On Kobe and Shaq

Here is Kobe's side of the story.

Kobe insists he never asked Shaq to be traded and that Buss was going to deal Shaq "no matter what" because of his fitness and contract demands. This is a completely false analysis because it obscures the initial issue that gave rise to the situation - Kobe and Shaq could no longer play together. When this issue became clear, Buss had a choice: Kobe or Shaq. He chose Kobe because he was younger and in better shape.

Anyone with a set of eyes knew Kobe and Shaq weren't able to play together any longer - because Kobe couldn't stand sharing the spotlight.

All the Laker's problems go away if Bryant goes. They all stay and will resurface with Bryant there. It's completely obvious.

UPDATE: Another article outlining the story that Buss told Kobe that Shaq was being dealt no matter what. Say this story is true...why does Buss tell Kobe? If he deals Shaq "no matter what," why pull Kobe into a private meeting and reveal it to him months prior and then insist the conversation remain secret? Because he made a choice - he wanted Kobe to stay and Shaq to leave.