PREVIEWING THE SEASON: WESTERN CONFERENCE-NORTHWEST

Oklahoma City Thunder



There's a storm coming in Oklahoma. Thanks to some wronged doubts, exceeded expectations and Kevin Durant's the most unwelcome team location/name change has expanded into accepting eyes and has made fans forget about Seattle in Sonic speed. They always had a foundation in the rainy city of Seattle but now in Oklahoma the thunder are bringing an even stronger forecast. Last years top scorer and this years gold winning U.S. leader is expected to win even more American hearts this season leading the charge for his team as they look to run up the Western standings. As this phenomenon looks to take his place next to Kobe and LeBron, the amazing, overshadowed talents of Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook look to take their place next to the light of KD. Last year the Thunder almost showered and shocked the Lakers in the playoffs. This year they may not be a surprise but who knows what they can do. Sorry Seattle but don't look away now, your staring into the eye of a storm.

Portland Trail Blazers



These one time 'Jail Blazers' now lock up playoff spots yearly. This one time ink blot really has rehabilitated in this NBA. It's just a shame the same can't be said for Greg Oden's knee as the potential promised post man is yet to deliver and make his mark on the league. Still however, there is more blaze to Portland’s trail than Greg. Brandon Roy is one of the leagues best while LeMarcus Aldrige is the prototype big man of the future. Right now he can play like Duncan and run like a small forward. Let's just hope the rest of Portland’s Trailblazers follow suit because the basketball Gods only knows whose page Rudy Fernandez is on. It's going to take all of Portland’s players to come together in order for them to turn the page and start the next chapter of their story.

Utah Jazz



The Jazz have been playing the same notes for years now. They've always been close or close about to contention in the West and even when Stock and the Mailman stopped sharing deliveries Utah were able to supplement. Now however Deron Williams (Utah’s top league leading Point Guard) has lost the pick to his roll. Utah however won't be left hung-over with the loss of Carlos Boozer. A move that has been bottling up for years now. With the signing of Al Jefferson to the Utah screens fans can still see good times. Utah still have plenty of weapons with AK47 and plenty of rising stars in the form of Paul Milisap. The problem for Utah however is advancement. For the last few years they've been given the 'you shall not pass' from the Lord of the Rings Lakers. Still this Utah team have only ever been beaten by the eventual champions. If the Jazz can upset the Lakers who knows what sort of music they can make.

Denver Nuggets



The Nuggets simply won't be mining any gold whilst their best worker takes pitches from other teams all whilst not giving a fork about his team. The atmosphere in Denver's getting real cold and thin. Still Carmelo Anthony can redeem himself in Denver's eyes and not become the next LeBron James. This better happen soon though because Denver have a season on the twine and the later that contract line gets signed the more likely 'melo will leave Denver rotten as he takes a bite out the Big Apple. Still there are plenty more Nuggets of hope. Once Kenyon Martin and Nene return Denver will have an army of a strong frontline and it doesn't get much better than Chauncey Billups. New signing Al Harrington is also a good pickup while the Birdman's flying and clawing of opposing teams shots will provide a much needed pain in the neck. BRRRRRR! Now what's going to happen to the boy?

Minnesota Timberwolves



Al Jefferson was set to be Kevin Garnett's replacement and the forest beyond the trees for Minnesota but with his departure the Timberwolves looked lost in the woods. That was until they showed the Lakers in a preseason game in London that their bite was better than their bark. So Minny may be awhile off the big time but that doesn't mean you should count these hungry 'wolves out. You shouldn't write off Minnesota or their new guy Michael Beasley. Michael may have been doubted by the league and ousted by the new and improved Heat but believe me Bease aint falling down so easily. Sure the stars had his troubles but the all rookie and sophomore is all ball on the floor like a Kobe foul at Staples. When Bease makes it hard for opponents, he is the problem. Also with elevator talent Martell Webster and one of the most underrated points around in Luke Ridnour, Minnesota look as deep as Princes discography. This team have a lot of heart and are led by big man Kevin Love who outweighs his opponents in talent only. Soon Western powerhouses are going to hate being cornered by these Wolves on a cold Minnesota's night. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

