I don’t care what the truth is, whether or not Ric Bucher’s ESPN report that if the Lakers didn’t hire Jerry West, Kobe would demand a trade, or if Kobe was merely suggesting that the Lakers bring him in. Enough’s enough. Kobe, you had the dream team. Kobe, you were playing alongside Shaq. Kobe, you were on your way to a dynasty. But Kobe, you could not get along with another superstar. The two of you couldn’t mind each other’s egos. And so you presented an ultimatum — trade me or trade Shaq. The Lakers went with youth, and granted your request.
And now, three years later, you can’t get out of the first round of the playoffs, and you’re looking to place the blame on everyone in sight. And you know what Kobe? Keep looking. Keep searching until you finally find the proper place to aim the blame. Finally direct it at yourself. You created this mess, you should live with it. You’re the GM both on-and-off the floor. You control this team. You’re the one responsible for the trade that broke the squad. You’re the one responsible for the way the Lakers on a nightly basis. It takes some real nerve to publicly criticize the team when they’ve done nothing but cater to you. And now that you’re not winning with it you’re whining? I have two suggestions for you: grow up and shut up.
