At about 6:30 ET, Marc Stein announced the trade:

• LA would be getting Chris Paul.
• Houston would be getting Pau Gasol.
• New Orleans would be getting Lamar Odom, Kevin Martin, Luis Scola, Goran Dragic, AND draft picks.

Less than an hour later, the NBA stepped in…and stepped in it.

Image source: CelticsHub.com

3-Way Paul Trade Benefited All Involved

There aren’t many trades that actually benefit every team involved, but this was one of them.

Keep in mind the fact that New Orleans has absolutely no shot of keeping Chris Paul at the end of the season. He would have walked away and left them with nothing. Instead, they turned nothing into three starters, a quality backup, AND some draft picks.

LA would shed $21 million AND get the best point guard in the league to team up with Kobe Bryant while also keeping Andrew Bynum – the one piece that Orlando really wants in exchange for Dwight Howard (don’t ask me why, as I would never trade for Bynum…but that’s what the Magic want).

Houston would be starting their rebuilding project around the second most talented big man in the league (behind Dirk).

Then, the NBA got involved.

As a fan of a small-market team (Indiana Pacers), I want to be happy about this. After all, LeBron James murdered the city of Cleveland last summer, and that’s just not fair. We need to maintain “competitive balance” and fairness. We can’t let these players just dictate where they want to go and when.

I WANT to be happy about it.

But then, I have to look at the facts:

• Fact: Chris Paul is the best pure point guard in the NBA and one of the top five players in the league entirely.
• Fact: The NBA has placed incentives to keep stars in one place. If a star wants to leave, he will be purposefully leaving millions of dollars on the table.
• Fact: Chris Paul, for one reason or another, has chosen to leave all those dollars on the table if he has to and will not sign an extension with New Orleans next summer.
• Fact: Further than that, there aren’t many teams that Chris Paul will sign an extension with next summer…so trade partners for New Orleans are limited.
• Fact: This sucks for New Orleans, but this is America, and every human being (me, you, and yes, even NBA millionaires) should have the right to choose where he wants to work if he is talented enough to have that choice.
• Fact: Yesterday, New Orleans made the most out of a tough situation and executed a three-team trade that would have absolutely made their team better.
• Fact: David Stern’s ego and the bitterness of several owners got in the way.

No matter how you slice it, this is not good for anyone involved. In fact, as I look over the entire landscape, I can’t find a single “winner” in this deal being disallowed.

Chris Paul Trade Fiasco ‘Scales of Losing‘

Here is a list of yesterday’s losers, rated and ranked on a scale from 1-10 from those who lost the least to those who lost the most:

Los Angeles Lakers – 2.5 on the Losing Scale

The Lakers definitely lost A LOT in this situation.

They would have gotten one of the top five players in the league. The trade would have kept them in the running to also get Dwight Howard. Plus they were shedding lots of money from their cap.

This whole thing isn’t fair to them. Oh well.

They are still the Lakers…feeling bad for them would be like feeling bad for Donald Trump if one of his newest investments flopped.

Yeah, you lost some money. I’m sorry. You’re still Donald Trump.

Look! Donald Trump eats chocolate ice cream bars...JUST LIKE THE REST OF US! (And like the rest of us, he surely things the NBA flubbed this Paul trade decision...big time.

Image source: EgoTVOnline.com

Chris Paul – 5.0 on the Losing Scale

Somehow, I think Chris Paul will still be ok…at least in terms of how he is perceived by us.

Unlike Carmelo Anthony, he hasn’t lied to his city and pledged his false allegiance in any way. Unlike Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, he gave his team plenty of time to work through the situation and make the best out of it. Ironically, CP3 might actually come out of this as a sort of sympathetic figure.

Unfortunately, from a basketball standpoint, Chris Paul couldn’t have lost much more. It appears incredibly unlikely that he will be able to go to the Lakers this year. There really wasn’t a better situation for him to go to when you combine the market, the team, and the owner he would have been playing for.

Paul will probably be forced to play the entire 2011-2012 season with New Orleans. If he wants to stay “above the fray,” he will have to play hard and play as many games as possible; he can’t look like he’s “dogging it” or throwing away the season.

This would be all well and good if he didn’t have a history of knee problems. Now, he will have to throw away one of his (who knows how many he has) good years playing on a team that he doesn’t want to play for.

The only possible way for CP3 to come out of this on top is for him to play hard all season, make an All-NBA Team to prove he’s worth the money, not get hurt at all, have the Lakers or Knicks or somebody trade away some expensive players without gutting their team completely, and THEN sign with them for LESS money than he would have gotten if the trade went through.

I don’t feel bad, per se, for Chris Paul, considering he’s making millions playing the game he loves…but still, I don’t necessarily feel good for him right now either.

Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol – 5.5 on the Losing Scale

The Lakers have decided to change things up and move their franchise in another direction. Odom and Gasol had been important pieces in the past, and even though they are both younger than Kobe, LA decided that THEY were the expendable players on the team.
Apparently, Odom never even received a phone call from the Lakers yesterday before the deal happened. Both players were truly blind-sided.

Of course, as with any hardship, both players must have started the healing process by looking at their new situations. They wouldn’t have to play with Kobe Bryant anymore, they would be “the guy” on their new teams, and neither situation was a terrible one.

With the deal is off, what are they supposed to do now?

This would be like breaking up with your girlfriend (one of those terrible breakups that happen in a public place and end with you dumping beef barley soup all over her car…no, I’m not speaking from experience here), then running into her less than a day later and being forced to start dating again.

This WILL end poorly.

The only reason Odom isn’t further down on the list is because this entire incident might become the 3rd or 4th most watched episode in The Kardashians history…he will benefit from it eventually.

