Phil Jackson and his "Boys"

"Not this year, Pop. I'm getting too old and busy to keep doing that..."

It always comes at some point in a relationship... the time when what was important no longer is remembered.

That "it" has happened with these Lakers.

Call it lazy, call it tired. But "it" has infected this team.

The 2010-2011 Lakers team we're watching fall apart in front of our eyes has decided they've been on enough trips.

Three straight Finals runs, two of which ended with a Larry O'Brien trophy, and a lot of memories.

Phil Jackson is the father figure of these now men, who he has grown to love. Jackson and his "boys" have gone on fishing trips every year. Sharing mini-battles and laughs ... hitting the highest highs and enduring the lowest lows.

But this year is different. The "boys" are older, now men. These boys don't think the fishing trip is as important.

When Jackson decided to embark on this final journey before the season began, he had a vision of going out with that huge fish on the line. And sharing that final special fish with his boys.

Problem is, the boys forgot these young memories as they've developed into men. These boys, don't remember why they take this fishing trip every year. These boys, are too lazy and too caught up in their own lives to realize what lies ahead. Or should I say, won't lie ahead next year.

Right after the All Star break, Phil had his brand new fishing gear ready for his annual trip with his boys. But these men, who used to be his boys, forgot the importance of the trip. These men, are too busy, too lazy and too short-sighted to see what they're missing.

Yes, Jackson has made some mistakes in these playoffs, but these boys that he has turned into men are supposed to help him cover those mistakes. When the Father falls in the river, these now grown men are supposed to remember all those times he picked them up. And return the favor.

Somewhere between the All Star break and these playoffs, these "men" have forgotten who helped them get where they are today. These "men" are worse than those boys. Because those boys knew who guided them. Those boys wanted to impress their Father. Those boys, were more excited for the annual fishing trip than their leader.

It's been lost. But these men still have the opportunity to become boys again. Time is short, but the highway is still open.

One more time, to save Poppa's favorite annual fishing trip.

Band together, to share the joy of landing Phil's final fish, and send him up a Montana river ... to rest, knowing his men never forgot what it was to be his boys.

The Best Lakers Squad I've Ever Seen

No one wants to see you fall more than when you're on the top.

That's what the 2000-2001 Lakers had to deal with. The newly-crowned champions had to deal with something the squad hadn't dealt with before: having a bulls-eye on their back every single time on the hardwood floor.

The team didn't know how to deal with the responsibilities and maturity that went along with being a champion. Just because the team won a championship didn't mean they were automatically more mature. What needed to be learned through experience was how to handle the newly acquired power and allure.

This was very well documented in the sudden emergence of the Shaquille O'Neal - Kobe Bryant feud. Both had something they never had and each wanted more, but both had different ideas on how to get it.

I hate to admit this, but I get bored with the regular season (I'm already bored with this season). Give me the playoffs, when and where the Lakers are supposed to be every season. But the regular season was what the fresh-off-a-championship team needed; time to figure out how champions were supposed to prepare and compose themselves on the court on a nightly basis.

This was the greatest Lakers team I saw play. Not because of the regular season, but for what they did in the playoffs. They ended that season on an 8-game winning streak and were the second-seed to the Spurs.

The 2000-2001 Lakers had a great mix of young and old. Horace Grant and Ron Harper, mixed with Derek Fisher and Robert Horry. A defensive-minded role player like Rick Fox, with always savvy Brian Shaw waiting for Phil Jackson's call.

LA didn't have an easy road ahead of themselves either. They faced the Portland Blazers, one year removed from a 7-game series against the same exact squad. After that, they were up against the division rival and upstart Sacramento Kings.

What was beautiful about this Lakers squad was the dominance the team could turn to... Shaq's in foul trouble? Kobe's ready to crossover Doug Christie then posterize Vlade Divac. Kobe missing his shots? Feed the Diesel and run them over.

This team was hungry. They were out for blood.

Then came my favorite series of all-time: the number one-seeded San Antonio Spurs versus the Lakers who were embarrassed in 1999 against them. Let me start on game 2, when any other team would have given up. They were down by double digits, lost their coach, and were away from home. LA had already stolen one, so it would have been understandable to pack it up and go home with a win in the pocket.

Nope, not this squad. This game shows why they are different than others. Resiliency. Bend, do not break. One basket at a time, determination. This team had learned all they needed from Phil during the season, they could take it from there: "we got you coach, take a shower." On the way home with a 2-0 lead.

