THROUGH THE WIRE: THURSDAY (01/13/10)

24. The critics are talking yet again. Allen Iverson has injured his right ankle in a game for his Besiktas and already the critics are writing him off as done. Allen Iverson will return to the U.S. for surgery, but this flight will have a return ticket to Turkey, believe that. A.I.'s manager Gary Moore totally "disputes" this idea. An MRI scan will be conducted Thursday, but some are already predicting the results to read, 'retirement'. Slow down A.I.'s still rolling and enjoying his time in Turkey. Besides he's been playing well and is honoring a contract that no one in the NBA was willing to offer. Injuries have been a problem for Allen his whole career but expect the true crossover king to break more overseas ankle's again soon. He's made of tougher stuff than up and quitting. Besides no ones more tailored to the game than Chuck.

48. Congratulations and welcome to Andrei Kirilenko who along with his wife Masha have now become a U.S citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Kirilenko passed the necessary citizenship tests and were sworn in as U.S. citizens at the start of this week. The couple have two sons in their family who have now been named U.S. citizens also. The proud Russian has been a fond member of the NBA family for years now.

82. After blowing all the Cavs candles this week the Lakers extended their win streak to 6, travelling across the Pacific. Across the Golden gate the Warriors were much tougher opponents however. After a 55 point win on Tuesday the Lake Show squeezed a 5 point win against Golden State. Still the Lakers starting five where more than alright in this clash. With less than 5 to go in the game, Kobe got his Kobe on and took over scoring 17 points to close out the game and the GSW's, en route to 39 points. “It don’t matter who’s on me. When it’s go time, it’s go time,” Kob remarked postgame. Bryant also dropped a dime to Ron Artest for a clutch, three pointer with under 2 minutes remaining, Ron's getting quite good at those isn't he? All round player, Pau Gasol had yet another double, double, with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Lamar Odom also nearly made it double, double trouble, with 20 and 9. What was most crucial was his 10 straight in the fourth which was as instrumental as Kobe's play and Ron's three in icing the game. Andrew Bynum also doubled with 11 points and 14 rebounds. he Lakers are looking pretty solid right now.

O.T. It's been over a year since the earthquake in Haiti, but the nation still needs help and native Samuel Dalembert is doing all he can, don't forget...Michael Beasley will be a game time decision today as the Timberwolves may have to soldier on without their star...he's done it again, the red hot Matt Bonner helped his Spurs past the Bucks with his Robery Horry-esque clutch play...anything you can do, we can do but not as good: after witnessing rivals L.A. trounce the Cavs, defending East champs Boston beat the Kings by 24...meanwhile anybody heard anything about 'Melo going to the Nets? Well apparently Knick, Amare Stoudemire is trying to get him to travel a little further over the Hudson. Now wouldn't that be something? hey, Chris Paul? TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: WEDNESDAY (01/12/10)

24. The Sacramento Kings will have to go on a little bit longer without their young prince. Reigning Rookie Of The Year, Tyreke Evans is still sidelined with a sprained ankle. Evans did not play for Sacto' last night and is doubtful for today's clash against reigning NBA champion runners up, Boston. The Kings could use the appointment of Evans royal, 17.2 point per game. The triple double player is above average and one crowning achievement for a franchise in the dungeons. With little else in the tank and a road trip showing up this team as unleaded, the Kings will wish they kept the sharp, offensive set of Kevin Martin.

48. When asbestos in a caved in, Madison Square Garden roof postponed a November clash between the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic, it was the first time in 14 years an NBA game had been 'rained off'. This took a lot of people by disappointment and surprise (including this British writer who was on holiday and had tickets). Well now the second game in 14 years has been postponed between the Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks. This writer has every sympathy for people in the ATL area and travelling Milwaukee fans as the buck stops here. Tuesday's Eastern conference clash at the Philips Arena has been shut down due to severe weather conditions in Atlanta. Due to icy roads the game is rescheduled for Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, back at the Philips Arena. A lot of roads in the greater Atlanta have been closed due to the effects of the snow storm. So yet again in a league where amazing happens another indoor game has been called off in account of rain...or in this case ice.

82. The Lakers didn't handle the Cleveland Cavaliers last night...they manhandled them. There was no Cleveland show last night as the Lakers held the Cavs to an opposing, franchise record low 55 points. It looked like Cleveland only had a half to play as by the final buzzer the Cavaliers only had 57 points to L.A's 112. This is the Lakers biggest margin of victory since 1972. That's before Shaq, before Magic and before 'Cap. It was the Lake Show's third-largest victory in history. Still it was a new defensive record for the Lakers after allowing 66 points by Charlotte back in the Shaq/Kobe three-peat days of 2002. Kobe "absolutely" felt sorry for former Laker and Cleveland coach, Byron Scott. Still after the 'Showtime' destroyed the Lakers, 80's babies squad Kobe was asked if any of his sympathy was extended to the Cavalier team, "None," Bryant replied. "You forget who you're talking to." Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum both had 15 points, while Kobe and Pau had 13 apiece. The Lakers other biggest wins where 56 points against Detroit in 1966 and 63 points against Golden State in '72. This weeks game is still one for the record books however.

