An invigorated Bryant is on a scoring tear this season, putting up 29.3 points per game. Despite his nagging injuries, Bryant has not indicated that they are holding him back, much. Yet, before the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers took the court on Monday night, Bryant said something that reminded me how close we are to the end of the magnificent career of Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant.

When asked about how special it is to play in front of his hometown crowd of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bryant admitted that he’s grown to love putting on a show there. But then, he pointed to the end of his own career, saying that he can count the times he will play here in the future “on one hand.”

A lot of good writers have looked at Bryant’s physique and workout regimen and assumed he would be like Karl Malone, John Stockton or Robert Parish and play into his early 40’s. But here, Bryant says that he will not even make it to 40. At 33 years of age, Bryant’s own words suggest that he will retire within six years, or by the time he is 39.

If Bryant is only planning on another six years, or less in the NBA, can Bryant surpass Michael Jordan as the 3rd leading scorer in NBA history?

There is good news and bad news. For Jordan, it’s been a short ride near the top. He retired 2nd in scoring. Karl Malone then passed him. Soon Kobe Bryant too, could pass him. Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Garnett are climbing as well, but Jordan should be watching the young scoring sensation Kevin Durant. For Bryant, the air will be getting thin up there with only a few more productive seasons separating Kobe from former teammate Karl Malone (2nd) and Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1st).

Bryant has scored 733 points in the first 25 games of this season. With 41 games to go (in this abbreviated 66 game season), Bryant will score probably somewhere between 1,201 and 1,107 more points this season, depending on whether or not you think he can keep up his scoring clip of just under 30 points per game.

After this shortened season, Bryant could catch Jordan after next season if Kobe scored at a career-high pace (like he did in ’06), but of course he won’t. He will be 34. It will probably take Bryant this season and two more. But, with good health and good fortune it seems that nothing short of Jordan coming back from retirement again, can stop Bryant from passing MJ on the NBA’s All-time scoring list. Then again, health and fortune are hard to come by late in the career of NBA players.

Not far removed from a championship team, these Los Angeles Lakers are playing pretty mediocre basketball. The lockout contributes some to veteran teams struggling, but 1-7 on the road? This is getting out of hand, fast.

The problems for the Lakers were numerous. Taking care of the ball has been a problem. The Lakers had 14 turnovers, but the Bucks only 8. Also, the Lakers missed 6 free throws (11/17), while the Bucks only missed 1 (15/16).

But, the big difference was the lack of Lamar Odom, coincidentally a night after he had his biggest game for the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 19 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. World Peace, who has taken Odom’s place on the bench, was 1 of 6 from the field and did not do much else. The Lakers bench was outscored 37-24.

And, frankly, you’re always going to be in trouble when you let two players off the opposition bench score 15 points each (Ilyasova and Mike Dunleavy). For the Lakers, no one really produced off the bench other than McRoberts, who had 5 rebounds and 1 block, and Goudelock, who scored 13 points on 3/5 from three-point range.

On the road against a Bogut-less, Stephen Jackson-less Bucks team, this should have been an easy win for the Lakers. This was the Bucks first win without Bogut this season. What can the Lakers do to improve? Why can’t the Lakers win on the road? One thing that would help: light a fire under World Peace.

World Peace 2011-12 Season Stats

 
World Peace has to come off the bench and score. He’s a career 14.5 ppg scorer, but he’s only playing about 20 minutes per game.

Unfortunately, with a new coach, new system, and some new players, some of this is just growing pains, like Goudelocks’ turnovers and McRoberts defensive positioning.

Although Bryant led the Lakers with 27 points, he only scored 2 points in the last 4 minutes of the game. Kobe played over 42 minutes in the loss. Coach Brown has to manage Bryant’s time better. And the bench has to be better to allow their veteran star to rest.

As the Lakers and Clippers met again January 25th, the Lakers evened the score and won 96-91, behind Pau Gasol’s 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Leading the Lakers in scoring, as usual, with 24 points was #24 Kobe Bryant. Griffin led the Clippers with 26 points and 9 rebounds, but he did not have one steal, block, or assist. In his return, Chris Paul dished out 12 dimes and scored 4 points.

