I'm Back!

I have constantly promised coverage and not delivered....but this time I'm serious.....I will cover every Laker playoff game. I'm back after a year hiatus!

I'm Back

Sorry for the layoff. But I will be updating weekly, every Saturday, to discuss the Lakers's status. Opening night is on Tuesday!

Brand to the Sixers & More...

Elton Brand just shocked the world by agreeing to terms with the Philadelphia 76ers. Brand turned down a contract from the Clippers, that would include a no-trade clause, for a 5-year $82 million deal from the Sixers. This bombshell leaves many Clipper fans aghast; Clipper fans were dreaming of a 2008-2009 season with Elton Brand playing along side Baron Davis and bringing this team back to relevance. But it isn't about to happen. Sources close to Brand claimed that "Elton wanted to go east". Now Elton Brand will be teaming up with Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert, Andre Iguodala and many other developing young talents. This move catapults the Sixers into contention in the East. Though I still think the West is superior, the East has some top tier teams that can be very competitive in: Detroit, Orlando, Boston, Cleveland, Washington, Toronto, and now Philly. Now, I don't see this team getting past the semi-final round of the playoffs, but this team will make some noise and in Iguodala they have a future superstar.
Arenas Signs with Wizards
Gilbert Arenas ended all rumors that he was returning to the Warriors, by signing a six-year $111 million deal with the Wizards. This move keeps the Wizards competitive in the East, but I still don't see them getting past the first round (i.e. another loss to LeBron).
Raptors-Pacer Deal Finalized
The deal that sent Jermaine O'Neal to the Raptors and T.J Frod to the Pacers has been finalized. The Raptors now boast a ridiculous front-line of O'Neal, Bargnani, and Bosh. The Raptors will be a force to be reckoned with as long as they stay healthy (cough, cough,O'Neal). As for the Pacers....who cares! They won't make the playoffs anyway.
Rony to the Warriors...Maybe
The Golden State Warriors signed Rony Turiaf to an offer sheet that the Lakers are not expected to match. Well...I don't know what to say. I loved Rony's energy but if he was as skilled as he is energetic, I would be demanded the Lakers match that offer sheet. But since he isn't that good...I say let him go. He'll be missed though.

Davis to the Clippers

Baron Davis has agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers; opting out of the last year of his contract. I really don't know what to say about this move. I don't feel threatened by LA's other team, but this move should make them relevant again. If the Clippers can find a way to coral Elton Brand from free agency, this team should be a team fighting for the 6-8 seed. But then again you never know what to expect in the Western Conference.
This move has opened the door for rumors that Gilbert Arenas will make a return to the Golden State Warriors and fill in the void that Baron Davis has left. Gilbert Arenas is the perfect fit for the Golden State Warriors and "Nellie-ball". Gilbert likes to jack up shots (many ill-advised), and get up and down court. The Washington Wizards did re-sign Antawn Jamison which would presumably keep Gilbert in a Wizards uniform, but the possibility is still out there.

The Lakers Lose

We lost. That's it. No elaboration necessary. We lost to the Celtics.

NBA Finals: In Boston

Game 1: Boston 98, LA 88. Ladies and Gentleman the Oscar goes to Paul Pierce for his performance against the Lakers. I've never seen anyone have to be carried off the court them come out 3 minutes later hopping out of the tunnel, without even a noticeable limp. Paul Pierce is a joke and I lost all respect for him after that performance. But he did come out and drop two critical three-pointers to give his team the lead. The Lakers were in control of the game until that point.
Kevin Garnett opened the game dominating Pau Gasol but it did little to help his teams chances. The Lakers led at the half until Paul Pierce opened the third quarter with 8 points in about a minute. For the rest of the game the Celtics defense and their rebounding decided the game.
Kobe Bryant was a dismal 9-26 from the field. A lot of those shots that either rolled around the rim or hit the back iron. But we still need Kobe to shoot better from the field, no excuses.
The Lakers were badly out rebounded 46-33. The Lakers need to buckle down and show some toughness in the paint and not go up scared and timid. The Lakers lose game 1 because of lack of energy and toughness, not because Paul Pierce is the best actor since Denzel.

