MOVIE REVIEW: THE WAY BACK

4/5

Ben Is Back.

108 Mins. Starring: Ben Affleck, Janina Gavankar, Al Madrigal, Michaela Watkins & Glynn Turman. Director: Gavin O'Connor. 

Under construction. Straight pouring vodka into his thermos like a hip flask under his hard hat disguise. Ben Affleck's character not only feels too close for comfort to home, but also like a bearded version of his young, Flinstone rock hitting worker from 'Good Will Hunting'. The same one who told fellow Oscar winning young writer Matt Damon that the best part of his day was the few minutes on his porch were he knocks on the door and he thinks his friend won't show because he's off taking his talents elsewhere, or even "seeing about a girl" (son of a bitch did we just steal his line?). An alone version with his friend re-Bourne and long gone, that didn't make it out himself, like he always said he wouldn't anyway. A version crossed over with the hockey hero of Charlestown that never made it pro, as this Boston boy keeps this Californian small setting in the aesthetic of 'The Town'. The hometown hero Celtics would be proud of this parquet courtship. As Ben plays a high school Basketball legend who never made it to the big leagues of the NBA, called back to coach his alma mater who haven't had success like that since he was in the gym for 'The Way Back'. Looking like something he directed himself, but actually from the 'Warrior' (the best sports film and best movie of 2011) mind of his 'Accountant' director Gavin O'Connor reunited. The big-three of 'Gone Baby Gone', 'The Town' and 'Argo' was supposed to be this 'Daredevil' actor, long from the days of taking movies just for a 'Paycheck', after the success of 'Chasing Amy's' big comeback from career 'Armageddon'. Just like his battered and broken version of Batman and his haunted and lonely best Bruce Wayne yet in the 'Dawn Of Justice' in 'Batman vs Superman' was. And despite this being criminally and critically underrated like his 'Live By Night' direction, 'Justice League' (aside from what we're sure is the deserving Snyder cut that deserves to be released, especially now) wasn't as it grappling hook misfired from the high-rises. Then after 'The Batman' solo movie Ben was set to do everything on, except the craft services (and we still wish to see one day...the direction, not the catering) went in a new direction with the 'Twilight' of Robert Pattinson (which you'll love to see), Affleck whose alcoholism was no longer anonymous thanks (but actually no thanks) to the press needed another return and his restrained and clearly lived in, down and out on his luck character on Netflix's 'Triple Frontier', albeit an epic ensemble, all too telling wasn't it. But now with Affleck almost on the back of a retired jersey for the rafters, he's found his banner return, personally fitting to him in the comeback of 'The Way Back'. His certification for the Academy Hall of Fame. Rising like the sun from the ashes of the phoenix tattoo he carries on his back with the weight of a watching world, don't call it a comeback...you can do that more than once.

King James of the Los Angeles Lakers is about to star in a 'Space Jam' sequel next season. And we all know the "secret stuff" of Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny's 90's original too...Bill Murray. But much more than this or the legend of Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson's 'White Men Can't Jump', many more Basketball movies have taken to the floor like a 'Groundhog Day' script cliché. And like Kyrie Irving's 'Uncle Drew' commercial success they're actually all good like 'Love and Basketball'. We all know the 'Blue Chip' classics like Knick superfan Spike Lee's, 'He Got Game' with Denzel Washington and Ray Allen as the Jesus Shuttlesworth originally meant for the late, great Kobe Bryant before Spike filmed, 'Kobe Doin' Work'. Running the picket fence with 'Hoosiers'. All the way to a 'Glory Road' with Samuel L. Jackson's classic 'Coach Carter'. We have the serious (2Pac's 'Above The Rim' and Leo DiCaprio's 'Basketball Diaries') and the silly (Will Ferrell's 'Semi-Pro' and Bow Wow's 'Like Mike'). Cult heroes, like 80's icon Michael J. Fox's 'Teen Wolf'. And underrated gems like Sean Connery's 'Finding Forrester'. Queen Latifah and Common's New Jersey Net 'Just Wright'. The Wayans brother 'Celtic Pride' kidnap. The Shakespearean 'O' with Mekhi Phifer and Josh Hartnett high-school stars. Don Cheadle's streetball legend of 'The Earl Manigault Story'. Whoopi's 'Eddie'. Billy Crystal forgetting Paris with some awesome real player comedy interactions, tripping as a referee. And who could forget the Shaq sized 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' episode, or 'The Office' party pick-up game of legend for the T.V. instant replay comedy Canon? Or...erm...Kevin Durant's 'Thunderstruck'. Even Netflix have made the team with their game changing 'High Flying Bird' and the amazing 'Amateur' that is anything but that name. But nothing is more professional than this powerhouse picture, sharing pages of the gym playbook with the action got in 'Carter', or the sober truth behind the history of 'Hoosiers'. Not to mention the young, against the odds spirit of 'Glory Road' in this squads goals, as Affleck looks to lead his team to the promised land and keys in the ignition drive and take himself away from temptation for this Bishop high-school, where he has to watch that swear jar mouth like he does the opposing teams Point Guard.

