LeBron a Laker?
The greatest NBA free agent of all time, LeBron James, is quietly making overtures to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He wants to play for them. And James is not all that concerned whether Kobe Bryant is part of the equation. Bryant, of course, has yet to sign a contract extension with L.A. and could wind up a free-agent himself, albeit one with high mileage.
But the overtures have been made. LeBron wants to wear the purple and gold. Mainly, he wants to wear a championship ring, which means he wants to play for Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
“LeBron wants to win. He’s a smart guy,” explains one of my best inside sources, a close Jackson associate. “And Phil loves LeBron, absolutely LOVES him.”
There are many, many complicating factors to such a scenario, not the least of which is the fact that it’s way far from certain that Jackson will even be the coach of the Lakers next year.
“The Lakers have not made Phil an offer,” the Jackson source points out. However, rest assured of this, Jackson’s close associate maintained. “Phil will coach somewhere next year.”
Jackson wouldn’t dare take off next year if he’s not coaching the Lakers because he believes the following year will bring a lock-out, the source says. Jackson craves the chance to win another title before the NBA owners lock out the players in 2011-2012 to force a new contract.
“The whole league is under review,” the source points out. “Franchise values are falling, so the owners feel they must force a new labor agreement.”
The lock-out will bring a lost season, and the 64-year-old Jackson doesn’t want to miss two campaigns. So Jackson could wind up coaching Bron with another team next year, such as the New York Knickerbockers.
If all of this sounds fabulous, that’s because it is. These are strange days indeed for the NBA, and for the Lakers, with the planets aligning or converging or whatever with the upcoming off-season. “It feels like there’s a reckoning coming,” the Jackson source said.
THE TITANIC STRUGGLE
If you listen closely, you can hear the heavy breathing and grunting emanating from the Lakers offices beside the freeway in El Segundo. Behind the scenes, folks are wrestling for control of the franchise’s future, if not its very soul.
In other words, they’re partying like it’s 1998. That, of course, is a reference to the last time Jackson played multi-dimensional, high stakes poker with the owners of a team he was coaching.
There are those who think Jackson won that ’90s showdown when he coached the Chicago Bulls to their sixth title in the midst of a very ugly battle for control of the team, then walked away.
But if you ask Bulls superstar Michael Jordan, the experience, in retrospect, sure doesn’t smell anything like victory. Instead, 1998 still clings to his nostrils like the torturous stench of missed opportunity.
If everybody had been a mench, or at least an adult, Jordan could have kept playing for those Bulls and could have kept winning titles until somebody mustered the chutzpah to step up and stop him. As it is, Jordan sort of hangs in the shadows of the NBA these days, a mere ghost of the great competitive spirit that once struck fear everywhere.
I hope Kobe Bryant gets a good long look at him. MJ has always been Bryant’s guide star. They’ve played forthe same coach, in the same system, filled the same role with the same mannerisms and got some of the same results.
Bryant even knows that missed-opportunity aroma, dating back to 2004 when the Lakers blew up a championship steamroller, traded center Shaquille O’Neal and fired Phil Jackson.
Now, after rehiring Jackson a year later, the L.A. franchise has put together another club that could roll to a run of titles, and once again the whole thing is threatened by childish parlor games.
A cynic might say that these are the sort of monopolistic board games that an adolescent Jackson used to enjoy playing with his mother Betty. But you can’t really pin this current Lakers conflict solely on Phil.
He and 76-year-old Lakers owner Jerry Buss sort of deserve each other. They are the two best minds in the NBA, and you knew that eventually they were headed for a showdown for all the stakes, sort of like the finalists in the World Series Of Poker Tournament For All Eternity. For all their success together, Jerry Buss and PJ are just not a good mix. Jackson is “much to himself. He has his own thing.”
Jerry longs for the run and gun days of his 1980s Showtime Lakers teams. But Phil runs the frickin’ triangle, for chrissakes. “Phil’s just not sexy enough for Dr. Buss,” explains Jackson’s confidant. In all his years, though, Buss has never encountered an adversary like Jackson, who jumped in bed with the owner’s sexy daughter Jeaniejust days after coming to the Lakers in 1999. With that one brilliant move, Phil had Dr. Buss in check.
Soon Jackson was winning championships and charging Buss $12 million a season to do it. Buss has hated paying that much for a mere coach, especially one that was tupping his daughter. His counter move on Jackson was to vest power and control in the hands of son Jim, already a competitor with Jeanie Buss for daddy’s love and control of the franchise. The whole scenario has Jeanie quite upset and telling her friends, “They’re going to do this again. They don’t even care if he wins the championship this year.” Jeanie, of course, is making reference to the 2004 firing of Jackson by Jim and Jerry Buss.
She was particularly angered that Jerry Buss entertained former Laker (and rumored Jackson replacement) Byron Scott into the owner’s suite on the night Jackson became the winningest coach in Lakers history. “Jeanie was really upset by it,” the confidant said. “But Phil took the high road… He said (an agent) put Scott in the owner’s suite so he could get the Clippers job. They wanted to make it look like the Lakers were interested to get the Clippers to bite.”
Jeanie apparently doesn’t buy that. One fabulous scenario has Phil, Kobe and Jeanie all going to the cross-town Clippers in an off-season package deal, but that seems a bit dramatic. The circumstances have left Jeanie with agonizingly divided loyalties. She adores Jackson but feels the ties to her father and brother no matter how much their chauvinism irks her. She is the executive who runs the team, but her father insists on turning the real power of the franchise over to Jim.
In the middle of it all, Jeanie and Jim still hold onto sibling affection, the confidant quipped. “Trust funds make strange bedfellows.” Jackson himself has been quite accommodating of Jim Buss, who travels with the team frequently if for no other reason than to remind the coach of the value of young center Andrew Bynum. Jim Buss believes Bynum is the next Kareem Abdul-Jabbar while the coaching staff would like Bynum to quit pouting about shots and anchor the defense with enthusiasm.
“Phil puts up with it,” the confidant said of his exchanges with Jim Buss. “I was talking to your brother…,” Jackson will tell Jeanie in informing her of events. The wild card in all of this is Bryant himself. Jackson’s camp wonders why the L.A. press hasn’t put questions to Bryant to get him to complain that Jackson is being driven out. Jordan spoke out on Jackson’s behalf early in the 1997-98 season, and that enhanced the coach’s power in his struggle with Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and GM Jerry Krause.
“Kobe’s the only guy that can press the issue as a Laker,” Jackson’s confidant explained. “What Kobe says will speak volumes. Kobe could go to management right now and say he wants to spend the rest of his career as a Laker with PJ as his coach.” This time around, though, Bryant has kept his own counsel and stayed above the fray. Perhaps he has sought advice from Jordan, who felt let down when Jackson walked away after the 1998 championship. Jordan got into the fight and spoke up for Phil but still lost the balance of his career when Jackson quit anyway.
Bryant certainly knows that the best way to guarantee that Jackson spends another year with the team is to win a second straight championship for the Lakers. That’s chore enough for the team’s star, one that requiresplenty of focus. In the final analysis, that’s certainly the main argument for Jim and Jerry Buss bringing the speculation to an end. Jackson has brought them lots of money and value with his wins. Saving $7 million a year with Byron Scott is nothing next to what they’ve gained with Jackson at the helm.
In Chicago in 1998, Jackson and the Bulls rode all the speculation and tension to a title. But there are doubts that will work this time around. Yes, the Lakers are holding their own at the top of the Western Conference, but as Jackson’s source pointed out, “It’s incredible how miserable they seem winning.” That in itself may clear up Bron’s future as well. A title in Cleveland means he likely stays put. A title in L.A. could turn the quiet overtures into serious negotiations.
