SHOWTIME NEWSLETTER

The Good Ole Days.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Let's take it back...in more ways then one. Over a decade ago back in college this 28 year old (yep) writer-who has now clocked 4 years of writing experience from SLAM to Bleacher Report (thanks guys...this isn't a plug)-wrote about his favourite sport basketball for the very first time. At 16 years old and for an I.T. Key Skills project I planted the seeds for my writing dream by writing about my beloved Lakers in some pretty exciting times. So in celebration here is an unedited look (notice how I like to start each sentence with the word 'however') at how I wrote back then (maybe you can see some of the early styles). However please forgive the mistakes (I'm talking about all my articles here)...you should have seen the layout of the pre-iPad, blog and Facebook days newsletter. It looked worse than the Lakers offseason roster. Yeesh!

Here it is folks...maybe I'll bring it back one day.

Extra...extra! Read all about it...

SHOWTIME NEWSLETTER

Player Profiles...

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL

Without a shadow of a doubt the most dominant Centre in the NBA and maybe the most dominant Centre that the world of Basketball has ever seen. Shaq holds the key to any championship success. With his strength and passion for the game LA look certain to win the NBA title again this season. Shaq is 7,0 and 300 pounds however despite his bulky frame he is very agile. His only weakness is his free throw shooting but its improving.

ROBERT HORRY

He may primarily start on the bench but LA’s secret weapon Robert Horry is a key player to the Lakers title triumphs. His secret was revealed when he scored 15 points against Philadelphia in Game 4 of the NBA championship to win the game for LA. He is an offensive threat both in the paint and beyond the arc, he recorded .346 from three point range and he averaged 5.2 points per game. He normally is LA’s sixth man and the super sub however with Horace Grants departure he may have a starting place. His only weakness is that he is said to be lazy, he is simply ineffective in first and third quarters.  

RICK FOX

Rick Fox may well be a player who epitomizes the role player figure of LA he is an unsung hero among all the stars who works 100% every game at both ends of the court. If LA need him then he can score lots of points he is effective in the paint and from three point range. He was the Lakers only player to play in all 82 games he started in 77 of them. He recorded .393 from beyond the arc and averaged 9.6 points per game. Rick Fox is the complete small forward for LA and only really has one backup in Deaven George however Fox is so consistent that that doesn’t matter.

KOBE BRYANT

Kobe Bryant is the second major player in the Lakers high octane offence behind Shaquille O’Neal. Kobe at 23 years old is one of the NBA’s hottest young stars. He has been issued a Jordan tag but came into his own at the start of last season and has never looked back. Bryant is great on offence and defence and boasts a range of skills that no one in the league can match. Last season he averaged 28.5 points per game he recorded .305 in three point shooting. Weaknesses? Can you actually pick out one? Kobe is a player on the rise and after reaching and winning two NBA players he has more experience then some veterans in the league.

DEREK FISHER

Derek Fisher could be one of LA’s biggest surprises last season. After returning from a stress fracture in his foot Derek finally evolved from a young, talented substitute into a star performer and the final addition to the triangle offence. Fish drained three pointers at opponents mercy, and was .397 from beyond the arc. Fisher also averaged 11.5 points per game very impressive for someone who only played 20 games last season. Fisher will miss the first month of the season with yet another fracture to the foot. However when he comes back he could improve even more and possibly one day become one of the best point guards in the league especially with good company like Bryant and O’Neal. Fisher led the Lakers in steals with 1.95, he also averaged 4.4 assists per game and 3 rebounds per game.

THE RESERVES

The Lakers have added great depth to their bench new signing Mitch Richmond takes over Robert Horry as sixth man last season he averaged 16.9 points and was .338 from three point territory. Also Lindsey Hunters (pictured) arrival gives the Lakers possibly the strongest three point shooting in the league along with sharp shooting reserves Brian Shaw, Mike Penberthy, Deaven George and rookie Joe Crispin. Samaki Walker brings his developing skills to the frontcourt and Jelani McCoy arrives as backup to Shaq. McCoy is among a new breed of ‘Marcus Camby’ centres who are said to be ‘undersized’ and ‘Underweight’ but with excellent scoring prowess. Also among the reserves are talented forwards Stanislav Medvedenko and last year rookie Mark Madsen.

FORGET ABOUT JORDAN KOBE’S ON FIRE!

All the news in the NBA at the moment is focusing on the return of former Chicago Bull star Michael Jordan and as much as I welcome his return I cant help but think that his comeback will be tarnished by the continuing rise of the current cream of the NBA crop I’m talking about players like Vince Carter, Tracy Mcgrady, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant. Players who have all been given Jordan tags but have come of age and made names for themselves. The list continues Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber, Latrell Sprewell, etc. All these players are the stars that today’s fans love.

Kobe Bryant for one has really become a huge talent, fed up of playing in the shadow of Dominant team-mate Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe has become a key player in the Lakers back to back championship campaigns. With Shaq’s dominance comes Kobe’s flair, With Shaq’s strength comes Kobe’s agility and with Shaq’s interior play comes Kobe’s perimeter play.

Following mid-season feuds Shaq and Kobe made up and won LA their second straight NBA title with a little help from role players like Robert Horry and Derek Fisher. Now LA boasts the best offence with two unpredictable players leading the way. Players reminiscent of past dynamic duos that the Lakers had, Kareem Abdul-Jabber and Magic Johnson and Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.

 Make no mistake, Kobe Bryant is not the next Michael Jordan he is Kobe Bryant.

Years from now critics will be trying to find the new Kobe Bryant. At just 22 years of age Kobe has become one of the most exciting players in the league he has also won two NBA titles and rings.
The 30th October will mark the start of the new NBA season and amidst all the Jordan comeback hype a certain double act will be hotly tipped to take their third successive title.

