BILL PLASCHKE

Lakers need to speak now to bring the peace

Team officials haven't said a word about Kobe Bryant's claims, but they need to address his concerns and assure fans.

Frustrated

Bryant says he wants a winner now and not a 'long-range' plan. (Gina Ferazzi / LAT / May 2, 2007)

This city's most beloved sports storefront stands today covered in dripping eggs and nasty graffiti.

Standing outside on the street, eyes wild, mouth running, is star employee Kobe Bryant.

He is shouting into the darkened windows about lying, backstabbing and incompetence. He is screaming at the front door for someone to come outside and prove him wrong.

By now, the rest of Los Angeles is queasily gathered behind him and wondering.

Is anybody still in there?

Does anybody still own the Lakers?

Where is Jerry Buss?

Oh, yeah, that's right, he was in San Diego County, getting arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

Where is heir apparent Jim Buss?

Oh, yes, he was recently on the radio publicly questioning his head coach.

Where is daughter Jeanie Buss?

Oh, of course, she was on the radio defending the head coach, who also happens to be her boyfriend.

"That place is a mess," Bryant said of the Lakers on Tuesday during a radio interview with AM 570.

Gathered queasily behind him, it's hard to argue.

The family is being attacked by its adopted son, a player they have coddled and protected through one of the biggest sports scandals in this city's history.

Yet, so far, the family, does nothing.

Jerry Buss is essentially accused of lying about the teams' rebuilding effort.

Mitch Kupchak is essentially called worthless.

The entire organization is essentially cast as untrustworthy because of a supposed media leak.

Get the new 96.1FM WSBT app for iPhone and Android 96.1fm wsbt app iphone 96.1fm app android

Top Stories

Powerball Lures Players Across Michiana

Masses of people all over the country flocking to stores hoping to get their hands on tonight's winning powerball lottery ticket. Some in California waited in line up to three hours to buy tickets. Saturday night's $600 million dollar jackpot is the largest in the game's history. The winning numbers were 10, 13, 14, 22, 52. The Powerball was 11.

more...

Up to 60 injured after car drives into Va. parade

DAMASCUS, Va. (AP) — About 50 to 60 people were injured Saturday when a driver described by witnesses as an elderly man drove his car into a group of hikers marching in a parade in a small Virginia mountain town.

more...

Investigators examine fractured rail in Connecticut train crash

BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut (Reuters) - A fractured segment of track has been found on the rail line of a Metro-North passenger train from New York that derailed in Connecticut and struck another commuter train, injuring more than 70 people, investigators said on Saturday.

more...

Paw Paw man faces drunken tractor ride charges

VAN BUREN COUNTY -- Police in Van Buren County say a man has been arrested and jailed after driving a tractor under the influence.

more...