*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (2 Viewers)

[Premier]

Did the Magic just get bent over with no lube here? Who are these scrubs?

 

[DrJ]

He has better defensive stats in just about every category than Harden, and nobody is calling Harden a door mat. I'm not suggesting he's some great defender, but it just seems that people are a bit biased against this guy.

People hate on athletes whose hype is totally out of proportion with their ability or achievements. It's probably been that way since the invention of sports media.

And typically those people are over the top and entirely irrational about it. For example "he's the worst starting PG in the NBA". Just don't really understand that sentiment.

I wouldn't necessarily say irrational. I mean, he's definitely in the bottom third. But I think people are more fired up about it because of the hype. You're not gonna get a passionate message board debate about the relative merits of Jeff Teague. Nobody cares because there's no myth to bust.

I don't think anyone outside of Abe has actually suggested he was all that good, and even he's acknowledged that he's pretty inconsistent and hasn't made him out to be some world beater. I guess I just don't get it.

 

[tommyGunZ]

He has better defensive stats in just about every category than Harden, and nobody is calling Harden a door mat. I'm not suggesting he's some great defender, but it just seems that people are a bit biased against this guy.

People hate on athletes whose hype is totally out of proportion with their ability or achievements. It's probably been that way since the invention of sports media.

And typically those people are over the top and entirely irrational about it. For example "he's the worst starting PG in the NBA". Just don't really understand that sentiment.

I wouldn't necessarily say irrational. I mean, he's definitely in the bottom third. But I think people are more fired up about it because of the hype. You're not gonna get a passionate message board debate about the relative merits of Jeff Teague. Nobody cares because there's no myth to bust.

I don't think anyone outside of Abe has actually suggested he was all that good, and even he's acknowledged that he's pretty inconsistent and hasn't made him out to be some world beater. I guess I just don't get it.

Understatement of the year.

 

[tommyGunZ]

He has better defensive stats in just about every category than Harden, and nobody is calling Harden a door mat. I'm not suggesting he's some great defender, but it just seems that people are a bit biased against this guy.

People hate on athletes whose hype is totally out of proportion with their ability or achievements. It's probably been that way since the invention of sports media.

And typically those people are over the top and entirely irrational about it. For example "he's the worst starting PG in the NBA". Just don't really understand that sentiment.

You could probably make an argument for a couple starters that he is better than but the difference would be negligible. I'll retract my statement of him being the worst starting PG and change it to being 'one of the worst' if it'll make you happy. Of course, there are probably a handful of backups out there who are much better than him (off the top of my head: Bayless, Bledsoe, Billups, Jack).

Yep. And I'd guess that none of the 3-4 guys that you can make an argument for Lin being better than receive anywhere near the $ Lin gets.

 

[gruecd]

Did the Magic just get bent over with no lube here? Who are these scrubs?

What's the difference? Redick wants $10M/year. Magic weren't going to pay him, and neither will the Bucks. Basically just a swap of unwanted contracts.Bucks are a joke. They need to get bad before they can get good. Every year they're on the cusp of the playoffs and end up with another "project" draft pick in the mid-teens...

 

[Premier]

Did the Magic just get bent over with no lube here? Who are these scrubs?

What's the difference? Redick wants $10M/year. Magic weren't going to pay him, and neither will the Bucks. Basically just a swap of unwanted contracts.Bucks are a joke. They need to get bad before they can get good. Every year they're on the cusp of the playoffs and end up with another "project" draft pick in the mid-teens...

Wojo had a tweet earlier that the magic had secured a pick in the 20s for JJ and were holding out for more. Obviously that could be false or faded away...but geez. Gotta be better than the alpo they received.

 

[DrJ]

He has better defensive stats in just about every category than Harden, and nobody is calling Harden a door mat. I'm not suggesting he's some great defender, but it just seems that people are a bit biased against this guy.

People hate on athletes whose hype is totally out of proportion with their ability or achievements. It's probably been that way since the invention of sports media.

And typically those people are over the top and entirely irrational about it. For example "he's the worst starting PG in the NBA". Just don't really understand that sentiment.