PREVIEWING THE SEASON: EASTERN CONFERENCE-SOUTHEAST

Miami Heat



Hero, Kobe Bryant may not be afraid but he's seeing Voltron form. Thanks to a crazy offseason and a few big decisions the thrice squad of LeBron James, Chris Bosh and founder Dwyane Wade look to make nice with Larry O'Brien. This trio of ‘superfriends’ will try to stop the trilogy of another superstar team. The Heat will need more than LeBron and Co. to do this however. So this summer the Heat worked on their supporting cast by sending their agents out and about to cast every decent free-agent team player they could re-sign and recruit. From Carlos Arroyo to Erik Dampier and 1 through to 15 this team looks championship strong. This year the Heat look to burn everyone up and prove those cold comments wrong. Say what you want but LeBron's ready to win and this team is much more than just LeBron. The King and his princes look to make reign in South Beach. Now doesn't that have a nice ring to it?

Orlando Magic



Think there's no more Magic in Orlando? Think the only Heat belongs to their Florida rivals? Well think again because Stan Van Gundy may look like a porn star but he's far from screwing around. Neither is his team. The Magic may be dubbed a Disneyland team but you better warn your brothers about this universal bunch of talent. Dwight Howard may smile, laugh and cut records for kids but this isn't child’s play. He aint no joke. Just like Rakim Dwight's looking for records of his own and he won't go steady until he strong-arms his way and weight back into the Eastern Conference finals (which was not a fluke two years back and is not a fantasy now). As for the rest of his team Vince Carter may be written off and hated but he loves making babies out of other teams as they cry for mercy while a game winner is all Air Florida writes. Jason Williams may have retired but he's back for good this season and Rashard Lewis may be overpaid but his undeniable presence is valued. Also Jameer Nelson may be small but he aint lost a second of that incredible speed he had at college and speaking of college it looks like J. J Reddick is finding the form and shot that turned him into an alumni hero. Sure reigning champs Boston and predicted winners King James in Miami have created a moat between the rest of the east but what's a kingdom without Magic?

Atlanta Hawks



All eyes have been on the Hawks over the last few years. Over the end of the last decade the ATL has soared from Eastern Conference pretenders to Eastern champion contenders. These Eastern promises have come after years of lottery tickets and then years of first round exits. Well now Atlanta have punched their entrance to the Eastern elite. Still they better watch out. Nobody’s giving them the fly by anymore, the talons are out. The Hawks are sharp though, it may not have looked like it to the Eagle eye but the Hawks hit big in the off-season clawing back franchise, pure shooter Joe Johnson. Now the only problems they face is which J. Crawford to keep happy.

Charlotte Bobcats



Charlotte may have looked like pussycats over the last few years but now their hissing back at the league. Michael Jordan mans the helm and as much as he'd like to he doesn't even need to suit up because Gerald Wallace leads a bunch of young bucks that form a real tight unit devoted to the game. Especially with Larry ‘legend’ Brown coaching dependable vets like Najera, Mohammed and Thomas for the Bobcats. These ‘cats smoothly pur with ‘Woo’s’ from Stephen Jackson and in French with Boris Diaw. Charlotte may be betting a lot on former hobbled raw talents like Shaun Livingston but if it all pays off the team could break through to hallowed ground. The type of surface that prints 'NBA Playoffs 2011' emblems on wood.

Washington Wizards



After years of trying to get it right post-MJ era the Wiz and Gilbert Arenas almost threw it all away last season. Things got so bad the Washington Wizards may as well have changed their names back to the 'Bullets'. Time is a great healer however but more clock turning will help tell if the wounds Arenas left can be healed. Sure the Wiz could use Gilberts talent but it's not like D.C. are shallow at the guard position. Gilbert knows Nick Young can play so without him Washington could be just fine. Hinrich speed also provides depth as the free agent takes a 'Greyhound' across from Chicago. It's lottery pick John Wall however that is the real draw at this point. The top draft choice can be the new face to lead this Washington franchise but as good as he is and as deep as they are the rest of Washington looks as empty and bare as a few left turns from the White House. Juwan Howard is a legendary veteran role player, Adam Morrison is a suited up champion (as well as a moonlighting porn star by the looks of it) and Yi Jianlian could be the future but still Washington need more if their ever going to be presidential in the NBA. Maybe it's time for hoops aficionado Barack Obama to suit up for the Wizards. There’s worse tricks this team could have up their sleeve. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

PREVIEWING THE SEASON: EASTERN CONFERENCE-CENTRAL

Chicago Bulls



These Bulls maybe young but their far from babies. For the first time in years Chi-town look to take all that promise to the promised land. Contention in the East may look hard in a conference decked with a reigning champion and two Florida favorites but Chicago are your wild card. Pick your poison. Get pricked by a Rose or be washed away by Noah's ark. Get hung-over from too much Booze or be dumbed down by Deng's British intelligence. If that wasn't enough there are even more Bulls in this pack ready to run you down and stampede to the top of the Eastern Conference.