Yes, home to the embarrassment party. Fisher dropping 3's, Shaq dropping no-look passes, and Foxy fastbreak dunks. These Lakers embarrassed the #1 seeded Spurs by 39 and 29 back at Staples.

After an Allen Iverson step-over, the Lakers dream of a perfect playoff was killed (*dead* when Chick said "good luck Tyronne, I'll send you a card" in regards to guarding Iverson).

But they went back on track to sweep them after the initial loss. 15-1. Four straight sweeps. Yes, I say four straight sweeps because they swept the Sixers after losing game 1.

Los Angeles repeating with an emphatic response to the regular season. Think about it, their 8 straight wins to end the season coupled with the 11-0 start to the playoffs gave them 19 straight in the most important time of the year. 19 straight!

When today's Lakers lose today I lose myself for a second... then I remember this 2000-2001 squad. A regular season to determine how to handle yourself as a champion, then rediscover why you have that feeling: Larry O'Brien was in Staples Center at the end.

Today's Lakers will not go 16-1 this year, but here's hoping they discover what the 2001 champions did: there's a reason why you're a champion, remind the rest of the league.

Ron Artest = a more skilled Rick Fox
Andrew Bynum & Pau Gasol = together might match Shaq's dominance, emphasis on might
Josh Powell = Ho Grant waiting on the bench for his call
Derek Fisher = Ron Harper
Kobe Bryant = an older, wiser, and better, well, Kobe Bryant
Lamar Odom = more skillful Robert Horry, one day he'll appear all of a sudden and win you a game or two.
Shannon Brown = Devean George
Luke Walton = Slava Medvedenko (sorry had to throw my man out like that)

Maybe You Shouldn't Have Opened Your Mouth

Remember Paul Pierce's claim that he was a better player than Kobe over the past summer?

Can the NBA and Boston Celtics (perhaps it's possible in Beantown?) fans see through the BS that was coming out of Pierce's mouth over the summer?

In a time that the Celtics needed more production, Pierce didn't step up his game. For the long stretch that Kevin Garnett was out, Feb. 22 through March 18, Pierce averaged 22.8 points per contest. Think Kobe would let his average dip to that low if Pau Gasol went out?

Kobe Bryant is averaging 27.2PPG to Pierce's 20.3, and doing so at a higher percentage, .465 (compared to Pierce's .453). Maybe Pierce started to taste the double and sometimes triple-team coverage that Bryant faces every game on the hardwood.

Or maybe Pierce was still not fully recovered from his wheelchair-inducing "injury." Or perhaps, we blame it on the media for holding in Pierce in such high regard after his NBA Finals performance. (We've seen that before with Dwayne Wade, although, Flash has risen back to that Finals form).

It's just becoming extremely quiet from the Pierce camp after trying to convince the world he is the best player in the world. Sad thing for Pierce is that he isn't even the third best player in his conference.

Coach K Doesn't Show Off

When Team USA Basketball's Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski was asked about the numerous showboating dunks thrown down in the blowout of China his reply irked a Kansas City Star writer.

“There was no showing off,” he said with an edge in his voice. “You dunk when you have to dunk. They have 7-footers. If you don’t take it hard, Yao would block it. He did block one. … I don’t know your definition of showing off, to me that’s hard basketball. I thought we played very hard. I thought we took it to the basket hard. Don’t confuse hard with showing off.”

He then glared at the person who asked the question, a reporter with an accent. And he said: “Maybe it’s a difference in our languages. Maybe in your language playing hard means showing off.”

Tar Heels fans have to be eating this article up. The journalist goes on to say that Coach K gets "an F in diplomacy." I say who cares, Mr. Posnanski. The American "Redeem Team" is on a mission to dismantle all that stand in their way, feelings hurt or not. It's not like Yao is not used to getting posterized in the NBA:





Coach K and the Redeem Team are did what they are supposed to be do early this morning, beating Angola by 21 points, 97-76. One thing I am took from the game? Kobe needs to stop shooting threes. His shooting is horrible behind the arc in the Games so far.

Up next for the U.S. ballers is Greece on Thursday. Petros Papadakis claims that Greece will beat USA.

Olympics Are Here And So Is Wang Zhi Zhi

The Olympics started off lukewarm until the U.S. men swimmers humiliated the French swimmers chokers in the pool.