As Gasol barely won the battle of the big men in this game, it got me wondering who is the best power forward in Los Angeles today? Does he play for the LA Lakers or the LA Clippers? Is it polished veteran Pau Gasol or budding superstar Blake Griffin?

So far this season, the Lakers, 11-8, started off strong, but cooled, while the Clippers, 9-6, started cool, and have heated up.

Although Gasol has the height advantage at 7-0’, his 227 lbs. and leaner frame, do give Griffin, 6-10’ and 251 lbs., and who is built like a steel fortress, an advantage to bully Gasol, and most other power forwards, on the block.

Individually, Griffin is having another fantastic season, while Gasol is not producing at his usual level. Since last season’s playoffs, Gasol has struggled. This season, he says he’s struggled to fit into Coach Mike Brown’s offense. Griffin, on the other hand, is following up his Rookie of the Year campaign with a similar stat-line in his second season. He’s starting to add a reliable 10-15 foot jump shot to his offensive attack.

Gasol’s Stats

Griffin’s Stats

While one season does not make a career, it does seem like the tides have shifted in Los Angeles, especially at the power forward position.

In terms of careers, Griffin’s has just begun and Gasol’s is coming close to the end. That being said, Gasol has had a Hall of Fame career, and Griffin’s career is only just beginning.

Gasol’s Accolades

2x top ten in Player Efficiency Rating
3x top ten in Blocks per Game
7x playoffs
4x All-star
2001-2002 ROY
FIBA World Championship MVP (2006)
EuroBasket MVP (2009)
Spanish King’s Cup MVP (2001)
Spanish League Finals MVP (2001)
7x European Player of the Year
2 NBA Championships

Griffin’s Accolades

1x All-Star
2011 ROY
1x Slam Dunk Champion

Clearly, Griffin has a long way to go to match Gasol’s career accomplishments.

But, even after just over a season, Griffin’s highlight reel is more eye-popping, even though Gasol demonstrates a better, more polished all-around-game than Griffin possesses at this point in his young career.

Gasol

Griffin

And certainly, in terms of potential, that all lies with Blake Griffin. At 31, going on 32, Gasol is nearing the end of his peak years of production. Then, there is Griffin, who is only 22 years old. So, if you’re a General Manager picking a player to build around, there is no doubt, you go with Griffin. He’s young, talented, and has star player written all over him.

So, overall, how do Griffin and Gasol matchup?

Griffin is a superior physical specimen and an amazing, highlight-reel dunker. Gasol is in good shape, not overly muscular, but fit. While Gasol can dunk easily, his offensive style is more graceful and less aggressive than Griffin’s.

Gasol’s game is more polished, and he’s a better overall player.

Gasol is a superior defensive player, and a more skilled offensive player. On the other hand, Griffin is a better scorer, a more aggressive scorer, capable of overwhelming defenses physically.

Griffin needs to continue to develop consistency in his outside shooting, become a better passer, and defender, in order to master his overall game. But, if Gasol continues to regress and Griffin continues to grow, there is no doubt Griffin may eventually surpass Gasol in many aspects of the game.

And right now, despite Gasol’s two championships fresh in the minds of L.A. fans, Griffin is the show people will pay to see. Griffin and the Clippers are a hotter ticket. Griffin is having a better season, in many aspects, so I think you have to go with Griffin as the best power forward in Los Angeles. No offense intended towards Gasol, who is a fantastic player in his own right and a quality human being, but in terms of this season and this moment in time, Griffin rules L.A.

Having won five of their last six going into Monday’s game against the Mavericks, the Lakers have been winning with defense, that and heroic efforts by Kobe Bryant, who scored a season-high 48 against the Phoenix Suns.

Bryant’s 48 on Suns:

Lamar Odom’s return to L.A., in which he scored 10 points, has been largely over-looked because of the defensive slugfest that the game turned into, instead of the offensive showdown many expected from this game.