Nick Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
I feel like I just read a bad Sherlock Holmes novel, or maybe played a cynical game of Clue. Good God parlor games? are you smoking that California medical Marijuana? there is no way that LeBron is leaving his hometown to play with selfish Kobe Bryant. LeBron is the alpha dog, he will never take a backseat and play on “Kobe’s” team.
LeBron Fan Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 4:48 pm
Ahhhhhahahahahahahahahahaha.
What a fool.
Nice article dude. Sounds like you’ve got solid sources.
“Overtures have been made” Great assumption with zero supporting evidence other than “Phil LOVES him.”
Quality HoopsHype reporting.
ST Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 5:01 pm
Wow, what a terrible article. Smh
mantix Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 5:06 pm
this is all over the place. pretty random article. i didnt like it. how would you propose the lakers should go about acquiring lebron james? sign and trade with bynum and shannon brown and a couple picks? i cant believe some people actually think this is within the realm of possibility. please talk about something else
Jeannie Buss Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
I can guarantee you LeBron won’t be here, as long as Bean is in the mix
Brian Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
yeah I heard Len Bias is thinking about signing with the Lakers, too. They could be unstoppable.
LeBron Wants To Be A Laker In 2010 | The Knicks FanBlog Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
[...] Roland Lazenby writes at HoopsHype that his sources have informed him that LeBron James wants to be a Laker. Yep. Sam Smith has speculated about this scenario before but Lazenby has sources to add to Smith’s speculation: The greatest NBA free agent of all time, LeBron James, is quietly making overtures to the Los Angeles Lakers.He wants to play for them. And James is not all that concerned whether Kobe Bryant is part of the equation. Bryant, of course, has yet to sign a contract extension with L.A. and could wind up a free-agent himself, albeit one with high mileage. [...]
bigdog Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
*checks calendar*
Uh, it’s not April 1st, so uh…..I don’t get it.
Lebron is more likely to play for Olympiakos next year than the Lakers.
Zocalo Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 6:09 pm
It is nice to see that Hoopshype is desperate for website hits…
HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 6:29 pm
[...] admin wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThey are the two best minds in the NBA, and you knew that eventually they were headed for a showdown for all the stakes, sort of like the finalists in the World Series Of Poker Tournament For All Eternity. For all their success together … [...]
Lebron, Kobe and Phil? - Sherdog Mixed Martial Arts Forums Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 6:35 pm
[...] Kobe and Phil? HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Roland Lazenby LeBron a Laker? Lebron wants rings, what a sure way to get [...]
Jack Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 6:46 pm
As a Lakers fan, I’d rather lose without LeBron than win with him. Keep him, Cleveland! I couldn’t think of a better town for him, tbh. He’s been massively overrated by stat geeks, BSPN, and by sheep who don’t know any better, his numbers inflated by the system he plays in and by the refs. Plus, he’s obnoxious.
Arnie Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 6:57 pm
The writer of this article, Roland Lazenby, is a well respected basketball historian and author of the books Jerry West: The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon, The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers, Blood on the Horns: The Long Strange Ride of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, among many others. He’s not a random author writing a column to gain hits for this site.
tonca Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 7:15 pm
Everyone wants to play with LA. Why wouldn’t they? They are the greatest modern team.
Nick Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 7:25 pm
First of all, James is NOT going to the Lakers. Just because it is some writers’ wet dream to have the two biggest stars in the league on the same team, that doesn’t mean it is even a POSSIBILITY! Would the Lakers prefer to have Lebron over Kobe? Maybe. He is a lot younger and would probably have the same impact on the team next year as Kobe has this year. But it WILL NOT HAPPEN! This guy is a real dope.
Haha What a TERRIBLE article. First, you tell us that Phil Jackson LOVES Lebron. NO S**T! Every coach would LOVE lebron, you dope. Master of the obvious. Then we get some long, pointless anecdote about how Buss secretly hates Jackson, Jackson hates everyone, blah blah blah. What was the POINT of this article?
Nick Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 7:27 pm
Haha I just CANNOT get over how TERRIBLE this article was. This guy puts a lot of garbage out there.
Ford Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 7:45 pm
This so called “respected historian/author” needs to do way more research. What gives Lakers the right to sign Lebron as a free agent? Last time I checked the Lakers are around 30 million over the salary cap for next season. The rest of the league needed to go under the salary for 2010 to get big name free agents. So unless the Cavs are willing to sign and trade Lebron next year (impossible) or Lebron agrees to a mid-level exception (impossible) this article should be thrown in the recycle bin. I’m just a typical basketball fan and I believe I can write better articles. I have a feeling this writer doesn’t like to follow rules. The NBA would never allow a team that is over the salary cap to straight up sign max contract players.
Kobe24 Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 8:07 pm
HAHA! what a waste, a pile of garbage if you will. what a way of creating an article of “king” james going to the lakers only to say that buss is working against jackson? wtf was that!? this is just a whole bunch of media hype, we are LA we dont need any more of that BS! MJ to, what does he have to do with all of this? because he won some championships and all that nonsense!? this is crap, i cant believe i actually wasted my time reading this.
Richard Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Shut up .
This is dumb
Bozo The Clown Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 8:26 pm
this is crazy LeBron and I had dinner last night at his crib. He wants to be a Grizzly.
Badarticle Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 8:29 pm
This was about the dumbest thing I read in a long time. HAHAHAHA as a laker fan there is no way shape or form will Lebron end up here. I think hes playing everyone for money when he really doesnt want to leave home like a little puppy and cleveland bends over backwards for him and whoever or whatever he wants on the team or off. Hes going no where mark my words. I like the Kobe lebron debate anyways and having him on another team makes things fun since Kobe is better haha imo (lakers fan)
You should fire this guy hoopsworld your website is becoming more and more junky with articles like this trash.
Badarticle Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 8:33 pm
Note to self dont buy this guys book jerry west the life of whatever
The book probobly rambles on longer than this all over the place story haha. ESPN must of been drunk letting that guy print a book unless theres big pictures and coloring spaces isnt there, I KNEW IT.
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February 28, 2010 @ 8:45 pm
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? [...]
HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? | Eweb Blog Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? Related [...]
Brian McInerney Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 9:15 pm
Regarding the subject of Byron Scott attending a Laker game to send a message to anyone, the source was incorrect. I have represented Byron for 20 plus years and know who invited the Scotts to attend a Laker game, any game, and it was not Dr. Buss. The invitation was a gesture after Byron was released from the Hornets, a day I was in New Orleans, and when almost every NBA executive called him. It would be stupid insulting Phil Jackson, or selling yourself to another NBA team when still on the Hornet payroll, risking annoying Laker fans at the same time. Sources can sometimes have an agenda, perhaps to slur Mr. Rosen, a very reputable agent, but not associated with us.
Brian McInerney
Business Mgr./Byron Scott MACBD.COM
LeBron to the Lakers: The Most Ridiculous Rumor of Them All Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 9:27 pm
[...] this most recent rumor? The one from Roland Lazenby that suggests LeBron James has begun to make it known to the Lakers that they are his destination [...]
the worst thing ever Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 9:41 pm
this is the worst article I’ve ever seen, you should be embarassed that you even get the opportunity to write on the NBA.
I hate you.
Lakergregg Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 9:44 pm
I’m sure this article could’ve been written without making Jeannie Buss seem like a whore!
“…who jumped in bed with the owner’s sexy daughter Jeannie just days after coming to the Lakers in 1999.” and “Buss has hated paying that much for a mere coach,especially one that was tupping his daughter.”
Seriously, couldn’t this article have been written without those comments?