I wouldn't necessarily say irrational. I mean, he's definitely in the bottom third. But I think people are more fired up about it because of the hype. You're not gonna get a passionate message board debate about the relative merits of Jeff Teague. Nobody cares because there's no myth to bust.

I don't think anyone outside of Abe has actually suggested he was all that good, and even he's acknowledged that he's pretty inconsistent and hasn't made him out to be some world beater. I guess I just don't get it.

Understatement of the year.

 

[Abraham]

Did the Magic just get bent over with no lube here? Who are these scrubs?

What's the difference? Redick wants $10M/year. Magic weren't going to pay him, and neither will the Bucks. Basically just a swap of unwanted contracts.Bucks are a joke. They need to get bad before they can get good. Every year they're on the cusp of the playoffs and end up with another "project" draft pick in the mid-teens...

Wojo had a tweet earlier that the magic had secured a pick in the 20s for JJ and were holding out for more. Obviously that could be false or faded away...but geez. Gotta be better than the alpo they received.

Seems to me that Reddick needed to go somewhere with a need for a guy that shoots threes and can be the first guard off the bench. Maybe that works in Milwaukee although I doubt there are enough shots to go around for he, Jennings, and Ellis. If the Bucks had kept Bogut this deal would have made more sense. Regardless, I don't think it goes down as a significant trade for either team. Maybe Orlando figures out how to develop one of these stiffs in to a rotation player (I always liked Lamb in college).

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So now ATL is stuck with getting sign-and-trade scraps for Smith at best instead of the Nets deal? Would Hump's salary have prevented them from pursuing Dwight? I understand keeping him if they plan to offer him the max, they think they don't have a real shot at Dwight, and they don't want to bottom out. While their shot at Howard may not be great, they also said they won't offer Smith a max deal. So why not get a decent return from the Nets?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Source: Atlanta Hawks blow up deal at last minute that would've sent Josh Smith to Milwaukee. Hawks would've received Ekpe Udoh, Luc Mbah-Moute, Beno Udrih and a protected No. 1 pick. Can't imagine the Bucks are happy having invested so much time in trying to make it happen. Leaves big question now if Hawks can do better this summer.

 

[Abraham]

So now ATL is stuck with getting sign-and-trade scraps for Smith at best instead of the Nets deal? Would Hump's salary have prevented them from pursuing Dwight? I understand keeping him if they plan to offer him the max, they think they don't have a real shot at Dwight, and they don't want to bottom out. While their shot at Howard may not be great, they also said they won't offer Smith a max deal. So why not get a decent return from the Nets?

Humph is on the hook for 12 million next year I think. Plus, even if they let smith walk for nothing they get the benefit of moving Horford to PF where he should be even better.

 

[Abraham]

Source: Atlanta Hawks blow up deal at last minute that would've sent Josh Smith to Milwaukee. Hawks would've received Ekpe Udoh, Luc Mbah-Moute, Beno Udrih and a protected No. 1 pick. Can't imagine the Bucks are happy having invested so much time in trying to make it happen. Leaves big question now if Hawks can do better this summer.

If nothing else, a lotto-protected first rounder is going to be more than they get in the end for the guy.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Did the Magic just get bent over with no lube here? Who are these scrubs?

What's the difference? Redick wants $10M/year. Magic weren't going to pay him, and neither will the Bucks. Basically just a swap of unwanted contracts.Bucks are a joke. They need to get bad before they can get good. Every year they're on the cusp of the playoffs and end up with another "project" draft pick in the mid-teens...

Wojo had a tweet earlier that the magic had secured a pick in the 20s for JJ and were holding out for more. Obviously that could be false or faded away...but geez. Gotta be better than the alpo they received.

Problem they had is that several interested teams (Bulls/Grizz) were in no position to take on salary. Grizzlies just gave away 3 players (Speights/Ellington/Selby) to Cleveland to dump salary.

Bulls were in full dump mode for Richard Hamilton to get under the luxury tax.

