Two seasons ago when Phil Jackson resigned with the Lakers, rumors circulated around the media that the Lakers were interested in acquiring Minnesota Timerberwolves superstar Kevin Garnett. Amidst the media frenzy, a sports editor LD2k created a short video entitled “The Next Big Ticket” implying that KG to the Lakers was not only possible, but inevitable in the future.
Stirring up both the online sports communities and media, the video was being posted and discussed on many Lakers and NBA online forums. It was also mentioned on local sports radio stations in L.A. The media was speculating on Garnett possibly leaving at the time, and the video most certainly sparked up the fan bases despite being what many considered a “pipe dream.”
As one fan describes the video, “Anyone and I mean anyone that does not get chills up their spine when they watch this video is not a true Lakers fan.” Simply put – everyone wanted it. Garnett and Kobe, Kobe and Garnett. It sounds good, it looks good, but how good could it truly be?
Two seasons later and KG still has not returned to the post-season with his Timberwolves since his ’04 Western Conference Finals appearance in which the Wolves were ousted by the Lakers in six games. As for Kobe, recently bounced from the first round two years in a row by the Phoenix Suns, Bryant has stated his opinion about what the future should bring. “This is a competitive city. We’re used to winning titles, not just winning games and being in the first round. We want to win championships. Now’s the time.”
When two years ago was filled with hope of getting to an elite level, todays reality isn’t so generous. The Lakers finished a season underachiving; despite making the post-season with so many injuries and chemistry problems. A season that started off so promising and bright turned into uncertainty and darkness. Whatever the reason, the Lakers fighting so hard in their last game (game 5 in Phoenix) provided the same tune as they had all year long, “good enough to be right there, but falling short every time they were ready to make the leap.”
Now with perhaps the biggest summer for the Lakers since 2004, many in the media say this is the time Garnett should ask to be moved. The Lakers, a possible destination. Steven A. Smith says it’s time for Garnett to leave. He suggests, “Garnett’s loyalty is his greatest weakness.” Smith also says that KG and Kobe need “eachother.” Lakers forward Maurice Evans is Garnett’s best friend. He also suggests it may be the time for KG to ask to be traded, “I know he definitely wants out of that situation, deservedly so,” Evans said Thursday.
Garnett has poured his entire heart for the Wolves franchise. And every single NBA fan respects and feels for KG. He is by far the definition of passion amidst all of the NBA players. His situation in Minnesota is like a nightmare you can never wake up from, and despite him bringing it on the court every night, this is the time many feel he should ask to be traded.
Why now? At the end of the season he can opt out of his contract. From a business standpoint, I would be shocked if Minnesota didn’t try to get any value for him as opposed to letting him walk at the end of next season. However, KG will need to request a move. If KG does indeed ask to be traded we know Glen Taylor would be willing to grant KG’s wishes. After all, KG has given everything for that city from sacrifices in contracts to playing passionately every night.
One thing about being fans in Los Angeles is the unity it brings to people in believing that the Lakers can get back to the top of the NBA. Despite our struggles since the Shaq/Kobe era, the Lakers are still the best franchise in all of the NBA. We have Kobe Bryant who is undoubtebly the best player in the NBA today and we no doubt have the most diverse and loyal fans throughout all of sports. I know because I am one. I know because “we” as fans pour our passion and heart into the team. And now, as fans, we have to voice our opinion and make the “pipe dream” of the next “big ticket” in Los Angeles a reality. Simply put: GET GARNETT!
We as fans would welcome KG with open arms. The opportunity of playing under Phil Jackson and alongside Kobe Bryant may appeal to Garnett himself. Beyond that, the fans would appreciate a player with so much passion. After all, the look on Kobe Bryant’s face of frustration and sadness from the game 2 blowout up in Phoenix could only be paralleled with one other player in the entire league. Kevin Garnett. We as fans have to push for the Lakers and Jerry Buss to look into pairing up what could be the deadliest one-two combo in the entire league. Will KG ask out? Can the Lakers pull it off? Kobe said it best, “do something, and do it now.”
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