The state of the LA Lakers: for 2 years most of the
blame/media coverage about the Lakers is that Kobe is getting a ton of money
and his attitude is keeping free agents away from the Lakers. Here's why that'
flawed (mostly, but not completely). Yes his salary does prevent LA from
bringing in 2 max contract players. But, what team has that kind of cap room
and what two max contract players are REALLY worth spending that kind of money
on AND willing to go to that one team? I'll wait for the answer...So let's take
that off the table for now. The 2nd issue about Kobe not being the type of
player others want to play with. Who? Who are these players that don't want to
ball with a top 10 all time great with 5 rings and a unanimous 1st ballot hall
of famer who has the best work ethic on the court since Jordan?! Point them
out, mark them with a highlighter so I can see them in fluorescent light
because I DON'T WANT THEM ON MY TEAM!
The MAIN problem for the Lakers organization is THEIR approach to free
agents! They're still pitching players like they did when they landed Shaq. A
bunch of Hollywood types, movies about how they can market them and why
"the big city" is the best place for their "brand." This is the age of social media. No offense
to my Cleveland, OH family but that is a relatively small market that houses
the best player in the league--his brand is just fine! Why, because you no
longer need the exposure of a big city to be a big market attraction. News and
information is instantaneous. It's not dependent on a big market. And lets be honest, "branding" is
GLOBAL not just local. The Lakers need to infuse some fresh blood into the
front office. Someone who knows the pulse
of the players. They also need to point
to how bringing in player _____ is going to help them get banner #17..18...and
well you get it!
Now, Kobe has and still goes "on the record" with unwise comments. Most recently he was interviewed by Jemelle Hill and the quote attributed him about why he doesn't make friends in the NBA he said (paraphrasing) 'friends are temporary but banners last forever.' Two sides to this. Those who love the competitiveness of that statement laud his bravado. Those who really pay attention to what that means are saddened by it. A TRUE friend DOES last forever. It seems apparent Kobe hasn't really found that TRUE friend or tried. When you retire and the bright lights are dimming and darkening who's left? Family? Sure. Friends? TRUE ones! Not just those who are there when things are good. This is how Kobe has approached a lot of his career (based on what I've seen and read as I have never met the man personally). That's sad to me, because the end of his career is coming--a brilliant hall of fame career. He's apparently been wise with his money so he wont be going broke but the game and it's players who are carrying it on, may not be as quick to embrace a retired Kobe as they are for one who is currently playing--he may be OK with that now but later? We all want to be loved/liked on a certain level. I think this mindset has prevented some with bonding and going all out for the Lakers. If I can make an analogy: As a supervisor, I have people who work for me. If all I ever do is treat them like employees and just show business interest in what they say and do, they will handle their jobs appropriately but when the ____ hits the fan, and I'm backed into the wall and now NEED them to step up their game, how many (if any) will be WILLING to do that on their own? What would be their motivation? I've only treated them like employees and just giving them what is fair and just; not considering them or sacrifices they've made and attributing value to that at all. Still, some may give you more, but how many? How long will that last if you stay on the same course? Kareem was known to be a bit surly during his playing days. It cost him relationships with team mates and media. he was an all time great and first ballot hall of famer. However at some point he wanted to be a head coach. He started off working with centers and did a great job in helping some of the games big men take their game to the next level. However he (to this date) has never gotten the opportunity to be a head coach. Not because he couldn't handle it. There are ton of head coaches who got jobs they probably shouldn't have but did. Most attribute Kareem's past as the main reason he didn't get ground swell and support for what he wanted to do next.
This is Kobe's 20th year in the league. Monumental accomplishments. Great career. He will be celebrated this year. I'm hoping to see him in Charlotte. I hope he takes this time to enjoy what has been accomplished, appreciate what has been earned, and enjoy the last chapter(s) of his career with his team mates and an organization who is at a cross roads betting heavily on draft picks D'Angelo Russel and Julius Randle can take them to the next great chapter in Lakers history. Because when it's over (and the end is sooner than we want to think) it's over! The Lakers will need to figure out life after Kobe--that train is getting retired and a new model is needed. They can't rely on the old thinking. They need to adjust to how things are done today. Get back to basketball and winning ON the court. Let the players agent figure out how his/her client can win off the court. You can give them resources, but stick to what got you here--winning basketball games and championships. It's what the interview is for!
...or is it just me?