Dan Gilbert – 6.0 on the Losing Scale

Source: The Basketball Jones

Dan Gilbert is that owner in your fantasy league that vetoes any trade that doesn’t involve him. At this point, he’s a complete joke.

Alright man, we get it. LeBron James screwed you and your entire city over. GET OVER IT.

YOU were the man that coddled him at every turn. YOU were the man that signed washed up players to huge contracts because you wanted to win immediately instead of build a complete team that LeBron could grow with. YOU were the enabler. YOU blew it just as much as LeBron.

Should LeBron have announced he was leaving on national television in such a narcissistic manner? Of course not. But when people like you, Dan Gilbert, have been telling him how perfect he is for the last fifteen years of his life, what do you expect the guy to do?

In the irony of ironies, your little letter yesterday failed to notice one thing: this trade was AWESOME for the Hornets, a fellow small-market team just like Cleveland.

You got mixed up in big names and dollar signs – the same flaw you made for seven years with LeBron James – in order to get some bitterness out.  In the process, you destroyed some competitive balance (which has never actually existed anyway…just look at a list of NBA Champions sometime) by screwing over the Hornets for no real reason.

You were a sympathetic figure as soon as The Decision happened. Your letter immediately afterwards backfired on you a little. This letter makes you look like a disgrace.

Good luck getting anyone to come to Cleveland ever again.

New Orleans Hornets – 8.9 on the Losing Scale

An absolute atrocity.

They would have gone from a team that barely made the playoffs last year to a team with the following lineup.

Starters:

• Jarrett Jack
• Kevin Martin
• Lamar Odom
• Luis Scola
• Emeka Okafor

Bench:

• Trevor Ariza
• Goran Dragic
• Quincy Pondexter

That’s a solid team. Plus, they would be getting draft picks AND a lot of (future) cap space to make a big signing in free agency. They made their team deeper, younger, AND more flexible in one trade.

Now, they are left with nothing.

You might say, “That’s not true. They are left with Chris Paul!”

But again, Chris Paul is NOT coming back next season. Good luck building around an aging Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza. Who would want to come to New Orleans to play with them?

I can’t say this clearly enough: the Hornets have been absolutely CRUSHED by the NBA reneging this deal…the organization that actually owns them!

Kobe Bryant – 9.0 on the Losing Scale

The stakes for Kobe at this point are clear: his peak will never be as good as Jordan’s peak, and that’s fine; his career could still be better than Jordan’s career, however.

What does he need for that to happen? Three more solid years and one or two more championships.

With Chris Paul on board, those prospects seemed good. With Chris Paul and Dwight Howard on board, those prospects were basically guaranteed.

Now? I just don’t know.

Maybe Kobe can get Pau and Lamar back on board and get them all to “stick it to the man” this year. Maybe the Lakers can get back to the Finals once or twice while Kobe is on his last legs.

Maybe.

But probably not.

And for Kobe, a guy who doesn’t want to merely finish in the top ten all time, but wants true greatness…he loses more than almost anyone else in this deal.

David Stern – 9.6 on the Losing Scale

Except for this man.

At this point, David Stern has completely lost touch with reality. He has no idea what is good for the league and what’s not.

Did “basketball reasons” exist when LeBron and Chris Bosh hijacked their teams last summer, illegally negotiated a deal under the table to play with each other, and stabbed their teams in the back?

Did “basketball reasons” exist when Chris Wallace gave away Pau Gasol to the Lakers for a pittance and swung two titles in L.A.’s favor?

Would “basketball reasons” have existed if Chris Paul was traded to Sacramento for DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans, and two draft picks?

In the past year, David Stern has gone from “unquestionably the best commissioner in all of sports” (in many people’s eyes) to “one of the sole reasons people are turning away from it in droves.”

There’s no way Stern survives this now.

If Chris Paul really does file a lawsuit against the league (and at this point, it’s looking like he will), the damage could be irreparable…not just for Stern, but for the NBA as a whole.

Not only has he disgraced himself, but he’s disgraced his entire league in the process.

I’m sure David Stern would say he’s trying his best, but as Sean Connery reminded us in The Rock, losers always whine about their best.

So long, Mr. Stern. It wasn’t nice knowing you.

Brown is expected to sign his contract later Wednesday or Thursday. The deal is worth between $4 million and $4.5 million per season, according to NBA officials. Brown’s contract is thought to be for three years, with a team option on the fourth season that would give him partial pay if he is not retained.

While Kobe Bryant has been quoted stating he has ‘great respect’ for Brown, he had no comment Tuesday afternoon when asked of his opinion.

Mike Brown won the 2008-09 Coach of the Year Award, and coached the Cavs to two consecutive NBA best-records.

Kobe Bryant’s legacy collected a few more accolades and grandeur with his fifth career title following a Game Seven win over the Celtics last week.  Bryant was exuberant after the victory, running toward the throngs of Laker fans and celebrating as if he had never conquered the NBA before.

What the game lacked in beauty and style, however, it more than made up for in heart, grit, and absolute effort.

The Lakers’ Game 7 victory also means that Kobe Bryant and his always clutch teammate Derek Fisher both have now won five NBA championships. To put that prodigious total into perspective, it is the same number of titles that legends Magic and Kareem won while wearing the gold and purple.

Hmm…could that perhaps be why Kareem is the turd in the Lakers’ celebratory punchbowl in this picture?

I surfed over to SI.com this morning to check their morning headlines and the picture below adorned the front page:

If you just glance at it, nothing all that interesting right? Kobe and Fisher are holding up trophies with big smiles on their faces. Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmer seem comfortable in their sidekick roles. And some lady who looks like a done-up version of the Octomom stares off into space down in the corner.

But look a little closer.

