Thursday, June 21, 2007
Sayson: Memo to Lakers: Keep Kobe
By Homer Sayson
Second Overtime
CHICAGO – Like the timeless institution that is marriage, an NBA contract is supposed to be honored. To be loved and cherished, for better or for worse, and at least until the expiration date arrives.
But after three years of futility, including a Round 1 exit against the Phoenix Suns this past April, Kobe Bryant is seeking a divorce from his 10-year union with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe first conveyed his trade wishes last May 30, when he posted on his Web page, kb24.com, the following: “When you love something as much as I love the Lakers, it’s hard to imagine thinking about being elsewhere, but one thing I’ll never sacrifice is winning.”
Apparently, Kobe has ceased to believe that winning and him being a Laker, belongs in the same sentence. “The more I thought about the future, the more I became convinced that the Lakers and me have two different visions of the future,” he added.
Kobe has four years and $88.6 million left on a six-year $136.4 million extension that he inked in 2004. He earned $17.2 million last year and can terminate his contract after the 2008-09 season.
Although he can be a super diva in demanding ways, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Bryant is certainly a hoops super nova that the franchise must keep. He is a nine-time All-Star, a two-time scoring champion, and proud holder of three championships rings.
Nearing the peak of his greatness at 28, Kobe draws people, especially Hollywood’s A-list celebrities, to the Staples Center. With him gone, the Lakers will lose the glamour of presently being the NBA’s most glamorous franchise.
But by holding on to Kobe, the Lakers run the risk of keeping a petulant employee who might no longer be willing to perform at a high level. Toronto made that mistake a few years back when Vince Carter, whose trade wishes were not accommodated, suddenly played like he was Anthony Carter.
Vince, now a Net, would later ignite a firestorm and confess that during his crummy days as a Raptor, he didn’t always give his best. Ouch.
If I were the Lakers, I’d keep Kobe. It’s not being selfish, it’s only being dutiful. You see, the Lakers have an obligation to its fans to put a product on the floor that is entertaining, is good, can make the playoffs, and has a chance to win a championship.
Having Kobe, merry or sad, accomplishes all of the above.
By keeping him, chances are, he will pout. Well, let him grouch and grump.
Kobe will collect a Laker salary of $18.9 million next season, and he will be coached by Phil Jackson, one of the best in the business. How can he tell his fans that he is unhappy? How can Kobe suggest unhappiness at a time when there are American soldiers in Iraq earning about $60,000 a year risking life and limb against those crazy suicide bombers?
So what if Kobe won’t play his best. He would be sabotaging himself. If his performance dips, his endorsement deals take a dive, too.
At the end of the day, I think the Lakers will eventually let go of Kobe this summer. But wouldn’t it be nice, even once in a blue moon, if superstars are held accountable and forced to honor the contracts they sign?
Sadly, that is wishful thinking.
P.S. I’d like to thank the following for their e-mails: Bobby Motus, a sports columnist from another paper, Sonny Alquizola, Romulus Torres, Runy Rosales, Vinjo Uy, Mardone Tan, Jodl Job Dabon, Albert Jaca, Ben Tan and Ralph Matres of Ormoc City.
Thanks also to Lito Hermosilla and his lovely wife Mayen Sanchez of Minglanilla, Catherine Villegas, Jennifer Morales of San
Antonio, Guilbert Son and Paul Cabilan of Sun Valley, V. Rama.
It was a joy reading all your letters and thanks so much for your support.
(homsay@hotmail.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 21, 2007 issue)
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