RICHMOND FINALLY IN L.A!

With Rider gone Phil Jackson finally has a suitable backup for Kobe Bryant. Former All Star and Sacramento King star Mitch Richmond.

The prolific scorer who averaged 16.9 points last season was involved in a trade for Lakers point guard Tyronn Lue. Last season he played for the Washington Wizards and came 5th in the league for free throws. Mitch Richmond improves the Lakers bench and with O’Neal, Bryant and Fisher acting as the first team triangle offence, Mitch should complete the benches triangle offence which features sixth man Robert Horry and new signing Lindsey Hunter.

Kobe now has too solid backups with Mitch and the Lakers three point leader Mike Penberthy, fans wont miss the presence of wayward Isaiah Rider or retired Ron Harper.

If Mitch gets his chance to play in the first team (and he will while Fishers injured) then he will join Shaq and Kobe to form the leagues most dominant three pronged attack. He will become the Lakers best third scoring option since Glen Rice who left at the start of last season.

ISAIAH’S RIDE IS OVER!

Forget about Rider's last chance to justify his place in the NBA, it's over.

J.R Rider a former Minnesota Timberwolve, Portland Trail Blazer and Atlanta Hawk, was given a last shot at the big time with the best team in the league the Los Angeles Lakers. But after turning up for training late like Cedric Ceballos used to do, being regarded as untrustworthy by his teamates and after violating the NBA’s anti-drug problem Isaiah was cut from the Lakers playoff roster in favour of Tyronn Lue. Rider has recently signed for playoff shy Denver Nuggets (he was late for training the first day). Rider could have been one of the best players in the league in his prime, However he broke the law too many times and became such a problem to the NBA that Dennis Rodman looked like an angel.

MORE NEW SIGNINGS FOR LA!

If the arrival of Mitch Richmond wasn’t enough to enough to guarantee a third successive title for the Lakers then the signing of more talented players sure was.

The Lakers traded backup centre Greg Foster to the Milwaukee Bucks for three point specialist two guard Lindsey Hunter, they also signed talented but unproven San Antonio Power Forward Samaki Walker who acted as all star Tim Duncan’s backup last season for the Spurs, he has the skills but will have to fight with Russian Stanislav Medvedenko and last year rookie Mark Madsen for a roster spot as backup to Robert Horry. He can also play backup centre. Walker has great rebounding potential but is he a good enough replacement for departed veteran Horace Grant. If he does choose to play backup centre then he will have to compete for the job with new signing Jelani McCoy who is young and has scoring potential.

The Lakers rookie this year is Point Guard Joe Crispin who is a very good shooter. All these signings strengthen L.A’s bench.

SHAQ RAPS!

Shaquille O’Neal celebrated the Los Angeles Lakers back to back championship success by rapping in front of a crowd of thousand of Lakers fans at the teams celebration festival. He performed his own rendition of ‘It takes two’ Shaq (pictured) entertained the large crowd, but the show was somewhat oddly stolen by rookie Mark Madsen and his dodgy dancing.  

GUESS WHOS BACK?

The Lakers have plenty of competition for this years NBA championship however no one expects the Washington Wizards to do well this year. However the team have a trick up the sleeve their owner and possibly the greatest basketball player that ever lived Michael Jordan has come out of retirement for two seasons to play for the team. He is donating all his salary to the relief fund in New York after the Trade centre disaster on September 11. 

CAN THE LAKERS MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW!

The Los Angeles Lakers won their second straight NBA title by beating last seasons success story the Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 1. The Lakers also gained the record for the most successful postseason run in the leagues history by sweeping every team apart from the 76ers, the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Antonio Spurs and the Sacramento Kings. These teams were considered the best in the Western conference. The Lakers won despite being written off by critics because of feuds between star performers Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant (pictured left). The Lakers won and became a much better team then the squad that won their first championship by beating the Indiana Pacers in the 1999-2000 season.

The question is can they now make it three in a row. The team is certainly strong enough the team is still fairly intact despite the loss of popular veteran players Horace Grant ( pictured right) and Ron Harper and the loss of Isaiah Rider who was an excellent player at his best however his troubles with the law and his disloyalty to the club were too much for another team to suffer Rider was shown the door.

The Lakers made up for these losses by signing some top players. Topping the list is All Star Mitch Richmond who should partner O’Neal and Bryant in the teams triangle offence despite his age and injury problems. The Lakers also signed guard Lindsey Hunter who came 5th in the league for three-pointers last year. Questions were raised by the signing of Samaki Walker as starting power forward. Walker has always been a backup and the Lakers could of signed top forwards Anthony Mason or Brian Grant. However Samaki has proved every one wrong by excelling in the preseason, however he still has to fight for a starting place with skilled but lazy forwards like Robert Horry and Russian Stanislav Medvedenko.

However some problems face the Lakers rookie Mark Madsen and third scoring option Derek Fisher are both injured how ever they are predicted to be back soon. There are also rumours of a rows between O’Neal and coach Phil Jackson however knowing the Lakers it should blow over and the Lakers should be lifting the NBA trophy for a third consecutive year come next June. 

PLAYER PROFILE : WILT CHAMBERLAIN.

Wilt Chamberlain nicknamed ‘Wilt the Stilt’ and the ‘Big Dipper’ was arguably the greatest basketball player the NBA had ever seen until a certain Michael Jordan came along and arguably the greatest centre that ever lived until Shaquille O’Neal came along and rivalled him for that accolade. However Wilt (despite Jordan and Shaq) still has high prestige in the history of Basketball. He was the man who scored 100 points in a single game “I realize that people will always remember me for my 100 point performance whether I like it or not” Wilt said.

