Malone's status to play in LA ruled out

[John-John Joe]

What has Wade done? KG's 32-14-5 nights don't impress you? Duncan's 28-15-4 and 2blks don't impress you? Dirk's 27ppg,11rpg don't impress you?

My sentiments exactly.

[Riot]

Not to mention Duncan's 2 rings, KG's 8 straight playoff berths.

[8-Hype]

1. Tim Duncan
2. Shaquille O'Neal
3. Kevin Garnett

[cklitsie]

1. Kevin Garnett
2. Dirk Nowitzki
3. Steve Nash
4. LeBron James
5. Kobe Bryant
Of course, this is just my opinion.

[Micchy_boy]

Well, i think Malone just using Bryant comments to escape his word that if he come back it would be for Lakers. He now lakers can't win it now so his making excuses to go team that will have a greater chance of winning it all. that would be Minny and SA.

[John-John Joe]

Well, i think Malone just using Bryant comments to escape his word that if he come back it would be for Lakers. He now lakers can't win it now so his making excuses to go team that will have a greater chance of winning it all. that would be Minny and SA.

I didn't want to be the first to say this because:

- I just KNEW that cats were going to think that I was a Kobe apologist based on me being a fan of his. I have the ability to put aside any loyalties and weigh in truthfully, that is my honest opinion.

- Members were going to jump all over it because they would feel like I'm "disrespecting a legend." Man, fuck all that, the truth is the truth.

- This is Kobe we're talking about, of course cats are going to believe that he's this horrible person, etc. etc. they were already adding Malone to the list of all the people Kobe has "backstabbed." Kobe's will be criticized for the rest of his career no matter what he does, I've come to grips with that about two years ago.

Osama Bean Bryant

[Eugene]

In response to Robby...

To be completely honest, I can't explain that little blurb, and frankly, I don't even know why you're asking me. I don't know what those "recent personal attacks made in private were." Do you? What, do you figure Kobe called and left nasty little messages on Karl Malone's machines?

Transcript:

Kobe: Karl, this is Kobe calling. I just wanted to tell you that you're a terrible player and a terrible person and you will never ever win a championship.

If, in fact, Kobe said that, then yes, he is an absolute jackass. But we don't know that for sure. You're asking me really hard questions here... what am I, Miss Cleo?

And in response to CambyMan,

I never intended to say that Shaq was a fat bully who pushes everyone around. I apologize if I came off that way... even though I said nothing of Shaq in my previous post.

And I don't even really think Kobe stabbed Malone in the back, I don't. It's not like Kobe said, "Gee, I hope Karl doesn't come back." What he said (but not in as many words) was that 1. as far as he knows, he doesn't think Karl was going to come back, and 2. it's not fair to speculate about Karl Malone coming back to the team and someone inevitably losing their spot when everyone who is there right now is giving their best effort. See, now, that sounds like to me that he was just looking out for his teammates who are currently playing. I don't know.

I hope this clears up some things.

Eugene

[John-John Joe]

In response to Robby...

To be completely honest, I can't explain that little blurb, and frankly, I don't even know why you're asking me. I don't know what those "recent personal attacks made in private were." Do you? What, do you figure Kobe called and left nasty little messages on Karl Malone's machines?

Transcript:

Kobe: Karl, this is Kobe calling. I just wanted to tell you that you're a terrible player and a terrible person and you will never ever win a championship.

If, in fact, Kobe said that, then yes, he is an absolute jackass. But we don't know that for sure. You're asking me really hard questions here... what am I, Miss Cleo?

And in response to CambyMan,

I never intended to say that Shaq was a fat bully who pushes everyone around. I apologize if I came off that way... even though I said nothing of Shaq in my previous post.

And I don't even really think Kobe stabbed Malone in the back, I don't. It's not like Kobe said, "Gee, I hope Karl doesn't come back." What he said (but not in as many words) was that 1. as far as he knows, he doesn't think Karl was going to come back, and 2. it's not fair to speculate about Karl Malone coming back to the team and someone inevitably losing their spot when everyone who is there right now is giving their best effort. See, now, that sounds like to me that he was just looking out for his teammates who are currently playing. I don't know.

I hope this clears up some things.

Eugene

[TheFranchiseKing]

Top three right now in my books....

1. KG
2. Dirk
3. Duncan

This just play as of now. Nobody is more consistant than TD.

