Los Angeles Clippers: Kobe Bryant a Perfect Fit
By Marcus Bass
Kobe Bryant in a Los Angeles Clippers’ uniform would cause a cataclysmic disruption in the space-time continuum. But for a second let’s entertain the idea of it happening and why although it would never happen, it’s a worthwhile discussion.
First things first … if you look up the definition of the Clippers in the dictionary, this is what you’ll most likely find; another NBA squad close to contention, but missing that one major ingredient capable of pushing them over the top.
It’s proven by their current record of 5-4, it’s reinforced by the thought that the Clippers actually have a shot at not playing better than .500 after their next two games. What once were ridiculous notions in summer are plausible scenarios now, and such considerations call for equally drastic fix-it-fast scenarios.
Sometimes pure fantasy makes perfect sense. A possible derivation of the adage “there’s a method to madness,” and for the Clippers it would take a thirst for winning over pride.
Adding the Lakers’ most prized possession for almost the last two decades screams “we can’t get this done by ourselves,” and it runs the risk of making the Clippers look like the Lakers junior varsity team for the end of existence.
So what it boils down to is how badly do the Clippers players and their fans want to win that first championship, and how badly Bryant wants to eclipse Michael Jordan.
The Clippers aren’t playing championship caliber basketball at the moment. It can be argued as to whether they’re playing playoff-bound basketball as they’re giving up close to 102 points per game, with teams shooting 47 percent against them. And the woes don’t stop on the defensive end.
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What once was a dominant team offensively has struggled to put points on the board in crucial moments, in addition to not solidifying a consistent rotation. Discussing the Clippers’ issues at small forward is the epitome of beating a dead horse. Mulling their obvious decline in play is of more importance.
In layman’s terms, the Clippers are really screwed up right now.
It’s not an ideal scenario for either Bryant or the Clippers organization, but the needs and deficiencies on both sides serve each other well. Bryant’s in need of a team that doesn’t stink, and the Clippers are in need of another player to count on — period.
It’s well know how important surpassing Michael Jordan’s six championships is of utmost importance to Bryant.
It’s unknown as to whether that desire overshadows his willingness to remain with the Lakers for the duration of his career, however an introspective look into Bryant’s career and history with teammates creates an argument that suggests he’d be open to the idea.
Remembering the fact that Bryant was willing to play for the Clippers (negotiation tactic or not) reveals a far-fetched idea, but not completely unavailable for debate.
His 44 points on 34 attempts in 31 minutes against the Charlotte Hornets is not ingrained into Bryant’s agenda to pass Michael Jordan for third on the all-time scoring list. Simply put, Kobe Bryant is trying to will the Lakers into any scenario other than the inevitable — the Lakers will be a lottery team come draft time for the second offseason in a row.
And performances such as the aforementioned are exactly what’s to be expected when a league superstar is stuck in the mud. It’s the murky situation of a proven (and still useful) veteran wasting his remaining minutes on a squad that’s destined for mediocrity.
On one hand Bryant can find solace in electrifying crowds and continuing to prove critics wrong with every dominant performance. For the purple and gold, it’s not about what the team does every night — rather what Kobe’s going to do.
Despite a low efficiency (for Kobe standards) of 15.0, in addition to his 38 percent shooting from the field and laughable 28 percent from 3, Bryant in a Clippers uniform would be a perfect marriage and sets Bryant up to not only be one of the greatest Lakers ever, but the greatest Los Angeles superstar ever.
Or … he could be the most hated Lakers player of all time. This is just a fantasy scenario, it could run either way.
He wouldn’t be the complete cure to the Clippers’ current problems, but adding Bryant’s scoring and mental toughness is enough to push the Clips over the hump. His veteran leadership would be invaluable for still a relatively young squad, in addition to the fact that it takes a ton of pressure off the Clippers superstars.
For some reason, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin don’t appear ready to take the reins and will the Clippers team to their first championship.
Adding Bryant to the Clippers would never happen unless you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeve on NBA2K. However the idea itself uncovers a variety of deficiencies, primarily mentally. An ability to drag the win out in the latter quarters of the contest is currently nonexistent.
The Clippers’ last contest against the Chicago Bulls serves as a great example. At one point the Clippers looked well positioned to win the game, and although former MVP Derrick Rose and All-Star forward Pau Gasol were sitting on the sideline, the Clippers still lost at home by a considerable margin, 105-89.
They used to have an ability to bounce back. They were the league’s elite in resiliency; now it seems they’re suffering the same fate other inadequate teams do. It’s not what the Clippers or their fans were expecting, and while it’s a reality they’re familiar with, it’s a fate they have no interest in meeting again.
Right now for both parties (Bryant and the Clippers), the ends can justify the means. With Chris Paul well past his prime, the clock for the Clippers to win their first piece of hardware has started to tick. That’s how it begins — first a clock ticks and then a window shuts.
It’s that simple, just ask the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It would take falling asleep at the wheel for both clubs for this to happen. It’s nothing but barbershop talk at best. Who takes barbershop debates serious anyway? However the idea does serve multiple desires, it’s a taboo that can’t be overcome.
Not to mention how much Lakers fans would love to say “the Clippers couldn’t get their first ring without a Laker.” Maybe that’s the only way the purple and gold can one up their rival team across the hall.
They both stink right now, just one more than the other.