Notorious K.O.B.E.

It seems these days everyone and they’re dog has established a rumour about what jersey current Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will dawn come opening night on October 30th. Rumors to the Bulls, Dallas, San Antonio and even Denver have surfaced, thanks to my no good friends making up stories, but the truth is, KB24 wont be going anywhere until he says so.

Arguably the best player in the league, Bryant is under contract with the Lakers through 2008, however the nine time NBA allstar has the option to forego the last two years should he approve a trade from upper management. That however isn’t likely. Mavericks GM Mark Cuban had his Dancing with the Stars performance overshadowed when he was asked how much interest there was to bring Kobe to Dallas. When asked if he would be willing to trade superstar forward Dirk Nowitzki for the perenial guard, Cuban shot down the idea faster than Russ gets rejected at the club.

“If and when I talk to Jerry, I’ll make it clear that we’re not going to trade Dirk,” Cuban told the LA Times newspaper.

“And we’re not going to dismantle our team. Kobe’s one of the top players in the league. But without the right team around him, he’s in the same position he was in Los Angeles.”

 True story. And if the Lakers are able to trade Kobe anywhere else, theyre realistically going to have to give up a lot for a little. Cuban’s thinking is no doubt the same as the 28 other GM’s in the league. No one’s going to give up a the future of the franchise for Kobe.

Lets look at some options: Chicago Bulls: Kobe for Nocioni, Gordon/Duhon, Deng

Though this looks good on paper, its not gonna happen. Pax has already made it quite clear that he likes his baby Bulls right where they are, and despite the opportunity at getting Jordan re-incarnated back in Chicago, the Bulls have assembled a solid front and backcourt combination.

Dallas Maverics: Kobe for Dirk

Possibly the most realistic rumour to date, as per above we already know how Cuban feels, but realistically, can anyone imagine Kobe in a Dallas jersey, makes me cringe just thinking about it.

Denver Nuggets: Kobe for….everyone but AI and Melo This ones for Russell. I get rock hard everytime i picure the numbers 24, 15 and three walking onto the Pepsi Centre court together in powder blue.

So you optimists looking for Kobe to magically appear in any other jersey than the Lakers purple and gold, keep holding your breath. I don’t care how disgruntled my boy appears to be in the off season. When the circus music of the offseason stops, and the Bryants straps on those sexy Nike air Zooms for real its showtime in LALA land. My opinion

Nightmare on Griffiths St.

It is apparent that Pheonix Suns forward/centre/freak/manchild Amare Stoudamire will be in the building this Friday evening when the Suns bring their revamped high flying offense into Canada. Question is, will Stoudamire be in the lineup when his Suns take on the Sonics in the first game played at GM Place since the Grizzlies traded in their Canadian flags for buckets of KFC. But if it were up to him, he’d be good to go. The fifth year standout, underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee three weeks ago to repair ligament damage, the second knee surgery Stoudamire has had on both knees in as many years.

“It’s exciting to be back on the floor feeling this way again. It’s been two years, but it seems even longer,” Stoudemire told NBA.com in a rescent interview.

“Last year, there were times I got in foul trouble because I tried to do too much — things I wasn’t capable of yet and it wasn’t smart…So the goal is to raise the bar, physically and mentally, and bring out all the capabilities.”

Despite having a successful comeback year last season with the Suns, Stoudamire is eager to return to the form he was in in the 2005 playoffs. Do you remember or shall I jog your memories. Stoudamire averaged an incomperable 37.7 points a game in the Western finals, while making Tim Duncan look more like Tait Frier during our days at Westwind. The Suns did end up losing the series in five games, however Stoudamire’s popularity was catupulted to superstar status thanks to his unstoppable performance throught the series.

If in fact Stoudamire does remain healthy this season, along with the veteran presence of newcomer Grant Hill and if captain Steve Nash and company can keep streaky forward Shawn Marion quiet, and prove that he’s better off sharing the limelight with a contender rather than hogging it on a losing team, The Suns may finally shine some light on an NBA championship this season. Only time will tell. In the meantime, dont be suprised if the Sonics are sleeping with the light on tonight, because if Amare is in the lineup tommorrow in Vancouver, you can bet a nightmares a comin’.