Kobe Says Again, Fix Lakers Or Lemme Off the Buss

Is it any surprise that the day after the conclusion of the most lackluster NBA finals in memory, Kobe started talking trade again?

Bryant met yesterday in Spain with Lakers owner Jerry Buss in what has been described as "a longer, more emotional conversation" than the one they had two weeks ago when Bryant first demanded to be traded.

Buss wanted to appeal to the nine-time All-Star, reminding him that trades take time to develop and that winning remains the focus of the organization, but Bryant voiced concerns about the direction of the franchise and reiterated his demand to be traded, said a source with knowledge of the situation."That's the message that came out of it," the source said.

Team sources vehemently insisted there were no plans to trade Bryant, and they were still hopeful that a peaceful solution could be reached.

(A peaceful solution? What is this, Hamas versus Fatah?)

Kobe is right to be fuming. The misplaced priorities of Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak boggle the mind. Why the hell would you hold on to Andrew Bynum to reach his prime when you have arguably the greatest player in the league in his prime right now? (Not to mention one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.)

Taking time to develop a team is crap. Trade Bynum in a heartbeat. If necessary, trade Odom too. (And if possible, drown Smush for good measure.)

C'mon, Jerry, save your fish moves for poker. Go out and get what you need. Bryant deserves a team now.