However it was one mean feat some teams don’t even score 100 points in a game regularly combining all 12 roster players. Chamberlains century performance wasn’t his only high. In his first game in the NBA he scored 43 points and pulled down 28 rebounds against the New York Knicks. In his rookie season he gained NBA honours of Rookie of the Year, All-Star Game MVP and NBA MVP. He also averaged 37.6 points and 27.2 rebounds an amazing set of figures especially for a rookie, you could say Wilt dominated the league from day one. In his third year of Pro Basketball ‘The Stilt’ recorded an astonishing 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game.

However March 2, 1962 marked Wilt’s achievement of the virtually impossible, “Give it to Wilt!” the crowd chanted and “We want 100” the crowd cheered as ‘The Big Dipper’ came awfully close to a three digit record that no one had ever done before or would do for the remainder of the century, with 44 seconds remaining Wilt beat a double team and changed the world of basketball. “It was like holding up a tree that had been cut down and was about to fall down” Darral Imhoff Wilt’s guard for that historic night said. Wilt did not boast about his record “It was not even that amazing, had I not gone on a date last night and got some sleep I might have scored 140” he said.

Wilt remained amazing throughout his 14 year career, he won two championships and led his teams to the playoffs 13 times. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers and of course the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 31,419 points in his career a record broken by only two players Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. Wilt holds the record for total rebounds with 23,924. Wilt wore the number 13 throughout his career but it was far from unlucky. Sadly in 1999 at the age of 63 Wilt died. “We’ve lost a giant man in every sense of the word NBA commissioner David Stern said. 

PLAYER PROFILE : EARVIN ‘MAGIC’ JOHNSON

Julius Erving said it best when he described Magic as “The only player ever who can absolutely dominate a game while only taking three shots”. Earvin and Boston Celtic legend Larry Bird turned the game of Basketball around from a sport almost bankrupt to a sport on the worlds centre stage. Johnson helped the Los Angeles Lakers become one of the most dominating Basketball teams in the 1980’s. he is considered to be one of the best point guards and playmakers ever to enter the league. The nickname ‘Magic’ came in a high school game in which Earvin scored 36 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists. Johnson defied the usual physical attributes a Point Guard has, he was 6, 9 tall and sometimes played at Centre because of his height.

Magic led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) he formed a formidable partnership with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Earvin was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) on three occasions (1987, 1989, 1990). He was NBA finals MVP in 1982, 1987 and as a rookie in 1980.

Sadly in 1991 he shocked the Basketball world by announcing that he had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS, he retired from the Lakers. However he still had hope and fought the disease with his 10,000 watt smile still shining bright.

After his initial retirement from the NBA on November 7th 1991. Magic’s immense popularity saw him still being voted as a starting player into the 1992 All Star game. He played in the game and he earned the MVP honours for that game. Following this Earvin took part in the 1992 USA gold winning Olympic basketball team in Barcelona. The original team to be dubbed the ‘Dream Team’ arguably the greatest team ever assembled. With his second and final retirement Magic entered the NBA Hall of Fame, the elite 50 greatest players.

Magic ranked among the Lakers all-time leaders in nearly all statistical categories, averaging 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 906 season matches. Magic became a TV sports commentator staying in the world of Basketball. In the fall of the 1993-1994 season Earvin became head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. At the end of the season he resigned his position blaming personal reasons and frustration over player attitudes.

Michael Jordan may be the greatest player that ever played the sport of Basketball, but Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson is one of my favourite players in the league. He could comfortably play two very different positions and he could score lots of points if needed, however the great thing was his unselfishness, he could dominate the game of basketball without taking a single shot and when he took a shot it was a huge, important one. I also admire the way Earvin rose from his problem (AIDS) and continued to dominate the sport until Jordan’s arrival. No matter what Magic came out of everything smiling…unless it was losing.

CHARLES BARKLEY Feature-THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE BARKLEY

All 'Bounds On Him.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

"We 'aint here for a long time, we here to have a good time"-Sir Charles Barkley.

Truer words have never been spoken...or have they? Somewhere in 1994, in a Southern California barbershop jokes are dropping as fast as the hair as Golden State Warriors and stars Latrell Sprewell and Chris Webber-with freshly cut domes-are jawing and joking about the behind the back dime Spre dropped on Charles Barkley in a recent game. A move so jaw-dropping and a conversation so classic Nike put it in a commercial. The air was about to be taken out of the building months later however as the only sweep belonged to Barkley not the barbershop boys. C-Webb and L-Well may have chirped like a quartet, but it was all over once the 'fat boy' sang. A cut and shave above the rest, revenge was a dish best swept out of the playoffs cold, as Chuck ran power move after power move over Golden State, proving he was the real Warrior as a Sun shining bright, inflicting GSW's on Webb and Spree as they really choked. Public Enemy number one? Nah, a nation of millions couldn't hold this boy back. The round mound of rebound breathed easily and made points his bread and butter that series, as he sliced and diced to an incredible 37.3 points per game on an inspired 60% shooting. The final cut saw an imposing 56 points, as Charles regularly looked to the Webber and Sprewell down and depleted, towel draped and about to be thrown in bench and barked..."put that in a commercial".

You best believe his many exploits where put in many a commercial as well as the NBA record books and hall of fame classic moments. Arise Sir Charles, like a Phoenix or a Rocket (or an equally crazy Rodman) for every rebound. Whether as a Sun or for Houston, everyone had a problem with this bright spark...from the players to the fans, but what a fun problem he was. From his 'Shut Up & Jam' to 'Space Jam'...it could be Michael Jordan or Bill Cosby's 'Ghost Dad', Bark would go up against them all...even if some thought he ate all the pudding. Don't take the title of this article the wrong way, we aren't saying the rebound mound is ugly...even in that dress. Despite some people thinking this man was no good...he was far from bad. Even if he was the type of guy to tell his teammates wives in jest "you seem nice, what's wrong with your judgement" like Ali to Cossell. This man had a Bark...and sure he still has a bite too on his funny and entertaining T.V. slot...that he was doing a long time before many of his contemporaries. He talked the trash talk like Gary Payton and walked the walk like a Point Guard, standing at only 6,4, (an NBA listed 6,6) but he out jumped and smarted seven footers and would let everyone have it...it being everything except the ball that is. That was his.

