Beck: Kobe leaving LA is "inevitable"

[Andrew]

Howard Beck of the LA Daily News believes Kobe will definitely leave the Lakers. (Article)

I don't think we should dismiss the idea immediately, although at times the Kobe/Shaq feud has been blown out of proportion. The Lakers have also been able to win three straight titles despite the friction, so Kobe could very well remain a Laker after this season.

So, the question is: Is Kobe intent on leaving, or is this:
a) An approach Kobe is using in hopes of landing a better deal?
b) Another mind game the Lakers are playing to befuddle the rest of the league?

Having read that article, I'm starting to think it's a definite possibility that Kobe will decide to leave LA. It would no longer be surprising if he decides to move on given the opportunity. Sure, it's all speculation at this point, but I doubt this is a strategy the Lakers organisation is using to bluff the rest of the NBA, and it probably isn't about money either.

And if Kobe is indeed feeling slighted by the Lakers organisation and plans to move on...what should the Lakers do?

[Stonecold]

NOOOO!!! Please don't leave L.A. KOBE.

[Fresh8]

Since Kobe did say he wanted to 'test' free agency a while ago.....maybe he just wants to find a better deal....but if u think about it- it may all be exagerrated that the Lakers cant stop kobe leavin'....Is it possible the Lakers are trying to take everyone's mind off Kobe's case....(which is getting closer to his trial...) and provide the players on the team a more relaxed and less media-effected atmosphere to finish the regular season and play well in the home stretch?

If Kobe is really going to leave; according to 'inside' sources, he'll try to find a team that he can be the man...the main guy....If he goes to cross-town Clippers...he'll play with Maggette who i've heard knows Kobe well...

Kobe will be playing alongside Elton Brand/Maggette....and I'm sure those guys wouldn't mind playing alongside and behind Kobe...as long as they reach the playoffs....or do they mind?

Or could he go to Utah...or Atlanta....We all know that he can't go to Denver...and Pheonix is an option....

And scary to me is that after failure in chasing Kidd...the Spurs, i've heard, have Kobe on the top of their Free Agent list...But would Kobe play second fiddle to Duncan- or vice versa?

[Nel]

I expect kobe to play for memphis next season...

[.]

Kobe himself denied every rumour about him on leaving the Lakers. He did say "I've been a Laker fan since age 6, I want to be a Laker the rest of my life." so I really hope hes planning to stay, but if he chooses to leave, I completely understand him. He has been overshadowed by Shaq in his entire career and I think hes gettign sick of people who say that he cant win without Shaq. He already got his 3 championships, maybe its time for him to move on and lead a franchise by his own, and make him the first option on the team. If he leaves, I really hope he will be picked up by the Memphis Grizzlies & Jerry West. imagine Wright, Gasol, Posey, Kobe and Williams , with Miller and Battier from the bench

[Ruff Ryder]

Kobe himself denied every rumour about him on leaving the Lakers. He did say "I've been a Laker fan since age 6, I want to be a Laker the rest of my life."

Yeah. I heard that on ESPN. He said that he doesnt wanna worry about it now, but at the end of the season. He doesnt want the teaam or himself to be distracted. Kobe will have to learn the hard way if he leaves.

Look at t-mac. He is in Orlando, pretty much by himself. He does what seems most of the playing, defending, and scoring.

I hope that if Kobe decides that he wants to leave LA, that Mitch will trade him maybe to the clippers for Maggette and a pick, Brand and Maggette, or somewhere where he can get help to fill in for Kobe.

[Jackal]

I think hes gettign sick of people who say that he cant win without Shaq. He already got his 3 championship

Getting sick of people saying he cant win without Shaq? Why would he be getting sick of it? Reality is harsh I guess, do you really see Kobe winning without Shaq?

I'll answer the question for you, take a look at T-Mac.

He already got 3 championships...not by himself, with Shaq...the way you said it, kinda came out "he did won 3 already, he'll win more by himself"...his best chances are with Shaq, if winning is what he wants, if he wants personal stats to stand out...go get your own team Kobe.

[Full Surface]

Kobe in a Bulls uniform would be sweet

[Matthew]

No it wouldnt be sweet. Kobe in a jail uniform would be even sweeter just joking
I cant see kobe staying.. becuase the lakers have already offered him the max, so whats a"better deal" he could holding out for? And to be honest, i think contract negotions are probably the last thing on kobes mind right now..

[Gripni]

[b][color=blue]I hope that if Kobe decides that he wants to leave LA, that Mitch will trade him maybe to the clippers for Maggette and a pick, Brand and Maggette, or somewhere where he can get help to fill in for Kobe.

That wouldn't really be leaving LA.

I think he will stay in LA. He has been playing for less than he's worth for a long time now, and I think he wants more money.[/code]

[renegade]

Kobe Leaving LA and moving the an East team would be the sweetest. Moving to New York would be good. Marbury, Kobe, Van Horn, Thomas, Motumbo(sp). I would like to see him in the green though but that will move pierce to the bench which aint good but yeah i wonder where. I love trades and i love watching LA get screwed

[Bourbon]

So, the question is: Is Kobe intent on leaving, or is this:
a) An approach Kobe is using in hopes of landing a better deal?

Hmmmm, I don't think so. As further research on your part would indicate, the Lakers can offer Kobe the most money ($141 million) over the most years (seven), and Mitch Kupchak has already offered Bryant a maximum contract.

b) Another mind game the Lakers are playing to befuddle the rest of the league?

How much sense would self-imposed distractions make for a team famous for confronting off-the-court gossip?

These scenarios (unsuccessfully) attempt to read more into a situation than is possible. If your only definite conclusion from Beck's article is that there's "a definite possibility that Kobe will decide to leave LA," then thank you, Dr. Insight, but the rest of us arrived at the same conclusion when Bryant announced he would opt out of his deal months ago.

[Andrew]

These scenarios (unsuccessfully) attempt to read more into a situation than is possible. If your only definite conclusion from Beck's article is that there's "a definite possibility that Kobe will decide to leave LA," then thank you, Dr. Insight, but the rest of us arrived at the same conclusion when Bryant announced he would opt out of his deal months ago.

That's it. I'm fed up with your personal attacks and snide remarks. You are no longer welcome in this forum. We can do without your arrogance and personal comments.