Bon Iver's beautiful 'Heavenly Father' like the howling wind (check the choral choir response somewhere in Paris for a L'Blogtheque 'Takeaway' show stopping performance personally for one of the most inspired Iver) plays on the perfect trailer for a man with the plastic coil of two tapped cans away from calling that his home. And "oh my goodness" you just know this is going to be good. Ben brings his best yet, deconstructing his character and its muse like personal life influence before our glazed eyes with humbling honest and bruised heart that still beats as he breaths heavily through a weary and substance soaked soul. He's in control now, even when it looks like he's relapsing away from recovery and remission here in character. From staying dry like January, to trying to keep his marker on the dry erase permanently. From intervention like concern that gets cans thrown across the room. And tins in a rusting shower that are drained along with the sins of this character circling in a steady spiral. As he staggeres to the sofa like he's dancing, sways, punch drunk in heartbreak. But just wait until you see the truly harrowing and haunting reason this character drinks to dull the pain to an ebbing ache. That's just too much to take and Affleck is just too good at this. Forget the Scorsese scorched caped crusades. How can the Academy ignore the 'Argo' acclaimed actor/director now? Ar-go f### yourself! Comedian, 'Night School' and forthcoming Marvel 'Morbius' actor Al Madrigal makes for the assistant coach everyone wants for a classic, coming of age team of talent in acting and playing we will remember for years like Coach, "wait is that Channing Tatum" Carter. Whilst 'Saturday Night Live's' fellow funny Michaela Watkins plays sisters keeper with hearts and smarts. And how about 'Cooley High' legend Glynn Turman as a guardian angel with one drink at the end of the bar, waiting to pick-up and carry coach home, always making sure he gets back safe? Beautiful. But nothing beats 'Blindspotting' star Janina Gavankar on her big-screen breakout as Ben's ex-wife, still in the picture like true lovers still bonded by the intamacy of friendship will always be. Like the love he's garnered from Jennifer Garner. Affleck may be the back of the jersey, big name and franchise face, but this play is all about the whole team, 1 through 15. Role players to who steps up for the last shot. With this warrior, no one does sports drama like O'Connor. Whilst a sobering ending to the drunk and dark drama as such, rather than one drenched in sentimental sap, seems like the right play to make. Sometimes real winning doesn't show on the score sheet. The heart of a true champion is not measured in the gold weight of the trophy cabinet. Basketball may serve as a backdrop to the boozed and broken man trying to put the pieces like a play all together, but this isn't only quite possibly the best Basketball movie of all time (and as you can see there's plenty on the roster to make the cut). It's also maybe one of the best sports movies or dramas ever between the Holy Trinity of a 'Field Of Dreams' and 'Friday Night Lights' on any given Sunday. And not just that, it's finally perhaps in performance, Ben Affleck's greatest of all time too. Hey now, that's an all star. What a way back Coach Affleck. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Coach Carter', 'Glory Road', 'Hoosiers'. 

#TheKobeSeries GOOD CHARLOTTE

Charlotte's Web.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Some schedule in 2002, Foxy as Chick Hearn affectionately called him looks to inbound the ball in North Carolina against the Charlotte Hornets with clutch king Derek Fisher in prime 0.4 position and less time left than future Buzz City owner Michael Jordan had to decide which hand to lay it up off the glass with for that infamous, iconic play back against the 80's Lakers that was true Showtime.

2016 was supposed to be the best year. I met a wonderful woman and that was truly beautiful and we got to see LeBron win it for The Land. But in that same year we lost Prince, Ali, Bowie and a whole heroic host of other G.O.A.T., out of this world talents. And all we got back was Trump and Brexit. Even Kobe retired from the NBA as a Laker for life, 24 and 8 to be in the rafters. 20 years. 81 points amongst more. Two jerseys. One team. At least we had each other.

Fox finds Shaq downtown in a position the most dominant ever has no business being like the free throw line or players in clubs the night before a big game, gone three ("what it do bay-bee"). He looks for Robert Horry whose had more big shots than anyone without Air before their name in the logo.

2020 was supposed to be that year of redemption finally recovered from the depression. Finally lost in translation in Japan for a teaching gig on my way to writing for the Tokyo, 2020 Olympics in any way I could. This was supposed to be the new roaring twenties in a new Fitzgerald, Gatsby age of decadence. But then the morning I got here, somewhere in Yokohama my phone was buzzing in the middle of what was my night from back home like someone I cared about died. Turns out they did. To begin this year we lost Kobe and GiGi and all those people that tragically lost their lives in that horrific helicopter crash. Rest peacefully. And all we got back was Corona. Turns out in the end it's the worst year. Stay safe.

Big shot Bob gracefully gives it off to the young 'fro of Kob who on the ball at the same center court Charlotte logo he could have owned (and still did as he was about to) is aggressively marked by former '96 Laker teammate George Lynch, who is on him like 41 on Glen Rice whose three throwing left the Lakers last season.

Rocking the same teal and turquoise Kobe cleats I copped the same year I fell in love with someone of the same name in tribute, now I walk in them to honour the man who joined the team I started supporting a year earlier and began a beautiful twenty year fanship that felt like a friend too. And the rest was hallowed hoops history I hope haunts every night for the rest of my life. The 'Charlotte' Kobe's imagine in imagery what it would have been like if Kobe took to the floor in Larry Johnson pinstripes too.

Kobe drives like Ryan Gosling in LA. Straight for the perimeter like a Raptor towards a weakness on the fence. Then on the world's smallest dime he stops on what looks like the smoothest, slipperiest when Bon Jovi, classic Hornet honeycomb court in all the association as he bobs and pump fake weaves. Turns out it is for the ankle breaking defender he's just lynched and the G.O.A.T like M.J. as the future number 24 fades away like 23 and falls to the floor.