This 'aint Gnarles Barkley...you crazy, this is the inspiration Charles Barkley ruling his game like Cee-Lo. The only man to pull rebounds and Madonna like Dennis Rodman. One of the top 50 players of all time hit a half century of age this year and whether Shaq, Magic (he wore 32 the year Magic Johnson made his HIV announcement in his honour (his "We're just playing basketball. It's not like we're going out to have unprotected sex with Magic" comments where as controversially inspired as Rodman's almost flagrant tough touch foul on Earvin)...and people didn't think he was a stand up guy), 14 or 4 jersey numbers this man is one of the best ever. Sure he may be third best Power Forward of all time, (he's still a 5 time NBA first team, alongside 11 All Star shines and one top notch as Most Valuable Player) but that is behind the legendary greats of Tim Duncan and Karl Malone and a position that he may have been well suited, but not sized for. That revolution is a legacy to lament in itself. Redefining his position and the game like Allen Iverson (albeit Chuck did his by not influencing the game without taking too many shots) after him, thanks to the tutoring of legends Julius Erving, Moses Malone and Maurice Cheeks, Charles Barkley became a Philadelphia 76ers legend following in Wilt Chamberlain's stilt high board records.

He united the city of brotherly love (even being an advocate in speaking out about racism and injustice) before showing how hot he was in the dessert for Phoenix and how out of this world he was in Texas for the propelled Houston Rockets. Sure he was a nightmare to that guy he famously threw through a window, but when he was cleaning the glass the right way he was a team player and a dream to watch...just ask Barcelona in 1992 or Atlanta in the sequel of '96. His play won everyone over. Even the woman who claimed he was arrogant and selfish, who he tracked down and through into a limo, taking her and her family to a genuine, generous, courtside closer look at what Charles was really like and what his game was all about. Team and winning first, personal success and himself later. Just ask anyone...from the Doctor to the Dream, Cheeks to Pippen, or K.J. to 'The Jet' from the frontcourt to the backcourt, with small size but a big body, Barkley understood it all. That's what made his defining career classic and timeless like the Sixers, Suns and Rockets jerseys of the mid-nineties golden era of hoops. Some thought the critics may not have been wrong...but I doubt it. Just like Bill Walton said he dominated the game like Bird or Magic because he transcended the sport beyond normal player positions.

Still...we got some none believers Chuck. He had game, like Denzel and Ray Allen's Jesus alter-ego. Spike Lee was watching. Barkley may have never won a ring, but he brought changes alongside the Jordan, Ewing, Magic, Bird and many more 80's/90's revolution. During his time inside the NBA this analyst was as explosive as TNT and as influential as his middle-name...Wade (his T-Mobile co-commercial cast). Not the greatest...but one of the best even if he was in the shadow of the number one. Through it all from battling Jordan to berating LeBron, Chuck refused to lay or calm down for anybody...no matter who they are. He'd even shout "yo" to opposing players to trick them into passing to him instead of their own teammates. He could have clowned anyone from Mark Bryant to Kobe. Sure those girls beat him on the park in 'Space Jam', but he still finished his NBA time as only the fourth player ever to record 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists for the books where you'll find more feats in the pages of hoops history. They may have laughed at him eating donuts, but any team with the dunkin' Charlie had no holes in the middle. Besides Barkley went in for the gym like he went in for treats. That's why his game had everything, threes, D, plays, dribbles and a cherry on top. Now that was something to drool over.

At Auburn University he went coast to coast, blocking and dunking shots, hands together on the ball or in the stands all the way to pleasing the crowd and the SEC Player Of The Year and decade voters besides playing the centre position. Barkley was on paper too short to even play the small forward position...let alone his power forward one or out of place at the C. He reversed backward notions and rewrote the rules. Auburn University head coach Sonny Smith was quoted as saying Chuck "was a fat guy...who could play like the wind". No wonder he was drafted into the NBA with the first rounds fifth pick. No wonder his alumni retired his number 34 like Philly...this is a guy that almost run for governor and like Arnie he'll be back. Terminating the offensive glass is what brought him to the American National Basketball Association and worldwide fame. A top tier, premier league basketball career that saw him block, clutch, dunk, steal and of course rebound his way to 20 and 10 averages to go along with some big triple doubles and even bigger playoff one-up averages.

Chuck Barkley left everything on the floor...he even came back from a career ending injury to make one last bucket and walk off to a standing ovation as he refused to be carried off for his final bow to his careers curtain call. Now in his retirement (and his impending brilliant broadcasting one), aside from working on his golf swing, he may almost be getting out run by old men (albeit fit ones) like Dick Bavetta but he's shown he has the mental strength to round himself into someone who could run for political office. Just look at his comments about how Martin Luther King Jnr's dream was for everyone including the gay community...and people said this dude is controversial. This all-round good guy is extending his reach further like Jason Collins. The man that kept his arms open for every rebound is now embracing every issue of today, keeping nothing at arms length. The man that once challenged parents to be role models-saying sportsmen shouldn't be-is really showing he actually is one of the best ones around today. The mound is rounding into something bigger then basketball and a lot of opponents on the wrong end really are going to be scared of the self dubbed "big black man" now. It's a pity Sir Charles isn't British because he deserves a knighthood or at least an MBE for the MVP, but this power player will settle for a political place. Chuck B for President? Now that really is scary.

COURTSIDE COLUMN

To start our new opinion based short columns, we sound off on what's been bouncing around the courts the most lately.