Look in the middle of the picture. See the bald man who towers over everyone and who is the only person in the picture looking directly at the camera? As you undoubtedly know, that is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, and one of the greatest Lakers of all time, one Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

And he appears to either be either angry…or constipated.

Take an ever closer look:

And now, because extreme close-ups of old, angry, bald guys is fun, take an even closer look:

Kareem, bro, lighten up a little man. I mean, I know that the inconvenience of Game 7 means that you couldn’t re-read War and Peace for the seventh time, but the win brought the Lakers – your Lakers – to within one of the Celtics’ all time record for NBA titles.

And your staring at the camera like you want to rip someone’s head off.

Update: Let me take this opportunity here in the middle of the post to update it real quick with some info that a commenter was kind of enough to point out. Kareem, as many people know and I forgot, is battling leukemia. Fortunately, the long-term prognosis is positive as this form of the disease can be managed relatively well.

Now, knowing this fact probably makes this post seem a little insensitive – and perhaps rightfully so. I might have backed off a bit had I remembered this.

But the point of the post is the irony of Kareem’s expression amidst so much jubilation. And Kareem was always known to be a rather quiet, even sullen guy; so he might have looked like this even if he wasn’t sick.

Anyway, I thought this was important to point out. Feel free to flame me in the comments section if you want to.  I understand.

Could it be that this picture is a manifestation of Kareem’s jealousy that he know must share his 5-time champion pedestal with not only Magic, but also Kobe and some little pipsqueak point guard? Perhaps seeing Kobe and Fisher holding up the trophies reminded Kareem that as each year passes he gets closer and closer to just being known as the bearded black guy in Airplane.

Or, perhaps, Kareem is just kind of a sullen, stoic guy and has the ability to frown and glare in an arena with thousands of other people who are beside themselves with jubilation. And this pic just caught him in one of those moments.

Yeah, that’s probably it.

Who cares anyway. What? You were expecting actual analysis of the game? Ha…I’ll leave that to Devon. The picture is funny and neither team is from the Midwest, so this is what you get.

And real quick before I hit publish, I’d just like to think my boys back in the hood and my psychiatrist for making this post possible.

The pendulum is now in full swing for the Celtics’ side, as they took over in Game 5.

What is the reason the Celtics won the 2008 NBA Finals? Because of defense, defens,e and more defense.

To be honest, when Ray Allen was stroking it from three, and Garnett was faking you in the paint, and when Pierce was stepping back and wetting it, that is all a plus; but the Celtics are where they are because of defense, and it sure showed as the C’s held the Lakers to under 40% shooting in both FG% and three-point %.

Dazzling enough for you?

Then let’s give credit to the Big 4, for they gave everything they had for the Celtics in the team’s final home game of the season.

KG added a stirring double-double, with 18 and 10 rebounds, while Ray Allen had 12 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists. How’d Rondo do? He dropped in 18 points, and 7 assists, despite having 8 turnovers.

Then Paul Pierce? Well, he truly lived up to his nickname, as he was the Truth and nothing more, nothing less. Pierce had 27 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, and stepped up when it mattered.

Despite a show by Kobe Bryant, the Celtics showed for the 2nd straight game, that team basketball can beat individual greatness any day of the week, and that is why the Celtics need one more win, to close this baby out.

The NBA Finals have arrived, and in its greatest historical glory:

That’s right:

Yellow and Green…Elite vs Elite…Stars vs Stars…

Lakers vs Celtics.

Without a doubt, these playoffs have been nothing short of a stunner.

We’ve had 2 of the West’s top 3 teams fall before Round 3. We’ve seen the Hawks collapse at the feet of Mike Woodson, and the Magic have an utter failure against the Celtics, courtesy of the (in my opinion) future Hall of Famer, Rajon Rondo.

And to top it all off, we’ve seen the Cavaliers, LeBron James, Mike Brown and the entire city of Cleveland immediately enter panic mode.

But that’s all for another day, another time, and another segment.

Now this is about the league’s best two teams in these NBA playoffs; the Lakers and Celtics. The league’s two premier defensive teams, led by numerous stars going head to head in an age old clash.

Are you ready? I am, so that is why I’m going to give you 5 things to look for in this showdown! Enjoy!

1. Will the Celtics’ recent injuries slow them down?

It’s been noted. The Celtics have been straight up, banged up! No other way to say it.

First off, we saw Glen Davis nearly die on the court before ref Joey Crawford came to the rescue, then it was heard that Davis was pronounced with a concussion. Then it was Marquis Daniels who had a concussion. Could it get any worse?

Yes.

Paul Pierce has been quoted saying he has bruises, “..in places you don’t want to know about..”. Then, there was Rondo with a nasty, nasty crash as he fell from a layup against Orlando, while ‘Sheed was bothered by his leg after a put back.

Finally, there the are loads of other unknowns that the media never leaks out. How will this affect the Celtics? Hopefully with the rest they’ve received, things will begin to clear up, because if not, we could see the same Celtics team that we saw after the All-Star break..(ew).

2. Can Derek Fisher even keep up with Rondo?

Yes, I asked it.

Derek Fisher, the guy who comes up clutch every time the Lakers are in need, might not be able to handle the explosiveness of Rondo.

Let’s take a look at whom Fisher has guarded in these playoffs:

First, Russell Westbrook. This guy is a straight up baller. He can score just like the rest of them, if not any better, but Fisher showed us that, mentally, you must be prepared for playoff ball and that is where Fisher always has an advantage.

Second, Deron Williams. Brute, quick, and also a guy who can slash like few. How did Fisher handle that? He came up big on D, as he forced Williams to shoot under 40% over the entire series.

Then, it was Nash. Veteran, against veteran. Did Fisher win that battle? Probably not, but the Lakers had ammunition from every position to easily make that up.