With the unlucky for them and all the other teams who passed up before like a Sam Bowie (or Todd Fuller(?)! Who? I know right!), 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft the Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant, a 6 foot 6, 215 pound guard out of Lower Merion high school. As fellow twenty/twenty gone before his time, late, great legend David Stern shook his hand. Even future teammate Samaki Walker-with all due respect-was selected before him.

As 8 watched his wonder of a clutch shot like an Oscar winning 'Dear Basketball' scrawled and rolled up tube sock, it would have been a prayer if it was from any other player. But Hail Mary this is Kobe who the Basketball Gods called to their hoop heavens with the Mambacita Mentality of the first name Gianna, who would have grown up to be the greatest WNBA player of all-time like her father Hollywood's greatest storyteller like a Harry Potter wizard, Wizenard with Voldemort Halloween fancy dress killer instinct.

But then as the draft day deal goes down, the logo Jerry West redefined the NBA once again as he shipped centre Vlade Divac (who came aboard from abroad post-Showtime as part of Basketball's new European evolution and revolution and ended up actually playing with the man he was traded for, Kobe back on the Lakers before he retired) to the Hornets nest for Charlotte's new basketball buzz. The kid called Kobe with sunglasses uptop his Jordan dome, "taking his talents" to the NBA like future Laker LeBron to South Beach as the King. Add a Shaq sized center and the rest is hoops history engraved in the legend of Larry...O'Brien like a storied Bird and Magic, Celtics rivalry.

As Kobe falls and slides across the same teal that could have been his in Laker purple on his bum, the ball falls through the twine right at the perfect timing, second moment of 0.00 without a tenth to spare. The city of Charlotte can you tell me how his a## tastes? Word to Shaq's raps. Kobe has barely stopped sliding when he's pumping his fists in celebration like that was helping him move along the floor like a western handcar across the tracks.

What could have been seems these days more of a heartbreaking question, than a Twitter timeline debate one, as our feeds are full of tributes in testimony. If Kobe as a Hornet ruled the world (imagine that). Imagine one G.O.A.T. under another with Kobe and Jordan, 23 and 24. Imagine a backcourt with Baron. David Wesley in reserve. In the 24's of his later career Kobe and Kemba. 2K like a video game. Imagine him in that classic, iconic white with teal and purple pins (and those switching colour alternates) instead of purple and gold. Imagine the Buzz City Jersey purple. Laker fans would shudder. Charlotte would shiver. Kobe would have brought trophies. Put North Carolina on the NBA map as well as UNC college like Jumpman, Jumpman, Jumpman. If he moved to New Orleans with the team after Katrina via an Oklahoma home it would have been Mardi Gras. This guys no Bobcat. They would have never given up the name to the future Pelicans, only to take it back years and deals later. Let's not even get started with the Hornets six degrees of separation. Still we think Bryant would have ended up in Hollywood one way or another. It just seemed scripted by the Basketball God's. So much so. Meant to be. Just like Kobe trolled the Hornets on Instagram on his draft day anniversary. Yet Kobe almost ended up with Charlotte for life and sometimes it's just as heartbreakingly close as that. Or the final, life changing seconds before he cock, loaded, adjusted his sight and sniper pulled the trigger. That's a bullseye.

"THE DAGGER! THE DAAAAGGER," the commentator keeps crying as Kobe pumping his fist like this, drives the knife through the heart of the city that could have been his if they had him. We are far from the playoffs for the defending double champions in 2002, but the master of those ceremonies Robert Horry runs to pick him up in an embrace like he just D'Angelo vein iced Game 7. A suited, screaming Samaki Walker celebrating at the camera leads the bench off the pine on to the hardwood. There's muted, humbled boos as Kobe raises his hand in iconic, jawing celebration for the first of many infamous Laker Jersey thumps. Hugging Shaq like when he leapt into his arms after just another game in the year 2000. Keeping his arm up, reaching for the sky like the Wild West, Kobe is the first to run off the floor like the wrong sort of fans were about to hit it. But the Hornets have to give it up. That sting in his tail was one of young Kobe's best. So much so my 17 like Rick Fox year old self wore out the tape on my VHS like it was something I shouldn't watch gone four o'clock in the morning across the pond. I still remember the joy of the shot that I knew was good the second it left Kobe's hand, like it was yesterday. Not almost 20 years ago. I still remember him like he's here. It still doesn't seem real.

Now like Joel and Benji or 'Lifestyles Of The Rich Famous', that was good Charlotte.

#TheKobeSeries

#Forever24

GLEN RICE Feature-RICE THROWING

Right On Rice. 

By TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

"Good shot. Rice. I got a feeling about him tonight Stu", legendary play-by-play Lakers anchor Chick Hearn said from the water of the first bucket. Like the man who invented the term "Slam Dunk" knew it was all jello cooling in the refrigerator coming true. 41 for 40. On the last "party like its 1999" night between the coliseum like pearl pillars and carpet red of the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, CA, someone showed out for the Los Angeles Lakers one last time on that hallowed hardwood like history. Before the remnants of the 80's Showtime and those old trim throwback uniforms gave way to the STAPLES of a new millennium. But it wasn't Shaq or Kobe. A Robert Horry, Rick Fox or even a Derek Fisher. Instead it was the one man that was meant to turn this dynamic duo into a big-three like LeBron James before he teamed up with Anthony Davis, Glen Rice. But we all know with the Shaq and Kobe beef there was no room at the table for another star in this classic team of legendary role players. Just ask former All Star big names like Isaiah 'J.R' Rider and Mitch 'The Rock' Richmond. But Glen was still a big three, from being a three time All Star (and shooting his way to MVP one weekend like the 3 Point Contest) to making 1,559 three-pointers in his 15 year career. Throwing rice like weddings in matrimony with any team he was engaged with good fortune. The prosperity and symbolism of making it rain like Lil' Wayne. Umbrellas up. You can't stop the reign like the rap of former three-peat teammate Shaq.

MMA marks this sportsman's post Basketball career. Taking his Don King fight promotion talents to G Force Fights and the South Beach that was the sand of the prime of his career like LeBron James for the 6,8 guard/forward who won both NCAA and NBA titles before he swapped courts for canvas like a sports artist.  Born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, the Flint Northwestern high schooler graduated to the maize of Michigan like a Chris Webber, Juwan Howard or Jalen Rose Fab Five with his terrific three. Glen's college alumnus raised his iconic 41 to the rafters as he helped fill the trophy cabinets and write records like leading Michigan in all-time points (2,442) and also still holding the record for a total 184 points in tourney play off 25.6 points per game and averages of 58% from the filed and 52 from three. As this consensus All-American and Big 10 player of the year also became the 1989 Final Four Most Oustanding Player. No wonder he made the iconic cover of Sports Illustrated like a Wheaties box. Clawing twine with the Wolverines like Logan was enough for this cat to go forth as the 4th pick in the 1989 draft, were he was born into the 90's golden era of the NBA with the Florida franchise and a Fresh Prince fade. Welcome to Miami, it was summer, summer, summertime everyday for the spark of nostalgia. Basketball courts in the Summer had girls there and they all saw Rice rain like a rainbow.

Expanding in the league into the 90's the Heat went straight to Rice like Curry. And like Steph Curry with the shot Rice had that splash. Today you could imagine him as a brother across the Golden Gate from Golden State to San Francisco. He averaged 13.6 points per as a rookie, but the unlucky number belonged to the Heat's 18 wins. Still, this was a young team and "give it a few years", and Rice was joined by Miami Heat legend Steve Smith and future Laker teammate no stranger to the perimeter himself Brian Shaw. This team had the makings of a young big-three, but Rice now far from a rookie or even a sophomore (no slump) was the one. Averaging 22.3 leading the pre-Wade and LeBron, even pre-Mourning and Hardaway Heat to their first playoffs before a certain number 23 gave them as quick an exit as their entrance. In the mid-90's like a Jonah Hill movie he won the Long Distance Shootout at the All Star Weekend like a moneyball and was straight cash for his 56 point career high against the big future he would have with Shaq. But Miami didn't make the playoffs this time around. And this would be his last year bringing the Heat with South Beach.

Good Charlotte would be where Rice would find his grain next from the seams of the Spalding to the hardwood he bounced the ball off as he set up downtown were the high-rises found him open. One of those sky scrapers wouldn't be Mount Zo however as Mourning made it to where he was always meant to be...Miami. Rice was the trade piece that made Zo so. But he was also the buzz in the downtown city of Charlotte that put up numbers in North Carolina like 2 and 3. With the grandmama of Hornets legend Larry Johnson, Glen Rice lead the teal to 41 wins...which seems as fitting as his classic Charlotte pinstripe throwback. The following season however with the shortlived but successful one/two gone like that (L.J. left for N.Y.C. and that perfect four point play), Rice threw in 26.8 teaming up with a new big three in late, great point forward Anthony 'Mase' Mason and Vlade Divac who was traded from the Lakers for the draft rights of none other but Kobe Bryant. It seemed like Glen would be forever subtly linked with his future with the Lakers where he would finally, one-time become a champion for the three-peat, new millennium beginnings of the year 2000. But not before becoming the 1997 All Star Game MVP off 26 points with a record 20 points in the third and 24 points in the second half. Breaking records from Philly legends Hal Greer and also Laker Wilt Chamberlain. You see the number? When Jerry West made the Laker move for Rice he traded fan favourites Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell. But with the combo wings of Eddie and Kobe and the twin peaks of Elden and Shaq for a four All Star year that also saw Nick 'The Quick' Van Exel with the fan vote, it was clear there wasn't room in Hollywood for the two of them...in both partnerships as Rice made a better three fit for at least a couple of years before the Lakers tried to ride with Rider or Richmond. Leaving Rice bobbing for Big Apples in New York with the Knicks as a Sixth Man, before journeyman-to Houston and finishing his career back in Los Angeles with the Clippers. But, still like pure water Rice was the thread pass wet jumper that was as integral to the Lakers first post Showtime, new millennium championship to the dynasty just like the vets of Ron Harper and A.C. Green (no stranger to the M.J.s of Magic and Michael) or former teammates and Miami men B. Shaw and Bad Boys own John Salley for life. But with the rival Clippers he would become only the 48th player in NBA history to amass 18,000 career points...against the Lakers of all teams. All before a career crippling knee injury called it a career after just 18 games. But forget a Sarah Palin rumor, Glen Rice's legendary legacy lives on in hoops-despite the mixed martial arts left turn like Darko Milicic-in his son Glen Rice Jr. The former Philadelphia 76ers draft choice and Washington Wizards player now balling in Saudi with Al-Fateh. And somewhere throwing rice, you know this kid shares more than a name, but the game with his dad. They say a look like that is hereditary junior.