It inspired me to stay up on Sunday night through Monday morning watching rowing, and now am totally consumed in everything Olympics.

Early this morning, two basketball medal hopefuls Spain and China needed overtime to decide their contest. Yao Ming fouled out (of course) and China choked away a 15-point lead in the 85-75 final. Pau Gasol and the Spaniards ruined the triumphant return of ex-Dallas Maverick Wang Zhi Zhi, who looked like the player he never was in the NBA. Wang carried China throughout, hitting jumpers en route to 15 points and even tying the score at 72 apiece to set up overtime.

Gasol, who had 29 points and eight boards, actually showed up during crunch time, and I am sure Kobe really enjoyed watching his Laker teammate come through in an important game. Spain's coach may have seen the NBA Finals because Pau was curiously on the bench with a couple minutes left in regulation, replaced by his younger brother Marc.

I guess all the Lakers needed was an overtime game in the Finals to get an aggressive Pau. Silly Spaniards, the American squad used four quarters to beat China by 31.

Here is to hoping that Wang can don(g) a Clippers jersey again.

And Michael Phelps is a beast in the pool going three-for-three in achieving gold so far. Phoebe Cates was the last reason I watched anything associated with a pool.

Oh, and the Chinese trapeze artists are crazy good at gymnastics ... beating the surprisingly-competitive third place American men squad.

The Panic Button

Did the Phoenix Suns push the panic button a little too early when they made the trade for Shaquille O'Neal? Growing up a Los Angeles Lakers fan I have become accustomed to teams feeling inferior to the Lakers.

They are the team to beat, every year, no matter what. Anytime a team goes into the Lakers' house they play their very best. Playing in front of Hollywood stars and seeing the championship banners in the rafters can do a funny thing to opposing teams.

The Suns obviously made the Shaq trade in response to the Lakers acquiring Pau Gasol for Stone Hands and a bag of chips.

Is it going to work out for the Suns? Early indications are no. Shaq looked horrible Sunday versus the Detroit Pistons (3-8 from the field, 1-8 from the foul line) but he did get 11 rebounds in the loss. In their win versus the Boston Celtics he had 4 points on 1-5 shooting, while grabbing 14 rebounds.

Shaq is not going to get 15+ shots in a game, probably will not get 10 shots in a game, so the offense is going to have to come from Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash. Stoudemire has looked great with Shaq taking up the paint, but how much of the load can the dude take on?

Five to six minute bursts each quarter for Shaq is probably the best way to go for the Suns. Sad to see a giant fall in front of our eyes.

That is what they are missing with Shawn Marion over in Miami: his versatility to do what they need. Shaq will do a couple things for the Suns: rebound (when he feels like it), take up the paint, get a couple of alley-oop dunks. With Marion they had three-point shooting, rebounding, his driving to the basket, defense on the opposing teams' best player, assists... the list goes on.

Perhaps Mike D'Antoni saw the smile on Phil Jackson's face post-Gasol trade and thought to himself, "I want that."

Larry O'Brien Trophy, Say Hello To The Lakers

I hope the San Antonio Spurs are getting in their last kisses with the Larry O'Brien trophy, because they are not going to see it for a long time after the moves made by Mitch KupfakeGM and the Lakers.

The Lakers traded Mr. Stone Hands himself, Kwame Brown, along with Javaris Crittenton and two first round picks to Memphis for Pau Gasol and a second round pick.

When I first read this all I could think about was Marv Albert. Why Mr. Albert? One word. Sodomy. Sure, Memphis probably made this move to clear cap space for next season and to add young talent, but the Lakers bent the Grizzlies over.

I was embarrassed for Kupchak (for the hundredth time) when he traded away Caron Butler for Stone Hands, but now "Cupcake" has redeemed himself by finding a foolish suitor for Brown.

The head scratching continued with Crittenton's name attached involved. Yes, it made sense for the Lakers with the emergence of Jordan Farmar and solid veteran player in Derek Fisher, but why for the Grizzlies?

They have a rookie point guard in Mike Conley Jr. and young guard Kyle Lowry. Hmm, seems like the same situation in LA for Javaris.

Now to the Lakers smile. Lakers fans around the nation are smiling ear-to-ear today. One, because Kwame is a bum. Two, the Lakers have a starting five that may be better than the Pistons.