So the last option was the Bucks. A team going nowhere and JJ's likely a 2 month rent-a-player if he wants anything close to $10/mil year that his agent is reportedly seeking. They get a couple developmental guys in Tobias Harris and Doron Lamb. Really can't expect much more than that for Redick.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So now ATL is stuck with getting sign-and-trade scraps for Smith at best instead of the Nets deal? Would Hump's salary have prevented them from pursuing Dwight? I understand keeping him if they plan to offer him the max, they think they don't have a real shot at Dwight, and they don't want to bottom out. While their shot at Howard may not be great, they also said they won't offer Smith a max deal. So why not get a decent return from the Nets?

Humph is on the hook for 12 million next year I think. Plus, even if they let smith walk for nothing they get the benefit of moving Horford to PF where he should be even better.

Hump could have been a piece in a sign-and-trade for Dwight. He'd make the numbers work and be an expiring for the Lakers. Or are there two years left after this season?

 

[Abraham]

So now ATL is stuck with getting sign-and-trade scraps for Smith at best instead of the Nets deal? Would Hump's salary have prevented them from pursuing Dwight? I understand keeping him if they plan to offer him the max, they think they don't have a real shot at Dwight, and they don't want to bottom out. While their shot at Howard may not be great, they also said they won't offer Smith a max deal. So why not get a decent return from the Nets?

Humph is on the hook for 12 million next year I think. Plus, even if they let smith walk for nothing they get the benefit of moving Horford to PF where he should be even better.

Hump could have been a piece in a sign-and-trade for Dwight. He'd make the numbers work and be an expiring for the Lakers. Or are there two years left after this season?

I don't think Sign and Trade deals have the burden of having salaries match up.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

So now ATL is stuck with getting sign-and-trade scraps for Smith at best instead of the Nets deal? Would Hump's salary have prevented them from pursuing Dwight? I understand keeping him if they plan to offer him the max, they think they don't have a real shot at Dwight, and they don't want to bottom out. While their shot at Howard may not be great, they also said they won't offer Smith a max deal. So why not get a decent return from the Nets?

Humph is on the hook for 12 million next year I think. Plus, even if they let smith walk for nothing they get the benefit of moving Horford to PF where he should be even better.

Hump could have been a piece in a sign-and-trade for Dwight. He'd make the numbers work and be an expiring for the Lakers. Or are there two years left after this season?

I don't think Sign and Trade deals have the burden of having salaries match up.

Still, Hump expiring has value and he could have played PF for them with Gasol back to C if Dwight was leaving.

 

[Abraham]

So now ATL is stuck with getting sign-and-trade scraps for Smith at best instead of the Nets deal? Would Hump's salary have prevented them from pursuing Dwight? I understand keeping him if they plan to offer him the max, they think they don't have a real shot at Dwight, and they don't want to bottom out. While their shot at Howard may not be great, they also said they won't offer Smith a max deal. So why not get a decent return from the Nets?

Humph is on the hook for 12 million next year I think. Plus, even if they let smith walk for nothing they get the benefit of moving Horford to PF where he should be even better.

Hump could have been a piece in a sign-and-trade for Dwight. He'd make the numbers work and be an expiring for the Lakers. Or are there two years left after this season?

I don't think Sign and Trade deals have the burden of having salaries match up.

Still, Hump expiring has value and he could have played PF for them with Gasol back to C if Dwight was leaving.

Or, if Dwight is leaving, the Lakers could sign Josh Smith to play PF....ETA - not just trying to argue about Humpheries, but he clearly wasn't in much demand as his name has been out there for a while and he's still in Brooklyn.

 

[Abraham]

Does anyone know how Trade Exceptions work? The Thunder got a 2.2million dollar TE in the Maynor deal. Does that mean they can make a trade in the next year and use the exception amount to make salaries work if they are over the cap?

