All the cards are on the table and it is now up to Dr. Jerry Buss to reveal his hand. Re-sign Lamar Odom or let him go to another team without compensation? That’s the million-dollar quandary facing the longtime owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Buss, a known poker player who is fearless when it comes … [Read more…]
BLAKE GRIFFIN SIZZLES IN LAS VEGAS
The NBA Summer Pro League is the best place to evaluate a rookie, a second-year player or a developmental league player looking for a guaranteed contract. If a player can survive and thrive in the summer league, they will most likely survive and thrive in the NBA. The summer league is where coaches, scouts and … [Read more…]
ARIZA DIDN’T WANT TO LEAVE L.A.
Trevor Ariza disclosed on Monday that the Lakers never made a serious effort to re-sign him and owner Jerry Buss had his sights set on Ron Artest when the free agency period began. “From my understanding, they told me that my work was like the mid-level or whatever, and to go find an offer and … [Read more…]
IS RON ARTEST BAD FIT FOR LAKERS?
When Ron Artest was introduced as the newest member of the Los Angeles Lakers, he didn’t disappoint and gave the assembled media a sneak peak at his colorful personality, starting with the No. 37 jersey he chose to wear for the 2009-10 season. Why No. 37? “I just ask all my Twitter friends and on … [Read more…]
KOBE HAD A BOND WITH KING OF POP
As the world mourns the loss of Michael Jackson, giants from the entertainment and athletic realm have publicly stated their sadness and deep appreciation for the pop culture icon and music legend. Kobe Bryant, four-time NBA champion and All-Star guard of the Los Angeles Lakers, recently spoke to MTV and CNN about the impact Jackson … [Read more…]
CAVALIERS HOPE SHAQ IS FINAL PIECE
I’ve always believed that if LeBron James ever got another superstud to play alongside with, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be NBA champs. Since 2003, when the Cavaliers made James the face of their franchise, the Cavs are still searching for LeBron’s super sidekick. Carlos Boozer would have been that superstud, but he didn’t stay long … [Read more…]
KNICK FANS, RUBIO IS THE REAL DEAL
Make no mistake about, the Minnesota Timberwolves got the best player in the NBA Draft. Though Blake Griffin was the clear choice as the No. 1 player in the draft, Ricky Rubio – Minnesota’s pick at No. 5 – could potentially be the guy who will define the ’09 draft. Rubio, the much-hyped European sensation … [Read more…]
FIVE REASONS NOT TO LIKE FLYNN
Jonny Flynn’s one shining moment came and went in March during the Big East Conference tournament when he played 60-plus minutes in a five-overtime classic against Connecticut. Other than that one incredible night of Ironman basketball, Flynn’s resume is unspectacular. And, if you look closely at the Syracuse point guard’s overall dexterity, his shortcomings outweigh … [Read more…]
KOBE EARNS MASTER’S IN LEADERSHIP
Winning an NBA championship is kind of like graduation. You work all year to accumulate points and, once it’s done, you get to enjoy a big celebration in June. On June 14, 2009, Kobe Bryant graduated from all-star to uber star. He scored an A-plus on his NBA report card and finally completed this master’s … [Read more…]
THE FISH THAT SAVED THE L.A. LAKERS
Move over Robert Horry. Step aside Steve Kerr and John Paxson. Make room for the newest member of Mr. Clutch in the NBA Finals: Derek Fisher. When Fisher stepped into those two crunch-time shots in the fourth quarter and in overtime that powered the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-91 victory in Game 4 of … [Read more…]