Look at the starting five that the Lakers will throw on the floor every night (once Andrew Bynum comes back):
PG - Derek Fisher
SG - Kobe Bryant
SF - Lamar Odom
PF - Pau Gasol
C - Andrew Bynum

And they have one of the league's top bench squads to fall back on. Kobe is not going anywhere. The championship banner will be raised in Los Angeles once again.

Gasol works well with a mid-range jumper and will let Bynum control the paint. Those two will be the LA's version of the "twin towers" that we saw in San Antonio with Tim Duncan and David "I ain't signing an autograph for Shaq" Robinson.

The West's elite and how they match up:

Phoenix - The Suns had problems in the past with the Lakers size, and now the Lakers have added another 7-footer to go along with "beast-in-the-making" Bynum. Lakers sweep the series in the playoffs if they face the Suns.

Dallas - Dirk Nowitzki and any other big man they throw out on the court will not be able to handle the Lakers front line. Oh, the Lakers also have Kobe and LO on their squad? Another sweep in the making.

New Orleans - Young, athletic, and have size. That can explain both the Lakers and Hornets, and the reason why I could see a series with the Hornets going six games. Chris Paul gives teams headaches and would will his team to a couple wins. Tyson Chandler and David West would put up good fights against the new "LA Skyscrapers" (copyright: First To Third), but cannot do it all. Oh, there still is a player named Kobe playing.

San Antonio - Tim Duncan, look into your mirror of the past and see Bynum and Gasol proving to be a younger and better dual big man threat compared to your "twin towers." The Lakers bench along with their starting five would make this series a five-gamer.

---

One thing that the Lakers may think about doing is moving Lamar Odom. One, because he struggles when he does not get the ball enough. Two, they may look to add a defensive-minded player to help make up for Gasol's average defensive game. Once Bynum comes back Odom may not get the shots he needs in the offense and could defer to Kobe on a full-time basis.

But it might be hard for Kupchak to pull that trigger since we will not see the Lakers with Bynum in the lineup until after the trade deadline.

The Grizzlies just gave the Lakers another "best" for their squad. They now have the best team to go along with best player in the league.

Do you smell that? Yes, it is what you think, the league collectively defecated themselves and David Stern shot a load thinking about the Lakers being back in the NBA Finals.

Get Ready For Lots Of 24

The basketball world will now get to see how deep these 2007-08 Los Angeles Lakers really are after losing starting center Andrew Bynum to a sprained knee.

Fortunately for the Lakers, Bynum will be back this season, but the void he leaves in the middle may cost the Lakers a top seed in the always competitive Western Conference. Especially when you consider his replacement to start for the Lakers is Mr. Stone Hands also known as Kwame Brown. I bet you Kobe Bryant is real happy about having Brown in the middle full-time again.

The loss of Bynum means we will start to see a more aggressive Bryant on the offensive end, and more double/triple teams on KB24.

Bryant has again re-invented himself this year by letting the game come to him; something he showed signs of the last couple of years. This will be a test for Bryant in that he may have to resort back to dropping 50 on opponents for the Lakers to stay atop the standings in the West. Or he can test the depth of his team by trusting them with the ball in their hands (well, maybe not Kwame's; when does the ball stay ever stay in those?).

Phil Jackson has been doing one of his best coaching jobs of his career with this Lakers squad, and will be tested as well in this time. Last year's squad got off to a great start as well, but faltered towards the end of the regular season due to injuries.

How will the Lakers respond to losing their big man in the middle? In the next eight weeks the Lakers will be facing the following top squads: Phoenix (twice), San Antonio, Dallas (twice), Portland (twice), and Detroit. And that game against the Pistons is part of a nine-game road trip for the Lakers. That road trip starts at the end of January, and goes deep into the month of February, a month in which the Lakers play 12 of their 15 games on the road.

The first test will come tonight, as the Lakers travel to Seattle to take on the Sonics. My prediction: Kobe goes off for 44 in a close game. If I were Jackson, I would start Roni Turiaf and have Brown come off in the bench for the center position.

Sad to know that Bynum was on his way to the most improved in the NBA this season, and that honor may be taken away from him after this sprained knee.

He Is Still There

And that is a good thing if you are a Lakers fan.

I must admit, I thought for sure that KB24 would have been traded from the Lakers this NBA season. But, after watching the Lakers move to 19-10, I think Kobe may be thinking of a permanent stay with the purple and gold.



