It's time to trade Kobe

Some still try to make the ridiculous comparison to Michael Jordan, but for most of us Kobe is just Kobe. He is a breed of his own and that is why he has five rings. That's also why he will never get a sixth. Kobe is in the twilight of his career and he is also surrounded by a league full of teams that now have multiple superstars all looking for a ring. In this new era of players all being friends and convening to play together, Kobe is still a lone wolf and he simply cant do it by himself anymore. When it comes down to it, L.A. needs to trade Kobe right now.

On a team that has underachieved this season and has drawn criticism from the media, Kobe has been the Lakers' best player. Pau Gasol and Steve Nash have been hurt and have underachieved when healthy. The big disappointment is Dwight Howard who clearly isn't 100%. However I'm not worried about Dwight, but the Lakers should be worried about losing him. Dwight is only signed through this year and why would he sign up for another year of scrutiny from the media and arguments from Kobe who wont let anyone take his team until he says goodbye. That's the problem. Dwight might leave L.A. and it will be largely because of Bryant and when he retires L.A. will be left with absolutely nothing to show for it. 

Unless the Lakers say goodbye to Kobe first.

I have an idea for Lakers management. Ship Kobe out of town before he has a chance to run Dwight off. Kobe has proven he cant coexist with another star over his career. He got Shaq traded to Miami, wanted Pau traded and now is close to fighting Dwight in the locker room. Look in the mirror Kobe,  maybe you are the problem. Its time for you to go. The Lakers have been at the mercy of Kobe and his arrogance for far too long. 

Picture this. The Lakers ship Kobe out for draft picks and high end players in return, resign Pau and Dwight making Dwight the new face of their franchise. They build an actual team instead of just throwing players in the lineup with Kobe and hoping he plays nice with them.

Now picture this. The Lakers keep Kobe. Dwight leaves frustrated and Pau is traded for mid level talent, Kobe retires in a few years and leaves L.A. with nothing but a mess to clean up. No stars. No rings. No Dwight. 

Which sounds better to you L.A.? One or two more years of Kobe Bryant, or a decade of Dwight Howard.

Trade Kobe.