while O'Neal was participating in the
1996 Olympics. Bryant will be in Athens, Greece, for the 2004 Olympics
next summer.
The Lakers can appear blasé about Bryant's potential departure if they
wish and assume he won't leave.
Fools, like suckers, are born every day.

Oh yeah - Kobe's gonna jump from the Lakers to the Grizz. From LA to
Memphis.
From a dynasty to a team that's run like the prime time soap opera.
From the biggest media market in the world to the smallest market in the
league.
From an exciting, sophisticated city to a place that considers indoor
plumbing " showy ".


Even if those fools and suckers were born yesterday by today
they're too smart to believe this "rumour ".

[JC Martin]

Post by Lonnie

Post by s_knight8
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/6195580.htm
The rest of the Lakers just need to be committed and handle their
business, just as Bryant always has, improving some element of his
game each year.
No other player, no coach, no front-office official with the Lakers
can make such a claim, so the time for change is now, unless L.A.
wants Eddie Jones back with O'Neal instead of Bryant. And it would
help if the Lakers could get P.J. Brown, Juwan Howard or Alonzo
Mourning.
If not, remember that Jerry West, the man who brought Bryant to L.A.,
is presiding over the Grizzlies in Memphis. And he'll have cap room.
The Grizzlies' payroll is about $35 million for next year. They have
team options on Shane Battier and Pau Gasol next summer, which could
potentially free up an additional $7.5 million for West to get Bryant.
Think otherwise? Remember all those bodies West unloaded when he was
with the Lakers to steal O'Neal away from Orlando?
West pulled off the blockbuster while O'Neal was participating in the
1996 Olympics. Bryant will be in Athens, Greece, for the 2004 Olympics
next summer.
The Lakers can appear blasé about Bryant's potential departure if they
wish and assume he won't leave.
Fools, like suckers, are born every day.

Oh yeah - Kobe's gonna jump from the Lakers to the Grizz. From LA to
Memphis.
From a dynasty to a team that's run like the prime time soap opera.
From the biggest media market in the world to the smallest market in the
league.
From an exciting, sophisticated city to a place that considers indoor
plumbing " showy ".

L.A. more sophisticated than Vancouver??? As much as I love Los Angeles, no
one will ever mistake it for a sophisticated city.

-JC

[JC Martin]

Post by JC Martin
L.A. more sophisticated than Vancouver??? As much as I love Los Angeles, no
one will ever mistake it for a sophisticated city.

The Grizzlies are in Memphis, dude.

*LOL*

Brain freeze! Shows how much I follow them.

Memphis? Okay, L.A. is far more sophisticated.

-JC

Dimitri

[i_like_sockeye]

Post by JC Martin
Memphis? Okay, L.A. is far more sophisticated.

This is the funniest thing I've ever read on USENET.

If your idea of sophistication is Britney Spears and Botox injections
then I guess you're right, but give me Al Green and and the best damn
pork BBQ in the world any day of the week.

[Granville Waiters' Ghost]

Post by s_knight8
No other player, no coach, no front-office official with the Lakers
can make such a claim, so the time for change is now, unless L.A.
wants Eddie Jones back with O'Neal instead of Bryant. And it would
help if the Lakers could get P.J. Brown, Juwan Howard or Alonzo
Mourning.

Hmmm, all Riley players (with an * next to Howard). Coincidence?
(Note that I have no idea what I'm alluding to here, so I guess
it is just a coincidence.)

Post by s_knight8
The Lakers can appear blasé about Bryant's potential departure if they
wish and assume he won't leave.

What exactly are the Lakers supposed to do? Trade Shaq and take
a tumble down in the ranklings to accomodate another player's
ego? It's Bryant's option, he's the one who will choose to
exercise it or not.

[Dave McNulla]

I don't think Jerry would do that to the Lakers. He's said that he still
has a lot of love for the Lakers and I don't think he'd screw them like
that. He might be clearing cap space, but I don't think it's for Kobe.

it's nothing personal, it's only business.

personally, i wouldn't be surprised if the spurs keep some room open for
next year. it looks better than this year, with kobe and garnett in f.a.

dave

[Eric Opperman]

I don't think Jerry would do that to the Lakers. He's said that he still
has a lot of love for the Lakers and I don't think he'd screw them like
that. He might be clearing cap space, but I don't think it's for Kobe.

If he's worried about screwing another team by pursuing a free agent, I
don't want him in charge. That said, there's no way he *IS* worried
about that, and I'm happy with what he's done so far here.

[Fred Deaton]

Kobe can make a big center (Gasol) more powerful on the court. West knows
this. Its not the size of the city that counts, because Kobe will bring the
bright lights to any city.

