Clippers/Lakers fans- Happy about Kobe?

[Donatello]

As most of my NBA Talk or General posts begin.... I apologize if this has been discussed already.

This is directed mainly at Clippers (and to a lesser extent, Lakers) fans, but of course everyone is free to voice their opinion.

Are you happy that Kobe signed with the Lakers instead of the Clippers like many (including me) thought he would?

After the year the Clippers are having (which I hope isn't over yet- beat those Suns! ), both in the quality of the team, and that they made it farther than the Lakers in the playoffs.... what do you think?

Where would the Clippers be now if they had signed Kobe?

Where would the Lakers be?

Where would the Suns be?

Just thought this would be a fun topic.

[Fenix]

Another 'what if' scenario? Well, I always root for the underdog, so I was really hoping that Kobe would ditch the Lakers and sign with the Clippers. IMO, that would be a smart thing to do for Kobe. He would still be playing on a big market team, one without the notorious players from the past to hunt him, he would become an indisputible face of the franchise and he could start over. Would the people (especially Laker fans) hate him? Sure, but he would have a much easier job to win games (all pieces were already in place) and he would be playing for a team that no one expect to win. There's a completely different scenario with the Lakers. The Clippers would get a contending team (a great coach, Bryant, egoless co-superstar in Brand, Livingston and a lot of good decent role players/trade baits). The Lakers? They would be in a deep shit, of course, but they would find a way to get out of it sooner than later. So yes, I regret that he didn't sign with the Clippers.

[J@3]

I think both teams would be happy, the Clippers are finally getting somewhere and Kobe is peaking with the Lakers, taking them back into the play-offs.

[Its_asdf]

Corey Maggette > Kobe Bryant.

Well, Los Angeles would've definitely been more recognized as a team since Kobe was already with the Lakers and whatnot, it'd make for good drama. But then I don't think they would've had the money to sign Cassell or Mobley, which is the main reason why they've turned themselves around this season.

I don't think having Kobe Bryant automatically gives them more success, but they would've been a lot more popular.

[dada]

I wanted him to go to the Clippers. I'm all for refreshing starts after all the success he had but I dont regret him staying with the Lakers.

[maes]

I thought the whole Clippers thing was just a bargaining chip for upping his contract terms...i thought that most sources didn't expect to ever go there.

[Sauru]

i agree, i think he just used them to get whatever he wanted from the lakers. not a bad move mind you and i in no way fault him for it. lots of players have done this in every sport and so long as it works they will continue to do it.

[The X]

I'm happy the Clippers didn't get Kobe, otherwise I probably wouldn't like the Clippers as I do now....Elton has come into his own since he trimmed up....let's hope they can keep themselves in the top half of the West for a while

[Silas]

Kobe is a great player, but would the clippers have had the cap space to resign elton brand and other players? no. If they could keep Brand and Kobe, its a no brainer, they would have wanted him, but i think Brand and his supporting cast is more valuable than Kobe with his supporting cast as Brand costs less so you can give him a better supporting cast, though Brand/Kobe wouldnt require a very strong supporting cast since that would be such a powerful duo.

[Stevesanity]

Yup didnt think getting Kobe would be a good idea. Never really liked his personality and though he's undoubtedly top 3 at his spot and a huge boost of championship experience I just think he ruins the locker room atmosphere and it wouldnt have worked well for him with us. Course who knows, Kobe might have joined us got a career ending injury and we'll see another Jordan like player gone (we do have the ability to ruin careers).