Where are our resident Lakers fans anyway? I'd be interested to see what they are thinking about this... strangely silent.
I can't tell you much more than you already can figure by common sense. I've also been moving for the last 4-5 days so I haven't had a lot of time to read sports boards. No one here including the Laker fans can make definitive claims about trade possibilities until it's certain that Buss is trading him. Until then, trade talks are a waste of breath.
Here's what I gather in order of certainty:
a) Buss doesn't want to trade Kobe.
b) Kobe doesn't like Bynum.
c) Don't listen to Bucher. He changes his mind daily more than Kobe himself.
d) No
real confirmation behind the scenes that I'm aware of on what Kobe REALLY has or hasn't said to Buss since May 30/31. Therefore, can't really gauge what's up until more public statements are made.
e) If they fail to do something he likes, he eventually gets traded.
f) If he eventually gets traded, LA won't get back equal value.
g) If they trade Kobe, that means Bynum has survived and will stay a Laker.
h) Indiana rumors seem dead -- I have a feeling that Kupchak may be searching for 3-ways to appease Kobe. No way of telling what's what until Draft Day as you well know.
My personal feelings on Kobe's state: He's crossed a line of professionalism this month. You may think we're all Kobe fanatics (I dunno), but I'm not for anarchy. Kobe's first round of radio interviews was sufficient to get his point across. Everything after that has muddied the situation and has made him into a mercenary. He did the same thing to Bynum that Shaq once did to Kobe.
Bottom line is that this is a superstar no matter what he does -- must ensure that you maximize the situation no matter which way it goes. Exhaust ALL opportunities to appease him. If that fails, try to come to a consensus w/ him to be patient while he's being dealt so both parties come out fairly satisfied. If that fails, take the best deal available as quickly as possible.