Now with Rondo coming in, Fisher just might be overworked, because the Celtics are no Suns team. They actually have 3 other players who can but up 25 points on a given night. Never mind the fact that Rondo can not only score, but he can play D, he can pass, and he is a VETERAN. That’s right, veteran. Look it up, and tell me what un-veteran-like traits Rondo possesses.

Will this force Kobe on Rondo? Who knows, but what we do know is the Lakers are looking at this matchup…and hard!

3. How will Kendrick Perkins’ play be affected being just one tech away from suspension?

Perkins picked up technical fouls during the first three rounds as if he were a child egg-hunting. Do you have to agree with the calls? No. Do I agree with the calls? Most certainly not! But hey, it’s life, so Perk has to deal with it.

Now, how will this affect his play? This is a huge question for the C’s to solve.

When you are playing against arguably the league’s best big man tandem, your big men must be up to the task, and handle it night in and night out. But one thing Perkins does have, which Pau and Bynum don’t, is KG. Not one person in the league can turn up your spirits, and rev your engines like Garnett. Expect Kevin to do a lot of mentoring for Perkins in these Finals, because if Kendrick picks up another tech and is suspended, this series won’t go further than 5 games.

4. Whose role players will be on a greater roll?

In this series, the role players are going to be the X-factor. Mark my words people. Whether it’s Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown or whomever. This series will be won by who’s bench can put up the best fight, and who can take the punches the most.

A week ago I would’ve said that the Lakers had this battle, but as the Orlando series was quickly becoming the green-parade, I realized the Celtics bench is one of the more dangerous in the league when they are on a roll.

First off, Glen Davis has been showing the heart of a lion as of late. His numbers might not be the greatest, but he can be like the Varejaos, the Noahs etc.

Then, there is Tony Allen, who has been playing great ball in these playoffs, and is a great combo guard for any team, especially when you have # 24 on the other end.

Then there’s Sheed, who had been looking like everything but an NBA great. But as of late. he’s been purely stroking it, and when Sheed is hot, he’s hot!

Finally, there is Krypto-Nate! One of my favorite nicknames in the NBA, and one of my favorite players. I don’t need to explain myself if you saw Game 6 of the Celtics/Magic series. Didn’t? Here it is!

But the question is, can LA or BOS both show us the slugging power they’ve been getting from the bench?

I know if LA’s bench shows up, this thing might just go to Cali. Or will this be decided by numbers 24, 16, 17, or numbers 34, 20, 5, and 9? That’s for us to find out!

5. Will the stars shine?

In the end, the NBA is all about the stars.

It’s all about how many points they score, how many assists they dish out, or how many blocks they crush. Plain and simple, and it’s the name of the game. From the Kobes to the LeBrons to the Wades and to the Carmelos, the stars rule in this league simply because they are the world’s best.

So with that said, who are the stars in this game? Oh yeah, there’s that Pierce guy, the kid Rondo, the legend Kobe and a couple others, right? Well this series is on their shoulders just as much as it is the entire organizations.

With Kobe, Pierce, Ray, and KG all over 30, and being the prime stars on both squads, there could certainly be issues. The main one is age. Kobe has numerous injuries, whether it be fingers, knee, etc. Pierce has a shoulder bothering him, KG has the knee issue, and Allen has finger issues as well.

People don’t know what it’s like under the game’s brightest lights, and from what I’ve heard and seen, the pressure is enormous, thus resulting in each individual giving his 150%. The scary thing is, that can usually lead to injuries, and none of the above can afford one at the moment.

If any of these key players were to bother a current injury, or stir up another, there’s no doubt in my mind the series can take a turn for the worst for either LA or Boston.

Luckily for Boston…that Rondo kid, he’s under 25!

Thanks for reading folks!

All photos courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images

Lakers and Celtics goes way, way back…from the Russel days, to the Bird and Magic days, and now to Kobe and Pierce.

This rivalry has had it all. Physical play, some of the game’s greatest, buzzer-beaters, and pure hate. What more could you ask for in a rivalry?

Well with that said, and the Lakers and C’s about to go for another brawl, I decided to break down the 10 greatest moments in Lakers/Celtics history. Enjoy NBA fans!

Bird and Magic photo courtesy: Frank The Tank

10. Gerald Henderson Steals the ball

9. Magic dunks over Boston

8. Kevin Garnett banks the circus shot

7. Larry Bird…can dunk?

6. James Worthy with the bellyslide

5. The Logo gives the touchdown to Baylor

4. Dennis Johnson with the buzzer

3. James Worthy with the FACIAL!

2. Magic at the buzzer!

1. The Magical Hook

Thanks for viewing folks! Follow me on Twitter!

The Lakers were tested for the second time in this post-season, but with a calm approach, they moved on.

Boston, you’re next.  Get over it.

Just like the Lakers did with Oklahoma City, Utah, and Phoenix, they will squeeze the life out of Boston, because Bryant and the Lakers are simply the better team.

Los Angeles will bring home its fifth trophy in 11 years, while Boston’s title run will come to an abrupt end.

Image source: Farther off the Wall

The Celtics are beaten down and bruised after sending home Cleveland and Orlando in succession.  The injuries will likely continue to pile on in what will be a physical series.

They will have to deal with the best player in the game, Bryant; and he’s on one hell of a roll.

Bryant scored 30 or more points in nine of the Lakers’ last 10 games, and in Game 6 he was unstoppable.  With two defenders flailing at the ball and a hand in his face, Bryant kept his cool, and maintained the Lakers’ lead late in the game.

Celtics’ fans believe that Paul Pierce and Boston is underrated.  They’ve said that Pierce, Rondo, Allen, and Garnett don’t get the respect they deserve.

It is the other way around.  Boston receives too much attention, and it has been that way since the big three came together to bring dignity back to a downtrodden franchise.

This year is no different.