Game 2: Paul Pierce is expected to play on his "injured" knee. Paul Pierce came out and had a great game: 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists. But the game belonged to some bum named Leon Powe. Powe had 21 points on 6-7 shooting. Kevin Garnett contributes 17 points and 14 rebounds but on 7-19 shooting. Kobe Bryant rebounded from game one with 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists on 11-23 shooting. Kobe was about the only one playing aggressive last night. The Celtics played with more heart and seemed like the more hungrier team. Rajon Rondo had 16 assists and 2 turnovers for goodness sake.
The Lakers were down 24 points in the fourth quarter before cutting that deficit to two. But it was to little to late for the Lakers and are now in a huge 0-2 hole. The Lakers presumably have to win all three games at STAPLES Center to have a chance of winning this title.But the biggest story coming out of this game was not the comeback....it was free-throws.
Leon Powe shot 13 free-throws, the entire Laker team shot 10. It is almost impossible to be "that much more aggressive". The officiating in this game was ridiculous and almost unwatchable. The NBA front office needs to do something about that because that game was ridiculous.

Game 3: I expect the Lakers to come out with fire and win this game rather easily. The role players and the bench will decide to show up and from there the Lakers must win the next two games. My confidence in the Lakers is not rattled. I still expect the Lakers to win this championship.

The Lakers Off To The Finals

Kobe Bryant has taken the Lakers to their 29th championship in their prestigious history. Kobe Bryant will try to deliver Phil Jackson his 10th championship and will try to claim his fourth. I will be covering every game of the Finals....I Promise this time!!!

The Lakers Off To Western Finals

MVP Kobe Bryant led his Los Angeles Lakers to a 108-105win against the Jazz to the series 4-2. The Lakers are off to the Western Conference Finals where I will have analysis after every game.

Lakers Get Ready For Utah

The Los Angeles Lakers completed the sweep against the Denver Nuggets behind Kobe Bryant, who took over with 5 1/2 minutes to go in Game 4. Kobe Bryant ended the series averaging 33.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, all while shooting 50% from the field. Pau Gasol contributed with 22.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Nuggets had no answer for the Lakers, as they completed their first sweep of a team since the 2002 NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets.
After defeating the Houston Rockets on Friday, the Utah Jazz advanced to the second round and will faced a well rested Laker team.This a series that will come down to individual matchups. Kobe/Kirilenko, D-Fish/Deron Williams, and Pau Gasol/Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. I do believe the Lakers will win this series in six games. It will be a great series for NBA fans everywhere.

Kobe Dominates Nuggets

The Lakers took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the Denver Nuggets, behind a spectacular 49-point 10-assist performance from Kobe Bryant. Kobe had, what I would say, his greatest career playoff game. Kobe dropped 20 points in the first quarter (two shy of franchise record), 5 points in each of the middle quarters and then topped it off with a 19 point fourth quarter. All series long the Denver Nuggets have been jawing with Kobe on the court and it will end up being their downfall. There is absolutely no reason to try to get Kobe riled up for a game. The Lakers have dominated the first two games and now seem as if they are poised for a sweep.

Lakers Get Ready for Game 2

The Lakers won game 1 128-114. Pau Gasol had a monster game scoring 36 and grabbing 16 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists and Kobe contributed with 32 points. The Lakers take on the Nuggets in game 2 tomorrow night.

Lakers Conquer West

The Los Angeles Lakers ended the season a remarkable 57-25. The Lakers ended up the number one seed in the West and are set to take on the Denver Nuggets (50-32). This will be one of the most entertaining series of the first round. Denver posts an unbelievanble one-two punch in Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, while have great role players in Marcus Camby and J.R. Smith. The one achilles heel for the Nuggets is defense. That is why I see the Lakers winning this series in 5 games. This game will also be the first time that Kobe Bryant (this year's MVP) and Allen Iverson meet in the playoffs since the 2001 NBA Finals. Game one will go to the Lakers. 120-105.

One for One

If the Lakers (56-25) beat the Kings (38-43) They will secure the number one seed in the West. This is the ultimate must win.

The Biggest Game of the Season (For Real This Time)

The Lakers (55-25) take on the Spurs (54-25) on ABC Sunday afternoon. If the Lakers were to win this game they could all but guarantee the Spurs will not win the overall top seed in the West. The Lakers defeated the Hornet (55-24) last night 107-104. Despite giving up a 30 point lead the Lakers are satisfied with the big win. The Lakers can't control their own destiny, all they can do is just do their best to win out and hopefully the chips fall into place.