#TheLeBronSeries-THE CROWN

King Back.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

"They can't keep a good man down/Always keep a smile when they want me to frown/Keep the vibes and they stood my grounds/They will never ever take my crown."-Sizzla: Solid As A Rock.

Courtside-holding it down as a sight even more rare these days than the star shining, other previous every game mainstay and Hollywood legend, Jack Nicholson-Kobe Bryant is in the STAPLES house. Dapping Dwight like it's all Shaq squashed beef alright. Hugging Anthony Davis like every other Laker fan knowing that Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and even the ballin' Brandon Ingram was all worth it (providing he stays on the floor this season...and next. Kobe knows all about Chicago rumours blowing in the wind of a Bulls snout breath blow). And then there was 'Bron. All Magic smiles. As the two greatest players of all time, outside of M.J. showed each other the same love they both have for the game. Number 23 and 24. A former 8 and future 6. You could clearly see it in the crown jewels of the five rings on Kobe Bryant's hand. Like a waiter being handed a not so subtlety folded bill for a tip, like something out of LeBron's favourite book 'The Godfather' ("just a little something for you and the family. Ya know. To tide you over."). You could see the Black Mamba handing King James something. Passing him the torch. Handing him...The Crown.

By royal appointment, the coronation of LeBron James' young Land and South Beach, Claire Foy years saw him walk the moon like a 'First Man' with his record breaking numbers that Armstrong sky rocketed like his Lady Liberty statuesque dunks. Just as if he had the U.S. Deceleration of Independence under his right arm. This constitution, this national monument. An icon. A decision rewriting free agent revolutionary. A superstar in the age of the superteam who created the later and still keeps the former late into his career. Now 35 like this writer...and Alex Caruso-ing some of his hair too...like this writer. But that all doesn't matter. That's just for the trolls who should stop brushing theirs up (that's how you lose it too ya know...trust me). In his Olivia Coleman season, LeBron is still the favourite and like another Oscar winner worthy of gold with his own 'Dear Basketball'. No not 'Space Jam 2' like M.J. But like Mike a sequel with Larry O'Brien too. Sure he really made the wrong decision with his careless Twitter on the Hong Kong problem, instead of voicing his protest with the people. But he's seen his jersey burnt before. This is a man who is still one of the people. He built a school for crying out for the needs of education loud. Before you Trump up your troll rhetoric realise a mistake for the misunderstood...and how we all make them on an everyday basis. All just not as public as this...not even on our own social medias, were we are famous among our audience of friends and family following. Sure he needs to give that taco cry a rest-not just on Tuesday-but appropriating this isn't all he's done. He also provided a taco truck to first responder firefighters who needed food-something-whilst battling the Getty fires in Los Angeles, California. LeBron has lasting intentions no matter the impression. He's still an Ali or Kap like icon for America. M.J. refused to be...as did Kobe. They shut up and dribbled, but 'Bron is bigger than Basketball. Yet still giving every ounce of the formidable frame and the heart of his soul to this game. Like playing through the pain last year when he should have sat out to only be met with critics and hate. Well it's all crickets and love now in La La LeBron and Lakerland. The city of stars are shining just for he...and A.D.

Year 17. Our 10th episode of 'The LeBron Series' to crown a decade in this writing game, LeBron James is the one like another number 23. Or one more. Because what's a one/two punch without another one like B.I.G. or what Pat Riley in the 80's promised again before Kareem could towel off his mouth? It's Showtime again now as LeBron isn't only the next Mikan, Baylor, West, Wilt, Abdul-Jabbar, Earvin Johnson, Big Game James Worthy, O'Neal, Bryant and Gasol Laker legend in legacy making line. He's also already has the perfect partnership next definitive dynamic duo already dominating in storied purple and gold AND red, white and blue NBA history. With Davis, 'Bron and the 'Brow, L.B.J. and A.D. stand next to the fire and ice of Elgin and Jerry, Wilt and West, Magic and Kareem and Shaq and Kobe, or Mamba and Pau as one of the greatest double acts in league legend. There's not enough double teams you can throw at the two offensive powerhouses in defence of their own fates. Anthony Davis clutch blocking his way to being the 'Defensive Player Of The Year' conversation and LeBron locking it down like a bruising bully with every sack. When he's not quarterbacking the offence (like when he plays with that pass in the pregame practice) from the pure point position he wants to bring back like carrying the 6, rocking the headband, or throwing the chalk. Or running back the break. Bulldozing the lane. Leaving defenders like Stormtroopers. He on the hunt like 'The Mandalorian', Skywalking in these Star Wars. Built like a linebacker. Before touching down with one of those Run-DMC 'You Be Illin'' jams like that one against Sacramento the last game. That King on Kings may be his greatest crowning of all time yet for the All Star running the lane like a runaway freight train. And the Jay-Z Carter Administration President's basketball blueprint is breathe easy, filling up every statistical category right now like a lyrical exercise too. At press time today he Kareem-ed 33 points, old Dwight Howard rebounded the ball 12 times and dished out an Odom or McGee 7 assists to his dime diamonds of teammates. And let's talk about all the kings men too even if that is another sequel edition of our article series this season. There's the Heat hot like big-three of the Lakers three-headed Ghidorah blocking monster machine of A.D., the emphatic energy of JaVale McGee and the redemption reunion of star Dwight Howard (and just wait until D.C. Boogie Cousins comes back). The big three finisher of a smooth like Jaamal Wilkes silk, or Worthy of big cigar smoke like Red Auerbach lighting game next to James in Kyle Kuzma (the one core young member they wouldn't trade). A legend at the point in Rondo. A reigning champion from downtown Toronto in Danny Green. The Bruce Bowen D of Avery Bradley. The ace in the hole clutch guards changing in Quinn Cook and Troy Daniels. The unfairly underrated and undeniably always unquestionable in his worth for praise, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (although that Tyrese "KEEP IT THAT WAY" meme reaction to KCP playing just 8 minutes was hilarious...even if inaccurate). The fan first heart and jersey/ticket giveaway of Jared Dudley. The next Antetokounmpo. And the one and only Alex Caruso. And who knows maybe even Iggy once he's bought out now 'Melo with a new Blazer is no longer on the table for the rookie rival and banana boat brother, an Anthony coveted for even longer than Davis. Still even if we are talking teams like Toronto Raptors superfan owner Drake, this one man wrecking crew is doing it all this season shot to lay-up like the one, true King now Kobe is walking off the floor with the WNBA's future like Bronny Jr. this association. Off to inspire the next with his Harry Potter magic meets sports world Granity books, as the man he pounds his heart and points to, 'LeBron writes his next chapter with this King James version verse for his Basketball Bible. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