 

[tom22406]

Wiz freed up a little salary cap room with Crawford being shipped out and from the sounds of things they wanted him far away from Wall and Beal so as to not taint the future stars.Getting back a torn ACL and a folding chair was nice though so congrats to Grunfeld

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wiz freed up a little salary cap room with Crawford being shipped out and from the sounds of things they wanted him far away from Wall and Beal so as to not taint the future stars.Getting back a torn ACL and a folding chair was nice though so congrats to Grunfeld

From the Wizznutzz

 

[tom22406]

Wiz freed up a little salary cap room with Crawford being shipped out and from the sounds of things they wanted him far away from Wall and Beal so as to not taint the future stars.Getting back a torn ACL and a folding chair was nice though so congrats to Grunfeld

From the Wizznutzz

It's tough being a Zards fan as you know all too well but I really had my hopes up he would at least add something but I guess they feel that nothing was to be had or moved.Now back to this

 

[Don Quixote]

Wiz freed up a little salary cap room with Crawford being shipped out and from the sounds of things they wanted him far away from Wall and Beal so as to not taint the future stars.Getting back a torn ACL and a folding chair was nice though so congrats to Grunfeld

From the Wizznutzz

It's tough being a Zards fan as you know all too well but I really had my hopes up he would at least add something but I guess they feel that nothing was to be had or moved.Now back to this

I got mildly excited this afternoon when I saw the Fab Melo rumors: a young project that could fill a need. Definitely a disappointment to just get a WINO (Wizard in name only) in return.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Does anyone know how Trade Exceptions work? The Thunder got a 2.2million dollar TE in the Maynor deal. Does that mean they can make a trade in the next year and use the exception amount to make salaries work if they are over the cap?

No, exceptions cannot be added into a trade with other players. It would have to be used straight up for a player making that amount or less.

 

[Premier]

Zards? Jesus..

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Is "Zards" really a thing?

 

[TobiasFunke]

Is "Zards" really a thing?

It's a rarity. Especially with the obvious "Wiz" out there, and the pee and discount electronic store jokes that come with it.

 

[Don Quixote]

I got mildly excited this afternoon when I saw the Fab Melo rumors: a young project that could fill a need. Definitely a disappointment to just get a WINO (Wizard in name only) in return.

According to Michael Lee, it was the Wizards who turned down Fab Melo. I get keeping money open to sign a FA, but it still seems kind of silly. Is it just me?

 

[Abraham]

Ronnie brewer to okc.

 

[Kev4029]

Knicks signed Kenyon Martin to a 10 day contract, according to Marc Spears.

 

[tom22406]

Is "Zards" really a thing?

It's a rarity. Especially with the obvious "Wiz" out there, and the pee and discount electronic store jokes that come with it.

Well I didn't wanna use the more offensive word that rhymes with Zards.I call them the Wiz,Generals and Zards.

 

[thecatch]

I got mildly excited this afternoon when I saw the Fab Melo rumors: a young project that could fill a need. Definitely a disappointment to just get a WINO (Wizard in name only) in return.

According to Michael Lee, it was the Wizards who turned down Fab Melo. I get keeping money open to sign a FA, but it still seems kind of silly. Is it just me?

I don't think fab melo is worth getting excited about. I'm not sure what the wizards cap situation is, but if having him on the books would mean not having space for another decent player (or having to pay luxury tax) then it was probably wise to pass.

 

[Instinctive]

Is "Zards" really a thing?

It's a rarity. Especially with the obvious "Wiz" out there, and the pee and discount electronic store jokes that come with it.

Well I didn't wanna use the more offensive word that rhymes with Zards.I call them the Wiz,Generals and Zards.

Well "Zards" is idiotic. Now you know.Carry on.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

My wizards fan friends still call them the bullets.

 

[Zaxxon]

Let's go no Zards for a while.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

What lebron is doing this year is amazing.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Let's go no Zards for a while.

You never go full 'zard.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Let's go no Zards for a while.

Will do Xon.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Kobe Bryant evidently is confident the Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs -- and be a factor when they get there.Bryant said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he is certain the struggling Lakers will make the playoffs. The 15-time All-Star also claimed he has "no fear" of any potential postseason opponent in the competitive Western Conference."It's not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will," Bryant told Sports Illustrated. "And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone -- Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver ... whoever. I have zero nervousness about that."

I completely understand why he's the most hated man in the NBA over the last 17 years. But I hope those of you who hate him understand that it's stuff like this that make him so loved by those of us in Purple and Gold.