If the Hornets lose tonight against the Kings (37-42), the Lakers take control of the number one seed in the West and would have the pressure of winning tomorrow increase. The Lakers must win the last two games of the season.

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The Biggest Game of the Season.......So Far

The Lakers (54-25) take on the Hornets (55-23) in what will be the biggest game of the season in almost all aspects. If the Hornets win tonight they can pretty much wrap up the overall top spot in the Conference. If the Lakers were to win, they'll then be within a 1/2 game of the Hornets for the top overall spot in the West. Oh, what a game it will be. The game will be at STAPLES, giving the Lakers home-court advantage. This game and Sunday's game against the Spurs (53-25) are both must wins. My Prediction: Kobe will win these games by any means necessary.

This game will probably also determine who this seasons MVP will be. Kobe Bryant v.s. Chris Paul. I believe this game will be epic.

The Comeback Kid

Pau Gasol is expected to start tonight when the Lakers (50-24) take on the Portland Blazers (38-36). The Lakers went 5-4 in the games that Gasol missed. Andrew Bynum is also expect to make a speedy return before the playoffs.

Lakers Reach 50

The Lakers (50-24) reached 50 wins on Sunday in a 126-120 OT win against the Washington Wizards. The Lakers reached 50 wins for the first time since the departure of Shaquille O'Neal. 50 wins is something to celebrate, but how the Lakers got to win no. 50 is something to frown upon. The Lakers lost back-to-back games to two of the worst teams in the NBA. Fridays loss to the Grizzlies was especially disheartening, due to the fact that this was Pau Gasol's former team and the fact that Kobe scored 53 points. Kobe had 47 points with about 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, (By the way: Kobe had 47 with about 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter in the infamous 81-point game) viewers were predicting a 60 or 70-point game. Kobe was quieted for the rest of the game, only scoring six points.

So the Lakers managed to pull of the win against the Wizards despite Kobe shooting 7-24 from the field.

The Lakers are now currently 3rd in the West Conference Standings. According to Phil Jackson, it will probably take a 7-1 finish, for the Lakers to end the season as the number one seed in the West.

Chill Out

Kobe Bryant and the Lakers (49-23) lost to the Bobcats on Wednesday. Kobe Bryant was ejected by picking up two technical fouls. This was Bryant's 15th technical of the season. If Bryant were to pick up one more technical, it would be grounds for an automatic one-game suspension for Kobe. Kobe Bryant needs to learn to keep his composure because the Lakers can not afford for him to miss a game, especially in the wild wild west. The Lakers play the Grizzles (18-53) tonight.

The Showdown

The Los Angeles Lakers (45-20) are now tied with the Houston Rockets (45-20) for the top seed in the Western Conference Standings. The two teams will face off Sunday afternoon to battle for the top seed in the West. Tracy McGrady and crew have 21 consecutive victories and will try to make it 22 on Sunday. The Lakers are coming off of a 108-98 loss to the New Orleans Hornets. The Lakers couldn't overcome 27 points and 17 assists from Chris Paul.

The biggest story coming out of that game is Pau Gasol spraining his ankle. His status is unknown right now and most likely will not play on Sunday. This will now put the onus on Kobe to do more on offense.

Not only will this Sunday be the Lakers v.s. Rockets, but it will be Kobe v.s. T-Mac. Every time these two face off they put on a show.

This is must win for the Lakers and I expect them to win.

Must Win

The Lakers (44-19) are in a must win situation tonight, when they face off against the Toronto Raptors (34-28). After tonight's game the Lakers begin a tough four-game road trip against: New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, and Utah. The Lakers are coming off a 114-113 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers are now tied for first in the West with the San Antonio. This upcoming two weeks will really tell us Laker fans a lot about the current team we have. We'll have to see how well they execute in hostile situations.

MVP!!!

With a 52 point, 11 rebound effort, in a 108-104 overtime win against the Mavs, Kobe Bryant just wrapped up the MVP trophy. Bryant had an amazing 30 points in the fourth quarter and overtime period. The Lakers win this thriller after having their ten game winning streak broken up in a 111-119 loss to the Portland Trailblazers. Kobe Bryant began the game 3-10 at the free throw line then proceeded to make 17 straight. Kobe Bryant was not to be denied Sunday afternoon and showed why he will be the 2007-2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. The Lakers (42-18) take on Sacramento, at STAPLES, on Tuesday.