LeBron-Carmelo-Kobe-2014.

Hollywood, the NBA, it's all a business you know. Why is it these days the most exciting time of the basketball year is in the offseason...and we aren't talking about the Las Vegas Summer League here peeps. Sure some mega deals make for some excited fans and Twitter feeds, but the Summer blockbusters should be left for 'Pacific Rim' and the 'Man Of Steel'. Sure in this season of deals a lot more is about to go down but right now for one team it was all good just an Odom, Bynum and Fisher ago. Even the Zen Master would have a hard time calming this mess and Buss junior hasn't even begun to swing the wrecking ball his late, great father said he would.

Maybe I'm just a bitter Laker fan who is down from the departure flightplan of Superman 2. With Dwight Howard now giving Houston a problem or the next Dream, the Lakers are haemorrhaging (thank the basketball Gods Kobe bleeds purple and gold aswell as vino for life). From the artist formerly known as Artest, now becoming Mecca World Peace and returning home to N.Y. (we're proud of you buddy, good luck...they need you) to the fact that next year the only player under contract is a 40 year old point guard. Still, me and my girlfriend (a devout F1 fan) where talking about sports politics and how it just takes away from the actual entertainment and purity of the sport itself. It's more than money or fame or drama, when a kid is up late playing basketball in his back yard like Michael Jordan in 'Space Jam'. For every Garnett, Pierce and Terry looking to make the Brooklyn Nets bigger in the fight for N.Y. (albeit with a best before end sticker) than the storied, finally there Knicks, there is a depleted, storied Boston franchise that has to start again from scratch. I mean Rondo's great but who is he going to pass too?

Then again when you tell me that next year the Lakers could boast the biggest three ever...and I do mean ever. Surely this Laker fan will change his mind...like the rest of us "fake" fans right?! LeBron, 'Melo and Kobe...I mean WOW! Who wouldn't want that...unless we get Chris Paul nixed again. Kobe can retire to the rafters after a few great years with the two premier players in the league who will take over showtime and the rest of the NBA for the rest of their careers. The legend, the legacy, the championship, the coronation, the jerseys, the statu...STOP! Wait a minute who is to say James or Anthony will leave the big markets of Miami and New York for the bright lights of L.A. Sure they left Cleveland and Denver, but they look settled now. LeBron's ringing the championship changes with his own big three and proving everyone wrong. There will be a second watch the throne, before there is a 'Decision 2'. Just ask Jay-Z. Hometown hero Carmelo looks right in the New York orange like he did the upstate Syracuse one and in this current Knick/Net war for the city it looks no better than that. Besides LeBron is supposed to take his talents back from South Beach to his hometown Ohio to be a Cleveland Cavalier with next great point Kyrie Irving, but would you swap champagne for wine and rocks thrown at billboards instead of thrones? I'll believe that when I witness it.

As for the Lakers we got excited for the biggest free agent less than 365 days ago and a year later look where that got us. Dwight wont be added to the Mikan, Wilt, Kareem and Shaq Mount Rushmore of Lakerland and until the future tells us otherwise if you want LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony alongside Kobe Bryant, you better make some trades on your video game and have some fun. Reality is we have a season now to play, let's not throw games for lottery balls and free agent markets. Right now let's be thankful we have some potential in Wesley Johnson (who actually wants to be here...yep there's my cutting remark...sorry I'm not as good as the jokes as Jon Hamm), a decent big in Chris Kaman, and a hometown boy returning to the team he belongs...welcome back Jordan Farmar. Let's just hope Pau Gasol comes back as strong as we know Kobe will and hope we can add some more pieces before the puzzling 2014 market unfolds. Which is a year away, so dont waste it away. Right now Laker fans we need to enjoy Kobe and what we have left...while it lasts. This may all be a game to some but the real one begins after LeBron receives his ring...for the Miami Heat. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THE MAGIC SERIES-NOW YOU SEE ME

The Incredible Earvin Johnson.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

"First rule of magic...always be the smartest guy in the room."

Ladies and gentleman, don't be alarmed. What you are about to witness tonight is magic like no other. We will transport you in your seats back to the purple and golden era of the 1980's. It's showtime people and our man with the top hat and wand is going to light up the basketball world like California mornings with just a flick of his wrist. Look closely...now you see him.

Now you don't...like a flash upcourt he runs, a Point Guard in a big-mans (who occasionally takes the cap's chair) body, the centre of attention. A man built like a quarterback and one who delivers the ball in the same way. Shoot first, think later...nah, pass first, see the game before. Watch him race upcourt look one way (normally at you) and throw the peach in the opposite direction (usually to the guy you where too busy not watching). Slight of hand has never felt so grand. The magician who could make the ace in the hole play would rather show you his full deck and still win by his hand. Watch him now as he affects the game on the grandest scale without even needing to take a single shot. Talk about pulling a rabbit out the hat.

Watch him change the game with a blonde haired white kid from way downtown in French Lick. Watch him take this sport of basketball across the borders of the world and cultural divides. Before LeBron, before Kobe. Even before the greatest of all time Michael Jordan, there was another M.J., defining this league and his G.O.A.T. legacy of being the best. When LL Cool J was ruling the charts and helping build the towers of Def Jam, a basketball pioneer was relaying the foundations of the forum. Mama said knock every other team out. The Lakers-let alone the league-haven't seen a P.G., like him since. It took Nick Van Exel, some clutch Derek Fisher buckets and an ageing Steve Nash last year to come even a little bit close decades later. His legend lives in Laker legacy and he is the greatest at his revolutionized position in league history.