O.T. "Karma is a b****. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!", I guess it's still on between LeBron and Cleveland now. As LeBron tweeted about the Lakers 55 drubbing of his former Cleveland Cavalier team. Cleveland are really going to love him now...Nick Young also hit big, the rookie point had 43 as his Wizards put a spell on the Kings in overtime...with alll this trade talk surrounding Denver duo, Anthony and Billups, the Nuggets took it out on the Suns, routing them and ending a three game slide...the Pacers also ended a 9 game losing streak on the road as Indiana beat the Philadelphia 76ers...Manu Ginoboili also led the NBA best Spurs to a victory over Minnesota...where the most improved Knicks beat Portland thanks to their man Stoudemire's 23. That's Amare! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: TUESDAY (01/11/11)

24. Things are becoming more resolute for LeBron James in 2011. For one his Miami Heat team are looking even hotter and he's told press that he accepts his villain role. He also saved his Heat team in overtime for their ninth straight win this weekend. So it's only right that he has been named the Eastern Conference Player Of The Week yet again for games played between January 3rd and 9th respectively. Right now, despite having a super squad 'Bron lead the league in scoring last week with 33.3 per. He also averaged 9.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.25 steals,as Miami had a perfect four for four seven days. Meanwhile Western Conference Player Of The Weeks was the Memphis Grizzlies Zach Randolph. Averaging a Godzilla 28.0 points per game and 14.3 rebounds.

48. LeBron's former Cleveland Cavalier teammate and backup swingman Sasha Pavlovic is back in the league. The talented 27 year old has signed a 10 day with the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs are going through some injury troubles so Sasha's help will be appreciated but hopefully his contract will be extended as this versatile player deserves his place back in the L. Dallas are missing both Dirk Nowitzki for several games and swingman Caron Butler who is done for the season. The Yugoslavian former 19Th pick has competent career averages of 5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds in 16.5 minutes per game.

82. A Hall of Fame endorsement doesn't get better than from a man who's spent time in Springfield, especially if that man's Scottie Pippen and that's exactly what former Chicago Bulls team mate Dennis Rodman has."We all watched Dennis’ career and we know just how good he was as a basketball player,” Pip said of the seven-time, league leading rebounding, emphatic character. Without a doubt, Rodman will be on the nomination list, but at the same time his controversial antics may go against him, but that doesn't matter to Scottie. “I think we all got caught up in his antics, and things he did away from the game, and it sort of disrespected or took attention away from what he did on the basketball court. But he is surely a Hall of Famer.” Pippen's right and after the league gave this underrated talent his just deserves, it's surely Dennis' turn. One endorsement from another H.O.F. would do the trick and seal the deal mind you.

O.T. Carmelo's playing down this big New Jersey trade, now that's nothing new but according to league sources it's imminent...meanwhile this isn't all bad news for Denver as Derrick Favors is looking incredible in his rookie season...speaking of young talent and future franchise guys Michael Beasley has missed practice for Minnesota with an ankle injury, let's hope this isn't Varejo serious...also Washington Wizard Josh Howard will miss around 7-10 more days and some games with this knee injury that's been troubling him all year. Let's hope this injury plagued league heals soon. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: MONDAY (10/01/11)

24. Kobe always steps it up at Madison Square Garden, but he's no slouch at STAPLES either. With New York coming into town, Kobe had 27 points as Los Angeles beat the Knicks 109-87 at home. Kobe looked great despite his knee issues. As did the improving Andrew Bynum who almost doubled up with 18 points and 7 rebounds and he probably would of if he wasn't ejected late in the game for a second technical after arguing a foul he committed against Amare Stoudemire. Pau Gasol did get another double however with 20 points and 14 rebounds as the improving Lakers went for four straight wins. Stoudemire had 23, Chandler had 19 and Felton had 12 for the Knicks, but it wasn't enough for this turnaround team who stay the same against the Lakers with their seventh straight loss. Despite the Knicks finally looking like a great team, some things don't change.

48. The Lakers however are set to lose defensive swingman, backup talent Matt Barnes for around two months. The major pickup of this past offseason has been incredible for the Lake Show off the bench. Barnes confirmed on his Twitter account that a knee injury would keep him at courtside in a suit and tie for a timeline of around eight weeks. After a fall against the New Orleans Hornets during a Lakers win at STAPLES on Friday, Matt has torn the lateral meniscus in his right knee. There is no official return date from the Lakers as Barnes will undergo surgery on Tueday this week. This is a shame for L.A. who have been in the injury wars all season long and looked like they where getting out of it. Barnes has also been one of the Lakers bright spots from his hard nosed D to his potent offensive set. To fill his spot the Lakers have recalled, Trevor Ariza like, versatile rookie Devin Ebanks from the D-League. The swingman who is competent on all areas of the floor has been strong in the NBA's development league, averaging around 14 points and 8 rebounds. Now he's been called up perhaps this is finally Ebanks shot. Also Phil Jackson won't have any more trouble finding extra minutes for favourite Luke Walton. Now that will leave Tom Hanks smiling again.