Andrew Bynum has blossomed into the big man that the Lakers brass envisioned and have solid leadership in veteran Derek Fisher. Kareem Abdul Jabbar needs to be considered for coach of the year award, or at least assistant coach of the year based on his work he has done with Bynum.

Like I said before the season started: Bynum for most improved player of the year.

Mitch Kupchak has to be sporting a small smile because he did not trade Bynum, even though Lakers fans were calling for it when word came out that Jason Kidd was available at the cost of the young center.

The Lakers have beaten some of the Western Conference's top teams: San Antonio, Denver (twice), Golden State, and Phoenix (twice).

Lets not get ahead of ourselves though. The Lakers started last season at a 27-13 mark through the first 40 games, before stumbling to a 42-40 record due to injuries/motivation. But this squad will not fall down like last year.

Not with the tough bulldog that is Fisher in the locker room, or with Bynum becoming an elite NBA center.

Ask the Lakers if the regular season victories over the Western Conference elites mean anything, and you will get an answer Belichick-like: "It does not mean anything unless we can do it in the playoffs." Even the opposing coaches that get beat by the Lakers will agree.

But do not be fooled, the mental strength that is being built during the season with their big wins will make this Laker squad dangerous come playoff time. Western Conference champions dangerous.

When Is He Going To Develop?

Michael Jordan will always be remembered for his greatness on the court, but will also known for drafting Kwame Brown #1 overall in the 2001 NBA draft.

Sure, he still has years in him to play in the league but seeing him play every time he hits the court makes me cringe.

How did the Lakers give up Caron Butler for him? They gave up an all-star for Mr. Stone Hands.

And Phil Jackson wonders the same thing. Jackson has always questioned his work habits and physical toughness.

In today's fun, Jackson points out that he ignores Brown; as he should.

Jackson said center Kwame Brown might be able to return Dec. 9 against Golden State; Brown sprained his knee and ankle on Nov. 18 against Chicago. Jackson hasn't spoken to Brown about it, though.
"I kind of ignore him like he's a leper," said Jackson, who has questioned Brown's ability to play hurt in the past.

"Like he's a leper?"

Philip is a genius. Jordan was accused of breaking down Brown mentally and now Jackson is playing along as well. Brown is a bum. Being a Lakers fan I love watching him miss every rebound and pass that comes his way because of his well-designed hands.

Caron Butler for this dude... no wonder Kobe wants out of Los Angeles. Lakers' management know how make a deal.

Post script: He could not handle the rebound in this pic.

Dallas Got Their Revenge

For one night. I guess. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Golden State Warriors 120-115 at the Oracle Arena. The Warriors are winless this year, but are still fun to watch, especially against the Mavs.

The Mavs had to play the role of "this win does not mean anything," but you know they wanted to go in there and jam the Warriors. It was in their body language. The Mavs players were jawing with the Warriors and fouling a little harder than normal. All I know is that Baron Davis is a baller. Too bad he had the "injury-plagued" reputation a couple of years ago or else he would be playing in Los Angeles (or not, because Mitch Kupchak is an idiot).

Highlights from last night's games (Davis is #1):


Washington Wizards are winless after losing to the New Jersey Nets. Gilbert Arenas assists/turnovers on the year: 18:21, pass the ball dude.

The Chicago Bulls located their pulse with their first win coming against a good Detroit Pistons team. Hours before someone picks up Tyrus Thomas in my fantasy league after his double-double: 5.

New Orleans will find out tomorrow if they can hang with the big dogs when they face San Antonio. And Kobe Bryant will have someone on the floor who can score, sometimes, with the return of Lamar Odom.

Kobe Buying Michael Jordan's House?

Last week a Kobe Bryant fan told me that Kobe is sad because John Paxson said the Chicago Bulls would not trade for Bryant.

I told the fan that Paxson said that to keep his players from tanking in the beginning of the season. All may be quiet regarding Bryant-trade rumors, but Kobe of all people may have a better outlook on things.

Especially if he is looking to buy a new house, outside of California during the season.

Bryant is reportedly in the market to buy Michael Jordan's home in Highland Park , which is about 26 miles from Chicago.

Sneed hears Bryant may be purchasing basketball legend Michael Jordan's massive home in Highland Park. The real estate rumor mill is grinding out grist that could add more credence to the word the L.A. Lakers superstar may wind up playing in Chicago.

The Bulls poor play to begin the season shows that the Bulls players have the possible Bryant trade on their minds. If Paxson wants to deal for Bryant he better do it before his players blow the season for him.

