Kobe Bryant on the Block!?!- The L.A. feud between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal goes beyond personal animosities. It goes to the very core of Lakers coach Phil Jackson's views and Bryant's commitment. That divide may never be bridged; it's not whether Shaq and Kobe can begrudgingly coexist, but whether Bryant can ever survive with O'Neal and Jackson. It's why, according to Chicago Tribune columnist Sam Smith, many close to the Lakers believe Bryant will be traded this summer if the team doesn't repeat. There's already been preliminary explorations, according to Smith, and three potential deals have surfaced. 1) Bryant to the Suns for Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion. L.A. loves this deal, for obvious reasons. Kidd's entirely unselfish, and Marion's athleticism rivals any guy in the league. Why would the Suns do it? Because early exits don't impress fans. Kobe could be the No. 1 draw in the NBA. He's a player a team could sell and build around. He's only 22, still on the rise. 2) Bryant to the Raptors for Vince Carter and Antonio Davis. It would have to be a sign-and-trade because Davis can become a free agent. Carter's a star big enough to replace Bryant, and Davis is a rugged rebounding machine. Why would Toronto do it? Years. They won't acknowledge it, but Carter is leaving. Davis, too. Bryant has four years left on his contract, which gives the Raps breathing room and saves the franchise. 3) Bryant to the Orlando Magic for Tracy McGrady and Mike Miller. O'Neal talks about McGrady being team-oriented—and he has the kind of versatility Jackson likes. Miller's a solid sniper for Phil's system. Why would Orlando do it? It might not. The Magic is the most unlikely partner, since they resent the Lakers after losing O'Neal as a free agent. But Bryant is tempting because he draws crowds, which McGrady hasn't done yet in Orlando. . .Of course, all this is risky for the Lakers as O'Neal approaches 30. He'd probably yield to Bryant in a few years anyway. But if the Lakers fizzle in the playoffs, expect to hear about these deals and more.
1. Bryant to the Suns for Kidd and Marion
2. Bryant to the Raptors for Carter and Davis
3. Bryant to the Magic for T-Mac and Miller
Personally, I'd jump on ANY of these deals! Either one would be a complete steal for the Lakers. They'd be champs for sure with any one of those!
Source:
NBAtalk Rumors