All Lakers fans can agree that Jeannie is the family face of the team and The Lakers Nation should be ashamed for linking to this garbage.
Stu Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
I thought this article was about Lebron. Ended up being a bunch of soap opera rumors about Laker management.
Melo Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
LOL the lakers would be wise to let the chosen brat stay in cleveland. he has done nothing to warrant the hype he gets. he puts up stats at the expense of his team. he wants to be the lone star and do things his way,he wouldn’t be able to do that with phil. i can’t wait to hear all the excuses that come from cavs fans when lebron once again fails to win.
kd Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:05 pm
THATS CRAZY I HIT LEBRON ON HIS BLACKBERRY AND WEN REPLIED HE SAID HE WANTED TO GOTO TORONTO TO PLAY WIT ANDREA ND SONNY WEEMS AND $hit!! AND COACH TIRANO IS DEEPLY IN LOVE WIT LEBRON THEY HAVE A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP SHEESH!!
Ray Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:16 pm
Lebron will eventually be a Laker once Kobe retires!!
Think of all the recognition he will get that he’s not getting in Cleveland apart of the movies… i see him a Laker in like 3 to 4 years from now
curlet Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:19 pm
that’s strange. “if u can’t beat them.. join them” lol
i knew it! if u want a ring, join the lakers! or u just date a kardashian. lol
really lebron? no no no. ure not a laker– attitudewise, sportsmanshipwise, ure not a laker.
icanmakethingsuptoo Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:36 pm
hahahahaha lebron to my lakers… only if we were lucky enough to have a talent like that join forces with kobe the second best player in the league im a huge laker fan but if we can get lebron on this team we be gellin and winning championships for the next 10 years easy……. come on jerry buss make this happen woooohooo bring the king to LA ( note to readers…. I AM NOT A LAKERS FAN LMAO) just wanted to show how easy it is to write bullsh*t
This Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
This is probably the stupidest blog ive ever read.
You should write another blog about how dumb this is ..
Anthony_Scarbachio Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:40 pm
Yeah…
And John Clayton just reported that Ben Rothlesberger wants to be traded to the New Orleans Saints so he can play for Sean Payton alongside Drew Brees.
Which makes sense because TMZ is reporting that Mike Tomiln is ahead of Cavs coach Mike Brown in the race to replace Louis Gossett Jr. as the star of Iron Eagle 6.
You have the imagination of a dead moth.
Now… I could keep jabbering like a fruit bat in heat about how incompetent you are, but I think I’d rather watch reruns of 227.
Dean Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:41 pm
I have never heard of Lazenby. At least one poster describes him as a respected historian/author. But this article severely contradicts that description. He opens the article with the big splash of Bron going to the lakers. His only source is “someone close to Phil.” And his only evidence is that this source says that Phil LOVES Bron. I wonder if the source spoke in capital letters. Becasue that always adds authenticity.
Then he goes all soap opera on use with his Buss/Phil/MJ thing. Seems like the headline was geared toward drawing eyes rather than actually providing a preview of this article. I have no idea what his point is or why he wrote this. But, I guess when the Lakers defy all CBA rules and logic and sign Bron because Phil LOVES him, we will all bow down to this great historian and pay him the proper homage.
Kev T Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:46 pm
I love hoopshype, but that was the worst sports article I have ever read in my life. That writer of this should be fired! I feel dumber for having read this article. Please never post such stupidity on your site again.
This_cracks_me_up Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 10:58 pm
Lol Lebron…lemme tell u something. Real champs dont abandon his teammates or his team. Kobe didn’t abandon the Lakers when they were a bunch of suckers… This is the difference between u and Kobe lol
Fred Towes Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 11:09 pm
This piece is trite, cynical, hyperbolic clap-trap, Roland. You are better than this . . . and you know it.
You bury the point of the piece (the proposition you wanted to forward, I take it) between the “party like it’s 1998″ pun & the “saving $7 million on Byron Scott” paragraph-closing remark. Everything else here is imbecilic blather tacked on to a somewhat interesting, albeit over-determined thesis, likely at the behest of this site’s quasi-literate editors (the very same rubes who’ve been posting the likes of Gabe Mouneke for years), who are but seeking talking-point references in the various sports/gossip virtual chatter rooms.
This is beneath you, sir. If they won’t post the work you want to write, get some capital backing & start your own blog. Jeez. Truly disappointed.
Good Night,
MT
John Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 11:10 pm
Roland Lazenby is credible, but I don’t buy this story one bit. He’s making overtures to the Lakers? Really? In the middle of the season, the player on the league’s best team is telling the league’s second best team that he wants to come play for them next year? I don’t buy that for one second. Even if LeBron plans on leaving Cleveland, you can rest assured he still wants to win the title this year, and he certainly would not jeopardize that by making “overtures” to the Lakers. And what Phil Jackson associate would have this inside info? So you mean to tell me that one of LeBron’s business associates called Phil Jackson, the head coach of the Lakers, and told him LeBron wants to come play for the Lakers next year? Even if he did want to play for the Lakers, why would he make this “overture” midseason? And if LeBron had this discussion with Jackson, which would certainly violate NBA tampering rules, why would Jackson spill the beans and tell this blabbermouth associate? Wouldn’t he keep that to himself, so he didn’t ruin it? I don’t doubt that Lazenby’s source is an associate with Phil Jackson, but if you look at the source’s quote, it sounds to me like he was making idle chatter about how great the Lakers are and how great LeBron would be there. Overtures? No way. Good rule of thumb: If you want to how likely something is to happen, look at the Las Vegas odds. In this case, they look like this for LeBron’s 2010 destination: Cavaliers 1-3, Knicks 3-1, Nets 10-1, Bulls 15-1, Clippers 20-1, Heat 25-1, the Field (which would include the Lakers) 50-1. If there was any real chance that LeBron would go to the Lakers, they wouldn’t be 50-1. Las Vegas tends to be pretty good at not putting 50-1 odds on something that’s likely to happen.
Lebron wants to play with Kobe in LA? Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 11:16 pm
[...] The greatest NBA free agent of all time, LeBron James, is quietly making overtures to the Los Angeles Lakers. He wants to play for them. And James is not all that concerned whether Kobe Bryant is part of the equation. Bryant, of course, has yet to sign a contract extension with L.A. and could wind up a free-agent himself, albeit one with high mileage. But the overtures have been made. LeBron wants to wear the purple and gold. Mainly, he wants to wear a championship ring, which means he wants to play for Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
Jon Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 11:35 pm
Some sources close to Phil Jackson have told me that he is thinking about leaving to coach the Bobcats because Michael Jordan is going to come out of retirement and play for them. Another very credible source told me if this goes down, Jack Nicholson will be taking over as head coach of the Lakers.
Another source told me that Kobe Bryant will sign with the Lakers, but being the unselfish man that he is, he will take a pay cut in order to get Lebron to come to L.A.
tim Said,
February 28, 2010 @ 11:54 pm
1. LeBron doesn’t want to join the circus, therefore, he’s not coming here.
2. I thought there were drug laws in this state. If so, someone arrest Lazenby because he’s high if he thinks anyone believes his “sources.”
3. If you want real entertainment, you don’t need LBJ, just watch the daily soap opera that is the Buss kids. You couldn’t write this stuff any better.
4. And if you can remember the fun on sports radio when Phil last departed with Jimmy calling out Phil, Jeanie calling out Jimmy, Johnny on another planet, etc., just wait until this summer…get your tickets now when Jeanie has to decide to support Dad or “Grandpa.”
