[2012] Stephen A. & Skip get heated after Kobe & the Lakers are eliminated by OKC | First Take

Summary

The video script discusses the Los Angeles Lakers' struggles and the need for changes to remain championship contenders. Kobe Bryant's age and Andrew Bynum's inconsistent performance and attitude are highlighted as issues. The debate centers around whether Bynum should be traded, with suggestions including a potential trade for Dwight Howard or a package deal involving Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. The conversation also touches on Mike Brown's coaching style and the possibility of bringing in a coach like Larry Brown to elevate the team.

Takeaways

• 🏀 The Lakers are not currently championship contenders due to various issues within the team.
• 👤 Kobe Bryant, at 34 years old, is nearing the end of his career and this could impact the team's future success.
• 🤔 Concerns are raised about Andrew Bynum's attitude and engagement with the team, suggesting he might be a potential trade asset.
• 🔄 Pau Gasol's trade value has diminished and his role in the team is less significant compared to previous years.
• 💰 Financial constraints are highlighted, particularly regarding the contract of Metta World Peace, affecting the team's flexibility.
• 🤝 The suggestion is made to trade Andrew Bynum for equitable value, possibly even for a player like Dwight Howard.
• 🚫 Bynum's attitude towards the Lakers' tradition and his indifference towards learning from legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is criticized.
• 👎 Stephen A. Smith argues against trading Bynum, citing his potential and the risk of him thriving elsewhere post-trade.
• 👍 The potential of pairing Deron Williams with Kobe Bryant is discussed as a strategy to bolster the Lakers' backcourt.
• 🤔 The discussion includes the idea of bringing in a coach like Larry Brown to elevate the team's performance.
• 🔄 Mike Brown's position as head coach is questioned, with suggestions that he might not be the right fit for the team's future direction.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding the Lakers' team construction in the transcript?

The main concern is that the Lakers are not championship contenders due to various issues, including Kobe's age, Andrew Bynum's lack of engagement, Pau Gasol's diminished value, and Mike Brown's coaching.

Why is Kobe Bryant's age a concern for the Lakers' championship aspirations?

Kobe will be 34 and in his 17th NBA season, which raises concerns about his ability to maintain a high level of performance and contribute to a championship run.

What was the attitude of Andrew Bynum that made him a potential trade candidate in the transcript?

Andrew Bynum was described as less than engaged and having an attitude that showed he didn't care about the Lakers' tradition or learning from great centers like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

What was the situation with Pau Gasol that made him a topic of discussion in the script?

Pau Gasol was mentioned as having been traded before the season by the Lakers and being undervalued in the NBA after the trade, with his star having dimmed to some degree.

What is the opinion on Mike Brown's coaching and its impact on the Lakers' future?

Mike Brown is considered an issue as the head coach, with concerns about his ability to handle the team's star players and his overall coaching approach.

What trade scenario is suggested for Andrew Bynum in the transcript?

The transcript suggests trading Andrew Bynum to potentially acquire a player like Dwight Howard, even though Howard may not want to come to the Lakers, or to get a package deal involving Deron Williams.

What is the debate about the comparison between Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard in the script?

The debate is about whether Bynum is better than Howard, with arguments presented that Bynum can be more formidable and dominant, but also inconsistent, while Howard is seen as having a high level of consistency.

What is the view on the importance of attitude and commitment for a player's value in the Lakers' context?

The view is that a player's attitude and commitment to the team's tradition and learning from great players are crucial, and a player with a poor attitude like Bynum's is not a good long-term investment.

What coaching change is suggested in the script for the Lakers to improve?

The script suggests that Mike Brown might need to be replaced, with a preference expressed for a coach like Larry Brown, who could potentially take the team to another level.

What kind of players are considered to potentially form a new Lakers' dynasty in the transcript?

The transcript mentions the possibility of acquiring players like Deron Williams and Brook Lopez to pair with Kobe Bryant, forming a new Lakers' dynasty.

What is the final takeaway from the transcript regarding the Lakers' situation and potential moves?

The final takeaway is that the Lakers need to make significant moves, including potential trades and coaching changes, to build a team that can compete for championships in Kobe Bryant's remaining years.