#PoetsCorner IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

It’s the most Wonderful time of the year! No not Christmas, I'm talking about the NBA Playoffs. The first round like Tiger Woods is in full swing, however I don’t think this year will be golden for the soon to be San Francisco Warriors. With rumours about key players like Klay Thomson and Kevin the snake...I mean Durant on the move in free agency this summer, the team has a very big rival to face to make the finals. But Who?

LAUNCH in 5 ….4…3….2….1 Lift off!! That right James Harden's Houston Rockets are the team who could go all the way this year. The way they are dominating the first round and with James Harden having an MVP season and CP3 running the plays alongside him, I think they are sure to crash land themselves in the finals this year. But which beast from the east will they face?

The east is a lot closer than to just pick one, with the Raptors having one of the best season runs in the regular season. And then on top of that the Greek Freak has the Bucks getting W after W. It really is too close to call and with the Boston scum (oops did I type that out loud that’s not like a diehard Laker fan to say), lead by Uncle Drew being on their way to a sweep in the first round, you really can't rule them out in sneaking their way to the finals. But when all is said and done the titan from the east Raptors and Bucks will be the ones clashing and fighting for survival for the eastern team bringing home that trophy this year.

But basketball is a sport where impossible happens and you never know. What if the Thunder and Philly meet in the final what will that mean then? A long overdue championship earned, or the start of a new era. Either way I can’t wait to see who's going to the finals and I'm not stupid to put money on it this year. Let's see how it all unfolds. DAN STOCKER.

#SuperheroSeason ZION WILLIAMSON Feature-ZANOS

Devil In A Blue Jersey.

By DAN STOCKER.

It has been said that with a slam of a dunk he can erase any NCAA teams dream of the championship. This weekend I have seen him live up to that with out any infinity stones and some new shoes from Uncle Drew. I'm sorry Thanos who? It’s all about the young record eraser Zanos, AKA Zion Williamson who came back from injury to help lead his team to an other NCAA title. It mustn't be the shoes.

What a March Madness it was for the Blue Devils and their shoe breaking dunk artist. But soles weren't the only thing Zanos was breaking this weekend as he became the first player ever in NCAA history to be crowned ACC Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year and last but not least tournament MVP. I'm sorry it would take a lot more than The Avengers to stop this young marvel.

Zion started playing Basketball at Spartanburg Day School were he was ranked in the top five players in the country hailing from North Carolina....WAIT! STOP! Where have I heard that before....not sure maybe another announcer used to say it at a Bulls game for a player whose number was 23. Anyway where was I? Ahh yes after high school ZION chose the Duke Blue Devils as the collage team he wanted to play for. The season has come to an end but even thought Duke has birthed some great NBA players such as Kyrie Irving, J.J. Reddick, Elton Brand and the Lakers very own Brandon Ingram just to name a few, I would go as far as to say he is the best play Duke has ever had and you can quote me on that Tim.

Zion is predicted to be the number one draft pick in the NBA Draft this year and I think it’s safe to say he will have a bright future in the NBA ahead of him. One that I personally can’t wait to watch. As for every team in the NBA, they're in the endgame now. But who will Zanos click with?