The Lakers should be satisfied with their defense and their turnovers, as the Lakers won the turnover battle 15 (Mavs) to 11 (LAL). But, the Lakers should guard themselves against being too satisfied about beating the team that swept them out of the playoffs the year before.

In light of the Mavs game, there is still much for the Lakers to work on. The Lakers lost the Gasol-Nowitzki match-up (again). The Lakers were outrebounded by the Mavs, especially on the offensive glass. And, yes the Lakers shot poorly as well, but you cannot expect this Mavericks team to shoot 35% from the field and 15.4% from three. Some of this can be credited to closing out and good Lakers defense, but the Lakers cannot expect Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Nowitzki to shoot a combined 12 for 36 every night.

For the Lakers, the real hero in this game was Derek Fisher, who finished with 13 points and 3 steals. Not only did he hit the game-winner over Nowitzki, but Fisher came up with a steal, a lay-up, and a 15-foot jumper in the closing minutes to help seal the victory.

Once again, the Lakers were bailed out by one of the most respected character guys in the NBA, 37 year-old Derek Fisher. People continue to count him out, but Kobe Bryant continues to count on Fisher in the clutch.

Fisher’s game winner:

Here are some of the notable Bruins stats thus far this season:

After a shaky start to the season, UCLA has improved to 9-7 behind their balanced team play of senior Jones Lazeric, sophomores Travis and David Wear, freshman Joshua Smith, and sophomore Tyler Lamb.

Travis Wear scores and great teamwork by the Bruins

As I watched the UCLA v Arizona game, which took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, I could not help but think of how much the Bruins have improved from their awful showing in the Maui Invitational early this season. The game was up-for-grabs for most of it, but the Bruins relied on Travis Wear down the stretch. Travis Wear produced a fantastic game, leading the team in scoring with 20 points, grabbing five rebounds, and also leading the Bruins with three blocked shots in 22 minutes.

In their victories of Arizona and Arizona State, UCLA demonstrated solid teamwork and good Ben Howland-style defense. If UCLA can keep up this type of intensity and effort, they may do better than many expected.

If you are the Los Angeles Lakers, especially in the wake of the Chris Paul deal, you definitely make this trade.

If you are the Orlando Magic, you might make this trade.

For the Lakers, it’s simple. Whether it’s a straight-up swap of Bynum for Howard, or Bynum and some other pieces, you make this trade. Of course, you cannot give up Pau Gasol and Bynum just to get Howard, though; that would be giving up too much. The Lakers have made great things happen with the twin tower attack of two talented bigs.

Bynum is tall, long, beastly, but, as we all know, a little injury-prone. 24 years old. 7-0. 285 lbs. And, there is something to be said for having a legitimate 7-0 with a long wingspan. Having watched him since he was drafted, I can tell you, he blocks or alters a lot of shots when he’s on the floor. Offensively, he is a handful for defenses. But, he has only played one full season, 2006-2007, and he has played fewer than 60 games in all but one other season, 2009-2010. On the plus side, Bynum has soft hands and is a good shooter. He has solid post moves and uses his pivot effectively. Although Bynum is not an All-Star, yet, he is a two-time NBA Champion, so he brings some experience in that regard.

Bynum’s Career Statistics

10.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg
57.0% FG, 68.4% FT

Bynum highlights:

For the Magic, it’s more complicated. Obviously, no one wants to trade away a multiple winner of the Defensive Player of the Year Award, but his contract is ending. Howard has not re-signed, so he’ll be a free agent, just like LeBron James was. He could go anywhere. So, really, the Magic could do worse than to trade Howard for Bynum. They’ll probably have to trade him eventually. In the summer, Howard could leave and they could be left with nothing. You never know, Bynum may still develop into the All-Star level player many think he can be.

Howard is a physical specimen, a beast. 26 years old. 6’11. 240 lbs. He is very healthy, having played less than 80 games in each season only once in his career. Most importantly, Howard is a defensive anchor to any team. He is a three-time winner of the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Howard is a five-time, soon to be six-time, All-Star. And last year, Howard led the league in rebounds for the fourth time at a career-high mark of 15.3 rpg.