Perhaps Bryant is just getting prepared to opt-out of his contract with the Lakers prior to the 2009-2010 season, or maybe he is going to become a part-owner of the Chicago Cubs.

The rumor of him buying the house may not mean much is what I am saying, but I like to stir the pot.

Spark That Excitement

Eight games were on deck last night in the NBA, and I am actually really excited about this season.

I had lost my excitement for the league the last couple of years due to a combination of the following: players acting like thugs, whining about money, demanding trades, players not having the fundamentals, and the death of the Lakers dynasty.

But for some reason I am looking forward to the long season of basketball. The past two days I have been cursing at NBATV for not broadcasting games, thus allowing me to see only four games in the past two days, what the hell!

I cannot put my finger on what has ignited that excitement fire for me. It cannot be the referee scandal. It cannot be fantasy basketball, because I play them every year. It cannot be the Lakers, because they are doomed to be a mediocre team for the rest of this decade. What is it then?

As much as I hate to say it, the players whining has actually sparked my interest. The drama.
Andrei Kirilenko whined. Shawn Marion whined. Kevin Garnett got what he wanted. Kobe Bryant whined, then he didn't, then he did. Jerry Buss flashed his muscle.

The drama coupled with a some good signings in the East has made the league better. In years past I would not have given any team in the East a shot to beat a Western conference team, but this year there are a couple that can. Boston, Detroit, Chicago, New Jersey, and Orlando (sleeper) are all teams to watch.

The draft class was the best in recent years and will be fun to keep an eye out on each of the young players.

One in particular will have my eye the whole year, former UCLA Bruin Arron Afflalo who was drafted by the Detroit Pistons. A fellow UCLA basketball fan claimed that Afflalo would not make an impact in the NBA. I argued that his statement was absurd, reminding him that he has an A+ defensive game, a great shot, and can slash to the basket.

Will I be right? Early indications are yes. Afflalo will start for the Detroit Pistons in their opener against the Miami Heat in place of Richard Hamilton. Pretty good if you ask me.

It may be a long season, but keep watching, you do not want to miss anything.
Now I have to get on the horn with NBATV and ask them why they are not broadcasting games. Cheap bastards.

Chris Paul is a baller. I would pay to see him play.

NBA Preview/Predictions

The National Basketball Association is set to begin play today with three games scheduled, including my favorite love-hate player, Kobe Bean Bryant in action (hopefully) against the Houston Rockets.

Divisional outlook according to First To Third L.J.:

Atlantic: Boston, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto

Top dog: Boston
Golden retrievers: New Jersey, Toronto, New York
Love Park lovable loser: Philadelphia

This has been one of the weakest divisions in basketball the last couple of years but now has a new triple threat in Boston with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

Philadelphia is still several years away from competing and we never know what we are going to get out of New Jersey. Although I think they addressed a glaring need in the center position by signing Jamaal Magloire.

I like the Knicks roster (maybe I am biased because I grew up following the Knicks as my East Coast team), but with Isiah Thomas at the helm I never will bank on them going far.

Toronto will be second or third in the division behind Chris Bosh and one of my personal favorites, TJ Ford. Carlos Delfino is a big pickup for the Raptors and cannot wait to see what he does with more playing time.

And to the new three-headed monster... I do not want to see Boston rise to NBA glory again because I am a Lakers fan and do not want them to raise another banner. This Celtics team is deeper than people are going to give them credit for, and could possibly get a nice addition in Juwan Howard in the next couple of weeks. Allen does not get as much love as he deserves... Pierce will play better with less work on his shoulders... and Garnett will be Garnett like always.

Celtics taking the division.

Central: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana, Milwaukee
My favorite division in the East this year.

The obvious culprits: Chicago, Detroit
Hanging tough: Cleveland
Outside looking in: Indiana, Milwaukee

Chicago's young Bulls are gaining experience as each year passes, and will be more dangerous this year. But, if the rumors are true and they trade for Kobe Bryant, things may be different for them. If they do make the trade, it will all depend on who they send to the Lakers. No matter what, Kobe in the East will make this Bulls team a contender.

Detroit is solid with a deep bench and veteran leadership. They will always be contending in the East as long as they have Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups, and Rasheed Wallace. And you cannot forget about my boy Arron Afflalo. He is a baller.

