So long Kwame. I wrote fondly of you not three weeks ago. Then you went ahead and stunk it up so horribly that it was impossible to defend you. I still believe you have value, and if you want to come back to the Lakers next year and take, hmm, maybe a ¼ of what you made this year, then we would love to have you back. I still believe in your ability to play great, grounded defense. I still believe in that body, if not for those small hands. You could still help us win a championship. So don’t take this trade too hard. And try and forget those boo birds, though I’m sure you will one day when you are 75 years old, suddenly sit up in your bed covered in sweat, waking from a dream where you are still missing layups, still dropping easy passes, and hear the deafening echoes of screaming from the crowds, your home crowd, as they tear you a new one. But try to forget. 

Continue reading "See, Positivity Works"

If I were an NBA GM, I wouldn’t do the Shaq trade. No way. No how. The Suns just don’t know what they are getting into. Sure, I can’t hate on Shaq too much. He did help bring 3 championships to the Lakers, but the Suns don’t realize the baggage (and there’s a ton) that comes with the Big Diesel.

Will Shaq sell more tickets? Well, I’m pretty sure the Suns were selling out anyway, but sure, he’s a draw—in the way a circus is a draw. He brings his otherworldly 7 foot 330 lbs plus frame and knack for witty one-liners out West again and people think of “Steel” and “Blue Chips” and, uh, “Kazaam.”  And then people reminisce and rememberShaq tearing Indiana, Philly and New Jersey a new one, three years straight. But that run was over 8 years ago.

Continue reading "Doomed to Repeat Itself (Thank God not with the Lakers)"

On Sunday when the Lakers played the Heat there were three moments of note.

There was the foul in the second quarter where Kobe let Dwayne Wade know that basketball indeed is a physical game. The offense had broken down and Kobe was taking it to the hoop. As he made his move to get past Wade, he extended his right forearm and popped Wade square on the chin with his elbow. He was rightfully called for an offensive foul and Wade rubbed his chin and played it cool. But the message was clear. Kobe plays to win, plays hard and gives nothing up easy. Not now, and most likely never again. Sure, there were times over the course of the last couple seasons where the guys Kobe was guarding were allowed long stretches of easy buckets. Dude was too busy dropping 40 plus on some nights, and regardless of how effortless he makes it look, shooting the ball while being double and triple teamed is an exhausting process. Just ask Dwayne Wade.

Continue reading "Sporting a Grin"

With the Lakers set to square off against the Phoenix Suns tomorrow night, everyone will get their first peak at the newly Shaquillized original run-n-gun team.  

I have to admit, karma is a foul, unsavory witch. Kobe complained this offseason. Wanted to be moved. Was frustrated with his team mates. Then  didn’t get his way. He came into this season fired up and ready to roll, played his heart out like he always does. The Lakers got off to great start before karma kicked out her leg and tripped up the Lakeshow by sending Bynum to the injured reserve for at least 2 months.

But then, out of left field, Kobe was served on a platter of gold, Pau Gasol. As consequence, the hardest road trip of the year, a nine-game set that was supposed to be the toughest portion of the Lakers schedule, looked more like a cake-walk, the Lakers finishing with a glittering 7-2 record—that easily could have, and should have been 9-0. 

Continue reading "Karma..."

They usually are video montages of NBA players, reading to kids, handing out presents, helping build walls or running basketball camps. NBA Cares is the League's social responsibility initiative where teams and players have committed millions of hours of time and dollars to serving the community.

I’ll show you another, far less amicable form of caring. Look no further than the Los Angeles Lakers starting shooting guard. Last night, against one of the worst teams in the league, up by a measly 31 points in the waning minutes of the third quarter, Number 24 amassed back-to-back technical fouls and had an early trip to the showers.

What had Mr. Bryant so riled? A non-call actually. Going up for an offensive rebound, Kobe thought (and, to his credit, the replay showed a great deal of contact) that he deserved a call. Referee Brian Forte saw it differently, and after Kobe jawed at him all the way back down the court, Forte hit him with a tech. This incensed Kobe even more leading to a blow up (with Fish trying to pull Kobe away) and Kobe’s second T.

Continue reading "Kobe Cares"

Here it is finally. After all these months of saying I’m going to write it, I’m finally getting it done. The timing is actually appropriate because Sam Cassell will shortly become very relevant again. Yesterday, the Clips finally gave in and waived Cassell, giving Sammy boy the golden opportunity to chase a championship with his buddy KG.

It’s a great time right now in the NBA, especially if you enjoy the point guard position. There has been an influx of young talent coming in over the past few years. The play of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Tony Parker grab most of the headlines, and the Kidd for Harris swap has also gotten Devin’s name out there. But then there are guys like Mo Williams, Jose Calderon and Rajon Rondo who are on the cusp if not already arrived.

Continue reading "Sam I Am a Hall of Famer"