#TheLeBronSeries L.A. KING

King Of The Hollywood Hills.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

"Make sure he doesn't get Zydrunas Ilgauskas"! No disrespect Zee. You're one of the greatest bigs of our generation. But I got to touch the hem of the garment of the chosen one. It's 15 years ago and my dad whose away on business in New York has put me on the phone with a customer in the NBA Store. He's running the floors trying to get a number 23 jersey in Cleveland wine and gold. You see some kid called LeBron has just become a Cavalier and this sought after James jersey may be the most wanted since...well another 23, Jordan. Or at least a 24 Kobe. Who knows what this teenager will do. The champagne he will drink. The decisions he will make. The schools he'll build. How valuable he'll really be. He's just a kid from Akron, Ohio. But I'm just one the same age from a small seaside town in England, a train ride away from where The Beatles were born. I got to have a piece of history. Fast forward a decade and a half later to this summer and this writer is on vacation in Hong Kong, pre-ordering a number 23 purple and gold jersey, trimmed like Showtime in sunday white. Waiting for me when I come home. I don't need to youtube the unboxing. Like Tom Hanks talking about his wife in 'Saving Private Ryan', this moments just for me. Wish came true like the right lapel. He's just done it like Nike and left. The seams finally make it seem real. And on the other side of his beloved since age 11, '96 class of Eddie Jones and Nick Van-Exel pre-Shaq and Kobe Lakers, the name reads James.

Block. Missed shot. Buzzer. Love embraces. Red eyes. Hit the deck. You did it. Vows are vows. Two Summers ago. It's gone past half-three in the morning but on the other side of the water "Believeland", Cleveland is awake. Have you seen Ohio rise? As this writer is up all night in his living room with a special someone watching LeBron James bring the championship back home just like he said he would. Reversing decisions and all the hate that comes with this type of wrote off talent. But you can't erase engraving, no matter how Leonardo long it takes. Everyone gets their chance for 'Revenant' revenge. You just got to claw that bear. A lion would. That, or more likely the beautiful girl is why I'm up this late, or early with work the next day. Because you only get this type of moment once in your life. And I aint even Cavalier. But tonight I'm all in for Cleveland. All for one and one for all. And not just because my Lakers are never getting past those Steph Curry with the shot Golden State Warriors, who in just a few weeks in second place is the first loser, runner up reaction will add the second best player in the league, Kevin Durant to spell dynasty. And don't scoff but I aint one for League Pass. We're like six or seven hours ahead of the U.S. over here in the U.K. So your evenings don't even get started for us until way after the mid-nite hour. And I work minimum wage...what else did you expect I'm a writer?! And I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars for something I can't even watch without the outcome being either spoiled on Twitter the next day like 'Game Of Thrones'. Or resulting in me being fired for being a no show like the only other Laker fan I know in this town (Just playing. You're still the man Stock. Just checking you're reading). Besides I got Netflix. But still I'll pay for this one. There I was lying on the floor, she got the couch. Running around in circles wooping like Homer Simpson when Mr. Burns told him he could have free health care or something of that nature. You don't want to miss your "where were you when" place in history. That's why I booked tickets for two games this November for the King's debut in La La Lebronland for what was the Lonzo Angeles Lakers even before I booked my flights that didn't even cost half as much. Much like the steal deal I got on a room at the iconic Hotel Figueroa looking over STAPLES across the way, whose three pillars I'm sure by then will be a monument to the King. The last time I saw him play live was as a rookie in Toronto. Heck, I did the same for Kobe's retirement tour. Number 23, number 24. Seven days a week, three hundred and sixty five times a year. At the risk of 'Kamikaze' sounding like an Eminem revival, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime. Lose yourself in this game. Like Pistons in Detroit it'll take you further than 8 miles Bad Boy.

2012, year of the Olympic Games in London. Both Team USA's are in the Giant city of Manchester about to play a tune up against the British home representative and my sister is on the phone from a bar in the Spinningfields area. "Get your a## over here now! You just missed two basketball players"! "Who"?! I replied a quarter in disbelief, three in hope they're still there. "LeRoy Jones and Karl Bryan"! She was a little worse for wear. A lot taking the p###! "LEBRON JAMES AND KOBE BRYANT" I replied like Monica off 'Friends' correcting Phoebe's French pronunciation of Nestle...the secret to her Grandma's cake recepie. "Your idols"! Well little does she know that's actually her. But still I can't believe it. You won't believe how much I was kicking myself like this was football. I missed Kobe and LeBron. By a couple of drinks. I wish I did. I'll say it again. I can't believe I missed them. Just like I can't believe there now both part of the same family franchise and fraternity. Los Angeles Lakers legends and hopefully banner worthy ring bearers and champions. Bleeding purple and living gold. The number 23 on media day that will likely meet the rafters like he did the press yesterday makes it more believable, but still. The King in the same club as Big Game James. You know he's worthy. All the bigs like Shaq, Wilt, Mikan and Kareem. Not to mention the logo, the player he most resembles in Elgin and the actual Magic man who pulled a lion out the crown and brought him here for the President Johnson and Rob Lowe, Hollywood dream of Jeannie off the bus administration himself. Number 32 gives us the 33 year old leader of the best young Warrior like death line-up core. A nucleus that's only missing the cleared cap space of new Cavs, Jordan and junior. Who were switched in return for little running mate Isaiah Thomas who you know wasn't going to make the final cut like Michael K. Williams down the wire in 'Solo'. And sadly of course the power of Randle (but who knows maybe another Kentucky big from New Orleans will Pelican fly over next summer. Now a dub migrating Cousins can't relate). But this is us. LeBron's number 2, number 2 jersey and draft pick Lonzo Ball, who is set to blow aswell as set the table. The real rookie of the Lakers last year in the Kyle Kuzma steal who has bodied up this summer like Beyonce's 'Ape####' raps body beau Jay-Z in Paris' Louvre. And the Durant skinny on Brandon Ingram who LeBron simply tells us to "watch out" for because he's got next. Who better to take these kids to the promised land of the basketball bible than King? And then there's the misunderstood mob on the bench. Warrior champ McGee following former friend of the Miami Heat parade Michael Beasley. The cerebral Rajon Rondo whose vision will help guide Lonzo and whose a###hole competitivness matches only Kobe (who he sadly even after a Boston breakfast never got to get down with) and 'Bron who is starting to mirror the Mamba muse in the frank microphones of his press conferences. And who could forget the huff and puff of wildcard Lance Stephenson as your and one?! This "dog" is about to blow the house down. Lend us your ears.

