By now you know I’ve gotta at least blog once per season about the Los Angeles Lakers. So here it is.
Our season came to an end last night. Sigh. We were beaten by a younger team, but I’m not sure about a more talented team. The OKC Thunder played with more desire, that’s for sure. This seems to be a running theme in our organization.
Once again, Kobe Bryant watched 90% of his team play half-assed ball. I’m not saying #24’s a saint or anything (though admittedly he’s my longtime favorite) but there’s no disputing that he shows up mentally for every game. He wants to be on that court and it’s evident by every shot he takes, and every wince on his face. Meanwhile, everyone hates him for one reason or another.
Andrew Bynum on the other hand is celebrated. Why? Because he’s tall? People, he doesn’t give a sh*t. I’d rather have three little dudes who play their guts out every night than one big guy who acts like he’s doing us a favor by showing up for tip-off.
I think Jimmy Buss and Mitch Kupchak keep Bynum on the roster simply for the hope of what he’ll one day become. But he won’t! He will never play with maturity or passion. If the light hasn’t clicked on yet, it’s not going to. I get that it isn’t easy to give up a Big. But how many times do fans have to watch him play and wonder, ‘Which team is paying him?’
In case you didn’t hear it last night, Bynum’s response to what next season might bring was, “It really doesn’t matter to me. I’ll play anywhere.”
Did you hear that, Mr. Buss – it DOES NOT MATTER to him. And that’s not just coming from some random girl who knows a lot about lip gloss. It’s coming from the man himself.
While Kobe is still suiting up, how ’bout we surround him with some players who actually care as much as he does?
Just something to think about for next season.
City of Gloss Angeles. 
Great article. Those Bynum comments were just absolutely shocking yesterday. It’s incredible that anyone would say something like that with still a team option that his team will almost undoubtedly pick up. Obviously this isn’t the first time Bynum has said something that isn’t the brightest thing in the world but it’s odd that he would say something like that right after getting ousted from the playoffs. Maybe the emotions of a poor game 5 and loss of series got to him but it’s really interesting to see what the Lakers want to do with him and maybe deal him while his stock is still sky high, despite the immaturity that is seen from him. This is looks like it’s gonna be one fascinating Laker offseason. Also, you think you could take a gander over at my blog post because I would absolutely love to hear what you have to say http://chrisross91.wordpress.com/2012/05/22/cant-build-around-bynum/
Like you say it’s sickening to put your heart in the hands od so called pr’s who pick and chose when they decide to show up and play. A team is supposed to develop together……this group sadly have never become cohesive. They’re arent that many real champions….the Lakers just have one.