Howard Career Statistics

18.2 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 2.2 bpg
57.7% FG, 59.7% FT

Howard highlights:

So, the Lakers should change the Earth’s orbit in order to obtain the services of Howard, while the Magic are in control (and they know it) and they are searching for the right deal.

Some well-known sports writers have suggested that the Lakers may struggle making the playoffs and that Kobe Bryant may even ask for a trade.

The off-season and preseason got the Lakers off to a tough start: Kobe Bryant’s divorce, the Lakers’ inability to trade for Chris Paul (or Dwight Howard), Bryant’s injury to a ligament in his right wrist, and the trade of Lamar Odom for a pick. And that’s not even mentioning the other leftover obstacles from last season: losing perhaps the greatest coach in NBA history in Phil Jackson and dealing with Andrew Bynum’s four-game suspension at the start of this season.

The Lakers lost both preseason games to the Clippers, but both games were closer than the box scores let on. Even though it ended 114-95 in favor of the Clippers, the Lakers kept the game close until late in the third quarter. The second game, without the Lakers Kobe Bryant, was closer, 108-103.

What the Lakers learned from Bryant’s absence from the second preseason game is that Lakers forward Devin Ebanks will be a key contributor this season. Although he may need to keep working on his overall game, Ebanks will provide some much needed outside shooting, either as a starter or off the bench.

And, the additions of Josh McRoberts, Troy Murphy and Jason Kapono will help the Lakers address some of their offseason needs: defensive effort (McRoberts), and outside shooting as Murphy shoots 38.9% and Kapono shoots 42.7% career from three-point range. Also, getting Murphy and McRoberts will somewhat makeup for the loss of Odom, but Odom is so versatile that he’s difficult to replace. Rookie Andrew Goudelock also appears to be a lights-out shooter, and based on what he did in college, his ability to shoot and score the rock should help the Lakers if he gets enough minutes.

Most importantly, though, for the Lakers to avoid having a disappointing season, the players and coaches have to consistently be on the same page. Now, not sitting in on sideline and practice discussions, it’s hard to know for sure, but I think anyone who watched the end of the Lakers v Bulls Christmas Day game saw the same thing I did: poor Lakers execution.

Who looked like the better defensive coach in the final minutes? Mike Brown or Tom Thibodeau? Despite losing the game, the Lakers were ahead by 10 points heading into the closing minutes of the 4th quarter. But, the two plays that stand out the most were at the end.

With the Lakers up by one point, MVP Derrick Rose was allowed to drive for a tear-drop layup (one-on-one versus the 37 year-old Derek Fisher) that gave the Bulls the lead. On the last possession of the game, the Lakers looked too much like the Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James. The Bulls did the right thing in double-teaming Bryant to deny him the ball, but once he got it, he drove right. And, Bryant drove right into about four Bulls defenders, didn’t even think of passing the ball, and ended up getting blocked by Luol Deng.

But, in the city of glitz, glamour, big lights, and movie stars, have the Los Angeles Clippers surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers as the biggest basketball attraction in town?

The Lakers always have a way of staying relevant and competitive. Even before the trading deadline this season, we all kind of expect the Lakers to pull off something big, especially now. You would expect the Lakers not just to be motivated by the league/Hornets trading Chris Paul to the Clippers, when they would not deal Paul to the Lakers. But, the Lakers will be motivated because they are the number one team in L.A. Period. That’s their staple. That’s one of their greatest assets, that and their amazing legacy.

Only, Blake Griffin looks like he can change the fortune of the Clippers organization and change the competitive balance in L.A. while he’s on the court.

With the recent additions of Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, and now Chris Paul, the Los Angeles Clippers have revamped their roster and gotten maybe the steal of the off-season, swapping Paul for Eric Gordon, essentially. The Clippers also gave up Chris Kaman’s expiring contract and a pick, but in retrospect, is this deal any better than the one the Lakers offered? That deal would have given the Hornets Luis Scola, Lamar Odom, and Kevin Martin, three players who can give you 20 ppg on any given night.