Will LeBron be wearing purple and gold soon? - Lakers blog : The Orange County Register Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 12:14 am
[...] King himself reportedly is making overtures to Lakers. He wants a championship and apparently sees a spot next to Kobe and Co. as his best chance. Sorry, [...]
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March 1, 2010 @ 12:24 am
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? [...]
kingfaj Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 12:31 am
Dude make a fuss about Channing Frye opting out and adding into the list of big men of this FA class as opposed to last year!.. This article is crazy… Lebron would rather create a legacy by reviving NY or making the Cavs one of the best franchises ever.. Not be just a part of a team that has anyway performed well and on top of that will make him look like him taking the mantle from Kobe, which is just crazy..
NBA Geek aka Thomas Schroeder Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 12:43 am
I don’t think LBJ is seriously considering joining the Lakers, if he’s considering it all. It’s a possibility nonetheless.
I was more so impressed with the rest of the article. The insight into the internal Lakers’ relationships seemed quite possible and the parallels to Phil’s past is solid support for the possibility.
Impressive article, imo. Interesting potential insight and great insight if correct.
Thanks for sharing this with us!
Roland Lazenby Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 12:53 am
I understand this piece is upsetting to many people. But the source is unimpeachable. James has made overtures. Why would he not send out feelers? He would like to explore the idea of being a Laker while he’s at this major point in his career. It doesn’t matter whether Bryant is there or not. L.A. is a major market without the feistiness of New York media. If you don’t think he’s considering it, you’re naive. And it’s not out of the realm of possibility. But the article clearly states from the top there are many unknowns.
I faced choices with this piece. I could write about the conflict that’s a factor for the Lakers and mention James at the end. That didn’t make sense. The actions reveal the considerations of the major figures involved. That’s all.
I understand you find it upsetting. But those overtures have been made known through a well-connected agent, according to my source.
I also reported earlier this year that James also has discussed going to a team with Chris Bosh. That story also upset fans in Cleveland. But if I just wrote what made fans feel happy, I wouldn’t be able to convey much about the NBA.
RL
steve Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 12:58 am
I think I’d stop watching the NBA. I’m so sick of the Lakers.
lol Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 1:46 am
Thats an LA writer with LA ’sources’…. everybody is already dreaming about LeBron, so why not the Lakers too? But hypothetically if LeBron went to Lakers, god damn, put him at the one and let him play role as he likes to do (he doesn’t demand points like kobe) then Kobe would go out with 7+ rings. But not happenin
Norm Winter Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 1:48 am
Roland, I was waiting for you to end your blog with “April Fool” but today is 1 March. I suppose with Phil anything is possible though. Depending on the outcome of the 2010 NBA Championship, which team Phil decides to coach, and what star player(s) he brings with him, he won’t have Tex’s help this time.
Common Sense Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 2:05 am
Roland! Remember me? Do you remember when I said that if you wrote an article about how lebron would sign with LA without citing any sources or giving any semblance of logic would make you look like a homeristic clown? Why didn’t you listen to me Roland?
Danny Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 2:31 am
Yeah Roland, just ignore the clowns and do what you do best.
Thanks for the info. Would be great to see LeBron and Kobe play for the Lakers.
B-Ball fam Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 2:31 am
This just in:
Lebron will start the season with a pool of the top 10 teams and sign 10 day contracts with each. At the end of this period a weekly recap special will air where America will vote 1 team off. The last team remaining wins the rights to Lebron. I have an unimpeachable unnamed source.
LeBron to the Lakers: The Most Ridiculous Rumor of Them All | Sport Blog Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 2:38 am
[...] this most recent rumor? The one from Roland Lazenby that suggests LeBron James has begun to make it known to the Lakers that they are his destination [...]
[BB] Tyrus Thomas Sick Alley Oop With Derrick Rose [03/26/09] | Chicago Bulls NBA Announcer Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 2:49 am
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? [...]
David Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 2:52 am
I’m assuming you wrote this just to get page hits. If not, then you are the dumbest blogger I have ever heard of. Terrible writing, no evidence and you fail to realize things like Kobe telling ESPN analysts in person there is no way he doesn’t resign. The Lakers don’t have enough cap room, not even close and plus Lebron loves Cleveland too much. You should be punched in the face for being so dumb.
kobefan24 Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:22 am
Roland Lazenby,
You say, “it’s not out of the realm of possibility.” Tell me a scenario that could have this possibly working out….
I think it would be cool, but honestly. How could this happen?
-km
Free Online Degree Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:46 am
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? [...]
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers 95, Denver 89 | The Money Times | Los Angeles Lakers NBA Announcer Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:48 am
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? [...]
La folle rumeur du jour : LeBron James aux Lakers ?!? | Basket USA - Toute la NBA au quotidien Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:53 am
[...] fois-ci, c’est Roland Zalenby de Hoopshype.com qui lâche quelques informations sur cette hypothèse apparemment pas si farfelue que ça. [...]
mikel Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 4:17 am
voices in your head do NOT count as sources…at least not credible ones
T Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 4:51 am
oh this is just an awful article … oh just simply awful I can’t get over the awfulness of this article… how awful is it? oh it just simply awful!
anyway there wouldn’t be enough balls on the court for Kobe “I am not a rapist or cry baby” bryant and lebron james. Not enough balls. How many balls would there be? oh just simply not enough
skraight up Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 5:42 am
Wonderful piece Roland!
I need to break this down though:
Why hasn’t Kobe signed an extension yet? The Lakers have refused to give him an extension! If they don’t win a chip this year from what I hear he’s gone! Roland explained it correctly, that puts LeBron in L.A.(in the drivers seat), and from what I’ve heard he really wants to be in L.A. more so than N.Y. & Cleveland. (Regardless if they win a chip this year)
The Phil Situation:
Let’s just be blunt here! Jerry wants no part of PJ running what he built. At the end of the day, it will be Jeanie & PJ running what Jerry started.. with Phil basically making all basketball related decisions within the organization. So… he will put his inadeqate son Jim in charge. Do you really blame him? Hey after all… Jimmy is family right?
Roland’s source:
Most of what I’m hearing is from a certain guy who played with L.A. and was a great scorer! (You guys keep contemplating who that is.. lol)
Anyway…from what I’ve heard, Roland’s source must be real, and in fact he’s got to be one of the first writers that reports NBA news that’s actually true!
Roland Lazenby I salute you!
Sinan Cem Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 5:58 am
Sign and trade for Lebron is not impossible. If lebron wants to go to LA and only possibility is sign trade what do you think Cleveland will do? Sign him then wont trade and force him to play? How many of you gave a chance to Payton and Malone going on a same team with Shaq and Kobe at 2003 June? Some people may prefer a quite life but most of others prefer to live in a city like LA and a basketball player definitely want to play at Stapless Center against a filled crowd. Also most of Lakers players really likes to share ball other then Kobe and i think James definitely wants to play with guys like Odom and Gasol and being coached by one of the all time great.
p a Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 6:09 am
Truly believe Jim Buss floated that rumor so Kobe will sign already. LBJ not having any credibility (flip flops on everything) is the perfect tool to use.
Mike Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 7:28 am
HAHAHAHAHAHA…..I am just baffled at the idiocracy of this article. No evidence of LeBron wanting to be a Laker, no REAL sources…anyone, and I mean anyone who reads this pile of bullshit and for once second believes it, should go buy a gun, rent a bullet and kill themseleves for being so incredibly dumb.
The author of this article should be banned from writing such dumb stories that have no real support. This guy is about as good as the LA Times beat writer who said the NBA will block Zydrunas from going back to the Cavs! Are things really starting to look that bad in LA LA Land!!!