The Best in the League

The Los Angeles Lakers (39-17) have now won 8 straight games. The Lakers are the best team in the league. Kobe Bryant ( my pick for MVP) is averaging 27.8 points, 6 boards, and 5.3 assists. Pau Gasol is playing great within the offense, while Lamar Odom emerges as a great third option. Ladies and gentlemen the Lakers are making a case for the championship without Andrew Bynum. I am literally eating my words from the preseason. I predicted this year to be one of the worst in Laker franchise history. I was sure Kobe would be traded. Now...the Lakers are the league favorites. It doesn't get much better than this Laker fans. When Andrew Bynum comes back....be prepared to see a Laker team better than all of the Kobe-Shaq Laker teams. This team will win the championship this year.

Does It Hurt Phoenix?

The Detroit Pistons annihilated the Phoenix Suns, Sunday afternoon, 116-86. The Suns looked dismal on offense and lazy on defense. The Phoenix Suns have lost their ability to score and defend (both, attributes Shawn Marion possessed). Shaq looks as average as ever and picked up a flagrant foul out of frustration. Shaq ended the game with 7 point and 11boards. I know its early but I honestly think this trade will destroy the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers now have sole possession of the best record (38-17) in the West. It was absurd how Rasheed Wallace was scoring at will and Chauncey Billups was ripping apart the offense with his passes and jumpers. Rasheed Wallace ended the game with 22 points ad Billups ended the game with 14 points ad 11 dimes. The Detroit Pistons got an all around team effort. The Detroit Pistons are the best team in the East, better than the Boston Celtics. The Phoenix Suns will steadily move down the Western Conference standings.The Lakers take on the Seattle Supersonics (15-39) tonight in attempt win their eighth straight game. The last time these teams faced off, Kobe Bryant exploded for a season high 48 points on 21-44 shooting. I expect this game to be a blowout, 117-93.

Trade Madness

The NBA is currently in a Golden Age. The NBA hasn't been this talented in ages. The Western Conference has a remarkable nine teams on pace for 50 wins. NINE! The Celtics and Lakers are back. This a great time to be watching the NBA. The player movement this year has been ridiculous. Never has there been so many trades, in a short period of time, alter the NBA to the extent that these trades have.

Trade Grades:

Jason Kidd to the Mavs: The Mavs give up a young talented guard and a starting center for 36-year old Jason Kidd. This trade doesn't help the Mavericks in terms of their future and this trade doesn't elevate them to championship status. Grade: B-Shaq to the Suns: This was probably the riskiest of these blockbuster trades. The Suns give up Shawn Marion, who guards every position, for Shaq who is eons past his prime and doesn't really add anything to this team. Acquiring Shaq was a real setback for this Suns team. Grade: DKyle Korver to the Jazz: With Korver the Jazz bring a lethal shooter that will really spread the offense. The Jazz are aren't championship worthy but they are certainly elite with this trade. Grade: B+Delonte West, Joe Smith, Wally and Ben Wallace to the Cavaliers: The Cavalier lose Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden and acquire Joe Smith, Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak and Ben Wallace. The addition of Szczerbiak will prove to be brilliant but the addition of Wallace will prove to be unnecessary. Delonte West is a talented young guard and Joe Smith is worthless. Grade: C

Mike Bibby to the Hawks: It's obvious the Hawks are trying to salvage passing on Deron Williams and Chris Paul in the draft. Mike Bibby should elevate this team into the playoffs. This was a good trade for the Hawks. Grade:BPau Gasol to the Lakers: Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum , Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. Enough said. Grade: A+The playoffs this year will be one of the best we have ever seen.`

My Formal Apology to Mitch Kupchak

It's about time I do it. Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time I apologize to Mitch Kupchak. I (rightfully) ripped Mitch for the ridiculous moves he has made in the past, but now I am forced to praise him. Mitch pulled off one of the most one-sided trades in NBA history. Acquiring Pau Gasol without giving a core player (Kwame doesn't count), was thought to be impossible before the brilliant Mitch Kupchak got involved. Now the Lakers are the favorites to win the championship. As long as Kobe keeps his pinkie out of trouble, the sky is the limit. I admit that I unfairly blamed Mitch for all of the Lakers problems. As Lakers fans we tend to forget that he is the genius that orchestrated the arrival of Karl Malone and Gary Payton. Now the Lakers are set to contend in the West for the next 3-6 years. Look Mitch.....I'm sorry.