Witness him hold court like a judge, passing death sentences to the opposition with the drop of the gavel. A jury of his peers found him guilty of stealing the gaze of everybody before their eyes. From Hollywood to the hardwood. It could be Jack Nicholson or Isiah Thomas...everyone wanted to get close to the savior of basketball, whose legacy was more than just legend. It was the end of the old way and a new day in what decades later is one of the most premier and popular sports of the century. As a business man he took Starbucks to the 'hood, as an all business basketball player he took the game to the globe, trotting like a Harlem player, making it all so fun again. Prepare to be amazed by all this world wonder that came from the most selfless player...no wait the most humble, selfless celebrity in history. No wonder the Red Hot Chilli Peppers dedicated a song to him like their 'Salute To Kareem' by the way.

There's hundreds and thousands of memories that truly amaze and that's just the icing on the cake. The Magic man's game was cooler than the ones he put in the Chick Hearn refrigerator, by the word of Jim Murray. From his explosive speed to finding he right place and pass for a shot and detonation...and boom goes the dynamite. From Jerry West to Jerry Buss he owned it. From the slickness of Pat Riley's drawn out play to the Worthy big game of James and the sky-hook, line and sinker of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the Los Angeles Lakers of the eighties overcame their Celtic green envy and beat Boston into meeting Larry O'Brien on some storied late June nights. Just like Los Angeles at it's best, it gets no hotter than that.

A shining star who was a beacon for basketball. An All-American who served over a billion people like McDonalds and did more for the world beyond basketball...and we aren't talking about his brilliant business ventures. A man who boldly looked the world and the HIV disease in the eyes and announced he wasn't giving up or giving in. You can't slow the pick and roll of the greatest. An inspiring figure who influenced changed the sport world with his friend Larry and more. Flying like Bird from the scissor cut net gains of college to the Barcelona Olympics it was all a dream, made real. As improvised and inspired as jazz, like Miles, Dizzy, Coltrane or Mingus, our man was behind the notes but ahead of the play.

He knew exactly where everything was going...his way. This was his life like his autobiography, the game was his along with Larry like their co-write. It was written, from the basketball gods to the record books. Engraved in the hardware of history. From the basketball hall to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame he dribbled the ball to it all. Raising his jersey to the rafters and hitting it all out the park before retiring and owning the Dodgers. From the banners to Broadway, coaches, analysts, purists and players still can't comprehend a player like him. This is no trick. This is as real as it gets. Magic in a world of muggles and league of extraordinary gentlemen. After all this is the closest thing to Quidditch.

Ladies and gentleman this is Earvin Johnson...this is Magic.

Now you see him.

THE LeBRON SERIES-THE KING TAKES HIS THRONE AGAIN

Watch The Throne 2.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

(The Sequel to last years 'The King Takes His Throne' and the conclusion of our 'Thrones' trilogy.)

This NBA 'Game Of Thrones' belongs to LeBron James, as in this series the king takes his throne again. Congratulations to the 2012/2013 NBA Champions, the Miami Heat, back-to-back winners as LBJ looks to his own dynasty, chasing down Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan for rings, legend and legacy. The already wrote off critics won't have any more ink for their tainting judgement now. Anyone who said Lebron couldn't do it in the closing minutes are now clutching at straws...short ones at that. LeBron's drawn the best, shot down all notions and the Wild West Spurs and the cameras are now clicking at the man holding both Larry O'Brien and the Finals MVP award. He.Is.The.Man.

Just look at that face...point proven? Just look at the bowtie, cigar chomping Bob MCAdoo behind him...legend approved. Championship certified...once again. Not one and likely not two...so how many more? The three kings of James, Wade and Bosh are ruling the record books like R&B supergroup TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank) are about to own the charts and it all sounds so, so good. It's never felt better. 'Bron and his boys even managed to say so long to the legendary Tim Duncan led San Antonio Spurs who have been hanging around the Finals for decades now and have never lost in the NBA's biggest stage...until the hot Heat cooled them off with homecourt advantage, set, match and series. LeBron served it up like Sampras on a dish of revenge for the critics best served white hot. ACE! As cold as dry ice, those looking to see veterans have their day better watch 'Space Cowboys'. It's this young mans game now...he's out of this world.

All due respect to the great San Antonio Spurs however, who almost deserved their rings as much as the talents of South Beach, but at the end of the day the deciding factor was LeBron James. Tim Duncan may have furthered cemented his iron-will, robot prototype player at the greatest Power Forward of all time, Manu may have made everyone man up and Tony Parker may have almost ran everyone off the court, but nothing could keep up with the King once he straightened up his crown, loosened up his tie and stepped into the booth and got his Man Of Steel on like Shaq back in Miami. Superman is alive and kingdom came for the royal appointed and all his men. Knighted by royal decree once more despite the rocks that where thrown at the throne again. Like the big shots taken by Danny Green who almost made this his series and MVP. He made bigger moves than Jay-Z at halftime in this Finals, but when it was all said and done the 'Magna Carta Holy Grail' belonged to LeBron and his holy trinity. 'Yeezus' Christ, everyone will be watching the throne now...this is the sequel.

The championship cap fits like a crown...everyone else is wearing tiaras. Still, LeBron couldn't do it on his own and the kings men didn't just end with Dwyane and Chris. Jesus Shuttlesworth how about the clutch of Ray Allen? The dogged defence of Shane Battier? Or the epic enthusaism of Chris Anderson? You hear the birds calling? The once haters tweeting love again. From Mike Miller to James Jones shots and Chalmers to Cole, or dependable vets like Rashard Lewis, Juwan Howard and Miami champion survivor Udonis Haslem everyone deserves their t-shirt soaked in champagne. It's a celebration and 1 through 15 deserve their toast on their road to glory. What a team, what a leader, what a season, what a legacy. He is legend. Pass the cigar, hold the talk, LBJ has smoked them all. he had more in the barrell then you thought against the clicking Spurs. I guess everyone else was shooting fish.