Emanuel Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 7:48 am
This will be unfair to the rest of the NBA teams if this ever happens because the Lakers will keep on winning championships even after Kobe retires. But i think this will never happen, he will probably end up staying back in Cleveland
skraight up Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 8:00 am
@ <Mike
Are you a writer on this site? If not, then why and how can we possibly hold you accountable for anything you say? He didn’t get to be an author on Hoopshype because he was writing….”such dumb stories”. Side note… I’ve also heard the same thing from a former L.A. player, so that’s the very reason I believe him and stand by his article.
Klaus Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 8:40 am
what a ridiculus thing¡¡¡¡ there´s vitually no chances for Lebron in Lakerland. First of all it have to be a enormous sing and trade operation, and nobody will sing and trade lebron. He is young, he is good, he rise up your team it´s the best longterm addition in the league, so what you get for him, odom + bynum? Kobe (it could be a enormues behavior to lakers fans)? Pau + artest? nothing could equal lebron os it is ridculus
lakerfan Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 9:47 am
I would replace kobe with lebron anytime of the day. I hope the lakers will release kobe then get lebron. Lakers+lebron= DYNASTY mah men!
LeBron James To The Lakers? Yes, Please! | Voice Your Take Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 9:52 am
[...] after this season and who is on his way to becoming the greatest player in the history of the game, WANTS to play for the Los Angeles [...]
Roland Lazenby's Reputation Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 9:57 am
help meeee i’m dyyyiiinnng!!!!!
Fred Towes Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 10:04 am
Roland,
Is the point that LeBron James (or someone among his representative team) has made overtures to Lakers Org really newsworthy, Roland? Is this content that is sufficiently sourced & suitably substantive for a 1500-word, essayistic piece? Or is this evidence of a) your well-cultivated place as a media tool not for the Jackson/Jeanie faction of this capital gains/inheritance feud, and b) the imposed need to sheath your work in over-the-top headlines such that it is afforded a place in the blotter of sites such as this HoopsHYPE? In other words, as to the latter — even a billionaire blood feud isn’t quite sexy enough, so let’s put a ridiculous thong and fishnet stockings (full of holes) on its lower body. That will surely catch the eyes, & increase the hits.
Reading the litany of replies here, I do not sense that those moved to respond to your piece are “upset”, not at all, not totally, not collectively: instead, they read as more than a bit caught aghast in my eyes.
Many depend on a site such as hoopshype.com to deliver serious journalism on the grandest of all sports; the beloved game that, if you have not noticed, is not covered particularly well (nor fairly) by your mainstream virtual media contemporaries. When hoopshype instead gives us contorted, hyperbolic claptrap from writers who most assuredly know better (writers who, admittedly, are scrapping for their own survival in the marketplace for information and ideas), then one of the three consistently worthwhile options for serious basketball coverage is removed from the table, leaving only two: Adrian Wojnarowski at Yahoo! & the entire NBA Beat staff at SI.com.
Keep aiming high, Roland — to truth, not to use. The readership will follow an aptly-placed gaze.
Peace,
MT
Fred Towes Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 10:08 am
That’s ” *for* the Jackson/Jeannie faction”. Ignore the “not”. Apologies. Typo.
Peace.
Kelly Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 10:14 am
This isn’t ridiculous at all. LeBron goes to Cav’s management and says: I’m gone. You have two choices, sign me to a max contract then trade me to the Lakers for Bynum and salary cap fill-ins (Shannon Brown and Sasha or Walton). or lose me for a draft pick.
Trading LBJ to the Lakers makes sense because Bynum is an up and coming star that is much better than the draft pick Cleveland would get if James signed with NY or elsewhere. The key here is Cleveland is getting a much better player than they could draft, not a package as good as James. Getting a comparable package from LA would never happen but Cleveland would be making the best of a bad situation for them.
Cleveland would rather James go to LA and not have him in the same conference with NY, NJ, Chi, Mia, etc. and lose him for next to nothing. They might even explore the trade possibility themselves if/when they feel James is most likely leaving.
Why would James want to go to LA? Simple, by doing a sign and trade he can max out for 5 years instead of 4, so he would make more money, he’d be going to the most storied franchise in the glamor capital of the world and to a team loaded with talent which would be favored to win for years.
I actually could then see the Lakers then doing a sign and trade with Kobe and sending him to NY for maybe Lee. NY would have all the cap room to trade for Kobe and still sign Bosh or Amare or Wade.
Why would the Lakers sign (extend) Kobe and trade him? Again simple. The Lakers would be shaving 20 million off their already huge salary totals and don’t forget Kobe’s ranting 2 years ago about Buss and Mitch being idiots. Buss doesn’t forget these things. He rid himself of Shaq after Shaq was yelling at him to max out his contact at an exhibition game in Hawaii.
In this scenario, Cleveland ends up with a much better team than they otherwise would if James leaves, NY becomes a force and LA stays a force for another decade which makes the NBA very happy.
This will definitely happen if and only if James says trade me to LA.
Derrick Rose Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 10:43 am
“explainsone of my best inside sources”
nick Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 11:07 am
remember this folks…LeBron James will play where ever Lebron James wants. He has total control. If he wants to go to New Orleans, done. If he wants to go to Boston, done. If he wants to go to Dallas, done. End of story.
Response Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
Umm Kelly, I think you forgot just big one thing. Kobe’s no-trade clause. Besides that, the scenario sounds like it would be a probable scenario in never-neverland.
Craig W. Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
How many commenters have read any of Roland’s books on the Lakers? If you have you have also read about Phil and Jerry Buss’s mind games - and how they impacted Jerry West. This is not new territory people. Roland isn’t just coming out with some different tripe for eye candy. We saw games between Buss and Phil in 2004 surrounding Shaq and Kobe. We saw conflict between Jeannie and Jim as Jerry Buss set up a succession plan.
The truth is all this stuff has been out there; it’s just that all the ‘talking heads’ talk/write with a level and depth of a micron silica wafer. We would rather talk about how Lebron attacked the basket, again last night, than venture into more esoteric things that take some effort to report on.
Johnny Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 1:59 pm
When I began thinking about the Lakers acquiring LeBron 18 months ago, I always figured Kobe would have to go due to luxury tax, but if Buss is willing to pay a season or two of high luxury tax and if Kobe were willing to move to a supporter role, this might work.
I have been saying for 1 and a half years, LeBron was coming to LA and of course everyone laughed. Now he isn’t here yet, but it seems like people with excellent sources are starting to feel the rumblings.
The keys are PJ burying the hatchet with Jerry. We have known about that for a long time and for the Cavs to be wiling to do a sign and trade. The Cavs could sink this whole thing out of spite, but it would destroy their team too because LeBron would just leave.
JFranchiz Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 2:39 pm
This has got to be the dumbest article I have ever read. Was this written by a 5th grader??? There is no evidence to back anything up. I want the last 5 minutes of my life back!!!
Countdown to 7/1/2010: LeBron Rumor Control 02.28.2010 « Low-Level Ninja Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:19 pm
[...] edition of the LRC is inspired by this blog post by Roland Lazenby at HoopsHype.com, which alleges that emissaries of King Crab have made it known, on the hush-hush of course, that [...]
derf Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:20 pm
wow. please get off the internet
C3PO Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:48 pm
If Buss wants a sped up offense the last person to sign is Lebron. Great player, one of the best, but he doesn’t like to run much though.