I Love You Mitch

The Lakers (37-17) are coming off of a win against Shaq and his Phoenix Suns. Kobe Bryant dropped 41 points as the Lakers pulled off an impressive road win. The Lakers are now tied with the Phoenix Suns atop the Pacific Division, and won the season series 3-1. The Lakers have yet to play a game with both Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, yet they were able to pull off 3 regular season wins against the Suns. Is there any question that Lakers are the best team in the Pacific? Giving up Shawn Marion was one of the biggest mistakes Phoenix could make. Shawn Marion had a better chance stopping Kobe Bryant than Raja Bell. The Lakers will win the Pacific. They have the leagues best coach, player, frontline, starting lineup, and bench.

Correction: The Lakers will win the NBA Championship.

Will Pau Bring a Ring?

The Los Angeles Lakers (29-16) have acquired forward Pau Gasol in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. The Lakers will also receive the Grizzlies second round draft choice in 2010. In exchange Memphis will receive forward Kwame Brown, guard Javaris Crittenton, guard Aaron McKie , the draft rights to Marc Gasol and first round picks in 2008 and 2010. This blockbuster deal was made because of the absence of Andrew Bynum due to a knee injury. This very well may be the move to put the Lakers over the top. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and Derek Fisher is a deadly lineup. The Lakers already have one of the best benches in the league, this move just solidified the Lakers as championship contenders. Oh yeah, and by the way, Kobe went off for 46 Friday night.

Are They Legit?

The Los Angeles Lakers are now 24-11. Number 3 in the West. One game behind the San Antonio Spurs (26-11) and the Phoenix Suns (26-11). The Lakers have shocked the world with their cohesiveness. " Kobe finally trusts his teammates.""Kobe no longer a ball hog.""Andrew Bynum: The Next Big Thing." Are the Lakers Legit? I know what all Laker fans are thinking. "Well, last year we started the season 26-13. Can we really trust this record?" The answer is: I don't know. The Lakers are playing phenomenal right now , but its hard for us Laker fans to embrace it. Kobe's field goal percentage could be a lot better, but other than that, Kobe is my MVP for this season (KG is playing with two all-stars, Kobe is doing more with less). Andrew Bynum has become a beast and with time can become an elite center in this league. Derek Fisher has proved to be more valuable than Smush Parker (as if we didn't already know that). The bench is playing great as a unit. This Laker team has a bright future. But let's not jump the gun and anoint this team as an elite squad. Even if they did beat the Suns twice.

Two More Years of Zen

Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson signed a 2-year $24 million extension, keeping him as the Laker coach through 2009-2010. This is great news for Laker fans. Now all we have to do is secure KB24.

Bring on Dwight

Tonight Kobe and the Lakers (9-7) take on Dwight Howard and the Magic (14-4). The Lakers are coming off of a 120-96 loss to the Boozer-less Jazz. Kobe Bryant dropped 28 points but the Lakers couldn't overcome a triple-double from Andrei Kirilenko. The Magic are coming off of a 110-106 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Dwight Howard was a beast, putting up 30 points and grabbing 23 boards. I expect this to be a good game. Don't let the records of these teams fool you, this game will be competitive. My Prediction: Since the game is at STAPLES Center, the Lakers will squeeze out a close victory 110- 107. Kobe will have a break out game scoring, dropping 38 points.

Maybe this highlight will happen again. This dunk was nasty!!!

Rekindle

Bird v.s. Magic. Kobe v.s. Garnett, Allen, and Pierce. Lakers v.s. Celtics.

The Lakers take on the Celtics for the first time this season tonight. Kobe Bryant comes into this game averaging a modest 26.9 points. The Lakers (7-4) had their 4-game winning streak ended in a 110-103 loss to the Bucks, but come into this game with the up most confidence. Meanwhile the Celtics (9-1) have been obliterating their opposition, winning such contests by an average of 14.2 points. Kobe a.k.a. the Facilitator will have to have a big game tonight, not necessarily scoring wise, for the Lakers to have a chance. I doubt this will be the beginning of a new rivalry between these to teams, but it does promise to be a good game. My prediction: Celtics win 115-107. Kobe ends the game with 31 points.