Why I love this game. I could count the ways like I was going to for a 'Why I Love' feature that would stretch across all my movie, music, travel and book blogs which I still may do one day when I get the time. I could tell you I loved it because of the greatest. My M.J. I'm sorry Mr. Jackson. Or because of the Lakers who I supported since 11 because my big sis did (told you she was my idol). As besides I couldn't just glory Jordan's Bulls and who knows who my closest geographical team was back then (Boston! Can you believe that?). Or because Shaq was the most entertaining man in all of Hollywood. Or number 24 was my 23 before this one. Or how I was dazzled by Earvin's true magic behind the back, Rabbit out the hat like no Blaine card could pull, play, cut or ace in the hole be my king of hearts. Or how Kareem now inspires me at the same age as his jersey more as a journalist and autobiography writer than he did as an all-time points leading player. And I think nothing sinks like the line of the sky-hook. Thank you for your 'Becoming' and 'Coach Wooden and Me' audio description Kindle company during the toughest times of my life away in China. Or Wilt's 100. Not to mention Bean's 81. Or how the symbol himself Jerry West showed me you could still fight for victory, despite being a victim of depression. Or the last lines of Elgin Baylor's signed autobiography I hold on to, sitting next to an autographed photo framed by defensive specialist, Michael Cooper. Who I cut a rug with before one of Kobe's last dances. Or any of the jerseys hung in my room like rafter tributes. The good doctor. The Jordan Bullet repping how much his Washington term meant for the families of victims of 9/11 (look it up. If you don't know. Now you know. Now that was B.I.G. from the G.O.A.T.). Or anything to do with him and his game. The shot. The shrug. The crossover...on him. The answer. The step over. That I shouldn't love like how much I do the Boston Celtics. What's up Walt McCarty! So glad I met you in LAX. Big shot Bob. Rick Fox. John Salley. Brian Grant. Shake it 'till you make it champ. Or just about anything to do with the ball and basket. From here to overseas. Jordan to Drazen (Rest Peacefully). From the squeak of the sneakers, to the swish of the net, the only thing better is sex. I could go on. And I promise I will in longform one day. But the real reason I love this game belongs to a kid in France whose name I'll never know. But he was rocking the basketball Jones number 6 purple and gold (that's how good a Laker he was before Kobe). So lets call him Eddie. Anyway my school trip classes coach is passing the tarmac of a local court near our hotel and I sitting on the one seat on its own not 'Forrest Gump' taken (bullying is a b####) look out the window to see Eddie trying to hang with this group of older kids scrimmaging. Only for him to be pushed away and mocked as he takes his ball home. A sorry sight. He's just a kid. He just wants to play. Until later that night I look out the hotel window at the end of the dining table eating alone to see this same kid, same jersey back on his own. Under the last lights of the court, bullies gone home, they can't hang, playing with the love for this game glee. And you know what? He makes every shot! Every. Shot! And THAT'S why I love this game. Not because of number 23 or number 23. But Eddie. Here's to ya. He's all of us. He's the game. Which can be played one on one. Or just one. As a matter of fact he's the chosen one too. He's LeBron. The one who did it all kingdom come. Put the game on his back and broad shoulders like the Carter. "Take off the blazer, loosen the tie. Superman is alive!" No matter who witnessed the burning of his robes, or those who tried to throw rocks at the throne like he tossed up chalk. Can you believe there is even Los Angelinos wanting to mark the King's regal mural dedication? No matter what they said. Remember how they all wanted to hang Tiger for something that just maybe all his peers do when no ones watching even before this toxic Twitter trend of a cancel culture? A master of history. A great of his game like Mike, or Ali who like all of us are human and have made mistakes and paid the price. Well now Woods was back on the fairway for 80 this Sunday gone, killing everyone after he put on that red shirt like 'Star Trek' it's all cheers. The ultimate victory. Like L.B.J. carrying his home to the throne after South Beach decisions (or how about how his choice redefined player power and rights that need to extend to the WNBA in this locked out league of collective bargaining over chips?) when they say he never could go home. And when did he hear that...when he was back home. And now going West like Kanye or a Pet Shop Boy, Hollywood is home now and another 23 can ball with Bugs and make another 'Space Jam' too. This ones for all the credits. Warrior Monstar's beware. You better get some more powers in that ball you all share. And this mogul like Magic has got more than money (or movies like Kobe) on his mind when he gets down to business. Shut up Trump and the cabinet like! He's going to do more than just dribble out the locker room. This trophy like Oscar is for the real walk of fame. All the way to the hall call. And in leading the next generation with a forever 21, Ronaldo like durability as a thirtysomething he can do this and more all on his own. Because he's the one like the kid from a small seaside town a train ticket from John, Paul, George and Ringo. The kid from France balling until the floodlights fade. Or just the kid from Akron. Just witness. Like we all will.