Jerry Buss Shouldn’t Have Publicly Discussed Trading Kobe Bryant & L.A. Lakers’ Future

Lakers’ owner Jerry Buss discusses Kobe Bryant’s future with the Los Angeles Times:

On trading Bryant

"I would certainly listen. At any time, I think you have to do that with anybody. It’s just part of the game, to listen to somebody who has a dissatisfied player that you think is going to fit. You can’t keep too many loyalties. You’ve got to look at it as a business. He looks at it the same way I look at it."

On what other teams offered for Bryant

"What was offered was not ever under consideration. And I told Kobe that. I told him I would try my best to accommodate his wishes, but that I could not afford to let him go unless we got comparable talent, if there is such a thing. . . . I even told him occasionally what I was offered and I said, ’You have to know that this is not in favor of the Lakers. This would just be terrible to do.’ And he said, ’I understand.’ "

On Bryant signing an extension

"If he feels up to it, then he will sign an extension, And hopefully, that’s what’s going to happen. I’m very fond of him. . . . If he feels up to it, I think he would probably declare himself for a couple of years."

On Mitch Kupchak’s work as GM

"I think Mitch does a terrific job because I’m right there and I know what’s happening. Mitch has done everything humanly possible. Our team does not have a lot of tradable players. Hopefully we will have some in time, but currently we do not."

My Quick Take: Everything seemed fine in Laker-land just a few short days ago. Kobe Bryant publicly re-pledged his loyalty to the purple-and-gold and their dysfunctional summer seemed like a distant memory.

Then the team’s owner gave a tell-all interview to the L.A. Times. Buss discussed Bryant’s uncertain future, his failed attempts to trade his superstar, and even endorsed public enemy number one, GM Mitch Kupchak. 

Now the team is back to being tabloid-fodder. Why would the owner open up to a reporter, let alone grant a tell-all interview? What’s the point?

The Lakers are preparing for the upcoming season and must now deal with another distraction. Their superstar, Bryant, must once again answer questions about his future. And teams know Bryant is available, so they’ll offer very little in trade packages because they want to acquire him on the cheap. 

Much of the team’s goodwill has been undone by their owner. Nice job Dr. Buss. All in a day’s work/feature interview, right Jerry?

Buss, as owner, is entitled to his opinion. But he should have avoided the interview. And if he had to talk to reporters, then he should have lied. Tell the L.A. Times that the Lakers never considered trading Bryant.

Good teams almost always have good owners. The Lakers were the aberration, winning all their NBA Titles despite Dr. Buss’ brainless antics.

What do you think of Dr. Buss’ comments? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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