The State of the Lakers

The Lakers come into this weekend at 5-2, a fairly good start for this team. Kobe's stats read: 27.4 points, 7.4 Rebounds, 5.3 Assists, 2.3 Steals, 1.3 Blocks on 47% shooting. The Lakers have been playing good team basketball and it showed in their 103-91 win over the Pistons. Kobe trade talk has calmed down in recent weeks. The Lakers get ready to face the Chicago Bulls tonight, in their effort to end the night with a 6-2 record.

Lakers Get Ready For Utah

Coming off a stunning 119-98 win over Phoenix, where Kobe Bryant only scored 16 points, The Lakers play Utah tonight and attempt to open the season 2-1.

Lakers Lose Opener

The Los Angeles Lakers lost their season opener to the Houston Rockets 95-93. The Rockets led the game 92-80 with 1:36 to go before a series of turnovers would allow the Lakers in to game. With :21 seconds left in the game, Luke Walton stole the ball from Rafer Alston, which led to Kobe finding Derek Fisher for a wide open jumper to tie the game at 92 a piece. Shane Battier broke the tie with a clutch three pointer leaving 2.5 seconds left on the clock. The Rockets immediately fouled Kobe on the next inbound forcing him to miss the last free throw on purpose and the Lakers were unable to corral the rebound. Kobe ended the game with 45 points but on 13-32 shooting. Kobe had a career high in FT attempts (27) but went just 18-27 from the stripe. Kobe pulled in 8 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, and had 4 steals. The Lakers body language may prove that all of the off court drama is affecting their game. Kobe even managed to get booed in the introductions. Tracy McGrady dropped 30 points and Yao chipped in with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Lamar Odom was inactive for this game.

Dimwitted Cuban

Mark Cuban usually makes wise basketball decisions, but then there are those times when he says such an outlandish statement, that it makes you just scratch your head. According to The Dallas Morning News, Cuban said that he will not trade for Kobe Bryant if Dirk Nowitski is involved in the trade."If and when I talk to Jerry, I'll make it clear that we're not going to trade Dirk," Cuban told the newspaper. "And we're not going to dismantle our team. Kobe's one of the top players in the league. But without the right team around him, he's in the same position he was in Los Angeles."
"So you don't want to just shuffle the deck chairs. Either you're making an improvement to your team or you don't do it. And with a team that won 67 games last year, it's tough to improve significantly."
Before I totally rip Cuban let's just compare Dirk and Kobe.
Kobe Bryant is a like a cold-hearted snake, with no regard, and has a sick killer instinct. Not to mention Kobe is the best player in the world right now.
Dirk Nowitski is a soft, 7-footer who happens to know how to shoot. Dirk is not dependable in clutch situations and always chokes on the big stage.
I know that Dirk and Mark are good friends, but when you're Mark Cuban you have to make decisions that are best for your organization.
Laker fans don't want Dirk Nowitski, but Maverick fans have to be a little disappointed in Mark Cuban's decision. Trading Kobe for Dirk would instantly put the Mavericks as the favorites in the league. That's how much a Kobe-for Dirk trade would affect the league.

Ceaseless Boisterousness

Jerry Buss has now confirmed that he would "certainly listen" to trade offers for Kobe Bryant. A Kobe Bryant trade has never been more imminent. Jerry Buss's statements quote caught Kobe "off guard". The Lakers and Kobe had agreed not to mention "the situation" publicly anymore. That all changed when Jerry Buss decided to open his mouth. Trade rumors are running rampant. Kobe Bryant missed three consecutive practices and many believed it was to send a message to the Lakers. Then there was the rumor that Kobe cleaned out his locker. Kobe Bryant denied that he cleaned out his locker, Kobe claimed that he was simply reorganizing it. The Lakers and this entire situation is spiralling out of control. Being a Laker fan nowadays is almost becoming a chore. Day by day you here more and more stories that makes you wonder why you are still a Laker fan. Could Kobe really be traded? Could this really be happening? According to all the NBA Insiders, the two most likely destinations for Kobe to end up, if he were to be traded are Chicago and Dallas. Chicago would have to gut their nucleus of young players to acquire Kobe. A straight up Kobe-Nowitski trade could happen and this would solve the Mavericks dilemma of not having a killer instinct but Nowitski along side Lamar Odom would do the Lakers no good. The best case scenario is that Kobe stays and the Lakers surround him with enough talent for the Lakers to contend. The worst case scenario is that Kobe is traded.