The media is blaming the Celtics’ sub-par regular season record on injuries, and that is a believable explanation. They say that that is combined with a disinterest towards “meaningless” games, and a decision to save themselves for the playoffs.

It’s true, but it’s not the complete answer.  They were not the best team in the East.  Cleveland’s heartbreaking breakdown led to Boston’s Conference Finals appearance where, to their credit, they dominated Orlando.

The problem is Orlando and Cleveland are not the Lakers or the Suns.  It is even debatable whether Phoenix would also be the favorite over the Celtics if they had moved on.

Bryant’s clutch play combined with unexpected production from Artest, and the steady hands of veterans, Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher will overwhelm Boston.  The only possible advantage the Celtics will have is on the inside, and if Bynum can get healthy, they won’t have that.

Most analysts reference the 2008 finals as a reminder that the Lakers may struggle once again with Boston.

In 2008, it was a different story.  Both teams have changed and while the Lakers have improved, the Celtics regressed.  Rondo has improved but the rest of the team is on the decline.

The Celtics are an older team, and the window on a championship run is closing fast.  The Lakers are younger and just as battle-tested.

Image source: The Deuce

Boston, you’re in over your head.  Save us the time and just go home.

Bryant and the Lakers will send them packing in five games or less.

I don’t know why, but for some reason this morning I decided to do a Google Image Search for Phil Jackson, formerly of my (then) beloved Chicago Bulls and now the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Not surprisingly, the one word that popped into my head while browsing through pictures of the Zen Master was evolve.

Since there are no Midwest teams left in the NBA Playoffs and the White Sox putrid start to the season has left me completely unmotivated to post about baseball, and because Tyler already has the Stanley Cup Finals covered, this seemed like a great morning to have a little photo fun.

So enjoy the evolution of Phil Jackson.

We start with an old, old picture of Phil from his North Dakota days. Killer tube socks dude. (Anyone else see a young Colin Cowherd here? Anyone?)

Image source: Farther off the Wall

After leaving North Dakota, Jackson became a New York Knick and also grew a sweet beard. Based on biographies I’ve read of Jackson, he also dabbled in some of the finer things in life during this time in New York: drugs, women, and short shorts.

And hey? Why not? He’s Phil Jackson, bitch.

Image source: Dick Raphael/NBAE/Getty Images via ESPN.com

And here he is a little bit older in New Jersey. As you can see, his wrist bands, tube socks, and the side of his jersey took some of his acid before the game.

Image source: SI Vault

Once his playing career ended, Jackson got into coaching. He started out in the CBA before ultimately being hired by the Chicago Bulls once Doug Collins proved to be an abject failure (a neat lesson for all those who say that anyone could have won six titles with Michael Jordan).

Upon reaching Chicago, Jackson swapped short shorts and bushy beards for suits, bow ties, the occasional Indian head dress, and a killer donmattingly on his upper lip. He also demanded that his players call him Professor Selleck.

Image source: NBA.com

Phil Jackson ultimately left the Bulls after winning six championships, but he was not done coaching. Not by a longshot.

Jackson ended up in LA with the Lakers, coaching Kobe and Shaq, and leading the two stars to a three-peat of championships by doing sideline disco with O’Neal (which they reportedly referred to as “kazaaming”) and a hell of a lot of pointing, which took on progressively demonic tones (look at the eyes on the last two; where’s the Zen bro?).

Image source: John W. McDonough/SI via SI Vault

Image source: Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY via USAToday.com

Image source: Farther of the Wall

Image source: The Arena

Image source: The Evolution of Michael Jordan

All of the angry staring and pointing, of course, makes a Zen Master feel empty inside. Luckily Southern California provides the perfect antidote, what with its beaches and hot owner’s daughters.

Image source: That’s A Lot of Balls

Image source: John W. McDonough/SI via SI Vault

Jackson became so at peace in LA after winning his fourth title with Lakers, and 10th overall (most in history), that he began to take an active role in promoting social justice. Thus, he began wearing Malcolm X hats and granting interviews to annoying, overrated minority ESPN anchors like Stuart Scott (BOO-YEAH!).

Image source: Just a Memo

The evolution of Phil Jackson has brought us to today, which sees the great Zen Master going for his 11th NBA championship ring. No one is quite sure what continues to motivate Jackson, but he apparently desires to wear jewelry on his feet. Or, as some have suggested, Jackson is still coaching because he enjoys using practice time learning how to juggle.

Image source: Esquire.com

One thing is for sure: the evolution of Phil Jackson from skinny North Dakota nobody to Supreme Sultan of the Soul Patch is now nearly complete and it truly has been fascinating to watch.

Now beam him up Scottie…

Image source: HoopsHype.com

Someone stop the Lebron James free agency whirlwind.  Right now. Another storyline needs attention, one that may be historic; and the James’ free agency saga is overshadowing it.

The L.A. Lakers are reigning champions of the NBA and are rolling in the Western Conference Finals. In game one of their series with the Suns,  the Lakers dominated.  It looked as though they could not be stopped.

Kobe Bryant poured in 40 points and the Lakers won by 21, 128-107.

It is a scoreline that you’d think would favor the Suns, with both teams in double figures, but the Suns were never really in the game, thanks to Bryant, who is doing what Lebron’s critics want LeBron to do.

Maybe those critics should take some time off from analyzing Lebron and watch Kobe instead.  They may realize that Bryant is narrowing the gap that separates Kobe from the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan.

Image source: Black Sports Online

On Tuesday night, Kobe looked like Mike.

Bryant knocked down shots at will and led the Lakers with his trademark athleticism, alongside teammates who are playing at a high level as well.

Pau Gasol scored 21 points, while Lamar Odom contributed 19 points to go with 19 rebounds.  This was a demonstration of the Lakers playing as a team as much as it was Kobe’s big night.

