In Kobe Bryant’s exit interview last week, with General Manager Mitch Kupchak and Head Coach Phil Jackson, he basically told management to do what they had to do to make the current Laker team a NBA championship contender.
“I just told [Kupchak] this summer’s about getting us to an elite level, doing whatever it takes to make it happen,” Bryant said. “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.
Kobe obviously frustrated with the last three Laker’s seasons not making a strong run in th post season, and being in the prime of his career surrounded by sub par mediocre talent.
This off-season will be one of the most important Laker’s off seasons to date. With definite room for improvement in the point guard, power forward and center positions. According to Phil Jackson’s exit interview day press conference he said, “At this point, I would say that Smush is not someone that we are going to actively seek out to come back and play with us.”
With the departure of Aaron Mckie and Shammond Williams not likely returning next season, the Laker’s will need a veteran point gaurd to support Jordan Farmar and Sasha in the backcourt, even though the triangle offense has more of a point-forward running handling the ball ~a la Scottie Pippen~ there is still a need for a veteran in the backcourt.
I am glad Kobe kind of called out Mitch Kupchak and the organization in saying,
“That’s one of the things when I re-signed here, they promised they would build a contender and build a contender now. I don’t want to have to wait any more than I already have.” Good Job Kobe, maybe this can give us some clout in the west next season.
What will be done is left to be seen, with only a limited amount of money left in the salary cap….there isn’t too much to work with but we still have Kobe, I am 90% sure Lamar will be here next year, and Phil may be livelier with 2 good hips..
go lakers!!!
Phil’s Press conference Audio
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Kobe’s Press Conference Audio
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Mitch Kupchak Press Conference Audio
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