Stories Since the Lockout- Another Reason Lebron Could Never Even Be Kobe

Due to the lockout, the Lakers have laid off over 20 employees already and don't plan to rehire any of them until after the lockout. Because of this, Kobe Bryant has given his playoff bonus to the two video coordinators for the Lakers that have been laid off. It's a total of $65,000. I know what people are thinking. 65 grand is nothing for a guy like Kobe. Yes that is correct, but how many other guys have you heard of doing this? On another good note, Luke Walton has reportedly given a sum of money to the training staff that has been laid off also. Lebron probably has the laid off Heat staff working as his butlers for minimum wage.

Kobe Keeps Quiet After Brown Hiring

For one of the most talked about basketball players of his era, Bryant has not spoke about his opinion on the hiring of Mike Brown. Kobe went public that he wanted Lakers Assistant Coach Brian Shaw to be the descendant of Phil Jackson. From the looks of it, Kobe is frustrated by the organization and is just brushing it off for a later time. I don't think the Lakers should cater to everything Bryant says, but in a sport that has teams focused on such few players on a team and Bryant being the face of franchise, you would think the Lakers would at least keep Bryant somewhat involved in the process. It was evident that he was kept out in the dark during the whole process which just boggles my mind. I don't think every star player on a team should be in a coaching changes, but there are exceptions. I believe Bryant is one of them and probably the only one in the league right now. Other players of that stature would be Jordan, Bird, Magic, and others.

The Big Diesel Finally Bids Farewell

Today is one of the saddest days in America's history. My all time favorite hoop player announced via twitter that he's played his final game in the NBA. Shaq is the greatest center of my time and one of the most dominating ever. I feel bad for the kids that only know Shaq as a CAv or a Celtic because he was only an ounce of what he use to be. He leaves the game as fifth in scoring (Kobe will pass him next year), twelfth in rebounds, and seventh in blocks all time. One of his most underrated assets was his vision and ability to pass the ball from the block. He was the number one pick out of LSU by the magic and dominated the paint ever since. Superman won 4 rings (3 with Lakers and 1 with Heat), and was Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP (3 times), All Star Game MVP (3 times), League All Star (15 times) and NBA scoring leader (2 times). He is in company with only Willis Reed and Michael Jordan for winning a League, Finals, and All Star MVP. The Big Diesel was a larger than life figure.

This video shows it all. His love for the game and the fans (1:50), his strength (2:11), and his ability to dominate big time talent ex: Parish, Robinson, Mourning, Pippen, Ginobili, and others.

"Just too good. Just too strong. Just too good."

Bynum Loses Five for Claiming His Turf

The NBA announced yesterday that Andrew Bynum has been suspended five games for roughing up JJ Barea as he entered the paint. Truthfully I thought the flagrant foul and ejection was enough. as Bynum said, "We were getting embarrassed. They were breaking us down. So I just fouled somebody." Bynum was just setting the tone that no one else was coming in the paint. I think it should have happened earlier in the game. Maybe it would have given the Lakers the spark they needed. The part that annoyed me was Bynum ripping off his shirt. That just makes the sport look trashy and makes a mockery of the league. This just shows every team wants to be like the Celtics. Celtics needed a spark against the Lakers, so Mchale clotheslines Kurt Rambis like there's no tomorrow. That's how it's done, and Mchale didn't even get ejected. What I'd do to watch the good ole days.

Worst Month in the History of LA

First the Dodgers are in upheaval with their owner (Frank Mccourt) in the process of being excommunicated from Major League Baseball. Now the Lakers back to back NBA Champs who lucked out last year have been swept by dark horse West favorite the Mavericks. Gasol looked like a frail China Doll in this series while Dirk flexed his muscles the entire series. Truth be told the Maverick look pretty scary. USA Gold Medalists Jason Kidd and Tyson Chandler alongside dirk and instant scores Jason Terry and Peja Sotjakovic off the bench, the Mavs are ready for a title. Mark Cuban must be twiddling his thumbs with a boyish grin right now.

P.S. I hope the Thunder beat Memphis then crush the Mavs. Perkins deserves to be in the finals.

Celtics Doing What They Do: WINNING!

The Celtics looked sluggish on offense in the first half with several 24 second and 3 second violations. They were losing for almost the entire second half. The celtics had some instrumental plays in the last quarter that catapulted them for the victory. A lot of people were silenced when Douglas hit the three with 39 seconds left, but Doc setting up the inbounds alley oop to KG silenced that quickly. In my mind the player of the game for the Celtics was Jermaine O'Neal. He played great defense all game with 4 blocks and put down 12 points. He is by no means Perkins, but is going to be heavily influential on Boston's success in the playoffs. Too bad the Lakers won't be able to meet us in the Finals. Nothing will be better than seeing Perk back in the Garden.

P.S. Gotta love the announcer. Ray Allen's one millionth clutch shot in his career. We gotta get him in the NSHL. " And there goes Mark Ledbetter breaking the backboard on a layup for the one millionth time in his career!"

Good Thing We Traded Nate to Give Von Wafer More Playing Time

Hey I love Doc Rivers, and Danny Ainge did a great job drafting Rondo and bringing in 2 of the Big 3. With all that said, this Perkins and Nate Robinson trade is gonna hurt like a sucker punch from Kimbo Slice. Big Diesel has been my idol since I could hold a ball in my hands, but now he's more like the big fossil. Green is a good possibly great player in the future, but we are in a win now phase and he doesn't fit in with KG, Ray, and Pierce. If we can't get out of this foxhole, I wonder what will hurt more, the Lakers or Thunder winning it this year.