But Kobe’s 40 points certainly did nothing to hurt the Lakers’ chances.

There was one point in the game when L.A. had the ball with the shot clock winding down and it looked like a brick was forthcoming, or a shot clock violation. But then Kobe received the ball, and with an athletic leap he dropped a dagger.

The Suns had to be thinking, “Really?”, because there was nothing that could be done.

Kobe made the game look easy.  It goes to show that, man, when he is on…oh, he is on.  There is not much that can be done.

Bryant abused Grant Hill.  Hill was draped over him on every play.  Hill’s hands would search for Kobe’s face as Bryant went up for a shot, and did everything he could to get in Kobe’s head. Despite a valiant effort, Hill’s night ended in failure and frustration.

Guarding the premier scorer in the league can do that to you.

The Lakers winning another title may begin to level out the difference between “MJ” and The Black Mamba.  Bryant would bring home his fifth ring.  Kobe would be one short of Jordan, and one short of another three-peat with the L.A. Lakers.

They say winning championships is what defines a star player. Kobe may be on Jordan’s level, maybe not. Time will tell.

It does not change the fact that his Lakers are well on their way to another title run in 2010.

If you didn’t throw up last season, prepare to completely hurl your breakfast, lunch, and dinner this year, because if this season’s Cavs and Lakers aren’t as stacked as heck, then I don’t know what is.

While there is much belief this Finals dream will become reality, there is always the alternate side of the story. Maybe a Denver-Cleveland Finals? Dallas-Orlando? (God no!) Los Angeles-Boston?

You never know, but here’s a couple reasons why a Cavs-Lakers Finals just might be interrupted by a couple other great teams.

The Lakers are headed back to the Finals…right?

The revenge of the fallen

Last season, the Nuggets dreams, and wonderful playoff story, was massacred by the hands of Assassin 24, and the rest of the infamous purple and gold. Carmelo was coming into his own, the Birdman seemed to have returned at the right moment, and Chauncey was ready for another run at a ring.

But it all fell short. This time around it might be even harder for the Nuggets to take down LA, simply because of the addition of Ron Artest and the maturations of Farmar, Bynum, and Brown.

OR…

It could be much easier for the Nuggets. Why?

Well, Carmelo is becoming more and more of a complete player this season, as he is averaging 6 points more from last season’s 22 ppg, and is averaging a career high in FT% at 83%. Not only that, but let’s not forget how JR Smith is coming into his own, as well as Nene, who is one of the better defenders in the paint this year. The Nuggets are also poised to have Coach Karl back by Playoff time.

Then there is the battle of the PG. Two vets in Billups and Fisher. While Fisher might be more of role player now, Billups is by far (in my opinion) the better guard. He is a better leader, shooter, and passer. Enough said.

But this matchup will come down to how well the Nuggets contain Pau and Bynum. Sure, Nene’s good, but will Birdman pose a threat for Pau? That’s the question. Have the Nuggets learned their lesson from last time around? Or will this just be another typical Kobe and LA spanking?

You’ll likely find out out a TV near you this Spring.

We’re back!

No doubt in my mind that the Mavs have improved a hell of a lot since acquiring Butler and Haywood. I personally believe acquiring Haywood means more to Dallas than getting Butler. Who else was the Mavs’ next big man? Dampier? Please, you’re going to need more than that to get past the Nenes, Stoudemires, Bynums, etc.

But Mark Cuban and Dallas hit the bulls-eye this time, and got exactly what they asked for, a slasher/shooter in Butler, who can take pressure off of Kidd, Marion, and Dirk, and by getting Haywood you have another great rebounding big man who can makes Dirk an even BIGGER threat. Now can DAL take out LA once and for all? Let’s examine.

Last time the two matched up, Dallas simply took the Lakers by the horns in the first quarter, and never seemed to let go, as Los Angeles never retained the lead. Kobe was also 0-5 in the 1st, and never got past 20 points, as LA’s leading scorer was Odom with 21. As for Dallas, Dirk finished with 31, Terry finished with 30, and Marion, Haywood, and Kidd all finished with double figures in scoring. Final score was DAL, 101 and LA, 96. All this without Butler.

So as we can see, DAL has it in them to fight off LA, but can they do it in a 7-game series? Maybe, but in order for that to happen, we must see Jason Kidd become the 3-point monster we’ve seen as of late. Since when has Ason Kidd, become Jason Kidd…you know, actually with a J? Never. But this season, Kidd is showing us age ‘aint nothin but a number.

We need to see Caron attacking the paint, and this matchup is huge against Kobe. I believe Butler must be a better defensive player than offensive in order to succeed in this matchup. Marion needs to take control defensively of Odom/Artest and will probably handle much of the Lakers bench as well.

Dirk just needs to be Dirk. I see Dirk giving LA the biggest problem (huge surprise, right?). In this series we get a great game, and comedy, as we watch Pau try to contain Dirk’s perimeter game. Then, there’s the Dampier/Haywood combo. If these two can contain and  fight off the two-headed monster in the paint for LA in Pau and Bynum, it might be enough momentum to steal a game or two.

Note to self (if such a matchup were to happen): this would be one heck of a series, probably the best before the Finals.

I just have one question for my readers, what is really stopping Dallas from taking down the Lakers? How about the Nuggets?

Answers in the comment box below!

Tune in soon to catch the Cavaliers’ side of the story.

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* – Kobe Bryant photo credit: AllTalkSports

* – Carmelo Anthony & Chauncey Billups photo credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images North America via Zimbio.com

* – Jason Kidd photo credit: The Knicks Blog

For instance, you all know that Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and and two Three-Peats, but did you remember or realize that the Houston Rockets were the team that owned the two seasons in between? And that Hakeem the Dream is a two-time Finals MVP?