The Lakers, on the other hand, have only lost Lamar Odom for a draft pick, so far. It’s fair to say they have taken a step back. But, I emphasize so far. There’s still time for the Lakers to pull something off. What I’m not sure. Regardless, that still leaves the Lakers with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Ron Artest, Kobe Bryant and an aging Derek Fisher.

The Clippers now boast a lineup of Butler, Billups, DeAndre Jordan, Mo Williams, Paul, and Griffin.

I have to, at least, call it a draw. The Clippers have closed the gap. And the head-to-head match ups between these two teams should be fun to watch. We will not have to wait long, either, because the Lakers and Clippers meet twice in January, the 14th and the 25th.

With the season only a week or so away, this Paul trade has certainly made at least one team a lot more interesting.

And here’s another thing I think now, but would have never said in a million years before the Paul trade: I gotta get me some Clippers tickets!

Hopefully, this is some sort of pick they can swap for something else. Otherwise, trading Odom for a first-round 2012 Maverick pick, which will probably be a late pick, seems like a salary dump. And that is fine, too. It’s just the mixed signals that are hard to understand. Kobe Bryant wants to win, again. You go after Paul. It doesn’t work out, so you send Odom to the team that just wiped the court clean with you and swept you out of the playoffs?

Because Odom was a member of the Lakers since 2004, they know how valuable, multi-dimensional, and how reliable he is.

Odom Highlights:

Not only does losing Odom take away another player from the Lakers who is difficult to guard, but in losing Odom, the Lakers’ bench and/or backup from Bynum is reduced. Who would their backup really be? Are they resigning free agent Joe Smith? If not, then it would probably be Derrick Caracter.

The Lakers went after all-stars Dwight Howard, a little, and Chris Paul, a lot, but then gave up a major trading chip for basically nothing. The Lakers giving Odom to Dallas really helps the Mavericks repair themselves inside, since it looks like the Mavs are losing Tyson Chandler to the New York Knicks. And how does it affect the Lakers’ chances of landing Howard or Paul? ESPN reports that the Paul deal is off again, for now. Also, Howard has been linked to several teams—Dallas, Lakers, Nets, Clippers—, so there’s nothing solid there for the Lakers, either.

As usual, I’m gonna cross my fingers, close my eyes and hope they know what they are doing…that before the season starts the Lakers will have constructed a team worthy of championship contention. So far, this offseason has been a real head-scratcher for the Lakers.

And in case what you were wondering. This picture from the weekend Lakers training camp perfectly expresses what Kobe thinks about the Odom to Mavs trade:

Born in Maui, Hawaii, Ceballos went to Dominguez Hills High School, as did Tyson Chandler, Dennis Johnson, Tayshaun Prince, and Brandon Jennings.

Ceballos was a master at splitting defenses and getting to the bucket with reckless abandon.

Although Ceballos was a favorite of mine and I enjoyed watching him play, his career was affected by injuries, so in his 10-year career from 1991 to 2001, Ceballos only played 609 games. He played for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers, and other teams. Ceballos continued his career in Europe and the ABA and played professionally until 2007.

Overall in the NBA, “Ice” averaged 14.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and shot 50% from the floor.

In 1992, his blindfold dunk won him the Dunk Contest

Led by Charles Barkley and Kevin Johnson, the 1993 Phoenix Suns and Ceballos made the NBA Finals, only to lose in dramatic fashion to the Chicago Bulls, and Michael Jordan, in six games.

John Paxson finishes game 6

That season, 1993, Ceballos led the NBA in field goal percentage (FG%) with 57.6%. In the playoffs, he shot 57.1% although he shared the spotlight, scoring a modest 6.0 ppg

In his prime, 1994-1996, Ceballos was a tremendous scorer, averaging 20+ ppg. But, even in his peak, he was never fully healthy, playing only 58, 78, and 50 games during those seasons. In his career, he never played a full 82-game season.