If Kobe goes anywhere, it will be with a young team and a place he will be
the star. Memphis is young and he would certainly be the biggest star in
memphis. The only advantage West has is his and Kobe's mutual admiration for
one another. Jerry would work to temper the press and help Kobe become the
superstar he is and then Memphis will be america's basketball team (with a
world flavor) Nothing personal to the lakers, but if it is not Memphis Kobe
will go somewhere else..

Post by Eric Opperman

I don't think Jerry would do that to the Lakers. He's said that he still
has a lot of love for the Lakers and I don't think he'd screw them like
that. He might be clearing cap space, but I don't think it's for Kobe.

If he's worried about screwing another team by pursuing a free agent, I
don't want him in charge. That said, there's no way he *IS* worried
about that, and I'm happy with what he's done so far here.
--
Thanks for your time,
Eric Opperman
"Daddy, tell the guys to keep their eyes on the ball. They're missing
the ball too much." -- Former Giants bat boy Darren Baker, son of Cubs
manager Dusty Baker

[Gary Collard]

Post by Fred Deaton
Kobe can make a big center (Gasol) more powerful on the court. West knows
this. Its not the size of the city that counts, because Kobe will bring the
bright lights to any city.
If Kobe goes anywhere, it will be with a young team and a place he will be
the star.

Agree with this.

Post by Fred Deaton
Memphis is young and he would certainly be the biggest star in
memphis. The only advantage West has is his and Kobe's mutual admiration for
one another. Jerry would work to temper the press and help Kobe become the
superstar he is and then Memphis will be america's basketball team (with a
world flavor) Nothing personal to the lakers, but if it is not Memphis Kobe
will go somewhere else..

I figure that Memphis is the only place that he even conceivably might go
(10% chance tops), and if that were to happen it would become pretty likely
that Garnett took his spot in LA. A nice consolation prize, but for
continuity and history purposes I would hate to see it happen.

[teddd]

This is quite possibly the stupidest thing ever written. Jerry West is
committed to helping the Grizzlies win championships, not the Lakers.

I don't think Jerry would do that to the Lakers. He's said that he still
has a lot of love for the Lakers and I don't think he'd screw them like
that. He might be clearing cap space, but I don't think it's for Kobe.
Dimitri

[Larry Coon]

Post by teddd
This is quite possibly the stupidest thing ever written. Jerry West is
committed to helping the Grizzlies win championships, not the Lakers.

Correct. This article is a good one:

http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/hughes_frank/1430852.html

The most relevant quote from this article is the following:

What I love about West is that he is actually good friends
with Sonics president Wally Walker. But that didn't stop
West from reaching into Walker's stomach and ripping out
his spleen. It is that win-at-all-costs characteristic that
made West such an icon in Los Angeles.


Larry Coon
University of California

The NBA Salary Cap FAQ:
http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm

[D. Gerasimatos]

Post by Larry Coon
http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/hughes_frank/1430852.html
What I love about West is that he is actually good friends
with Sonics president Wally Walker. But that didn't stop
West from reaching into Walker's stomach and ripping out
his spleen. It is that win-at-all-costs characteristic that
made West such an icon in Los Angeles.

I disagree with the notion that West is "win-at-all-costs". For instance,
West did not like to sign players who had a bad character. A professional
attitude and a respect for the game are important to Jerry. I think
honesty and integrity are important to Jerry. He would've honored his
commitment to Rick Fox even if Fox had injured himself before the Lakers
had Bird rights, for instance. "Win-at-all-costs" is not how I'd describe
Jerry West. Fiercely competitive for sure, but not "win-at-all-costs".


Dimitri

[Gary Collard]

Post by D. Gerasimatos

Post by Larry Coon
http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/hughes_frank/1430852.html
What I love about West is that he is actually good friends
with Sonics president Wally Walker. But that didn't stop
West from reaching into Walker's stomach and ripping out
his spleen. It is that win-at-all-costs characteristic that
made West such an icon in Los Angeles.

I disagree with the notion that West is "win-at-all-costs". For instance,
West did not like to sign players who had a bad character.

Well, except for Elden Campbell, Nick Van Exel and Dennis Rodman I suppose
so :)

[D. Gerasimatos]

Post by Gary Collard
Well, except for Elden Campbell, Nick Van Exel and Dennis Rodman I suppose
so :)

Jerry West has not happy about the Rodman signing. I never realized Elden
was trouble. Van Exel was shipped out for nothing once he became a problem.


Dimitri

[Eric Opperman]

Post by D. Gerasimatos

Post by Larry Coon
http://espn.go.com/nba/columns/hughes_frank/1430852.html
What I love about West is that he is actually good friends
with Sonics president Wally Walker. But that didn't stop
West from reaching into Walker's stomach and ripping out
his spleen. It is that win-at-all-costs characteristic that
made West such an icon in Los Angeles.