Check out the all-time list of NBA champions, Finals participants, and NBA Finals MVPs below. It’ll teach you some things you need to know.

And then there are the old-timers, the ones who watched Russell and Wilt, watched Dr. J throw it down, and watched Magic and Larry go head-to-head as if it were Super Bowl Sunday. Well for you people, this is a useful list of what has happened before, during, and after these guys were lacing ‘em up.

Take a quick look at these links if you’re planning on going to any NBA games (so that you can get the best deals on tickets) then enjoy a quick run through NBA Finals history.

• StubHub: Regular Season NBA Tickets
• StubHub: NBA Playoffs Tickets
• RazorGator: Regular Season NBA Tickets
• RazorGator: NBA Playoffs Tickets

Below folks, I present to you a list of the very, very few basketball players and teams who have lived the one dream that most ball players wish to fulfill. These are the all-time great teams and players, the ones who have captured all of the glory or fallen just one series short.

Here is the all-time list of NBA champions, Finals participants, and NBA Finals MVPs.

All-Time List of NBA Champions, Finals Participants, and Results

Source: NBA.com

Fans of both teams eagerly awaited the rematch of current MVP Lebron James and former MVP Kobe Bryan, who last meet for a Cavs win on Christmas Day.

Before the game began, Cavs fans cheered wildly when they saw the final tabulations of the 2010 All-Star game broadcast on the Q-Tube Mega Screen, and learned that Lebron was voted as a starter on the Eastern Conference Team. Also, he was the number one vote-getter on the ballots.

Cavs Fans in attendance were treated to several Nike promotions. 7,000 lucky  fans received Witness Lebron Nike Puppet T-Shirts, one lucky fan received Lebron’s new Nike athletic shoe, while all others received MVP Nike Puppet Posters.

On the court, Cavs guard Delonte West started for the first time this season, replacing the injured Mo Williams. And the Lebron vs. Kobe match-up (between two of the NBA’s best players), lived up to its hype. LeBron led the nationally televised “Showtime in Cleveland” game, as he outscored Kobe 37-31 and willed his Cavs to win.

LeBron  did everything from jumping into the seats (trying to save a loose ball), rapping aloud to music broadcast throughout the Q,  late in the 4^th quarter (as Lil Wayne, one of the song’s artists sitting Courtside, looked on) to pounding his fists on the court in celebration– as the Cavs got the 93-87 win, sweeping the season series.

With the win over the Lakers, the Cavs now have the best record in the NBA.

The nationally televised Marquee game, hyped the return of Shaquille O’Neal to a city in which he won three of his four NBA titles, and showcased the extraordinary basketball talents of Back-to-Back MVP winners Lebron James (2008-2009 winner) and Kobe Bryant (2007-2008 winner), as well as their latest Nike Puppet commercials.

“Celebrity Row” was filled with Courtside Attendees, which included: Rapper Snoop Dogg, Andy Garcia, Danny DeVito, and Sylvester Stallone. However Avid Lakers fans Jack Nicholson and Dyan Cannon were noticeably absent.

Both MVP’s delivered stellar performances and Cavs fans were not disappointed. In the Finals-caliber match, fans were treated to lots of steals, lots of slam dunks, and lots of player intensity. The Lakers received four of the five technical fouls that were handed out. Center Lamar Odom was tossed out of the game (after receiving his second) with only a few minutes remaining to play. Also, Ron Artest fouled out, late in the game.

Although Kobe scored 35 points, had 9 rebounds and 8 assists, it wasn’t enough in the 102-87 loss to the Cavaliers. Angry Lakers fans publicly expressed their displeasure for the game (and the officiating), as they lost their composure, booed and threw water bottles and Foam Fingers onto the court. Being the team leader that he is, especially in hostile territory, Lebron signaled for his teammates to gather around him and could be heard through the airwaves saying this: “Play the game and everything will take care of itself.”

Everything took care of itself, indeed, as the Cavs were poised and they outplayed the Lakers on both ends of the court. Lebron scored 26 pts, had 4 rebounds, and 9 assists. Mo Williams scored 28 pts, had 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Shaq added 11 pts and 7 rebounds. Coming off the bench, Delonte West scored 7pts, had 2 rebounds and 4 assists. And Jamario Moon had another impressive game, adding 13 pts.(off the bench) and getting 1 rebound.

The NBA is doing their part most definitely, with a slate of joyous and scrumptious games. You know, guys like Kobe, Dwight, D-Wade, etc., will be showcasing their basketball brilliance as you sit in front of the TV next to a tree, or under the mistletoe, or with a cradle in your hand.

Yes, ’tis the season to be jolly!

Now, sit back, relax, and let me show you what David Stern has to offer for this year’s Christmas Day NBA TV schedule on another wonderful December 25th.

NBA Christmas Day TV Schedule Game 1

Miami Heat at New York Knicks

• Heat-Knicks Christmas Day Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
• Heat-Knicks Christmas Day Game TV: ESPN

FINAL SCORE:

Miami Heat – 93

New York Knicks – 87 

This game is probably the most overlooked of all five games. And there is a good reason as to why.

Two words: New York.

Well, let’s forget that. Let’s forget the record, let’s forget the free agent nonsense for a bit, and just look at the single game itself, and where it is being played. Also two words: New York.

Yes, the great city of New York. And guess who’s coming to town? Some guy named Wade. Yes, the Heat and Mr. Wade are paying a visit to the Big Apple. You know what that means, right?

Don’t tell me you don’t know..

Let me try and refresh your memory…

What happened when LeBron visits NY? A couple 50 point shows.

Kobe? A Madison Square Garden record 61 points.

Dwyane Wade? Well…maybe he’ll make it a Christmas to remember in NY.