Not top three or even 5 but it's good to see Ray Ray playing well.
Jesus Shutlesworth!!

[.]

Kobe on a radio show today:

"the door is ALWAYS open for KARL"

"we would love to have him play here"

"there was no way intended to attack karl or call him a distraction"

"If karl comes back, its going to be a TREMENDOUS addition to our ballclub"

"I'm sorry if i offended karl"

"I'm shocked, and he took what i said the wrong way, it wasnt intended to be an attack towards him"

"I apologize if he felt i said anything the wrong way"

"you kidding me? Karl's all around game speaks for itself, we would love him here"

"Its an open door, if you wanna come back and play karl, come do that"

"i was in no way attacking him"

"we had a great relationship, and if he comes back, i hope that relationship can continue"

"he misinterpreted what i was saying, and i apologize for that, and i will move on from that, and i wish him all the best"

Although I still think that Kobe should have kept that to himself, I also believe Malone took it the wrong way. I highly doubt he will return to LA now (if he ever wanted), but I hope they can make it up. I dont think Kobe said those things to upset Malone and its good that he says that hes sorry that Karl thought it was something towards him.

[Matthew]

And in response to CambyMan,

I never intended to say that Shaq was a fat bully who pushes everyone around. I apologize if I came off that way... even though I said nothing of Shaq in my previous post.

No you didnt. That wasnt so much as directed to you as other kobe "fans". The ones who hate Shaq and think he isnt good becuase he is big.. I know you dont think that way.

[John-John Joe]

And in response to CambyMan,

I never intended to say that Shaq was a fat bully who pushes everyone around. I apologize if I came off that way... even though I said nothing of Shaq in my previous post.

No you didnt. That wasnt so much as directed to you as other kobe "fans". The ones who hate Shaq and think he isnt good becuase he is big.. I know you dont think that way.

Whomever says or thinks this way is a sandwich short of a picnic, I shut down mentally as soon as I hear that foolishness. Now, if they want to weigh in on his work ethic on the other hand (or lack thereof), that's a different story.

[Robby]

And I don't even really think Kobe stabbed Malone in the back, I don't. It's not like Kobe said, "Gee, I hope Karl doesn't come back." What he said (but not in as many words) was that 1. as far as he knows, he doesn't think Karl was going to come back, and 2. it's not fair to speculate about Karl Malone coming back to the team and someone inevitably losing their spot when everyone who is there right now is giving their best effort. See, now, that sounds like to me that he was just looking out for his teammates who are currently playing. I don't know.

I hope this clears up some things.

Eugene

Huh, so this is kind of like last year when everyone on the Lakers gave their best effort and continually had to speculate whether Kobe was going to play, what would happen with his trial, and would he make it back to the arena on time. Guys like Rush working hard and anticipating a start but Kobe comes in they dissappear. Anyone else saying Malone's return was a distraction would have been fine but Kobe doesn't really have a right to do that. His criminal trial was a huge distraction the whole year and his selfishness cost them the championship. Despite all this, Malone supprted Kobe throughout the year and this was Kobe's way of paying him back. That Kobe Bryant sure is one classy guy.

- This is Kobe we're talking about, of course cats are going to believe that he's this horrible person, etc. etc. they were already adding Malone to the list of all the people Kobe has "backstabbed." Kobe's will be criticized for the rest of his career no matter what he does, I've come to grips with that about two years ago.

Maybe you should try to think why this is. Let me offer a few examples from a very long list.
- In the 98 all star game, Kobe waves off Malone, the reigning league MVP, so he can go one on one against Jordan, thus upsetting just about every veteran on the West squad.
- During a Laker practice, despite knowing that Phil Jackson has feet problems, he chucks a ball at Phils feet.
- His attempts to maintain a clean image are ruined because of his actions in Colorado which susbsequently brought out many ugly hidden details about Mr. Bryant.
- The worst one was his attempt to get in good with the cops by saying he should have done what Shaq does and pay women.
- Finally, his selfishness in the 2004 Finals, especially is game 4 when Shaq had a huge first half and then barely touched the ball in the second half cause Mr. Bryant was too busy jacking up shots.

For many more such examples, please read Phil Jackson's latest book.