Literally Zero Chance Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
Allow me to break it down for anyone who’s new to the game:
There are only two ways the lakers will sign lebron next year. First they can sign him to the MLE which sure as sh1t ain’t happening. Second they can do a sign and trade which will also never happen. The last thing the owner of the cavs wants is to tack on more payroll after losing their franchise. What he would try to do is this:
1) Let lebron leave and get nothing in return
2) Trade away anyone who can put them under the lux. tax
3) Sell the team
In that order depending on how much money he expects to lose, which by my estimate would be truckloads. Not even the steller package of Jordan Farmar and Andrew Bynum would be enough to change that.
r1chual Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 4:44 pm
Interesting article Lebron realizes that you can have a nice roster but you still need a good coach and if you really look at it Bulls,Spurs, Lakers. Since the 90’s 14 championships 2 coaches (Pop and Phil)
x amount of teams have cap space to sign Lebron but honestly he can go anywhere he wants (sign and trade) .
If he does resign with the Cavs he’ll either go to Chicago or Los Angeles
New York sorry you have no assets to build on Chandler Gallinari are not going to work
Nike gives him a big boost in pay if he goes to a big market team
Steve O Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 4:51 pm
Wow…. talk about grasping at straws, and finding the village idiot, all in one post!!! Seriously, are you just trying to stir sh*t up? Because I cant POSSIBLY fathom why you’d make up some garbage like this short of just trying to make yourself intentionally look foolish. LBJ will NEVER go to the Lakers. Period. The fact you even threw it out there, is a f*cking joke.
He is staying in Cleveland. I know this is tough for bandwagon/fairweather tools like you to comprehend, especially given how it is in LA, but there’ this thing called L-O-Y-A-L-T-Y - and he has plenty of it, for the state of Ohio, and Cleveland/Akron in particular. He knows Ferry and co. will do whatever they have to, to bring in the talent he needs.
Christ, are you really that pathetic? LBJ doesnt talk about FA, but even HE would laugh this one off.You arent just reaching- you’re …. just wow.
Just a prime example that any idiot w an internet connection can write a blog… not that it’ll ever be a good one.
Grow up, clown.
Steve O Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 4:52 pm
“C3PO Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 3:48 pm
If Buss wants a sped up offense the last person to sign is Lebron. Great player, one of the best, but he doesn’t like to run much though.”
Uh, right.. you ever watch him play? If you have, you wouldnt be making a statement like that- he LOVES to run- their offense isnt geared for that- although its picked up lately.
You dont average 107+ a game in February by running strictly a half court offense.
Steve O Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 4:55 pm
“I have been saying for 1 and a half years, LeBron was coming to LA and of course everyone laughed. Now he isn’t here yet, but it seems like people with excellent sources are starting to feel the rumblings.”
Ah yes, another brainiac…
Dont sell yourself short- everyones STILL laughing, because this will never, ever, happen. And your ‘excellent sources’ are full of shit.. but hey, you believe what you will. Course, next year, your argument will be ‘well he was GOING to go to LA, but, um, something came up, and then, well, the sky fell, and Cali broke off into its own continent via earthquake so he was unable to make his luncheon w Buss and Phil, so, he decided to resign w the Cavs.
Moron. And I highly suggest you find better sources. Yours (and the bloggers) obviously suck.
2CentsJonez Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 5:27 pm
Wow…you guys are going hard on the writer. Could it be that you aren’t Laker fans? We’ve all watched how the big ego’s (Kobe,LeBron and Dwade) played together in the Olympics, so why wouldn’t this work?
We all know that to acquire Lebron it would take major chess moves and right now, it’s all speculation. To rule it out as a possibility isn’t the smartest thing to do. If you don’t really have a reliable source assuring you that it will never happen, you could be developing the “sour lemon face” all for nothing.
Personally, I am a Laker fan. I’m from LA so that answers why. I don’t care if we get Lebron, or not. If we do Great! If not, we still have #24. Either way, we’re all good.
For the record, I read the entire article…so it couldn’t of been that bad. GO LAKERS!!!!
Rob Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
Wow, and April fools’ prank on february! I was the only one who got it! Good laugh Lazenby thanks!!!
paul randal Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 5:42 pm
For Jerry Buss that kind of deal would be a no brainer. Who has “more chips left on the table” Kobe or Lebron, Phil or Byron. Byron knows what that means, and so does Norm Nixon.
HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Pete Mickeal » What a week Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 6:12 pm
[...] the article about the chance that LeBron James could end up playing with Kobe Bryant… That would be not fair at all! Two Rottweilers in the same team? You usually have one [...]
Author (Rowlad Layzen-be) Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 6:23 pm
2CentsJonez Said, finally something worth licking my eyeballs over with, not like majority of the dimwits tryin to know it all parading their analysis extracted from their pea brains
LakerJam Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 6:24 pm
Why is that everytime Lazenby has a new book coming out, he ALWAYS comes out with an article that talks about all this trouble going on within the Lakers organization? He did the exact same thing last time he had a book coming out. Only this time, Phil will be coaching somewhere - anywhere - because of a potential lock out in 2012? And he may take Kobe with him? Good grief, shut up already, Lazenby. Why don’t you just write a book and try to get it to sell on it’s own merits? This incessant need of yours to stir up drama makes me NOT want to buy anything you’ve written. Seriously. Stop.
Author (Rowlad Layzen-be) Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 6:44 pm
LakerJam, if you have a brain in your silly fat head you would be dangerous.
thare Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
Too much publicity on Lebron, watch Kevin Durant….
Uncontested Shots: Lakers News, Notes, & Observations Heading Into March | Lakers Basketball Talk Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 7:13 pm
[...] columnist and well-respected NBA writer/historian Roland Lazenby wrote a post on his blog on Sunday stating that LeBron James is, “quietly making overtures to the Los Angeles Lakers,” based [...]
Kenny Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 7:16 pm
Yes - it’s pie in the sky stuff, but not crazy. To my eyes, LBJ is the closest thing the league has to one Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Big guard, pushes the offense, great distributor and sees a triple double damn near every game. LBJ would be GREAT in L.A. - his game’s made for the City of Angels.
Forrest Crunk Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 7:18 pm
Come on now people, Roland didn’t get to this point by making things up. Is it that abnormal for a superstar athlete to put feelers out about playing for one of the most prestigious franchises in professional sports? Really? You sensitive Cleveland saps need hugs, for real. Your city is wack, LeBron is leaving, any good athlete dreams of getting the hell out of there. Deny it if you like but that’s the cold hard reality of your situation.
Blogs – house blog | Know Marketing Blog Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker?28 Feb 2010 by Roland Lazenby Roland, I was waiting for you to end your blog with âApril Foolâ but today is 1 March. I suppose with Phil anything is possible though. Depending on the outcome of the 2010 NBA Championship, which team Phil decides to coach, … – [...]
I'm an Idiot for Reading This Article Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 7:35 pm
Eee-gads. Couple of things:
(1) Taken as separate bits of information, I can believe that the ESSENCE (all caps, the way Phil LOVES LeBron) of some of these assertions is true, even if they, in their final iteration as they appear in your column, are overblown. In other words, I can believe that LeBRAT has put feelers out all over the place because he has an extremely “entitled” pysche. I would expect him to believe that as he contemplates his future, it is perfectly appropriate to “let the little owners of the league know” that he “may deign to play for their team.” But you present what may have been an idle, “I wonder about the Lakers” on LeBrat’s part as if he is determined to play there and nowhere else.
(2) As a former magazine editor (who would scratch material that didn’t properly cite to sources), who is now a lawyer trained to, um, you know, CITE to legal sources in legal writings, I am astounded at your lack of proper citations. It’s okay to have an undisclosed source (which is what they’re called in good journalistic writing — not “confidants”) if you can also cite to a named source that corroborates the unnamed source. For example, “He fell off his bike,” said a source not granted permission by Timmy’s family to speak to the media. “Yeah, I was watching, and he rode down the street and fell off his bike,” said Jane Smith, Timmy’s neighbor, who was watering her lawn at the time of the accident. See how that works? Corroboration.