When this series switched games and winners nobody in their right mind knew what would happen but this is what makes the against the odds win by LeBron James and his Miami Heat that much sweeter and that much more deserved. Second rounds on you LeBron, joining Shaq, Kobe and Hakeem as the only back-to-back Finals MVP's. That's elite company, that Lebron's always deserved an invite to join. He's kicking the door in now with his notorious and B.I.G. play, more championships, no problem. It was all a dream, from his pivotal, Game 6 change of the scales play to now, tip of the cap to the man of the moment. The only team in this series to win back-to-back games became back-to-back champs. Spo' must be so proud, even Pat Riley's slick hair stood on end like goosebumps. He doesnt even have to promise another one next year...James will guarantee it, while the towel will be in the doubters mouths. He is worthy. It's his showtime now.

The Jordan chaser, Kobe replacer proved his game was Magic like Earvin in one of the most epic and legendary Game 7 in salivating NBA Finals history. A career high percentile from downtown Miami (40.3) complete with an M.J. shrug, LeBron beat it all like Jackson, Phil couldn't have dry-erased it better. The Finals chapter belonged to LeBron James as he rewrote his own story shooting jumpers that no one thought he could, accepting San Antonio's dare and showing he was the truth with piercing play. Getting his Robert Horry on big shot 'Bron made history and engraved his name into more NBA hardware and torched it into the history books...now whose burned? LeBron chipped away at the Spurs as his teams name was being done the same into Larry O'Brien for a gold coronation that shined brighter than a diamond and tasted better than champagne.

Right now LeBron is platinum status. Millions watched, over a billion critics served with the words out their mouth tasting worse than junk food. Now hows that for sustenance? Hows that for substance? Beyond the style have you had your fill? LeBron's making everyone eat their words like Ali. He's the greatest, going round after round in his own 'Rumble in The Jungle' with a thriller like Manilla. He.Is.the.Champ From the concrete to the hardwood, with a winners heart pounding the rock, with a bigger ring on his finger. The courts have decided it...right now he's the greatest on the hardwood. The buzzer has rang, the belt is his, as is the game ball and victory cigar. 37 points, 12 rebounds one more ring and no more talk. Done and dusted like the chalk he tosses in the air. Game over. Season won. Critics gone. Here's to LeBron once again.

NBA Finals Feature 'THE FINALS CHAPTER'

How Many Days Are Coming?

By TIM DAVID HARVEY


What does early June mean to you? That last exam? The end of school or college maybe? A couple of weeks from that holiday you've been working towards all year? It could be anything but what does early June mean to an NBA player?

It means the final destination of the year for two NBA teams out of sixteen who endured the tough, long season and a play hard or go home playoff campaign. It means that one of these two teams will write their names in the NBA history books where the other team will merely remain an afterthought. It's about the NBA Finals and it will end with the champion team reaping all the glory and the success that every team worked hard for but that only one team can obtain.

It means more than the commercials, no matter how hot they are. It's truly amazing. It means more than the sneakers, no matter how nice those hyperdunks may be. It means more than all the big trades and news stories that dominate the 82 game long season instead of just being a sidebar. It means more than the state of the art, awe inspiring arenas, coupled with the money made off merchandise and the concessions, although there's not much that beats a Friday night big game with a brew and your closest. It means more than the emphatic player introductions, fireworks and in game entertainment, although that does get you fired up. It means more then the cheerleaders, although they do look real nice. It means more than the celebrities in the Jack Nicholson seats, dominating the first rows, although there's not much cooler than seeing Larry David sitting next to Spike Lee.

It means more than the expensive suits, and grown up, dress code envelope pushing fashions of the players arriving to the game. It even means more than the multi-million dollar endorsement deals and recession defying bidding wars for advertising space between timeouts. It even means more than any single player gracing the court that night. With all respect to the elite superstars of the league. It means more than almost every home fan wearing the same players jersey, this is all about every player on the floor and on the bench giving their all-as one-for a common goal. This is because what all it comes down too is the game itself, which for the majority of players, coaches and personnel will be the biggest game of their lives.

It's deeper then the midseason grind of a 10 game road trip. Its more vivid then the dream of a kid emulating a Jordan buzzer beater on the streets, his friend by his side assuming the role of the commentator, line for line like it was an infamous quote from a movie. For the two teams that make it you may have come close and tasted it before, but now you have first class reservations. It doesn't matter how long you've dreamed and waited for this moment you better be ready, because its here now.

No matter what happened this season, no matter how many games previously you won or lost it doesn't matter. No matter which journalist wrote you off or which pundit championed you it doesn’t matter as its all about now. It's all about the next four to seven games. It's about every second from the tip to the buzzer. It's about every loose ball, every hustle, steal, charge, foul, free throw and every point whether made on the scoreboard or on the tone of the series. It's about the game as strategic as chess and as unpredictable and free as Jazz (word to Utah). It's about your heart, your enthusiasm your drive. It's all about how much you really want to win, because if your desires not as strong as your opponents then you simply wont win.

It's all about your chance to go down in history, it's all about those 'amazing' moments. It's all about Magic's junior sky-hook or his playing centre and leading his team to the 'chip in the absence of Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Its all about “Who caught it?”, “Havlicek”! It's about warriors of the game like Willis Reed carrying his team on one leg. It's all about playing hard and prevailing over Bill Laimbeer and the rest of the Detroit Pistons who fight so tough. It's all about balloons falling on your floor with no one there to celebrate because you tempted fate to much in the face of Celtic pride.

It's about defying expectations, breaking rules, going against the grain. It's about not caring that no team has come back from a deficit of so many games, because your not going home tonight. It's about being wrote off completely and ignoring all put downs. It's when a strong team and unit defeats and almost sweeps a team with four Hall of Famer's on it. It's about every game counting. It's all about David beating Goliath at least once, draining it from deep whilst stepping over Tyronn Lue. It's about after a decade of never touching glory crying tears of joy one year to not one year later sitting in a suit and watching your team being eliminated. It's all about worst to first, best to least.

