because there is no proof that -Kobe- was the reason.

the Lakers were not getting any better after those last two seasons of debacle. Kobe's on borrowed time. The Bulls are actually a good team in need of some help. an "old" Pau >>>>>>>>> Boozer.

if you remove Kobe from the equation, the Lakers are still bad. Bulls are good. this is the same logic that people use(d) w/Melo and the Knicks. adding Kobe's contract to the situation complicates matters. the two most coveted FAs this offseason elected to go elsewhere for reasons not involving Kobe. so what were the Lakers to do?