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Kobe, Buss must reconcile
Teammates and coaches say Kobe Bryant is again acting like one of them. Even if he still wants out -- and he does -- he's being as discreet as only he can be when he feels like it. As far as the Lakers are concerned, Bryant isn't even the issue. It's kindly paterfamilias Jerry Buss, who's up to here with his rebellious franchise player. Buss' remarks last month in Hawaii weren't the problem. He didn't mean to offend Bryant, who's sensitive for someone who recently went down the front office directory with a blowtorch. Nor is the problem that Buss didn't try to repair the damage, because he did. Lakers insiders -- oops, sorry Kobe -- say Buss called Bryant to assure him he hadn't meant to suggest any change in policy, but that Kobe was less than conciliatory.

The headline of this article makes sense. The two men should reconcile, however there has been so much between the two that this relationship needs to be declared over. However, it's hard to get your wish (Kobe) when you remain so difficult. This has been reported enough times, but Mr. Bryant holds a no-trade clause. Reportedly he will allow himself to be dealt to the Mavs, Suns, Knicks, and Bulls. First off we can eliminate the Mavs and Suns, because as bad Kupchak and Buss appear to be they are not that stupid to deal Kobe off to a Western Conference team. This leaves the Bulls and Knicks as possibilities.

I live in New York, and while I would like a chance to see Kobe play for the Knicks (despite the fact that I have been a Knick hater since birth) it's just not going to happen. New York has the large and soon to be expiring contract of Stephon Marbury to offer but it would be hard to see a career underachiever (I mean come on Steph haven't you noticed by now that every team that has traded you has gotten better after you left) be the center piece in a deal for Bryant. It's not impossible but it would require a lot of explanation by Buss to the Lakers fans as to why he accepted such a deal.

The Bulls are the most logical team, but they have one big problem standing in the way. That problem is Luol Deng. Deng can be a star. He has shown flashes of stardom and he would be the exact player the Lakers can build around. However, Deng is the Pippen to Kobe's Jordan and no way would he accept a deal without his Scottie. Trading Ben Wallace would deprive Kobe of the defensive minded big man he needs to succeed. A deal centering around Ben Gordon would be the best thing for the Bulls but it remains to be seen if he is the player the Lakers want.

What's lost in all of this is that Kobe can walk away at the end of the season. He would be leaving some money behind, though. Enough to make him question was I right in all this? By stubbornly playing the "I Want Out On My Terms" card is he going to get the wish of a new team and the money he wants? Can he really have his cake and eat it too?, or if he is so determined to leave Los Angeles isn't it about time he not only waives the no-trade clause but openly state (for the final time) that I have had enough and get me on the first thing out of here. It cannot work, there can be no reconciliation and enough is enough.

It is time for this soap opera to enter it's final act towards it's conclusion.