(3) A train of thought, please. A “hook” is okay in good journalism, but the hook should be GERMANE (Phil LOVES germane hooks) to the rest of the story. It is unprofessional to tease us with alleged information about LeBron becoming a Laker just to make us watch you gossip about the Buss Family Drama (with a little bit of Byron Scott thrown in). If you needed an audience for that, you should have told us up front. Either way, there’s no cohesion from one thought to the next that we can identify as a theme or a train of thought. Your story kind of goes, “LeBron wants L.A. at any cost except if Byron Scott’s the coach if Phil won’t stay unless Kobe sticks up for him, which Kobe isn’t doing. The Buss family has some tramps and backstabbers in it, and none of them except Jeannie, his bedmate, wants to pay for Phil, who may not stay anyway because of a potential lockout that would leave him coaching LeBron in New York, while Jeannie stays in L.A. to fight with her brother.” Have I quoted Phil’s confidant correctly? And can we assume it is a male, since a female would be a confidante (with an E on the end)? Well, then, what was I thinking? You actually HAVE narrowed down your source!
I say again: I can believe LeBron, with his massive ego, is shopping everywhere. The NBA is his candy store, and he’s got all the money. I can believe that Jerry Buss wouldn’t mind having Showtime Byron Scott as coach. I can believe that Phil won’t stay without pay. Jim and Jeannie don’t get along. I got ‘choo. I just don’t believe all of the ridiculous tripe you’ve sprinkled the story with and the crazy way you tried connect a bunch of non sequitors into a so-called vetted story.
Fail.
2CentsJonez Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 8:45 pm
@I’m an Idiot for Reading This Article Said
Sir,
Correction, you are not an idiot for reading this article. Your just an idiot period. Trying to impress everyone with your writing background? This is the wrong forum for that. Try a University for Journalism majors. You put waaaay too much into what you wrote. Trying to embarrass the author? Why don’t you write for Hoopshype since you obviously have the writing credentials to do so. Oh, maybe you don’t have the appropriate resources.
It sounds like at the expense of others…your trying to gain some fans there yourself bud. Yeah I know…who am I to talk right? I’m a nobody, but a nobody with his own 2cents. I’ll stop now before I get sued by the Lawyer/Ex-Former Editor/Ex-Idiot - Oops! (that’s current)
Kick Rocks Already!
magic32 Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 9:05 pm
So, we are to believe that your source knows an agent who spoke to someone who is inside the Laker organization? A former Laker? There aren’t that many.
Anyway, ever play that game telephone when you were a kid? In the same room, in a matter of less than a minute, the original message is totally truncated. I don’t mind the writer hypothesizing about where Lebron might end up, but to say it as rumor from a “well connected agent”, when the information is 3rd or 4th hand, is pretty unreliable.
On the other hand, all the lakers have to is clear 20-25m in salary cap space. Fisher makes $5m, morrison $6m, sasha $5m - thats not a bad start.
I’ll believe it when it comes out of Lebrons mouth.
A Cumpleet Moran Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 9:25 pm
this was teh best article. kobe lebron wade bosh goin to b wearin laker unis by 2010 bank on it!!!! you want ships we got em com to LA!!! I got sourses.
jrock Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 10:06 pm
I don’t want to see Lebron as a Laker. It’s nice to have Lebron in Cleveland. It brings some parity to the league to not have teams stacked with all-stars.
It’s not entertaining to have huge gaps between the teams in the league. The league just needs to get the Knicks going again and stocking up the small market teams with good talent like the Thunder. It is amazing such a large franchise has collapsed since Patrick Ewing retired. When you haven’t been good since the days of Anthony Mason and Latrell Sprewell then you have a major problem.
Hallin Oats Said,
March 1, 2010 @ 11:39 pm
You’re a rich girl, cause you know it don’t matter any way….the only reason I read this article is to fantasy about Lebron James. He’s my favorite player and thinking about him gives me joy. I read 1/3 of the comments but you guys are really negative. If anyone wants to be a Cavs fan pen pal please email me!
Bluefalcon189 Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 12:00 am
the comments slamming this nonsense article are more intelligent and well written than the article itself.
Spec2 Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 1:21 am
Could this happen? It’s remotely conceivable. If the Cavs don’t win the championship this year (though they likely will) and LeBron threatens to bolt, management could part with him and about 7 or 8 million dollars’ worth of bench players (to make the total swap of salaries roughly equal) in exchange for Gasol and Odom. Cleveland would then still be one of the top teams in the East (who would be better? The Magic, perhaps, but not the aging Celtics) – and Showtime would be re-born in L.A.
FERN DOG Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 1:54 am
LBJ WE DONT WANT YOU IN A PURPLE AND GOLD STAY IN CLEVELAND LAKERS DONT NEED YOU.
logo Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 1:55 am
There is actually some truth in this story. There is a conflict between Miss Buss and Jim as there is a conflict between Jim and Phil. Bynam was Jim’s pick in the draft and his calling card. Phil hates his lazy play on defense and rebounds and talked about trading him twice. Phil is right as Bynam picks up more 3 second calls then rebounds. Bynam is on the bench late in games and Jim dosen’t like it.
As for Phil, he wants to end his career where he started. The Knicks! Also Spike Lee worked Kobe hard while shooting a Kobe video last December. Productions were promised from Lee to Kobe to make up difference in max money from Lakers for Knicks.
End result Phil, Bosh and Kobe will be Knicks next year and Jim Buss will end up back in rehab.
Now this is a real story.
Jason Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 3:45 am
Wow. Take it easy, everybody. He didn’t kill your dog; he wrote an article you disagree with. Try some civility. Or one of those stress squeeze balls.
Kobe wants to play for the Nets Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 8:53 am
This just in… from a reliable source close to JayZ…
Kobe wants out of LA. He wants to play for the Nets….
This way he can take all the shots….
TWolf Fan Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 10:27 am
Horrible article. Please return to quality content ASAP. This is National Enquirer-type stuff.
LakerFan62 Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 11:01 am
Interesting article!
You managed to get everything an article should. The mark of a great article is the amount of intrigue and interaction you get from the readers (both good and bad, praise and anger)…
Why someone is dense enough to even ask the question, “are you trying to get hits?” can only be answered by the words of my 9 year old daughter, “DUH!”
Who writes (book, article or blog) to be Unnoticed, and to fail to get the attention of his readers? No one in their “write mind” (pun intended).
Another element I see in writing is to stir up conversations, good call on the article… You accomplished just that… Anyone who was manipulated to post up angry comments should feel “punked”, it is the intention of the writer to create points of debate and invoke thought and plant “What ifs?” in the minds of the pubic/readers, there has to be no fact, just speculation and opinion… Drama, you accompished that too, just like we have in Laker-land. Let’s face it, it’s there and has been for a while.
It seems you have (undisclosed) sources somewhere, so “proof” of information is not an issue. You’re a writer/blogger, and you have your opinions to put down for the readers for entertainment purposes, after all, the NBA is entertainment, so therefore the writing about it should be too…
When your article was all said and done, you left us intrigue; “LeBron (more of a team player then Kobe) to LA” for us Lakers Fans is still, “California Dreamin”.
At least we can dream, right? Isn’t that what building NBA teams are about, building the Championship Dream?
Data Aspens Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 11:21 am
Don’t worry about the comments Roland. What these posters don’t know is that the internet survives on yellow journalism like this. Besides if they wanted to read the truth (yuck!) then they shoudn’t be reading HoopsHype anyway.