Milwaukee Bucks



It's time to start giving a Buck about Milwaukee because they have may have been left broke after the depreciation of their big three but now the talent loaded team is paid in full. The days of Ray Allen, Sam Cassell and Glenn Robinson can be left to the past now as the Bucks have some new big dogs in the kennel. Brandon Jennings leads the pack. A revolutionary player who won't back down and since being shut out by the league, has lead a new generation around the backdoor. After some European flavor the NBA sophomore didn't even seem like a rookie last season. The rest of the Bucks antlers are strong but prone to breaking. So long as pure shooter Michael Redd and down under, down low expert Andrew Bogut are healthy Milwaukee will spread through the East like a common cold. After all it is flu season.

Detroit Pistons



Things may not be working out right now in the Motor City, but believe me soon you'll be witnessing a renaissance not a recession. Things may not be sounding as good in Motown when the '06 Champion Pistons shocked the world and put the Shaq/Kobe/Payton/Malone Lakers on blast but these Pistons will drive, smoke and blare again. The man behind the mask Hamilton is still ripping opponents and the Prince is still in town remembering times when he rained on the purple parade. It's the unsung duet of Charlie V and Ben Gordon however that look to give Motown classic hits again. You listening?

Indiana Pacers



The Pacers have had trouble keeping up with the league over the last few seasons. Sure Indy are far from the lottery temple of doom but their even further than their finals appearance in 2001. As the villain of the L Reggie Miller retired the Pacers needed to hire a new hero. Fortunately underrated Danny Granger answered the call. Granger is a player connected with the best in the league and he hangs up as many points as anyone on the board. Still even though he does anyway Danny can't do it all. The boy's good but he needs help.

Cleveland Cavaliers



With the LeBron situation and ‘decision’ Cleveland have been left as disappointed as New Jersey Nets owner Jay-Z. What more can I say? Since the King left his throne it looks like there won't be any wine and gold in Cleveland for some time. Any hopes of championships and champagne in Ohio burnt away with the last shards of that old number 23 jersey. Still there are still some Cavaliers in Cleveland. Mo Williams didn't end up quitting and his never say die attitude will take Cleveland higher. Antwan Jamison is also still around but the do it all forward really will have to take care of everything. LeBron hasn't just left a void, the disappearance of Big Z and Big Diddy have left a hole in the middle. Will we soon see Mr. Raymond Usher his way out the building? Who's following? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

PREVIEWING THE SEASON: EASTERN CONFERENCE-ATLANTIC

Boston Celtics



Time may not be on the Rolling Stone side for the team from New England but you should never bet against the luck of the old Irish. The gangs all hear minus a few technicalities. Boston have just what the Doc Rivers ordered. A test and tried medicine of the original big three is re-prescribed and you'll be relieved to have another double dose of Shrek and Donkey, no matter how irritable they can get (we see you Shaq). Still, no matter how much medicine you take sometimes you need luck to overcome a heat fever. The Celtics went out and caught their four leaf clover however and it doesn't come much bigger than 'The Big Shamrock'.

New York Knicks



Can it be that the New York Knicks finally might not suck? The Knickerbockers no longer look pants as they have formed a team for the ages that will be run by Mike D'Antoni. The coach who has a flare for the excellent. Don't get it twisted, Madison Square Garden still may not host talent of Mecca proportions, but in this legendary house these 'New' Knicks are building. Just like their Hudson partners Jersey, NY didn't land the top three skyscraping free agents but they still landed some new wheels that will run better than the Chrysler for this Empire State. The Knicks added some extra STAT's to their frontcourt by reuniting D'Antoni with Amare Stoudemire. This forwards power plays should take these Knicks forward. That’s Amare. The former rotten apple now has a core of talent that could have New Yorkers wondering Knick or Yankees come late May early June. The Knicks however are still a few pieces away from making N.Y. a hoops hotbed. One very big piece Eddy Curry looks to round into shape in order to help the team in the worlds most famous arena and city go full circle.

