THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (10/07/10)

The boss has spoken. No not Springsteen but Stern. In a press conference in Spain NBA commissioner David Stern shared his feelings about the upcoming NBA season. David had no 'stern' words as in his usual child like, die hard love for the game he expressed his excitement for the state of his league. You've gotta love that even with a lockout looking. Stern seems to be a fan of this new Miami Heat team stating that he is "very interested and excited" by them. Overall in a pre-game presser before the Lakers took on Barcelona on Thursday Stern predicted that we would see "some of the greatest basketball ever played" this season. So despite the problems and controversy that surrounds the league the ever optimistic, happy go luck commish believes the league is in great shape, saying, "We're going to have, really, our most successful season".



After this press conference in Spain of course there was a game to play between Barcelona and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lake show were looking to rebound in their European preseason tour after a loss to Minnesota in England on Monday. They however turned this rebound over in to another loss despite Pau Gasol's improved performance leading his Lakers against his former club and country. Gasol's 24 points were Second to Juan Carlos Navarro's 25 points. Gasol's homecoming was spoiled by his nations team mate showing him that Barcelona is his house now. The Lakers also snaked more play off their 'Black Mamba', Kobe Bryant who saw more minutes and more impact on the boxscore than he did in London. With 15 points however the mamba's bite wasn't as deadly as usual and the venom only lasted for 24 minutes.



Former talented All-Star player Shareef Abdur-Rahim had an incredible dozen playing years in the league with the Vancouver Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings. The versatile forward unfortunately retired before his time but it sure is good to see him still involved with the association. The front court player is now making a move to the front office of the Sacramento Kings, the team who has shown 'reef the most loyalty post-career. Abdur-Rahim has spent the last few seasons as the Kings assistant coach but now he moves upstairs and takes the big job as he moves his assistance into becoming the assistant general manager. If Shareef's playing career is anything to go by he's going to have a consistent, rewarding experience in the front office where he'll give nothing short of 100%. TIM DAVID HARVEY.