Indiana and Milwaukee are in the developing stages. I look at the Pacers as the Golden State Warriors of the East. They can run on opponents. I hope Mo Williams was not working for a contract last year and continues his strong play of yesteryear.

Now Cleveland you ask? Why are they hanging tough? Them being the defending Eastern Conference champions. I do not like the supporting cast of Lebron James. His team is essentially the Lakers of the East. Chicago and Detroit are better.

Pistons taking the division.

Southeast: Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, Orlando, Washington

Head of the beer: Washington
Couple of sips behind: Orlando, Miami
Improved with age: Atlanta
Bottom of the barrell: Charlotte

Washington is the easy pick, especially with Shaq getting older, and Wade still recovering from surgery. The Wizards are returning most of their squad and will be at the top as long as they stay healthy.

Orlando is the sexy pick. Dwight Howard is a beast, the next coming of Shaq, and Jameer Nelson should have a good contract year. Stan Van Gundy was the perfect selection to be their coach.

Like I said, with Shaq getting up there in years and Wade not 100%, it is going to be hard to see these guys as a contender. It is not going to be fun for them to fight their way back into the Eastern conference race after a slow start.

Atlanta will be better this year as their young players will make improvements. Watch out for Acie Law, another baller made for the NBA. Good draft by the Hawks.

Charlotte gets hurt too much and that is why they are at the bottom of the division.

Wizards taking the division.

Northwest: Denver, Minnesota, Portland, Seattle, Utah

Belvedere vodka: Denver, Utah
Smirnoff: Portland, Seattle
Popov: Minnesota

Denver can easily take this division if they get a healthy Kenyon Martin for at least 70 games. If not, AI and Carmelo will be able to handle the load.

The Jazz are coming off a very successful season, but have a unhappy AK. As long as they have Boozer and Williams these guys will be fine.

Portland has been hit by the injury bug already and are looking forward to next year, when they will see Greg Oden for the first time. Darius Miles and Oden to become best friends on the bench.

This year will be Kevin Durant's year to shine. He will be the man in Seattle but they will not go far with the squad they have.

The first year without KG will be a long one for the Wolves, but have some young, exciting players. Al Jefferson hopefully will get more love this year, he is the real deal.

Denver taking the division.

Pacific: Golden State, LAC, LAL, Phoenix, Sacramento

Newcastle ale: Phoenix
Bass ale: Golden State, LAL (with Kobe)
Bud Light: LAC, Sacramento

Phoenix are the obvious favorites in this division with Nash, Stoudemire, and Marion ready to get deeper into the playoffs.

The Warriors had a great run last year, and will no longer be in the sleeper role. They play fun basketball to watch and will get more exposure this year. Baron Davis is a baller.

The Lakers season will rest on whether Kobe is traded or not. If they trade Kobe, the team will be fourth or fifth in the division, and will not make the playoffs. With him, they are second or third in the division with a seventh or eighth seed in the West. The drama will no doubt unfold. Bynum is going to have a good year if Jackson gives him the bulk of the minutes at center.

Los Angeles' other team has a hurt Brand, likely out until after the all-star break, and older point guards. The Clippers will once again be Staple Center's second best team.

Sacramento's rookie coach, Reggie Theus, has to resolve a bad relationship between two of their best players in Mike Bibby and Ron Artest. Brad Miller needs to lose the cornrows. Kevin Martin cannot carry this squad.

Suns taking the division.

Southwest: Dallas, Houston, Memphis, New Orleans, San Antonio

Johnnie Walker Blue Label: San Antonio, Dallas
Johnnie Walker Gold Label: Houston
Johnnie Walker Black Label: New Orleans
Johnnie Walker Red Label: Memphis

I could have put Houston in the Blue Label status with San Antonio and Dallas, but refrained from doing so because T-Mac and Yao have not made it past the first round of the playoffs. But they made some nice additions and think Adelman will do better with this squad than Van Gundy did.

Going into the season, the defending champion Spurs are the obvious favorite to get back to the finals out of the West. Nothing more to say about them, except their winning is boring. But they are good, really good.

Dallas, we will see how they react to their meltdown in last year's playoffs, and their yearly disappointments in the playoffs. This will be a big test for Dirk, who spent the summer searching for answers and not shaving.

Memphis has some good young players, but are a couple of years away from a playoff berth especially being in a tough division. Might sneak in next year as an eighth seed though.