JFranchiz Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 12:43 pm
My sources have just told me that LeBron is going to play in Minny, because Kurt Rambis sent LeBron a Facebook message saying he LOVES the way he wears his headband. LeBron was very impressed.
DS Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 1:59 pm
Other than the laughable LeBron to the Lakers thing this was a pretty good read.
Drake Maco Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
The only way lebron will be a laker in the next season is if the lakers screw Kobe over, by not signing him, and signing lebron instead. Which would be fucked to Kobe, but would make so much sense from a basketball standpoint, lebron is getting closer to Kobe as the best player in the game, I thnk it simply has to do with Age, but still, think about it, your starting 5, shannon, artest, lebron, pau, and bynum. This is the only way this could happen, but because Kobe and the lakers have been through so much together, I doubt it
Gueroh Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 5:45 pm
this is not true anyways lebron is not going to be like kobe. kobe makes the hardest shots lebron looks like a foo next to him. and anyways the lakers fan love kobe becuase hes are mvp and hes the greates player in the nba history 81 points whattt!!! well its true .. laters this article is a bunch of bull shitttttt…. lebron will never be like kobe thanks, lebron stay in cleveland we dont want u in la,,,
Homer Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 7:41 pm
From a cav fan’s perspective, this sounded more like Phil was going to coach in Cleveland next year.
Enough Is Enough and Thoughts On Mike Brown | Ohio Press Pass Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 8:28 pm
[...] most laughable is a recent blog by Roland Lazenby on HoopsHype.com. Lazenby states that he has sources that say LeBron has made overtures to the Lakers that he wants [...]
Henry Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
All of you are missing the pt. Its not about the Lakers it about Lebron/Phil and Kobe is secondary. Both of them are “free agents” next yr. If they want to be together, don’t you think any team with eough cap space or tradeable assets would not go for it? Who wouldn’t fire their coach to get Lebron? If the team has a solid player or two already in place so much the better, if they are in big media city even better. Bulls, Knicks etc. Why would Lebron want this? Cuz Jackson wins championships…if Cavs fail to win this year, even more so in his mind will he want Jackson. someone with a track record. He will think together they can build a dynatsy over time even if its not the immediate next yr. Jackson? A younger, stronger, bigger, better team mate guy in Lebron vs Kobe. Are you kidding me? Kobe may be better now (highly debatable) but think over the next 5 years or so? No contest.
Loder, The Said,
March 2, 2010 @ 11:29 pm
A reliable source of mine just told me that kobe is going to play for cleveland next year. Apparently he LOVES lebron.
The possability of this happening makes perfect sence if you think about it. If kobe was going to leave anyway the lakers would have the choice of letting him go for nothing or doing a sign and trade for something like Shaq, Anthony Parker, and draft picks.
Marc Jacobz Said,
March 3, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
LeBron will be a Clipper. Huge market, lots of money, endorsements galore, the movie industry, the weather. Everybody and their mother wants to live in Southern California, including LeBron. STAPLES Center will be the Mecca of basketball. Kobe and LeBron in the same building, look out world!
The LeBron James Free Agent Derby: Where Will He Sign This Summer? | New York Yankees Said,
March 3, 2010 @ 1:10 pm
[...] a ton of speculation about where he’ll end up. Hell, there’s been speculation that he’ll end up with the Lakers, of all teams. This despite the Lakers not having cap room and already having Kobe Bryant on their [...]
24lakerboy Said,
March 4, 2010 @ 12:29 pm
EVERYONE WANTS TO BE HOLLYWOOD STATUS.
WE ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT.
IF YOU CAN’T BEAT US, JOIN US.
WITH LEBRON, IT WILL BE BAC TO BAC TO BAC TO BAC TO BAC
Gurvinder Chouhan Said,
March 4, 2010 @ 3:00 pm
Who is your inside source? What is this bullshit. Write something less controversial and you wont be so hated man.
Hersey Said,
March 4, 2010 @ 4:31 pm
Great read. Whether or LeBron is feasible, it was refreshing to read something about the Lakers challenges as the premiere NBA franchise. So much what’s out there is just stats and free agency gossip. This held my attention.
3 seconds Said,
March 4, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
how many people have read a book by roland lazenby? if you haven’t, pick up a book by him, then read this story again. I think most of you, including the lawyer that was once an editor (name it buddy, no anonymous references!), would reconsider what you’ve said. Lazenby has a book to sell, no question about that, so the timing of this article is probably well planned. Outside of that, I think RL made it clear the Lebron part came with conditions. The issues with kobe and phil have been written before this year by TJ Simers and Pete Vecsey (not exactly saints), but RL clearly makes the picture much clearer. So guys (and gals), read it again and think about it. There’s a lot of truth to what RL says. No one is saying RL is perfect, or he got equal input from all sides in this story.
02-17-10 – Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers (HDTV) (Laker Highlights Only) | Golden State Warriors NBA Announcer Said,
March 4, 2010 @ 9:36 pm
[...] HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs – Roland Lazenby » LeBron a Laker? [...]
Max in Missouri Said,
March 5, 2010 @ 12:02 am
LOL! Cause NY is gonna fire D’Antoni with like 3 years/18 million left on his contract
javaman Said,
March 5, 2010 @ 2:17 am
mr.lazenby is the unofficial “feeler” for p.j. he throws a big pile of goop out there to see if any of it sticks. he poses as a neutral observer or better yet as an earnest journalist reporting a scoop from an unnamed reliable source, but i’m not quite sure if this is a genuine revelation or merely a good friend attempting to improve p.j.’s stock for the upcoming contract renewal. two friends who goes way back. so, it’s not too farfetched to assume that mr. lazenby have a dog in this fight.
jirohkanzaki Said,
March 5, 2010 @ 10:35 am
i am a friend of lebron and he said he doesn’t want to play with a raypist so lakers are off his list… what? you can do it and i can’t?
pligg.com Said,
March 5, 2010 @ 4:40 pm
LeBron a Laker?…
The greatest NBA free agent of all time, LeBron James, is quietly making overtures to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He wants to play for them. And James is not all that concerned whether Kobe Bryant is part of the equation. Bryant, of course, has yet to sig…
Ryan Prot Said,
March 7, 2010 @ 10:08 pm
If any of you watched sportscenter you would know what the whole Lebron lakers situation is. Lebron said “of course who doesn’t want to wear the purple and gold” The only way the lakers can sign lebron is if they make some trades or release some players. I don’t think they can sign both Lebron and Kobe so the front office has to make a choice. But yes Lebron wants to join the lakers.
You Said,
March 10, 2010 @ 4:40 am
the only thing more stupid than this blog and the author are the comments and the writers under it!
new york sucks...9/11 ftw Said,
March 11, 2010 @ 10:54 am
trade Kobe and Bynum for Lebron and Mo-Will
It is possible…and what’s a better place for Lebron to play? new york? LMAO!!!!!!
not to mention he wouldn’t leave Cleveland in ruins, they would be the second best team in the league
bbfan88 Said,
March 11, 2010 @ 2:06 pm
Obviously the Buss family aren’t stupid. I wonder how much the lakers owner was miffed at Kobe’s power play the summer before the season in which they reached the finals.
I mean this is so crazy and I had a feeling that possibly (obviously there’s no definite proof) that LeBron could join the Lakers. that is the only sure fire option.
Of course that means Kobe would be forced out. However Kobe still has the no trade clause so if this was too happen most likely Kobe ask to be released instead of traded. And a very tiny chance that Kobe and LeBron team up for one ring and then LeBron takes control.
If you’re a Lakers management, you’d be extremely foolish not think about getting a young LeBron to lead the Lakers for the next decade.