It's about Larry O'Brien, its about those fingers on your hands waiting for those rings. It's all about the same dream you had as a kid. It's all about working on your dream all day long and then bouncing your worn out Spalding against a poster of Larry Bird when it got too dark and cold to play outside. It's that dream that you would of spent all day as a kid chasing if it wasn't for knowing if you didn't respond to the next time your mum called you inside there would be hell to pay. It's about what means the world to you, what gets you out the bed, to the gym, to the court or just even what gets you to subscribe to the NBA League pass. Then again this is just basketball right? After all this is just the NBA Finals, just what you've been waiting all year to watch and just what the two teams have been waiting their whole lives for to play.

Get Ready.

MARC GASOL Feature-THE OTHER GASOL

In Defence Of The Other Brother.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

To begin this story of basketball brotherhood we should go back to 2008. Although their family bond over roundball stretches back to their Spanish childhood, backyard roots. Concrete roots as Marc and Pau Gasol where kids with big dreams and sneakers who then one day made it to the hoops half of FC Barcelona while their peers where concentrating on the soccer side. These national team treasures have crossed international waters and transcended borders and are now major stars in the NBA. Simply put...'Marc y Pau Gasol representan el mejor talento internacional del baloncesto del la NBA'.

1st February 2008.

Still it was Pau that put the gasoline power of the Gasol name in the mouths of NBA writers and analysts first. A 'Rookie Of The Year', Memphis Grizzlies saviour and closest European to Dirk. The second half of his post career has seen Pau be the first player to help Kobe Bryant to a Los Angeles Laker championship since Shaq. It was a blockbuster deal at the beginning of 2008 that brought Gasol and Larry O'Brien to Los Angeles Lakers. It seems like Mitch Kupchak and L.A. pulled off a steal as they apperared to unload troubled Kwame Brown and spare parts for a legit superstar. Still, little did they know (like few people remember) that they also traded the next big thing in basketball, as they shipped their draft right to Pau's brother Marc to Memphis fo the deal. The first brothers ever traded in the NBA, everyone focussed on the grown, established Gasol, but there was always that feeling that maybe they should have kept the family together. Still as the celebration champagne poured that was just a mere commiseration...until...

Present Day.

Today tells a different story. Five years later the Lakers have been swept out the playoffs by San Antonio Spurs...a team that the Grizz know all about when it comes to playoff upsets. The talented Pau Gasol now looks like the unfair trade bait, while his brother is arguably the best big man in the league right now. Can you say 'Defensive Player Of The Year' and maybe congratulations?! As of press time Memphis are still in the playoff hunt-no longer a dark horse-after taking care of the Lakers sister team the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round (a team that has beaten up the L.A. Lakers like a bigger, bully brother of late). Now who's got the better end of that blockbuster deal now? It's no longer bleak in Memphis like Jay-Z's best rapping friend. The former Vancouver team who lost their star player mid-season (Rudy Gay) to the one Canadian NBA side not extinct (the Toronto Raptors), still look like nothing can stop them. They are an established, premier postseason side now with the likes of the big and bold Zach Randolph, the slight but might of Tayshaun Prince, the run and gun of Tony Allen and the slip and slide of Mike Conley. Still it's Marc Gasol who is the belle of Memphis.

To get buckets in Memphis you have to get past the Spanish inquistion and this man guards the house like a rabid dog seeing bull-fighter red. Now wave the white flag because it's hard to make deliveries in the Fed-Ex Forum. There's more than meets the scouts eye to the 1.7 block and 1.0 steal averaging player who brings it all to the 'other' side of the basketball table. This turnover manipulating kings defensive game is complete and this big body can rebound down in the paint and dunk and deuce to a score too. The All-Star shows he is more than a 48th pick, who many probaly thought had a hand me down career form his big brother. Pau is still one of the best in the league, but one of the only ones who can go sneaker to sneaker with him is his younger brother, who knows him and post-basketball more than most in the L. With more size and tenacity, what Pau has in skill, Marc has in strength. It's a beautiful thing to watch this family feud in basketball terms. It's even greater to see them come together for their Spanish national side, making for the strongest post presence in last years Olympics and for over a decade now the closest thing to Team USA, for world, FIBA basketball superiority. 

The Future.

Which begs the question if these brothers in arms will ever play together in the big leagues of the NBA? Could the next generation of two towers rule the wild West like Tim Duncan and the Admiral David Robinson when they wore Spurs on their basketball shoes? With Pau on the block, could we one day see him on the basketball one back in Memphis reunited with his brother? Even though it's looking so much better in the city Elvis Presley built, the Grizzlies still miss their original Gasol and their first star power in Pau. They'd love to get their claws back into him and reunite him with his sibling rival. With their shaggy hair and beards this really would be a Grizzly combo, but a little less conversation and a little more action would be the only thing to make this deal happen, thank you very much.

Also how much would the Lakers love to nix part of their former blockbuster deal, like it was the Chris Paul situation all over again but in reverse? 'WoW', would they love to have Marc and Pau together in the paint. Sure they got their man in Dwight Howard last season, but look where that got them and how far (not very far at all) it did. Dwight may be the bigger name with the bigger blocks and rebound gobbles, but statistically and successfully speaking right now Marc Gasol is the far better centre then the former 'Defensive Player Of The Year' in L.A. with that old grin. The Lakers will have to bare it now but you know they'd rather have Marc right now, maybe even more than Pau. That's because in this league a name may say a lot (especially in Hollywood), but it's the game that does the real talking and right now Marc Gasol is 'canto'.