I never want to see Kobe in a Bulls jersey....or in a Maverick jersey for that matter.

Eerie Silence

There is an eerie silence in Lakerland right now. After an eventful beginning to the offseason, the Lakers have not addressed the need to upgrade the current roster. While re-signing Derek Fisher bodes well for the Lakers' chemistry, and re-signing Luke Walton and Chris Mihm will somewhat stabilize the role players, the Lakers are still missing that supporting superstar to take the Lakers to the next level. The opportunities have been coming and yet the Lakers have not negotiated a trade to improve the roster. Many criticized Kobe for taking out his frustrations out on the Lakers, but when you can not trust you own organization and they insist on being mediocre, sometimes it's time for a change.Why haven't the Lakers acquired Jermaine O'Neal? Why are the Lakers so stubborn when it comes to giving up that damn Andrew Bynum? The Lakers' reluctance to give Bynum up will be their downfall. Phil Jackson has a big decision on his hands. Within the next four weeks Phil Jackson will reveal if he plans on re-signing with the Lakers or not (his current contract expires after this season). I personally hope Phil stays. Phil is just what Kobe needs to succeed and win his fourth championship.

The Zen Master

Phil Jackson was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Phil Jackson is tied with Red Auerbach, with 9 championship rings and has the best playoff winning percentage for any coach of all-time. Many people credit Phil Jackson's championships to the great players he has coached. These people forget that Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant, and Shaq never won a championship before he coached them. Phil Jackson is a Hall of Famer and is a top 3 coach of all time.

USA Basketball: The Dream Team 2

The Dream Team : Part 2. We're off to Beijing. The USA Basketball defeated Argentina once again and won the Gold Medal in the FIBA Tournament of the Americas. Led by Carmelo Anthony's scoring, Lebron James's and Jason Kidd's decision making, and Kobe Bryant's defense, the Dream Team dominated the tournament. European teams will prove to be better competition but the team will be adding Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, so a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics is very likely. That was an overall great two weeks but now its time to shift my focus to the upcoming season and of course....the Lakers.

USA Basketball: Argentina's Next...Again

The USA Basketball squad has clinched a spot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After defeating Argentina on Thursday and routing Puerto Rico by 44 on Saturday, the "Dream Team" is guaranteed a spot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The acquisitions of Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd have proved to be well worthy. The USA Basketball team faces Argentina for the gold medal round of the FIBA Tournament of the Americas on Sunday. My Prediction: USA by 30.

USA Basketball: Argentina's Next

The USA Basketball team has dropped off a bit when it comes to margin of victory, but you expect that to happen when the competition becomes stiffer. Tonight they play Argentina without Ginobli, Nocioni, and Oberto. I expect it to be a blowout by at least 25 points.

USA Basketball: Domination

Three games into the FIBA Americas tournament preliminary round, the "Dream Team" has managed to triumph over Venezuela, the Virgin Islands, and Canada by an average of 52 points. Carmelo Anthony has continues his brilliant play, leading the team in scoring at 21 points per game. The USA Basketball team has dominated with their defense holding their opponents to under 35% FG shooting. The team has been playing with a killer instinct not seen in this team since '92. The two key acquisitions Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant have played amazing together and have given the team a boost mentally. This US team is on pace to set records for defeat margins. The competition hasn't been as stiff as a Brazil, Argentina or Spain, but the team has the right mentality and should easily clinch a spot in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Miller Time

Reggie Miller is contemplating a comeback to the NBA with the Boston Celtics. As if this wasn't a good enough summer for the Boston Celtics. The Boston Celtics have acquired Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Scott Pollard, Eddie House and now Reggie Miller is considering joining their elite squad. Let's not forget that their roster also includes Glen Davis who they picked up in the draft and Tony Allen, their young talented guard with a lot of upside, who was sidelined last year with two torn ligaments in his left knee. Should we just pencil the Celtics in to win the NBA Championship? This is getting ridiculous. I remember just a few years ago that the Celtics were irrelevant and the Lakers were contenders every year. Now not only have the Celtics gotten better, but they stole Kevin Garnett from us Laker fans. If Reggie Miller is half as good as he used to be, he will be serviceable. The Celtics are going to be very scary this year....and now that I think about it....so will the Lakers.