 

[DrJ]

Kobe Bryant evidently is confident the Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs -- and be a factor when they get there.Bryant said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he is certain the struggling Lakers will make the playoffs. The 15-time All-Star also claimed he has "no fear" of any potential postseason opponent in the competitive Western Conference."It's not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will," Bryant told Sports Illustrated. "And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone -- Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver ... whoever. I have zero nervousness about that."

I completely understand why he's the most hated man in the NBA over the last 17 years. But I hope those of you who hate him understand that it's stuff like this that make him so loved by those of us in Purple and Gold.

Yeah, that's some real powerful stuff to wet yourself over.

 

[Joe Summer]

Kobe Bryant evidently is confident the Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs -- and be a factor when they get there.Bryant said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he is certain the struggling Lakers will make the playoffs. The 15-time All-Star also claimed he has "no fear" of any potential postseason opponent in the competitive Western Conference."It's not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will," Bryant told Sports Illustrated. "And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone -- Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver ... whoever. I have zero nervousness about that."

I completely understand why he's the most hated man in the NBA over the last 17 years. But I hope those of you who hate him understand that it's stuff like this that make him so loved by those of us in Purple and Gold.

 

[Premier]

Kobe Bryant evidently is confident the Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs -- and be a factor when they get there.Bryant said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he is certain the struggling Lakers will make the playoffs. The 15-time All-Star also claimed he has "no fear" of any potential postseason opponent in the competitive Western Conference."It's not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will," Bryant told Sports Illustrated. "And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone -- Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver ... whoever. I have zero nervousness about that."

I completely understand why he's the most hated man in the NBA over the last 17 years. But I hope those of you who hate him understand that it's stuff like this that make him so loved by those of us in Purple and Gold.

Yeah, that's some real powerful stuff to wet yourself over.

 

[shadyridr]

Hey guys, Im not the NBA junkie some of you are and had a question. When OKC traded James Harden I thought it was a huge mistake because hes a really good player. I didnt think he was worth the max but he clearly seems like he is a franchise caliber player and I didnt expect that. That being said OKC still has a great record and is a title contendor. My question is, did the trade make them worse and will it hurt their chances of winning a title? Just curious what the consensus is. I think that trade is one of the bigger stories of this season.

 

[Abraham]

Hey guys, Im not the NBA junkie some of you are and had a question. When OKC traded James Harden I thought it was a huge mistake because hes a really good player. I didnt think he was worth the max but he clearly seems like he is a franchise caliber player and I didnt expect that. That being said OKC still has a great record and is a title contendor. My question is, did the trade make them worse and will it hurt their chances of winning a title? Just curious what the consensus is. I think that trade is one of the bigger stories of this season.

It's a rare trade that probably benefited both teams. Kevin Martin has been okay in Harden's place and OKC appears to be a better team than last year when they made the Finals. Obviously one doesn't necessarily cause the other - they might have been even better with Harden. Ibaka has developed a lot on defense and the whole of the OKC team seems to be improved. As to whether or not it will hurt their chances to win a title, we will see. There were a couple games last season in the playoffs (San Antonio clincher or game one of the finals, IIRC?) where Harden was magnificent and unguardable running the PnR. The playoffs are often about matchups and taking advantage when you have a favorable matchup one game that might disappear the next. Harden >>>>>>>>> Martin in that regard.

 

[Don Quixote]

I got mildly excited this afternoon when I saw the Fab Melo rumors: a young project that could fill a need. Definitely a disappointment to just get a WINO (Wizard in name only) in return.

According to Michael Lee, it was the Wizards who turned down Fab Melo. I get keeping money open to sign a FA, but it still seems kind of silly. Is it just me?

I don't think fab melo is worth getting excited about. I'm not sure what the wizards cap situation is, but if having him on the books would mean not having space for another decent player (or having to pay luxury tax) then it was probably wise to pass.

The trade saved $2.2m in salary for next year. According to Bullets Forever, not really that significant a savings, and were slated to be well under the luxury tax anyway. According to the Washington Post this morning, it will go to re-signing Martell Webster, who is a player.

 

[tom22406]

Kobe Bryant evidently is confident the Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs -- and be a factor when they get there.Bryant said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he is certain the struggling Lakers will make the playoffs. The 15-time All-Star also claimed he has "no fear" of any potential postseason opponent in the competitive Western Conference."It's not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will," Bryant told Sports Illustrated. "And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone -- Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver ... whoever. I have zero nervousness about that."