I disagree with the notion that West is "win-at-all-costs". For instance,
West did not like to sign players who had a bad character. A professional
attitude and a respect for the game are important to Jerry. I think
honesty and integrity are important to Jerry. He would've honored his
commitment to Rick Fox even if Fox had injured himself before the Lakers
had Bird rights, for instance. "Win-at-all-costs" is not how I'd describe
Jerry West. Fiercely competitive for sure, but not "win-at-all-costs".

He probably considers character and respect important to winning. That
wouldn't go against a win at all costs approach to building a team.

[D. Gerasimatos]

Post by teddd
This is quite possibly the stupidest thing ever written. Jerry West is
committed to helping the Grizzlies win championships, not the Lakers.

Jerry West is and will always be a Laker. He will not screw the Lakers in
order to help Memphis get ahead. He will sign Kobe if Kobe wants to go,
but it would be stupid to think that Jerry would go out of his way to
screw the Lakers. He's got more integrity than that.


Dimitri

[William Brackeen]

It wouldn't be about "screwing the Lakers". It would be about getting the
best available player for the Grizz. Not doing the best thing for your
current employer would be a lack of integrity. If Kobe were to sign with
the Grizz it would be indicative that he was leaving L.A. anyway. No
screwing involved. West is the consummate professional and if he can
improve Memphis' situation, then he'll in all likelihood say "Lakers be
damned" and do it. That's integrity.

Post by D. Gerasimatos

Post by teddd
This is quite possibly the stupidest thing ever written. Jerry West is
committed to helping the Grizzlies win championships, not the Lakers.

Jerry West is and will always be a Laker. He will not screw the Lakers in
order to help Memphis get ahead. He will sign Kobe if Kobe wants to go,
but it would be stupid to think that Jerry would go out of his way to
screw the Lakers. He's got more integrity than that.
Dimitri

[D. Gerasimatos]

Post by William Brackeen
It wouldn't be about "screwing the Lakers". It would be about getting the
best available player for the Grizz. Not doing the best thing for your
current employer would be a lack of integrity. If Kobe were to sign with
the Grizz it would be indicative that he was leaving L.A. anyway. No
screwing involved. West is the consummate professional and if he can
improve Memphis' situation, then he'll in all likelihood say "Lakers be
damned" and do it. That's integrity.

There's a difference between signing someone who is going to leave anyway
and actively recruiting a prized employee away from a former employer.
I stand by my statement that West is clearing cap space for an impact
player. He is not clearing cap space to make a run at Kobe. If that impact
player turns out to be Kobe then he'll be delighted, but the articles make
it seem like he's targeted Kobe and will use his relationship with Kobe
against the Lakers. That's bullshit. West will not lure Kobe away from
LA. If Kobe wants to leave LA that's something else entirely. Is the
difference too subtle to understand?


Dimitri

[Eric Opperman]

Post by D. Gerasimatos

Post by William Brackeen
It wouldn't be about "screwing the Lakers". It would be about getting the
best available player for the Grizz. Not doing the best thing for your
current employer would be a lack of integrity. If Kobe were to sign with
the Grizz it would be indicative that he was leaving L.A. anyway. No
screwing involved. West is the consummate professional and if he can
improve Memphis' situation, then he'll in all likelihood say "Lakers be
damned" and do it. That's integrity.

There's a difference between signing someone who is going to leave anyway
and actively recruiting a prized employee away from a former employer.
I stand by my statement that West is clearing cap space for an impact
player. He is not clearing cap space to make a run at Kobe. If that impact
player turns out to be Kobe then he'll be delighted, but the articles make
it seem like he's targeted Kobe and will use his relationship with Kobe
against the Lakers. That's bullshit. West will not lure Kobe away from
LA. If Kobe wants to leave LA that's something else entirely. Is the
difference too subtle to understand?

He will attempt to lure the best available free agent(s) who would fit
with his team. If that free agent used to play for the Lakers, so
what. If he used to play for the Clippers, so what. And he will use
whatever means he has to try to get said free agent to come to Memphis.
That's kinda the job description.

[D. Gerasimatos]

Post by D. Gerasimatos
There's a difference between signing someone who is going to leave anyway
and actively recruiting a prized employee away from a former employer.

Such as what happened to Shaq? But of course, we know that it is
perfectly ok to do it against a 2 bit operation like the Magic, while
it's totally unacceptable against a class organization like the
Lakers.

The Orlando Magic was not a former employer of Jerry West and he had no
ties to that team.


Dimitri

[Albert]

Post by D. Gerasimatos

Post by D. Gerasimatos
There's a difference between signing someone who is going to leave anyway
and actively recruiting a prized employee away from a former employer.

Such as what happened to Shaq? But of course, we know that it is
perfectly ok to do it against a 2 bit operation like the Magic, while
it's totally unacceptable against a class organization like the
Lakers.

The Orlando Magic was not a former employer of Jerry West and he had no
ties to that team.