Though, in 1995, Ceballos had one of his best seasons, averaging 21.7 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.0 spg, and 1.8 apg, all while shooting 50.9% FG’s, 39.7% 3’s, and 71.6% FT’s. That season, he was selected to the All-Star team, although Ceballos did not play due to injury; Dikembe Mutombo replaced him on the Western Conference All-Star’s bench.

Ceballos Goes for 50 (1994-1995)

In 1997, Ceballos became a piece of LA Lakers’ history when he was traded for Robert Horry. The addition of Horry to Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and Rick Fox would solidify the team for the first Lakers’ three-peat (2000-2002).

During his career, Ceballos made three Western Conference Finals and one NBA Finals, always playing with his exuberant style, undeniable passion, and great determination.

What is also notable about Ceballos is that he put out a rap video, and it is not that bad, compared to some other NBA players’ raps.

“Flow on”

We hope for a quick and complete recovery for former All-Star Cedric Ceballos.

But, today, the Bruins are in a rebuilding year, so they are a long way from where they once were. Howland teams have a reputation for being tough-minded, man-to-man defensive teams, which made the defense against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-0) so bizarre. There was almost none. And what little defense I saw was far too little, too late.

UCLA made a great effort on the offensive boards, grabbing 19, and committed far fewer turnovers, 12-19, than the Blue Raiders, who took over late in the first half and never let up, beating the Bruins 86-66 Tuesday night.

When the Blue Raiders shoot over 70% from the field and over 90% from three point land, you have to agree with Howland that they are a very “experienced, “very good team.” But, those numbers are unacceptable.

For the Bruins, Howland will continue to teach them how to correct their defensive breakdowns and missteps that have made them 0-2 to start the season for the first time in nine years. These Bruins need to work on help defense, in the case of a switch, and give-and-go defense.

The Bruins’ offense will come. Focus on the defense first. But, certainly, attacking the 3-2 zone and backcourt ball pressure will be key elements for the team to improve.

Howland says, they are “still trying to figure things out,” and with the Bruins’ advantage in offensive rebounds, turnovers, and shot attempts in this game, there is room to hope for improvement. It’s like what renown psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck talks about in her new book “Mindset: The new psychology of success.” She says, “everyone can change and grow through application and experience.” UCLA must grow from this.

Cuban does not own the Los Angeles Dodgers yet, but Frank McCourt has finally relented and agreed to sell the team. And, according to the Bleacher Report, Cuban is one of four owners being considered.

MLB should let Cuban purchase the Dodgers. This is not only a no-brainer, but it’s a marriage of necessity.

The L.A. Dodgers were poorly run under McCourt. And, in their search for a new owner, baseball and the Dodgers cannot do much better than Mark Cuban. He’s an owner with passion, as demonstrated by his courtside antics. Cuban is also clearly willing to spend however much money it will take to win.

Cuban helped provide the Mavericks with state-of-the-art facilities and personnel.

But, Cuban is also an owner with persistence and faith.

When many writers, critics, and detractors, thought that an NBA championship team could not be built around a European player, Cuban showed persistence to follow his own unique vision. When these same folks told Cuban that Finals MVP and NBA Champion Dirk Nowitzki, at 32, was too old to lead a team to the title, especially with a now 38-year old point guard, Jason Kidd, Cuban threw caution into the wind and went with his gut feeling. He hung onto Nowitzki and built around him until it paid off.

With the good, young core the Dodgers possess, Cuban and the Dodgers may be a perfect fit.

Besides it’s Cuban’s innovative mindset that has made Cuban a billionaire, and one of the NBA’s most successful owners.

As an L.A. Dodgers fan and L.A. resident, I think Cuban would be a great choice to take over the team.

1. NBA All-Star Charity Game to Combat a Disease

In light of what a classy move the WNBA makes year-after-year, I think the NBA should follow suit. Find a health issue that affects many Americans, like obesity or heart disease, a major health concern among African Americans, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Then, plan a charity game with a bunch of great players, like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett, and bingo, you’ve got a great story that will not only result in the league donating lots of money to a charitable cause, but it will entertain and warm the hearts of basketball fans worldwide.

