I know its the offseason, but there's been some interesting Laker developments that I feel I should say something about. First off, Kobe Bryant was arrested last weekend on a sexual assault charge in Colorado. After he was accused by a 19 year old woman, the Sherriffs there decided there was enough evidence to have a warrant issued, so Kobe turned himself in, got booked, then posted $25,000 bail and went back home to LA. Yesterday, the DA said he was not yet convinced if there was enough evidence to pursue anything against Kobe, and that he would make a decision on whether anything does in fact happen as a result of this. Kobe, in the meantime, maintains he is innocent. My take on all this is that obviously I have no way of knowing whether Kobe did this or even if he's the kind of person who would do this. All I know is he's a good basketball player, but never being around him personally I have no idea what he's capable of. I hope for his sake, and for the sake of the Lakers and the families involved that the allegations aren't true, but you never know. If he is guilty of doing this, then he should be punished same as anyone else, even though that hurts my team. Most likely, however, even if he is guilty, he'll probably get off with a slap on the wrist just like every other NBA player who gets in trouble. Its most likely a case of either a big NBA superstar thinking he should get whatever he wants, even if he has to use force to do it; or its a case of a woman who is an opportunist who sees a potential for a big payday by going after Kobe and his deep pockets. Personally, if the DA does pursue this and the woman accepts a lot of cash in a settlement and that's the end of it, then I'll feel that she was lying and just wanted the cash, because someone who attacks you probably wouldn't be able to buy you off afterwards (it just makes her story less credible in my eyes). But if she's not after money, and just feels she was wronged by Kobe, then that will make me think he probably did it. I have no special allegiance to any NBA players, because I think in the end they're more than likely millionaire crybaby egomaniacs, even if they play for the Lakers. I don't believe the media about most things, and I know that someone like Kobe no doubt has his team of image consultants who try to make everyone believe what a great guy he is, but until I know someone personally I'm not going to take for granted that they are the way their commercials make them out to be. Just seems like common sense, you know?
In other big news for the Lakers lately, reportedly Karl Malone, the second leading scorer in NBA history, and a 14 time All Star (or something like that) has told the Lakers that he will play for them next year for the MINIMUM amount they are allowed to offer. However, there is a catch: he will only do this if the Lakers are able to somehow lure Gary Payton (also something like a 10-time All Star, and former Defensive Player of the Year winner) to also play for the Lakers. This is an almost unprecedented move in the history of NBA free agents. Gary Payton's agent has said that the Lakers are his first choice, and that he is 100% sure he will play for either the Lakers, Portland Trailblazers or Miami Heat next season. Payton is expected to make an announcement about this some time this week. If the Lakers do get Gary Payton, it will most likely be as a free agent, since they have little to trade for him. The Trailblazers are reportedly trying to work a trade deal for Gary Payton, but having looked at the situation myself with the salaries and whatnot, I think that is not very likely (its fairly complicated, so I'm not gonna get into it here). Miami has the ability to offer Payton more than twice what the Lakers have to get him, but from what I've read, Payton is not Miami's first choice, and do not want to give him as much as he is asking. Plus, Miami is a pretty bad team, and if Payton wants to win, he probably will not do it there. I'm almost scared to even think about the possibility of the Lakers signing both Payton and Malone, because it would arguably make the Lakers the most talented team in NBA history (maybe even by an absurd amount). They would have 4 players in the starting lineup who are all shoo-in Hall of Fame players, all of which are superb on both ends of the floor, and who are really excellent all around players. On top of that, all 4 play different positions: Shaq (center), Malone (power forward), Kobe (shooting guard), Payton (point guard).
In addition, the Lakers did not pick up Robert Horry's contract, meaning he is a free agent. The Lakers supposedly still want to sign him for next year, just for about half as much as he would have made if they'd picked up his contract option. This has not pleased Robert Horry, who thinks he is as good as some other power forwards the Lakers were supposedly going after for more money, however, he said that he would understand them going after Malone and recognizes that Malone is a much better player, and would have no problem playing behind him. So, if it all works out, the Lakers will be returning essentially the same team they had last year (minus a couple guys at the end of the bench), and will have two other Hall of Fame players in their starting lineup. I gotta say though, my opinion concerning free agents in the NBA is that they ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS go to the highest bidder. This right away eliminates the Lakers from going after Payton OR Malone, because of the salary cap structure in basketball. So I am not assuming anything. If it happens, then that will be fantastic. But I've been burned too many times as a fan while expecting free agents to take less for a shot at a title on the Lakers, I'm not going to fall for it again and have my heart broken all over. So my belief will be that somehow none of it happens, that way I won't be disappointed. But of course, I'll be ecstatic if I'm wrong 