[Drex]

Well, i think Malone just using Bryant comments to escape his word that if he come back it would be for Lakers. He now lakers can't win it now so his making excuses to go team that will have a greater chance of winning it all. that would be Minny and SA.

Naah, to me, that's just BS. I don't think Malone could do something like that.
He's not the type of person who escapes things.

[Eugene]

Quote:
And in response to CambyMan,

I never intended to say that Shaq was a fat bully who pushes everyone around. I apologize if I came off that way... even though I said nothing of Shaq in my previous post.

No you didnt. That wasnt so much as directed to you as other kobe "fans". The ones who hate Shaq and think he isnt good becuase he is big.. I know you dont think that way.

Fair enough.

And in response to Robby,

That's a good point. But if I remember correctly, Shaq was determined to not let it be a distraction (and he said so), Payton and Malone were both extremely supportive but again, did not let it be a distraction to the team.

And the times he did go to court on game nights and had to rush back, the one game against Denver, he came off the bench (and ended up hitting the game winner) and the other 4 or 5 other times, he played superbly. Especially after the All-star break, he was at the games a couple hours early, lifting and shooting to warm up and gave as much as effort as the other guys and then some.

Not quite the situation here. Karl Malone isn't playing right now. And they have people who are. And doing well at that. So, to speculate about Malone does seem a little unfair.

But you are right. Kobe should have shown a little more sensitivity before speaking. And if Kobe4mvp's sources are legit, then he is indeed contrite.

All the best,

Eugene

[J@3]

I never intended to say that Shaq was a fat bully who pushes everyone around.

We'll leave that to bestclubowner.

I would state my opinion on this whole thing, but I'm really sick and tired of defending Kobe Bryant. It might not seem like I do it alot these days, but on the old NLSC forums every 2nd post I had (and I had alot of posts) was something defending Kobe. Now I'm kind of resigned to the fact that no matter what he does, people are always going to have a negative opinion about him. I mean he got boo'd at the AMA's, wtf is up with that?

- In the 98 all star game, Kobe waves off Malone, the reigning league MVP, so he can go one on one against Jordan, thus upsetting just about every veteran on the West squad.
- During a Laker practice, despite knowing that Phil Jackson has feet problems, he chucks a ball at Phils feet.
- His attempts to maintain a clean image are ruined because of his actions in Colorado which susbsequently brought out many ugly hidden details about Mr. Bryant.
- The worst one was his attempt to get in good with the cops by saying he should have done what Shaq does and pay women.
- Finally, his selfishness in the 2004 Finals, especially is game 4 when Shaq had a huge first half and then barely touched the ball in the second half cause Mr. Bryant was too busy jacking up shots.

Alright, the guy's an asshole. We've clearly established that. He's also not the brightest guy in the World, and has a tendancy to make himself look immensely stupid and arrogant. Do you know why? Because he is. So what? What does it have to do with his basketballing abilities? I mean, Kareem Abdul-Jabar isn't exactly known as the most personable player in history, but does that detract from what he achieved as a player? Not at all. It SHOULD be the same as Kobe. People should concentrate on what he does on the court, not what he's doing off it. Shit, look at the mess Ron Artest is in now. It's completely character assasination stuff, but does anyone underrate his basketballing ability because of it? No. If you want to bag Kobe's game then fine, he's shooting a bad % and not getting his teammates involved enough etc etc but I really don't see the point in people constantly bringing up his personality, or things he may have done (or not in one case) in the past.

That being said, those were some interesting things to read. I wouldn't mind getting Phil Jackson's book.

[Andrew]

It kind of surprised me as Kobe's pretty good at being diplomatic when talking about disputes or issues that could cause conflict. I won't claim that there's any malice in what Kobe said, nor will I claim that there isn't. Only Kobe knows the truth when it comes to his feelings and opinions. However, I too feel that Malone's reaction is both understandable and justified.

Even if Kobe didn't mean to slight the Mailman and was simply showing support for his current teammates, he kind of overlooked the Mailman's support both personally and professionally. It does sound more like oversight than an intentional snub, but he could have phrased his statements a little better. If I were in Malone's shoes, I'd be somewhat miffed as well.

On SportsCenter they just mentioned that Kobe is trying to get in touch with Malone to smooth the whole thing over, but the damage has clearly already been made. Malone's size and experience, if only for a few minutes a night, surely couldn't hurt. Now another team might get to benefit from that.