TAKING IT TO THE DVD RACK

NBA history live in your living room.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

OK, so if basketball movies aren't your cup of tea and you still need to cure those lockout blues how's this for a brand of cognac? Over the years the NBA has released it's fair share of DVDs so which ones should make your rack? What follows is a definitive DVD menu of those 'where amazing happens' moments so legendary that they had to be recorded and kept in the library of basketball history.

ULTIMATE JORDAN: Time to call in sick to work for a week as 6 discs and 15 hours of the greatest basketball player and sportsman that ever lived will take you through it. From classic games from the 'flu game' to the 'last shot' (sorry Utah fans you'll be left lost like James Franco in '127 Hours') to documentaries like 'Come Fly With Me' and hours of real special features. Time for all your other plans to be cancelled.

KOBE DOIN' WORK: Spike Lee has directed some classic films from 'Mo Better Blues' to 'Inside Man' and 'Do The Right Thing' to basketball drama 'He Got Game'. Still when the die-hard New York Knick fan Spike went coast to coast and put over 30 camera's and a narrators microphone on Kobe that's when his movie moments really became legendary. As Kobe takes us through his Hollywood game from confusing his opponents-by talking plays with his teammates like Gasol in other languages-to the reason he constantly rubs his hands on his jersey, this is informative as it is cinematic in all the black and white, jazzy Lee trademark cinematography.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS 2008-2009/2009-2010 NBA CHAMPIONS: From Ariza to Artest, Derek Fisher clutch bucket to lutch basket and Kobe's celebratory leap to round up court celebrate the Lakers latest double up with these back-to-back DVD's.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS-THE COMPLETE HISTORY: Or why not take the greatest six disc trip down Laker memory lane from Shaq all the way back to Mikan? This DVD is big like Wilt, Magic like Johnson and cool as the ice of Jerry West. It's an epic marathon of history that may leave you needing Kareem goggles after watching.

MAGIC JOHNSON-ALWAYS SHOWTIME: Fun and entertaining just like the man himself. Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's story will amaze you like his passes (the opening highlight montage is incredible) and even leave you shedding a tear or 32. This is a one of a kind story of a one in a million personality narrated with class by Danny Glover. Time to really be told about the Lakers most lethal weapon.

LARRY BIRD-A BASKETBALL LEGEND: Or how about some of Larry's legend? His story and his amazing behind the back passes are just as good as Magic. The tricks of this Boston blue collar's trade is shown in all it's Celtic Pride. You'll love it even if your a Laker fan (my hand is up).

ALLEN IVERSON-THE ANSWER: An incredibly interesting look at the most enigmatic, entertaining figure the league has seen. From the tattoo's to the Larry Brown feuds there's things you know and then there's things you don't, like just how good this man was at football in college. In the dawn of the new millennium all eyes where on this man and basketballs answer to Tupac Shakur makes this a must watch DVD.

SUPER SLAMS OF THE NBA/SUPER SLAMS 2: The ultimate highlight montage. Every great dunk you could think of from the nighties past with player profiles and even some greatest misses for comic relief. These greatest hits collections get even better when dunking pioneer Julius Erving presents the second DVD.this right prescription is just what the good Dr. J ordered.

KEVIN GARNETT-KG: We already know Kevin Garnett's story is amazing and inspirational, but this very personal DVD (narrated by Da Kid himself) takes us even deeper. From the Minnesota lows to the Boston highs you'll remind yourself of how much this man deserves to be where he is and the early morning, beach workout scenes show just how true a warrior is. The most honest and emotional part of this film comes when K.G. talks about the loss of his dear friend and teammate Malik Sealy, a true talent taken too soon. Truly moving.

SHAQUILLE O'NEAL-LIKE NO OTHER: The only thing that's bigger or more entertaining then this DVD is the daddy himself. Filmed during the day Shaq's talents where in South Beach, O'Neal talks life and basketball. With highlights to remind you of just how good he was and appearances in the community to show you just how genuine there is. There's truly no one like him, the NBA's biggest icon.

AND 1 MIXTAPE 6: Time to take it to the streets. This is actually a VHS lying about the house but still makes for a great tape highlighting the skills of this talent class in a league of their own. This particular mixtape features a profile of the Black Widow who's web of style can't be bitten.

STREETBALL-THE AND 1 MIXTAPE TOUR: Or if that isn't street enough for you then how about this And 1 Tour round the U.S. taking all sorts of states and classy cities. From the love of the fans you can really see how legendary these stars are and the bonus disc features a full length And 1 game featuring NBA star and blacktop legend Rafer 'Skip To My Lou' Alston and some Hot Sauce to go. A player who gives us the best highlight by crossing over a floppy-haired, smart suit, glasses wearing business man on the street. He breaks his ankles and creases his chinos.

LIGHTS OUT: If you like your highlights with added shine then this NBA reel is the amazing choice you need to happen. This set goes in depth and behind scenes with interviews and spotlights on everybody from A.I. to Mike or some extended trips with Air Canada. There's a lot of Hollywood moments too from Robert Horry clutching at victory and Kobe Bryant's Babe Ruth attitude as he swings for 81. There's also magic from...well Magic. This truly is showtime. Lights out! TIM DAVID HARVEY.