Philadelphia 76ers



Is there a doctor in the house, because Philly are short of some J's, A's, I's and answers? The city of brotherly love seems to have lost their liberty. The brief A.I. reunion cracked quickly but the bell isn't about to toll for the Sixers as quick as you think. As a matter of fact there's much more at 'steak' for these Phillies. Another A.I. answers the call for the 76ers these days and Andre Igudola's gold winning performances with Team USA was unquestionable. With a healthy Elton Brand Philadelphia boast one of the strongest, most well-rounded one two punches in the L. Also that's not to mention their wealth of raw talent. Guys like Thaddeus Young who leads Philly's youthful revolution that you better watch. The streets of Philadelphia may no longer be littered with number 3, Iverson jerseys but give it a few years and these aspiring players may win big like Tom Hanks in ‘93.

New Jersey Nets



Jay-Z's got 99 Problems with his New Jersey Nets and a franchise player is one. The team may soon be BK everyday but they need more than an across town move to Brooklyn as a facelift. This offseason Shawn Carter could have had his dynasty as the Nets were pretty close to ringing the James'. Not only did they not elect a king, their would be prince Carmelo Anthony was stopped at the gates of the Meadowlands. Rest assured though Jay and Russian owner Mikhail Prokhorov still run this town and there empire isn't done. The state of mind right now in New York’s neighbor may not be great but just like Jersey boy Bruce Springsteen these Nets will become anew again. Right now Devin Harris is evolving by the game winning seconds and the Lopez twin that did not date Michelle Wie is scoring big in the post. Even though Jersey are not sure of a 'Bron or 'Melo they might have a franchise player in the making with Derrick Favors. A player who may lend exactly the help this team need.

Toronto Raptors



This fall it's going to get even colder up North for Canada’s sole NBA franchise and the lone team outside of the U.S. Chris Bosh joins LeBron in the former team hates, taking the baton from long carrier Vince Carter. Bosh's search down South for more warmer and winning pastures makes him the T-Dot's public enemy number one. The former Phoenix Suns of the East also have the 'Air' knocked out of their 'Canada Centre'. It looks one time wonder GM Bryan Colangelo has some explaining to do but Hedo Tukoglu doesn't want to hear it, heading due West to warmth in Bryan's old Phoenix home. This dinosaur franchise isn't extinct yet however, Jarrett Jack and Jose Calderon continue to breed new life into the team, it's just a shame that they play similar positions however. Demar DeRozen also provides enough spark to plug leaving fans back in their seats. Still however if it's ever going to feel like 2006 again the Rap's need a new start and leader not a new athletic dunker each year. It's time for the talented but underdone Andrei Bargnani to cook up some inspiration and show these down trodden fans that there is still a spring in the step of a once underrated team that belongs in one of the worlds most unsung cities. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (10/20/10)

Good news to start Wednesday's 'Through The Wire'. After a biopsy on Sunday morning Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers learned that he is now cancer-free. What good news. Glenn Rivers received exactly what he wanted to hear from the Doc after having a spot on his throat checked out three weeks back. The doctors found cancerous lesions but nothing else was there. Doc explains that coaches are more susceptible to problems as they yell a lot and the horse-voiced Rivers can certainly shout for New England. Not only is it a relief he's OK but it's great that Doc will be back on the sidelines (possibly against Phoenix), ordering his defending Eastern Conference Champions around. "I'm going to be around for a while it looks like," Rivers says. We're glad of it.



The once injury prone forward Josh Childress hasn't been back in the U.S.A. For long and he's already picked up an injury for his Phoenix Suns. Childress broke his right index finger during Phoenix's exhibition win over Golden State leading him to a week without basketball activity. The former Atlanta Hawk flew back from two seasons in Greece. During his time with Olympiacos Piraeus Josh kept in touch via a 'Tech Corner' feature in SLAM magazine. Well it looks like Childress will have more time yo blog and play as himself in 2K11 because he'll see some more free time. Here's hoping for the Suns that their bright, talented new star rises to the horizon of opening season.



(LeBron hugs Danny Green last season, maybe it was his way of saying goodbye.)

