Teams have options these days and two Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls have taken them. The New Jersey Nets have exercised their options on center Brook Lopez and swingman Terrence Williams for the forthcoming season while the Indiana Pacers have picked up the contracts of forward Darren Collison and former North Carolina big man standout Tyler Hansbrough. The reported team option on Lopez (who will be suiting up the same wearing a New Jersey) is for his fourth year while Williams' option is the third year. Indiana however did not release the details of their contract arrangements. Robin's twin brother Brook was stellar for the Nets last season almost averaging a 20, 10 with numbers of 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.70 blocks last. Sophmore Williams in his Rookie season averaged 8.4 points 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists valuing his 11th pick in the draft and now contract extension. Collison averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 assists in his debut NBA season with the Hornets and then with these Pacers via trade. Another sophomore Hansbrough averaged a decent 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds following his 13th selection in the NBA draft.
(Cheers to Woody Harrelson who shows Justin Timberlake and us that white men can still jump, even in regular kicks)
If you have dreams of entering the NBA you better start saving up those pennies for those Jumpsoles now as the NBA is banning it's players from wearing sneakers that improve your vertical leap. The NBA released a statement saying that "Under league rules, players may not wear any shoe during a game that creates an undue competitive advantage." The specific offending trainer in question is the Athletic Propulsion Labs' $300 Concept 1 shoe that features a spring-based system that is designed to heighten it's wearers vertical leap. The Viagra of Basketball shoes aren't a product the NBA want to get in bed with. Now fair is fair but are we about to see less powerful slams in games now? No! Rest assured, Kobe and his Hyperdunks are safe.
He will always be a part of the Lake Show's showtime but Laker legend and part owner Earvin 'Magic' Johnson has sold his share of the team to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. The Laker and Johnson family with this move have let Soon-Shiong into the Magic circle. The price of this lucrative share was not disclosed but Magic did release this statement, “After heavy deliberation and a weighing heart, I have decided to sell my share of the Lakers to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Dr. Soon-Shiong is a super Lakers fan, an outstanding businessman, a dedicated philanthropist and one of the most active community leaders in Los Angeles.” Earvin also stated that he will continue to support the Lakers and help the organisation's owners Dr. Jerry Buss, Jeanie Buss and Mitch Kupchak with his work.
Soon-Shiong's resume speaks for itself he is the Chairman of the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation, Chairman and CEO of All About Advanced Health and founder of the National Coalition for Health Integration. He is also the Executive Director of the UCLA Wireless Health Institute and Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics and Bioengineering at UCLA. whilst also being a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The credentials go on for this incredible man. Soon-Shiong at press time said “The Lakers’ leadership and spirit of community engendered by Dr. Jerry Buss and his family is an inspiration to us all. Our family looks forward to a future filled with the excitement this team brings to the city and the nation. Earvin Johnson is a shining example of excellence on and off the court, and it is a privilege to have acquired his ownership position.” So we welcome Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to the Lakers family, but somehow it just wont be the same without Johnson's sprinkle of Magic. We'll miss ya Earv. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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