The Hornets will be in New Orleans full-time and will be in the playoff hunt at the end of the season. Chris Paul is worth the price of admission and has good shooters to get the ball to in Peja and Mo Pete.

Spurs taking the division.

---

West champ: Phoenix Suns
East champ: Boston Celtics

NBA Champ: Phoenix Suns

Awards:
Rookie of the year: Al Horford
Most improved: Andrew Bynum
Sixth man of the year: Leandro Barbosa
Scoring champ: Gilbert Arenas
Defensive player of the year: Marcus Camby
MVP: Kobe Bryant (no matter where he plays)

---

Final note: Will someone pick up Earl Boykins?!?! The NBA is not the same without the most exciting player in the game! I will be making a petition that the Lakers sign him.

Halfway To The Weekend...

And you know what that means... time for me to wish you a "happy hump day" on this beautiful Wednesday.

This week's edition of a pretty sports wife is Vanessa Bryant, wife of Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant. It is only fitting that she get some spotlight as well since Kobe has taken over the basketball media once again.

As you can tell for what is on her mind, she will leave Kobe if he is traded out of Los Angeles. Come on, why wouldn't she? She grew up in Orange County (where I still reside) and he obviously needs his own spotlight (I will share it with her). So it would only be fitting that she take my hand after she leaves Kobe.

Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Drama

The drama just not stop with the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant. The latest development is that Bryant may have cleaned out his locker at the Lakers practice facility, in preparation for a trade.

Bryant has been quiet ever since Lakers owner Jerry Buss announced that he is entertaining offers to trade the superstar.

Does it ever end? There is drama everyday in LaLa Land.
Buss made that statement regarding trading Bryant to show who is the man in the town. He had to. Bryant had basically called him an idiot over the summer, and this was a way for Buss to get back at the star. Not saying that this is the right approach, but anytime you are a business man you have to flex your muscle.

There is no way Bryant stays with the Lakers past the 2008 NBA draft, and that is being optimistic. The longer the Lakers wait to trade Bryant, the less trade value he has. He can opt out after the 2009 season and the closer they get to that point in time, the less the Lakers will get in return.

Bryant is in a unique situation in that he has the NBA's only no trade clause in his contract, meaning he can dictate where he is traded to. And even setting up the trade is going to be a tall task. You will never get equal value for Bryant.

Bryant is not the Lakers, and I am a fan of the Lakers, not just one player on the team but the name on the front of the jersey. Just for the record, I was always a Shaquille O'Neal guy and did not agree with Bryant's antics when Shaq was in town. If only Bryant realized that he could co-exist with another superstar earlier and asked that Shaq not be traded from the Lakers.

The finger pointing can be distributed all over the organization.

I guess I can collect on a bet I made with my buddy, stating that Kobe would never win another championship with the Lakers (a bet I made a week after Shaq was traded to Miami).

Marion to the Lakers, Jazz?

In today's edition of high-paid, whining NBA players, we have Shawn Marion asking to be traded from the Phoenix Suns.

I wish this could happen in real life: "Hey RLH Industries, I am sick of working here and would like to be sent to the OC Register for a sports writing job... make it happen."

Anyways, back to the subject at hand... There is speculation that Marion could go to the Utah Jazz (for fellow whiner, Andre Kirilenko) or to the Los Angeles Lakers (for Lamar Odom). I know Marion thinks he does not get the respect he deserves with the Suns, but he is making plenty of money in Phoenix and is part of the "big three" which includes Nash and Stoudemire.

His best shot at an NBA ring is to stay with the Phoenix Suns based on the two possible teams he would be traded to. I think both the Lakers and Jazz would take that trade any day of the week.

With the Jazz, Marion would bring just as much defense (if not more) as Kirilenko and has speed to run with point guard Deron Williams. Plus, you are moving Kirilenko to a place he would thrive and would probably be happy with the move.

With the Lakers, Marion would be teamed with his friend Kobe Bryant. Both players would welcome the change and Marion would not be as intimidated by Bryant on the team. That is the one problem Odom has with the Lakers offense, he differs to Bryant too much.

Marion would bring defense and 3-point shooting, along with an attitude that he knows he can create his own shot.

But would he fit into the triangle offense? No doubt Phil Jackson would have to make some adjustments in the offense to allow some run-and-gun with Bryant, Marion, and newly acquired Derek Fisher.

If I am Mitch Kupchak, I look at this as an opportunity to get a little forgiveness from the Lakers fans. Some.