it is sad but i think the FO has done a tremendous job in rehabbing their image these last few years. by all accounts they're trying to demonstrate that this franchise is more about the players. given the constant success back then, i'm sure there was some arrogance in our management. after the last few years i think it brought them down to earth and despite all the flak they've received these last couple of years, i truly think our FO is doing an awesome job now.
Agreed. Surprised to hear that they even did this to Horry. Buss and co. always showed class towards players current and ex ones alike.
Here's the link to the entire article: http://www.theplayerstribune.com/robert-horry-kobe-phil-jackson-lakers/ Some other interesting parts: About Kobe and being a champion: He calls Rudy T the best coach ever:
^Horry's timing coincides with NBA TV's showing of the "Clutch City" documentary of late... One indelible scene of Horry with the Spurs that stays with me even today was him decking Malone on a lay up attempt during the 2004 Playoff series. It now makes sense how Horry also mentions that he missed the security people, equipment managers and bartenders when asked to reminisce about his Laker days. None about of management or even former teammates.
Sure does seem like that. Sad to hear him say what be said but based on the way things transpired you can't fault him for feeling that way. The Kobe stories about his work ethic never get old.
yeah, that's troubling. doesn't seem like the laker way. otoh, I feel like I remember horry going like, 3-38 from three in the postseason the year before he was released. I wonder whether some of the complacency about which he complained hit close to home.
Horry was one heroic three pointer from winning Game 5 against San Antonio. It closely rimmed out...taking the wind out of their sails and they were thoroughly outplayed in Game 6 at home. It ended a possible fourth straight championship. During that series...Duncan abused him from pillar to post.
Mitch Richmond wasn't on that 97 team. Otherwise, great article. Love hearing the stories off the court, like his short convo with Phil.
If I had to guess I'd say he crossed Buss in some way. That's the only time I remember hearing us mistreat a player. It all worked out though. He's an employee now.
He really sucked in his last playoff run with us. If he didn't make Big Shot Rob shots, he wasn't that great of a player. If I remember right, he just was horrible in the playoffs, and it looked like he was done. Turns out he wasn't, but you still hate for stories to float out like that where it appeared management was careless and allowed an opportunity for the franchise name to be smeared over something relatively insignificant. It's not like the Lakers to willingly take that type of hit over such a small amount of money. (To them)
Horry complacent? I thought that was well known. He didn't play a season. He played about 40 games - time to tune up and then the playoffs. In fact, that's how the Lakers were generally after the first ring. Shaq was a major component in that complacency.
It's the business. Although we might not have noticed with Horry, we sure got that sense from LamR and Pau. Win two rings for the team and then to be sent out on a trade? That hurts. It only compounded when the trade was vetoed and they had to stay. That killed every ounce of motivation they had to want to remain a Laker. It's hard, but that's how the business of sports entertainment works. It's a business. Loyalty can only get you so far.
It's kinda interesting how the Lakers are such bad people for letting Horry go and then when they pay Kobe, who was underpaid his entire career, they are stupid and not making good business sense. Well, which is it?
great read never thought he was bitter about how things ended in LA but it does make sense now. i'm glad he and the lakers organization have patched things up since then. probably one of the main reasons why the organization "invited him back" by giving him a job
