| 
Can Kobe’s Lakers repeat? By John Nguyen
07.29.2009 - Updated on 07.29.2009
|
Kobe showed the world that he can do it without Shaq. The question is now can he lead the team to do it again? LA fans will immediately stand up and say “hell yeah” without thinking too much. They have every reason to think that way. How does one stop an unstoppable force that is too unstoppable? For starters, the unstoppable force can be stopped via injury or the occasional horrendous shooting night. Either way, the Lakers still have the consistent Pau Gasol, steady Derek Fisher, and the injury plagued Andrew Bynum to cover up for Kobe’s off nights.
Trevor Ariza left for the Houston Rockets, but the Lakers got more than enough in return with the newly acquired Ron Artest. That void was filled quite nicely – a decision that Ariza might regret, but we can’t fault the man for choosing more money over winning another title. That’s done and over with. What about Lamar Odom? How important is he? Can the Lakers repeat without him if he chooses Miami instead?
Of course they can.
I do not see why not. Currently, Jerry Buss and the Lakers have an offer on the table for him. It’s up to Odom to accept or reject. It’s interesting to note that this situation should have been cleared up awhile back. Is this just another ploy to keep Lakers attention in the eyes of Manny World and the Dodgers? Sometimes this feels like Jerry Buss was not interested in retaining Odom in the first place. Then again, he doesn’t want to outbid himself. Die hard Laker fans are getting anxious and just want this saga to be done and over with. I agree. What if Odom does leave? Who is going to be the replacement?
Another thing – why is the Miami Heat chasing after him? They traded him before. What’s going on here Pat Riley? You got rid of him, now you want him back? It’s like an ex trying to make amends after he/ she cheated. By getting Odom back, does it really convince Wade to stay? Sure it helps, but there is a lot more to fix with that roster to be back in the Finals. Do you think that by getting Odom that somehow you also land Carlos Boozer? I agree in a dream scenario, but wake up, man. At this point, the Lakers need LO more than the Heat does.
And Odom knows it.
If he re-signs with the Lakers, is he some kind of insurance policy? He probably is in case of Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum going down. Then again, he’s not a good insurance policy. At least he’s something, correct? Without Odom, the Lakers have a solid to good chance of repeating. With Odom, they have a great chance. To my understanding, he wants a 4th year attached to the deal. Tell you what Candy Man.
Play some high stakes poker against Jerry Buss.
Supposedly, Buss offered a 3/30 and 4/36 mil, with a 4th year partially guaranteed. Be smarter than Sprewell, Odom. Take the guaranteed money and just know that you have a great chance of winning another one than you would if you signed in Miami.
Can the Lakers repeat without Odom?
[image:http://www.flickr.com/photos/keithallison/3085775075/] |
| | |
Posted by
dominic
on 07.31.2009 | the only thng harder thanwinning a tilte is repeating the next year. the lakers will have to play twice as hard as they did last year. teams will be pumped up to play the champs.the loss of ariza is greater than the additon of artest. laker fans better enjoy this one because it will probably be their last. . | Posted by
J. Nguyen
on 07.30.2009 | Odom re-signs. If the Lakers do not suffer significant injuries, they’ll repeat. . | Posted by
allnet38
on 07.30.2009 | the celts will never be champion again unless they get lebron james and dwight howard for a way too old kg and streaky ray allen!dunno if lakers can repeat but i’m pretty sure! they gonna be in the finals!finals tip: lakers vs cavs. lakers in 6! . | Posted by
ronh
on 07.30.2009 | I am a huge lakers fan and a big kobe bryant fan. The only way they will reapeat is if they can get odom back dr. buss just needs to give lo a 4 yr guranteed and i think he will come back. Without him it will be tough for them to repeat. . | Posted by
Snika
on 07.30.2009 | It’s going to be a great season. I really thought LO was just getting Miami to bid higher, so LA would have to offer more. But I think LO is thinking about leaving for Miami, and with one more decent pick up, Miami will be a contender too. As far as the Lakers, they will definitely have a tougher road this year... but Kobe can literally do whatever he wants on the court, and if he wants it bad enough, they can win it all again. . | Posted by
on 07.30.2009 | it’s going to be hard for the lakers to repeat with out odom . | Posted by
qwqwqwq
on 07.30.2009 | dont be so Sure Lakers Fan hahaha LOL.. If the Celtics are Healthy Celtics Will Be The Champs Dis year and Next Season . | Posted by
40inchleaper
on 07.30.2009 | as long as Odom sticks with the Lakers, the team can repeat next year, otherwise, it’s a 4-4 rings for Shaq & Kobe. . | Posted by
john
on 07.30.2009 | How about "Kobe goes down on Ron Ron in the shower.....Footage at 5"!!!!!!! . | Posted by
Max B.
on 07.29.2009 | Hey John, way to post a stupid article! I wish i could go back in time, and falcon punch your pregnant mother. . | Posted by
mel counts blocks the shot
on 07.29.2009 | There comes a point where something becomes poor business.If Dr. Buss says this is what I will pay then it is a take it or leave it deal. Lamar is not going to put the screws to the lakers for one extra cent. If you beleive the reports about the salary offers the lakers offer is much better per year dollar wise then miami, only a first cla-------shmuck would take the heats offer. The lakers should give him a deadline then move on. David lee would be a great addition from the knicks to replace a sitting on the bench brooding lamar odom who did not get his way. . | Posted by
on 07.29.2009 | Lakers WILL repeat!!! . | Posted by
Spence
on 07.29.2009 | I kno how ya feel Bryan. I’ve been checking NBA.com, ESPN.com, and Google constantly. I remain positive though, because in the end I truely feel Lamar will resign with LA. He’s made it clear he wants to play for the lakers more. I think if he takes the laker’s offer he’ll make more money per year than he will with miami, and after that third year is up, if he stays consistent the lakers will sign him again. I would think you would enjoy being a professional basketball player more if you were winning. Well even if he does go to Miami they’re not going any where. Especially after next summer when D-Wade leaves. . | Posted by
Bryan Stange
on 07.29.2009 | I am completly stressing out about this! I’m a HUGE Lakers fan and want this to be over with already! Any minute now I expect to hear the heartbreaking news... OR the joyful news that pretty much whispers... CHAMPIONSHIP in my ear. Lakers NEED L.O!!! L.O NEEDS the Lakers! Wade says he want L.O back? Forget Wade! Isn’t he the guy who wanted to trade L.O for Shaq??? Wade is just toying with L.O IF L.O goes to Miami. Lamar... Wade is just guna leave ur butt in Miami after next year!!! Summer of 2010 is what’s on his mind! Not how your career will end. Lamar needs to stay in LA and help us win more rings! I want a positive soulution by tomorrow! PLEASE! . |
No profanity or inaproppriate remarks. All i.p. addresses will be saved and abuse/hate posts will be reported to providers and authorities as part of the anti-spam act of 2003, thank you for posting comments on the articles only. | | | |
| | | |
|  | | | | | NBA Features | | | | | | |
|
|
