Lakers-Pippen Rumors Finally Dead

Scottie Pippen will not be coming to the Lakers after all.  The former Chicago Bulls forward said that he no longer intends to play for the Lakers, who earlier had been reeling from several devastating injuries. 
 

Now that Luke Walton and Lamar Odom have returned to the lineup, Phil Jackson no longer seems to require Pippen’s services.  The 41-year old Pippen might play for another team in the NBA before the start of the playoffs, but he stated publicly that he has no intention of taking playing time from a Laker. 
 

According to Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen said that he “didn’t want anybody to lose a job.”
 

That’s good news for Walton, but perhaps bad news for potential Lakers tickets buyers, who might have liked to see just what the old man could do out there.  Still, StubHub.com will get you a seat at the next game featuring your standard, regular (not so) old Lakers roster.


 

Permalink - Posted in General on March 22, 2007 - Post a comment

Kobe-Durant Conversation “B.S.”

Kobe Bryant denied any contact with University of Texas Longhorns basketball star Kevin Durant.  According to the Dallas Morning News, Bryant had called Durant to discuss a shoe deal with Nike.  Any contact between a professional sports organization and an NCAA athlete, especially  a high profile one like Durant, is strictly prohibited by NBA rules, and would have resulted in a large fine for the Lakers.
 

Danny Ainge and Don Nelson have already been punished for talking with Durant and his family.  Amid much hubbub about fines that the Lakers incurred after disparaging remarks about the NBA league office, Bryant and the Lakers were eager to dismiss any allegations. 
 

Said Kobe yesterday, “It’s complete B.S.”
 

Though Ainge’s Celtics and Nelson’s Warriors might have a shot at getting Durant in the next draft- assuming Durant is eligible- the Kobe conversation makes little sense.  Is Nike now requiring that Kobe work from home and make cold calls?  Seriously. 
 

Though Durant will probably not be in yellow and purple next year, you can see the other Lakers by getting Lakers tickets at StubHub.com.


 

Permalink - Posted in General on March 22, 2007 - Post a comment