Lakers Rumors: Why Kobe Bryant Is Right To Call Out Lakers Management

Amidst the swirling trade winds surrounding Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant has went to bat for his teammate and publicly told the Lakers brass to figure out what they are to do. Either they trade Gasol or they don’t.

This question exists: Is Kobe out of line for calling out the Lakers management publicly?

The answer is no. The face of the franchise is well within his rights as a superstar in this league.

Bryant has more than warranted the right to voice his displeasure over happenings with the franchise. In this case, the trade rumors are really affecting the play of Gasol. It’s quite apparent when watching a Lakers contest that Gasol looks almost distracted out on the court.

Both his rebounding and scoring numbers are down from a season ago, and the constant barrage of questions about his possible departure from Los Angeles are undoubtedly taking a toll on the Spaniard.

Gasol had technically been traded before the season started. However, that trade was rescinded when commissioner David Stern pulled the plug on a proposed trade which would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers.

That alone has to be demoralizing for Gasol’s psyche. With the rescinding of the trade, he had to report to a team which technically sent him away. That’s not exactly the most comfortable situation to exist in.

As the leader of the team, Bryant is showing great character and leadership by backing his fellow teammate.

By doing so, it illustrates the confidence he has in Gasol and the desire he has for him to stay with the team.

It also lends itself to the notion that a major distraction is the last thing the team needs at this point.

Like Bryant said, if you’re going to trade Gasol, trade him. If not, publicly back the four-time All-Star and move on.

For Bryant to be so demonstrative in the media is nothing new.

In 2007, he voiced his displeasure over the current state of the team and asked to be traded.

In that same year, a YouTube video went viral, showing Bryant badmouthing the then-19-year-old Andrew Bynum, questioning why the management wouldn’t pull the trigger on a deal which would have netted them Jason Kidd.

These series of events unquestionably put pressure on the front office to make a move that would appease the disgruntled Bryant.

As a result, the front office made a trade which ultimately led to two NBA championships. That trade was acquiring Gasol in 2008.

Fast forward four years, and they’re actively dangling the All-Star power forward for an elite point guard. Not exactly a vote of confidence, is it?

The key aspect to realize is that a player of Bryant’s magnitude truly has all of the leverage here. If the superstar of the franchise is unhappy, the management will do everything in their power to comply with Bryant’s wishes.

In this case, the prolonged saga of whether Gasol will be here or not is causing a distraction. It could be very detrimental to the team’s chances of success this year with this situation hanging over their heads.

The backing of Gasol also illustrates the leap in maturity Bryant has compared to in years past.

“The Black Mamba” always had the stigma of being a selfish player in regards to not only his play out on the court, but by his public demands of the management.

But with this current situation revolving around Gasol, Bryant is demonstrating a selfless disposition. He’s not only looking out for the health of one of his teammates, but also for the well-being of the franchise as they move forward into the second half of the season.

Frankly, the man has won five NBA championships for the franchise and will go down as one of the best to ever play the game of basketball.

He’s earned the privilege to speak his mind freely. There should be no disputing of that premise by the management.

This situation should be remedied and rectified sooner than later if the team is to reach their potential. The Lakers seemingly would love to add help in order to aid their woes from the point guard position.

As it currently stands, Derek Fisher simply cannot play the position with anything other than minimal satisfaction.

If they are going to trade the 7’0” Spaniard, they need equal returns. Getting a point guard is requisite if they are to relinquish a player of Gasol’s stature.

Good value still exists in regards to Gasol, and the Lakers should get a pretty substantial haul in the event of a possible trade.

The Spanish International is still easily a top-15 player in the NBA. His immense skill level is quite impressive, as is his intelligence out on the court.

Bryant is completely justified with his questioning of the Lakers management. This unsettling feeling with respects to Gasol could be demolished if general manager Mitch Kupchak went public and said unequivocally that the team isn’t looking to trade Gasol.

Until that happens, however, the dark cloud of mystery will continue to hang over Bryant, Gasol and the team.