Two teams who said goodbye to the two biggest free agents of this summer have waived off some more of their players. The LeBron less Cleveland Cavaliers have waived second-year guard Danny Green. While the Bosh powerless Toronto Raptors have released forward Ronald Dupree. Green (a 2009 second round pick from North Carolina) took home averages of 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds this summer in four preseason games. This came after logging 20 games for the Cavs last year. In 55 minutes of preseason play Dupree in 5 games notched 20 points and 8 rebounds to his NBA belt clip. The Raptors roster is now chewed down to the regulation 15, while Cleveland still have a spot available for a Cavalier. Both players may now be free agents (Dupree again for the second time) but these ball players would prove excellent pickups for any ball clubs.



TUESDAY'S PRESEASON SCORES

76ers 95, Cavaliers 111,
Wizards 92, Pistons 98,
Nets 111, Knicks 117,
Pacers 128, Timberwolves 124,
Thunder 115, Nuggets 130,
Warriors 87, Suns 92,
Jazz 82, Lakers 74,
Kings 96, Clippers 94,

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (10/19/10)

Teams have options these days and two Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls have taken them. The New Jersey Nets have exercised their options on center Brook Lopez and swingman Terrence Williams for the forthcoming season while the Indiana Pacers have picked up the contracts of forward Darren Collison and former North Carolina big man standout Tyler Hansbrough. The reported team option on Lopez (who will be suiting up the same wearing a New Jersey) is for his fourth year while Williams' option is the third year. Indiana however did not release the details of their contract arrangements. Robin's twin brother Brook was stellar for the Nets last season almost averaging a 20, 10 with numbers of 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.70 blocks last. Sophmore Williams in his Rookie season averaged 8.4 points 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists valuing his 11th pick in the draft and now contract extension. Collison averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 assists in his debut NBA season with the Hornets and then with these Pacers via trade. Another sophomore Hansbrough averaged a decent 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds following his 13th selection in the NBA draft.



(Cheers to Woody Harrelson who shows Justin Timberlake and us that white men can still jump, even in regular kicks)

If you have dreams of entering the NBA you better start saving up those pennies for those Jumpsoles now as the NBA is banning it's players from wearing sneakers that improve your vertical leap. The NBA released a statement saying that "Under league rules, players may not wear any shoe during a game that creates an undue competitive advantage." The specific offending trainer in question is the Athletic Propulsion Labs' $300 Concept 1 shoe that features a spring-based system that is designed to heighten it's wearers vertical leap. The Viagra of Basketball shoes aren't a product the NBA want to get in bed with. Now fair is fair but are we about to see less powerful slams in games now? No! Rest assured, Kobe and his Hyperdunks are safe.



He will always be a part of the Lake Show's showtime but Laker legend and part owner Earvin 'Magic' Johnson has sold his share of the team to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. The Laker and Johnson family with this move have let Soon-Shiong into the Magic circle. The price of this lucrative share was not disclosed but Magic did release this statement, “After heavy deliberation and a weighing heart, I have decided to sell my share of the Lakers to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. Dr. Soon-Shiong is a super Lakers fan, an outstanding businessman, a dedicated philanthropist and one of the most active community leaders in Los Angeles.” Earvin also stated that he will continue to support the Lakers and help the organisation's owners Dr. Jerry Buss, Jeanie Buss and Mitch Kupchak with his work.

Soon-Shiong's resume speaks for itself he is the Chairman of the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation, Chairman and CEO of All About Advanced Health and founder of the National Coalition for Health Integration. He is also the Executive Director of the UCLA Wireless Health Institute and Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Genetics and Bioengineering at UCLA. whilst also being a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. The credentials go on for this incredible man. Soon-Shiong at press time said “The Lakers’ leadership and spirit of community engendered by Dr. Jerry Buss and his family is an inspiration to us all. Our family looks forward to a future filled with the excitement this team brings to the city and the nation. Earvin Johnson is a shining example of excellence on and off the court, and it is a privilege to have acquired his ownership position.” So we welcome Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong to the Lakers family, but somehow it just wont be the same without Johnson's sprinkle of Magic. We'll miss ya Earv. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

EBANKS' SHOT

Devin knows how good he's going to be.

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY



If your unlucky enough to sit so high up in the bleach during Laker games that your nose starts to bleed than you might begin to see things. There goes an athletic wing, around 6 foot 8 or 9. He's got short black hair, stubble but no beard and an assassins stare. Plus he's got speed and style to boot, look familiar? Not only is he fast but he hustles and hard to. Is this 2009? This same player wears number 3 and stands next to Ron Artest... didn't he? Isn't that Trevor Ariza?

No!