2. NBA All-Star Charity Game to Combat Poverty

In this climate of people losing their jobs, not having enough money to pay their bills, and protesting economic inequality, as seen in the Occupy Wall Street Movement, the NBA lockout has not escaped the scrutiny of those with far more to worry about than how big or small a chunk of millions or billions of dollars players or owners will get in the next CBA. In fact, this squabbling at this exact time has had a negative impact on how people view the league. How can the NBA build a bridge to those fans severely affected by the current economic recession? Easy, do another charity game, but this time donate the money to poor and less fortunate individuals.

3. NBA Celebrity Jeopardy

Actors and athletes have done Jeopardy before, but I can’t even remember the last time I saw a current NBA player on the show, although author and Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was on the show in 2009. Appearances like this would help to counter act perceptions of the NBA as merely ‘thug.’

4. Incentive for Hustle in Players’ Contracts

Players already have financial incentives for individual accomplishments and their team making the playoffs. But, to add excitement and get rid of the perception of laziness, financial incentives for hustle and effort plays should be included in players’ contracts.

5. Auction off Discount Tickets to High School Students

In addition to NBA Cares programs like “Read to Achieve,” the NBA could improve their image and probably gain new fans by auctioning or raffling off discounted tickets to high school and college students.

As has been reported at thehoopdoctors.com and everywhere else in the sports world, at an appearance at the University of Albany, Magic Johnson had this to say about LeBron:

“There’s going to always be great players in basketball. There’s going to always be guys who win championships in the NBA, except LeBron …”

It, also, reminds me of LeBron James’ own words, which, so far, he has eaten, even literally when he made fun of himself in a McDonald’s commercial this past summer.

So, LeBron predicted that the Miami Heat’s new core of All-Stars LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh could win about eight championships.

And, Johnson makes us seriously consider: how many championships will LeBron win with the Miami Heat?

James, Wade, and Bosh all signed six-year deals, so clearly James’ prediction depends on them all eventually signing extensions or new deals. And in regards to the lockout, LeBron’s prediction may also depend, to some degree, on whether there will be a hard salary cap and how much that cap will be.

Year one: NBA Finals. That’s a great start even though they lost 2-4 to the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks, who were led by their star Dirk Nowitzki.

Year two: NBA lockout.

So far, that makes two years with no rings for this Heat team.

LeBron’s potential has always seemed limitless. He’s a triple-double machine, and he’s literally taken over the league since his arrival, evidenced by him getting to the Finals twice, being named MVP twice, and All-Star Game MVP twice. But, in most sports, basketball in particular, players have a relatively small window in which to make their mark, something like from age 20 to 35, give or take. LeBron has eight seasons under his belt, but no rings. The man he’s often compared to—Hall of Fame point guard Oscar Robertson—did not win an NBA title until his eleventh season, but Robertson only won one. Not to mention, it also took another Hall of Fame player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as a really good roster that included All-Star Bob Dandridge, to win it all.

At 26, James’ window is open, but for how long? Up-and-coming teams like the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Chicago Bulls are gearing up to be contenders as well. James also has to face the fading powerhouses of the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and the San Antonio Spurs. Will the Lakers, Spurs, or Celtics challenge the Heat before time catches up with those veteran squads? Will the Heat be able to squeeze off a couple championship parades between the aging of those great teams and before the Bulls, Knicks, or another team ascends to prominence?

A lot of people have blamed the Heat’s failure, not on LeBron, but on Bosh’s Finals’ performance. Now, while there is some truth to that, twelve points in game two, 7.3 rebounds per game, and a shooting percentage of 41.3%, LeBron said this team would win multiple championships.

In these Finals, James only averaged 17.8 points per game, with a bewildering eight points in game four. That’s not going to get it done, either.