This is definitely a great opener for a wonderful NBA filled Christmas Day..and there’s better news…there’s even more.

NBA Christmas Day TV Schedule Game 2

Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

• Magic-Celtics Christmas Day Game Time: 2:30 PM ET
• Magic-Celtics Christmas Day Game TV: ABC

FINAL SCORE:

Boston Celtics – 86

Orlando Magic – 77

 Can you say revenge? What else comes to mind when these two go head to head? I don’t know about you, but whenever I hear Boston and Orlando in the same sentence, I can only think of last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals. You know, the one where the depleted Celtics just crawled out of one of the best playoff series of all-time, to only get dismantled by Orlando in 6 games.

Well, the Celts can finally get their sweet revenge. And how much sweeter can you get than spoiling Dwight Howard’s 25th? Not much better than that.

But anyways, I’m looking forward to watching the play of Kevin Garnett in this game. I barely got to see him in the playoffs against Orlando, so it’ll be nice to see how he plays against Rashard and Andersen.

What about Jameer Nelson? Well, his injury is definitely going to make him be missed, especially because the Celts have a great young guard in Rondo, but other than that, this game should be a great complement to your Christmas lunch. Enjoy!

NBA Christmas Day TV Schedule Game 3

Cleveland Cavaliers at Los Angeles Lakers

• Cavs-Lakers Christmas Day Game Time: 5:00 PM ET
• Cavs-Lakers Christmas Day Game TV: ABC

FINAL SCORE:

Cleveland Cavaliers - 102

Los Angeles Lakers – 87

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present to you the main event. Ohio vs California (sounds weird like that). Cleveland vs Los Angeles, the Cavs vs the Lakers.

LeBron vs Kobe.

I should be able to just stop right there; I mean, self explanatory, right? But I can’t. So read on.

There is not going to be a more hyped game this year than this one. I mean, come on. Christmas, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Mo Williams, Ron Artest, Shaq…it almost sounds too good to be true. Well it is true, and you better believe that this will be one hell of a game.

First off, we have the battle of the league’s two best (With Wade trailing behind by a half of a step). That in itself should be a ratings destroyer.

Then, we have Nike’s probably most advertised day. Whether you will find that annoying, or amazing, it’s a fact. If you’ve ever seen those Nike puppet commercials, you know what I’m talking about.

Third, we have the return of the Big Witness Protection, Big Diesel, Big Shaqtus or whatever you want to call him, returning back to LA. Another reason as to why David Stern’s wallet will be on fire. It almost seems as if this whole thing was put together in some backroom. Crazy how perfect it is.

Fourth, we have the best team in the West (hands down), against arguably the Beast of the East, the Cavs.

This game will have the magnitude of a playoff..or possibly a Finals game. It will prove two things.

1. Who will grab the lead in the MVP Race
2. Who has some fixing up to do before the trade deadline

I expect this game to break a few records on basketball ratings. I also expect it to break the hearts of a few million fans as well, whether they are from California, or Ohio.

This, without a doubt, is the turkey on your Christmas day!

NBA Christmas Day TV Schedule Game 4

Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns

• Clippers-Suns Christmas Day Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Clippers-Suns Christmas Day Game TV: ESPN

FINAL SCORE:

Los Angeles Clippers – 93

Phoenix Suns – 124

Okay, so now that you are completely obliterated after your turkey, I’m sure you have a little room left for two slices of pie. Right?

Well, this pie will be a little hot as the Blake-less Clippers head into Phoenix.

Sounds dazzling, doesn’t it? Probably not. I mean, that’s the whole reason this game was chosen, which was to showcase the number one pick against Amare Stoudamire, right?

Well, don’t get so down, you get to watch the amazing skills of the Canadian. You can’t go wrong with that at all. Steve Nash is having an MVP caliber season, but I feel bad for the guy, as he has some basketball gods leading the race. Don’t bothering asking who, it’s the usual three.

This game should showcase how surprising the Suns have been this season, which is VERY surprising. Who would’ve thought they would be right behind LA in the West? Definitely not me.

I’m also looking forward to…well..that’s pretty much it (laughs).

Get well soon Blakey!

NBA Christmas Day TV Schedule Game 5

Denver Nuggets at Portland Trailblazers

• Nuggets-Blazers Christmas Day Game Time: 10:30 PM ET
• Nuggets-Blazers Christmas Day Game TV: ESPN

FINAL SCORE:

Denver Nuggets – 96

Portland Trailblazers – 107

Woah! I’m sure that by the time this game rolls around that you’ll have pretty much gained about a trillion pounds so far. But please, have this one last scoop of ice cream, okay?

Poor Nuggets, they have to leave their winter wonderland of Denver and head out deeper West into Portland. The good news has to be that they will most likely come out with a W, as they take on the tattered Trailblazers. At this moment, they have only about 7-8 jerseys ready to play.

The key injury has to be Greg Oden, who is out for another year. You just can’t help but feel bad for the guy. I mean, he just wants to play some ball, especially on the 25th of December (I think).

Anyways, we get to help ourselves to a great duel of two top stars, Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Roy. You could easily make a case for MVP for both of them.

Then, if Chauncey is healthy by then, we get to see Billups play run circles around the youth of the Trailblazers point-guards. I mean…Steve Blake? Nah.

Should also be great background music as you look at all the cool toys you’ve received.

Well, as you can see, this Christmas will be filled with great NBA games. By the end of the day, I’m sure you’ll probably be sick to your stomach of all the junk you eat, so why not take the daily dose of NBA games as a medicine? Okay, stupid thought, but should be a great day for all fans!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

• Contact me: Devonnba4193@aol.com
• Follow me: Twitter.com/DevonMSF

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* – Lebron James / Kobe Bryant Photo Credit: ESPN