Sorry to report this but one of the Lakers best championship players isn't back but that doesn't matter right now because the guy we see before us is playing almost as well as him and shares the court with defensive maestros Ron Artest and Matt Barnes. Not to mention the post trio of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum and one guy you may be real familiar with. You know the legend, the MVP, the five time heavyweight champ.

This number 3 however, giving his all on both ends of the floor actually goes by the name of Devin Ebanks. You may not know the name, but soon you'll know the game and then the first and last will be household and televised.

Last season some weren't sure whether Ron Artest would deliver the same firepower and intensity that Ariza did but Ron, Ron came up big so many times for the Lakers in the playoffs that they had to name him twice. Ron saved the Lakers and the Doberman from the doghouse so many times that they may as well of named him Robert. Still what the Lakers gained in Artest's strength and solidness, they lost in Ariza's speed and spark. Now with the addition of Devin in the Lakers bank they may finally be able to replace the liability that was missing following Ariza's departure. Ebanks is an asset that may pay off in dividends.



Devin's works hard and his plays are large. Sure Shannon Brown brings the Shan-WOW to this generations Showtime night after night but with Ebanks the Lakers have another player who can finish emphatically at the rim and a player they've sorely missed when losing guys like Ariza or the reel worthy talent of Maurice Evans.

Kobe can still get up, but due to his age and evolution of his game he doesn't go to the rim like he once did. Now when he has the floor and it's open Kobe can start the fast break and deflect to a guy like Devin who can finish, closing other teams out. Kobe and Devin have already being doing this in the preseason working the open lane so much and driving through like a McDonalds line at peak time. It's in this preseason as well where Devin has been able to show the Lakers his potential in prime playing time.

It's in the preseason were Ebanks has been able to shine (thanks to the tarnish of injuries the Lakers have suffered to guys like Kobe, Sasha and Walton Ebanks) and Devin has managed to plaster this 'bust' preseason with some silver linings in the cloud of defeat. Devin has averaged 7 points and a shade under 3 and a half boards coming into the light in front of Hollywood. Most recently he had 14 in a win against Denver and 10 on a dethroning of the Sacramento Kings. Kobe on top form, or Kobe not on top form sharing the ball and actually doing something with it with guys like Gasol, Odom, Fisher, Barnes, Blake and Artest is more than impressive, it's impressionable.

It's even more impressive and impressionable when considering that Devin is a rookie and a passed up 43rd pick at that. It's a good job the high school standout and West Virgina college player has been able to make an impact on the imposing opinion of coach Phil Jackson because normally it's impossible for any rook to gain more PT's than DNP-CD's for the Zen master. With the unbelievable development of Ebank's play in the preseason his legitimate shot of becoming a legitimate option in the season is undeniable.



Sure there will be rookie mistakes and sore hands from carrying all those bags but once the futures in Ebanks palms and he earns his stripes he's going to give the Lakers another star and state of play en route to their likely championship run. Ebanks is focused, he's even on top of his Twitter game, saying he can smell a three peat and with his fire and passion this tenacious talent isn't sniffing at any b.s.

On his quest to prove he belongs on a team with more than six go to guys and his journey to show every other team that passed him up 43 times Devin will show his full potential. Just like Ariza and just like Shannon before Devin will be called upon to spark plug the Lakers and the Staples Centre crowd off the bench with energy plays. What shouldn't be disconnected however is that just like these two guys his game has so much more to it.

Sure the Youtube highlights will come but as the season wears on and the playoffs break in these top ten plays in otherwise dull moments will turn into key plays in decisive moents. Just like Ariza for the 2009 champion Lakers or Leon Powe for the 2008 championship Celtics Ebanks will be ready and charged for when the Lakers are overdrawn. Make no mistake if Ebanks unquestionable rise continues through 82 games and 8 weeks he'll be one of the keys to the Lakers success without a doubt. Then he'll be able to stand next to Lamar Odom and Ron Artest and share more than their native Queensbridge upbringings. Let's not front however, with the way he's come up while other Lakers have let down this preseason it aint hard to tell he already deserves to be amongst the centre of attention. Devin has already planted his feet, now it's time for him to fill those sneakers and leave some footprints.

So if your sitting up in the Hollywood hill, high rises of the Staples Centre you may want to borrow the binoculars from the guy next to you because that number 3 isn't Trevor Ariza. It's someone else, someone here to stay. TIM DAVID HARVEY.