And, the real obstacle for the Heat to come through on James’ promise will be their aging Finals’ MVP (2004) Dwayne Wade. Even though it seems to me like Wade just came into the league, Wade is already 29 years old. In January, he’ll be 30. Early into next season, Wade will turn 31. A basketball player’s prime years start at different ages, but they all tend to end around the age of 33, some a little later (Michael Jordan), some a little earlier (Tracy McGrady). No matter how you slice it, Wade is getting long in the tooth in basketball years. And I love D-Wade; he’s brilliant, but he probably only has three more peak seasons. Optimistically, James and Bosh have five to six. So, it’s hard to see the Heat pulling off “not five, not six, not seven” titles.

I’ve said it before that three rings for the three kings has a nice ring to it, but will they have enough time to even win that many?

One of the biggest stories so far has been the departure of several NBA players from US soil. Five-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP Kobe Bryant is in serious talks with Virtus Bologna (Italy), who have already signed Chris Douglas-Roberts and have talked to Manu Ginobili. The other big name, Deron Williams, has already been playing for Besiktas (Turkey) for a while. And, perhaps, the even bigger news is that Williams may soon be joined by NBA superstar Kevin Durant, who is in early negotiations with Besiktas.

The other interesting note is that half of the starters for the Denver Nuggets—Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin, and Ty Lawson—have signed abroad, mostly signing deals with no opt-outs, even if an NBA season can be salvaged.

But, as if a cautionary tale, the Spurs’ Tiago Splitter, the Magic’s Hedo Turkoglu, and Minnesota’s Ricky Rubio have all had underwhelming performances since playing abroad.

Where you can find good basketball in the U.S. right now are at league games. Everyone from Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, John Wall, Brandon Jennings, Michael Beasley, Jeff Teague, James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarcus Cousins, Hakim Warrick, and rookie Josh Selby have been driving fans crazy.

Kobe hits game-winner and gets mobbed by crowd

Durant’s legendary Rucker Park game

Jennings v Shelby

Wall v Teague

In perhaps the most bizarre news, two-time MVP LeBron James has returned to his roots in Ohio, playing in a league game with his former high school basketball teammates. James has also shown up at several St. Vincent-St. Mary’s High School football games, and James even participated in a recent football practice.

Some NBA players are doing maybe the smartest things players can do during a lockout: get healthy, stay fit, and work out. The New York Knicks’ Chauncey Billups is better. Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz power forward, has been bulking up. And, while he says he is open to playing overseas, Dwight Howard and his Orlando Magic have been working out and preparing for the next season. In Germany, Kobe Bryant had an experimental knee procedure, known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, and Knicks’ star Carmelo Anthony admitted to having knee and elbow surgeries in May. Sadly, Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut admitted that he “will have limitations my whole life,” when referring to his elbow, although he is feeling better than last season.

The Hollywood drama with the Los Angeles Lakers never ends. Apparently retired Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson, former Lakers’ Head Coach, ignored a phone call from his former player Shaquille O’Neal, and, in Italy, Kobe Bryant referred once again to O’Neal’s lack of discipline when it came to working out. But, really, who, aside from greats like Michael Jordan, have ever worked out as hard as Bryant?

In entertainment, Stephen Jackson released a rap video, and recent NBA champion Jason Terry (Dallas Mavericks) was in a rap video dissing LeBron James. The Lakers’ Metta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest, has been on “Dancing with the Stars” and is set to star in his own reality T.V. show called “They Call Me Crazy.” Recently, Pacers’ center Roy Hibbert made a cameo on Amy Poehler’s “Parks and Recreation” on NBC. And, Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin is interning for comedian Will Ferrell’s website “Funny or Die.”

In legal news, Darius Miles was arrested for gun possession at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, Missouri. Ex-NBA player Javaris Crittenton has been charged with murdering a woman in a drive-by in Atlanta, but he has been released on bond. Defensive stalwarts Ben Wallace and Marcus Camby were arrested, the former for a DUI, the latter for marijuana.

Aging centers “The Diesel” Shaquille O’Neal, a future member of the Hall of Fame and a four-time NBA champion, and “Big Z” Zydrunas Ilgauskas, fresh off making the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat, have both retired. Since then, O’Neal has joined the illustrious staff at ESPN.

Sources:
nba.com
espn.com
thehoopdoctors.com