What difference does that make? Just because Jerry West was a
Lakers icon (and NBA icon) for the last 25 years forbids him to pry
players away from the Lakers? That's very unprofessional if Jerry
West actually does let his previous personal ties an organization
hinder his ability to do his current job effectively.

Post by D. Gerasimatos
Dimitri

[D. Gerasimatos]

Post by Albert

Post by D. Gerasimatos

Post by D. Gerasimatos
There's a difference between signing someone who is going to leave anyway
and actively recruiting a prized employee away from a former employer.

Such as what happened to Shaq? But of course, we know that it is
perfectly ok to do it against a 2 bit operation like the Magic, while
it's totally unacceptable against a class organization like the
Lakers.

The Orlando Magic was not a former employer of Jerry West and he had no
ties to that team.

What difference does that make?

Well, it makes a lot of difference when I said "actively recruiting a
prized employee away from a former employer" and you gave Shaq as an
example.

Post by Albert
Just because Jerry West was a Lakers icon (and NBA icon) for the last 25 years
forbids him to pry players away from the Lakers? That's very unprofessional
if Jerry West actually does let his previous personal ties an organization
hinder his ability to do his current job effectively.

Actually, I think it is quite professional. Jerry himself said that the
best place for Kobe is the Lakers. The guy is a class act.


Dimitri

[D. Gerasimatos]

Post by D. Gerasimatos
Well, it makes a lot of difference when I said "actively recruiting a
prized employee away from a former employer" and you gave Shaq as an
example.

There is no difference between former employer or not. There never
should be.

There's a lot of difference. Many companies make very clear distinctions
betwene former employees and not, even to the detail that they specify
a period of time in which they can do business with a former employee
and such. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers made West sign an
agreement that said he would not recruit former Lakers for 1 year (or 3
years). This is very common. I know someone who teaches and she had to
sign an agreement that she would not recruit any former students for a 1
year period after separation.

I have no problem saying that Jerry West is a class act, because he
is. And I also agree that the best place for Kobe is the Lakers, but
that won't stop anybody else from recruiting Kobe. Looking out for
the best interest of your current employer does not exclude you from
being a class act. However, unable to seperate personal ties from
business is unprofessional, and Jerry West is a consummate
professional.

It's not about personal ties only. It's about former business ties. You
have obviously never had any ethics training.


Dimitri

[Gary Collard]

Post by D. Gerasimatos
There's a difference between signing someone who is going to leave anyway
and actively recruiting a prized employee away from a former employer.

Such as what happened to Shaq?

Huh? What former Orlando GM lured Shaq to LA? This "comparison" makes no
sense whatsoever.

[George Shouse]

On Mon, 30 Jun 2003 22:50:31 +0000 (UTC),

Post by D. Gerasimatos

Post by teddd
This is quite possibly the stupidest thing ever written. Jerry West is
committed to helping the Grizzlies win championships, not the Lakers.

Jerry West is and will always be a Laker. He will not screw the Lakers in
order to help Memphis get ahead. He will sign Kobe if Kobe wants to go,
but it would be stupid to think that Jerry would go out of his way to
screw the Lakers. He's got more integrity than that.

If Jerry West could get Kobe to play for the Grizz he would do
it in a heartbeat.

George Shouse http://www.shouses.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Always a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers
Rest In Peace, Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn
Nov. 27, 1916 - Aug 5, 2002
ASBNLL FAQs at http://www.asbnll.com/

[William Brackeen]

Granted, the events of the last 24 hours cast doubt on whether Kobe will be
playing anywhere anytime soon.

Post by George Shouse
On Mon, 30 Jun 2003 22:50:31 +0000 (UTC),

Post by D. Gerasimatos

Post by teddd
This is quite possibly the stupidest thing ever written. Jerry West is
committed to helping the Grizzlies win championships, not the Lakers.

Jerry West is and will always be a Laker. He will not screw the Lakers in
order to help Memphis get ahead. He will sign Kobe if Kobe wants to go,
but it would be stupid to think that Jerry would go out of his way to
screw the Lakers. He's got more integrity than that.

If Jerry West could get Kobe to play for the Grizz he would do
it in a heartbeat.
George Shouse http://www.shouses.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Always a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers
Rest In Peace, Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn
Nov. 27, 1916 - Aug 5, 2002
ASBNLL FAQs at http://www.asbnll.com/

[Lonnie]

Post by teddd
This is quite possibly the stupidest thing ever written. Jerry West is
committed to helping the Grizzlies win championships, not the Lakers.

I appreciated the disclaimer at the begining of your message. Thank you

Post by teddd

I don't think Jerry would do that to the Lakers. He's said that he still
has a lot of love for the Lakers and I don't think he'd screw them like
that. He might be clearing cap space, but I don't think it's for Kobe.
Dimitri