I completely understand why he's the most hated man in the NBA over the last 17 years. But I hope those of you who hate him understand that it's stuff like this that make him so loved by those of us in Purple and Gold.

Yeah, that's some real powerful stuff to wet yourself over.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Hey guys, Im not the NBA junkie some of you are and had a question. When OKC traded James Harden I thought it was a huge mistake because hes a really good player. I didnt think he was worth the max but he clearly seems like he is a franchise caliber player and I didnt expect that. That being said OKC still has a great record and is a title contendor. My question is, did the trade make them worse and will it hurt their chances of winning a title? Just curious what the consensus is. I think that trade is one of the bigger stories of this season.

It's a rare trade that probably benefited both teams. Kevin Martin has been okay in Harden's place and OKC appears to be a better team than last year when they made the Finals. Obviously one doesn't necessarily cause the other - they might have been even better with Harden. Ibaka has developed a lot on defense and the whole of the OKC team seems to be improved. As to whether or not it will hurt their chances to win a title, we will see. There were a couple games last season in the playoffs (San Antonio clincher or game one of the finals, IIRC?) where Harden was magnificent and unguardable running the PnR. The playoffs are often about matchups and taking advantage when you have a favorable matchup one game that might disappear the next. Harden >>>>>>>>> Martin in that regard.

The bolded is my take. The trade really hurt OKC's chance at a title. However, with the economics for a team in a small market, it's understandable why they did it.

 

[rodg12]

Hey guys, Im not the NBA junkie some of you are and had a question. When OKC traded James Harden I thought it was a huge mistake because hes a really good player. I didnt think he was worth the max but he clearly seems like he is a franchise caliber player and I didnt expect that. That being said OKC still has a great record and is a title contendor. My question is, did the trade make them worse and will it hurt their chances of winning a title? Just curious what the consensus is. I think that trade is one of the bigger stories of this season.

I think it definitely hurt them. He provided another facilitator to take some of the load off Westbrook and Durant. He could pick up the slack if one of them was having an off night. He was also a match-up nightmare as their 6th man. Martin's a shooter. He's a good shooter, but he doesn't give them the other facilitator that they need to give Westbrook and Durant an occasional blow.That said, OKC could still win the title. They have Durant. And Westbrook.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Kobe Bryant evidently is confident the Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs -- and be a factor when they get there.Bryant said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he is certain the struggling Lakers will make the playoffs. The 15-time All-Star also claimed he has "no fear" of any potential postseason opponent in the competitive Western Conference."It's not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will," Bryant told Sports Illustrated. "And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone -- Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver ... whoever. I have zero nervousness about that."

I completely understand why he's the most hated man in the NBA over the last 17 years. But I hope those of you who hate him understand that it's stuff like this that make him so loved by those of us in Purple and Gold.

I thought it was the gay slurs, rape, demanding trades for himself and teammates and throwing teammates under the bus that made you guys love him so much. Huh.

 

[Moe.]

ESPN Mag has an analytics issue coming up soon, it contains an interesting article about Haralabos. Lot of stuff people here will already know but I thought it was a good read.

Meet the World's Top NBA Gambler

 

[saintfool]

Kobe Bryant evidently is confident the Los Angeles Lakers will make the playoffs -- and be a factor when they get there.Bryant said in an interview with Sports Illustrated that he is certain the struggling Lakers will make the playoffs. The 15-time All-Star also claimed he has "no fear" of any potential postseason opponent in the competitive Western Conference."It's not a question of if we make the playoffs. We will," Bryant told Sports Illustrated. "And when we get there, I have no fear of anyone -- Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Denver ... whoever. I have zero nervousness about that."

I completely understand why he's the most hated man in the NBA over the last 17 years. But I hope those of you who hate him understand that it's stuff like this that make him so loved by those of us in Purple and Gold.

You love sound bites and posturing? You were expecting him to admit to everyone - especially ticket buyers - that their season is over? Grow up.I think Dallas has a better chance of making the playoffs than LAL.