GREAT STUFF from the ESPN podcast this morning. We’ve provided a link a full transcripts. Sounds like Kobe has one goal – WINNING. And with the recent fall of the Bulls, it seems perhaps Kobe is seeing Bynum progress and perhaps is ready to win in Los Angeles afterall…
The following recap was posted by “Crazy Like Ron Artest” on LG.net:
Bill Simmons’ new podcast features Marc Stein AND Rich Bucher. When the topic of Jermaine O’neal comes up, Stein thinks that a team with Kobe as the main scorer and O’neal as a second option and defensive anchor can win a championship. On the topic of Kobe, Bucher goes on to say that from what he’s been hearing lately, he’s not sure now that Kobe wouldn’t be satisfied if the team picked up O’neal without giving up both Bynum and Odom. Bucher goes on to say that Kobe “might be” reconsidering his options based on how poor Chicago is playing, and also how good Bynum looks.
Furthermore, 2cleva has provided us with transcripts of the podcast:
ESPN Podcast: Simmons with Stein and Bucher
Simmons: He feels Kobe is workmanlike, hints he’s mailing in the games. Then asks will it be resolved in 2 weeks.Stein: Says it will drag unless a bad losing streak. Phil and Mitch don’t want trade to happen. We don’t know where Dr Buss stands – looks like he’s ready to trade him. Gotta bet on longer.
Bucher: Longer. Even though Kobe is “slugging” through it. Bucher agrees with Simmons. Can’t name another player who can want out and still play workmanlike as well as he has. Compares to JO who obviously isn’t happy in Indy and wants out and it shows.
Simmons: Do you think JO’s hurt?Bucher: Has a small back issue thats contributing to it but he’s also not excited about being in Indy and wants out. Impacting his play.
Simmons: Chemistry on JO and Tinsley is killing a team.
Bucher: Bill’s expectations are too high….
Blah, blah, blah on Indy.
Simmons: At 20 mil who would want JO.
Stein: C’mon. Defensively he’s one of the best…. If he’s your #2 and defensive anchor you can win a ring.
Blah, blah, blah
Simmons: Back on Kobe – Why doens’t LA package Bynum and expiring Ks for a vet to win?
Stein: Part of it – would that make Kobe happy? Not sure if anything will make Kobe happy. Can’t know for sure. Suggests JO – #2, anchor defense. Would that be enough? Kobe seems so far off reservation that may not keep him – his estimation.
Simmons: What would have to be given up for JO? If Odom and Bynum thats ridiculous.
Stein: Indy wouldn’t do it otherwise.
Bucher: Wonder with what Bynum has shown and Indy becoming more and more and rebuild. Not convinced Bynum and expiring Ks couldn’t make it happen. Bucher admits he said bridge is burned and no going back but from what things he’s heard of late it makes him curious whether getting a JO with this team and if both LO and Bynum wouldn’t have to be done. Or Lamar for Marion and adding other new pieces. Gets a sense Kobe would come back. While Kobe still likes to go elsewhere – when he sees Chicago it impacts his thinking. Questions is it will be enough to compete in the East. Believes Kobe having second thoughts.
Stein: East/West difference. Mentions going for Kidd before – would they be better in the West?
Bucher: Kidd makes guys around better in short term more than what LO or Bynum can. Kobe’s issue – trying to win now or in future.
Simmons: Suggests Marion, Barbosa, Atl pick is the best deal for Kobe.
Bucher: well they still can. Deal is sitting there. Phx is thinking when dust settles if LA is pushed to make a deal they will come off the statement that Phx is the last team they’d ever deal with. LA letting emotion getting in way of basketball sense.
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