82. It's been rumour and speculation for months but now it looks like Carmelo Anthony may be looking to switch to a New Jersey. Denver may send 'Melo and others to Jersey as part of a three team deal involving the Detroit Pistons. The proposed deal would ship Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, and Shelden Williams, to the Nets, while Piston Rip Hamilton would also go to the Meadowlands. The Nuggets would get a lot in return from New Jersey, namely top star Devin Harris, rising rookie Derrick Favors, Anthony Morrow, Stephen Graham, Quinton Ross and Ben Uzoh. Denver will also get a few more Nuggets in draft picks. Detroit would not be left shorthanded as they will also receive Johan Petro and top forward Troy Murphy. Asked multiple times if this weekends game in Denver 'Melo multiply replied, "not at all". So it's all resting on the issue of Carmelo's commitment to a long term deal. I guess Anthony has a thing for leaving unsigned contracts on the table.

O.T. Chicago Bulls Luol Deng arrived to a hero's welcome in his native Sudan to raise awareness of voting the right way. What a man...the Miami Heat are as successful on the road as Kerouac, they defeated the Blazers in O.T, so they've got to get a mention in this section for their 13th consecutive win in red or black...the Wolves however lost their fourth straight to the inpenetrable D of the leagues best San Antonio Spurs...the Cavs where worse off losing their 10th straight after being made ashes out of Phoenix. There's more double trouble for Cleveland as Anderson Varejao's season is dust thanks to injury...the Kings also reached their 10th straight loss, on the road that is to another struggling team, the Raptors. Right now Sacramento look as haggard on the road as Viggo Mortenson...the Clippers aren't feeling blue in the Pacific however as the sophmore/rookie duo of Gordon and Griffin handled fellow Califonian warriors, Golden State. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

ODOM A FAVOUR

The ballot of Los Angeles,

By Tim David Harvey



Kobe's a given, that's why he's the top vote getter. Pau Gasol? Sure he's a regular. Ron Artest? Yep there's no one like him, defensively or mentally, put him in. Andrew Bynum? Sure he's been injured, but off the bench yes and who else is there? Derek Fisher even? Hey, there's a Twitter campaign going, now wouldn't that be nice? He deserves it (but that's for a separate piece). You know what I'm talking about, it's time to tick the ballots and punch the holes out of the paper. No, no the mid-terms have passed, this is the NBA All-Star voting where talking about.

With so much talent on view for the Lake Show this could be like '96 all over again. Just like when Shaq, Kobe and mid-nighties, purple and gold legends Eddie Jones and Nick 'The Quick' Van Exel suited up in those gaudy, instantly dated All-Star uni's. Face it like face time the Lakers could easily field their starting lineup at this years game. They may as well, the game is being played at STAPLES after all. Still, especially with all the inconsistencies it's not the starting lineup that's most deserving of the honor, it's their most consistent player and their sixth man, Lamar Odom.

Forget 'Khloe and Lamar' for a second, the only thing you need to keep up with is what Lamar Odom showcases on the court. The only reality you need to tune into is that this guy is the most diverse, versatile player in the league. He is the difference maker, the do it all guy everybody wants on their team. Part what Kevin Garnett is, part what Anthony Randolph is going to be. Just like what Pat Riley said back in the Miami days, just like Magic.

Odom's got his own tricks two. From a great inside and out game, on both ends of the floor, to passing first and shooting from anywhere when needed. He's a triple, double machine and his 16 and 10 double, double average is two buckets away from being the 20 and 10 sought after figures that are generally considered, Dwight, Amare or legendary numbers...and they said Lamar was soft. No he's togh, like his New York upbringing. Q.B.'s finest like Nas and Ron Artest, now that's two games legendary, so let's give him one more.



Most of these points come off the bench as well. OK, so with the injuries the Lakers have suffered this year from Bynum to everyone, L.O. has started more than he's had pine time. Still, now he's willingly and ably back in his revserve role, Lamar could still be the NBA's 'Sixth Man Of The Year' and one of the best ever in this position (but that's for another article). Besides Lamar has saved the short-handed Lakers from falling even shorter. Isn't that the hallmarks of a top sixth man? Coming in hot when his cold team needs him? Still as said, that's for a different article.

This unique player deserves the exclusive honor of playing mid-February and not just looking flash and Hollywood on the sidelines watching. What does he gave to do? Shave a star into his head again? The voters may put him out of their minds for the Durant's etc, that's fair enough but the coaches shouldn't snub him yet again. The majority of these coaches would love him on their team, so does everybody else... word to Nelly Furtado (whether that's a cool reference or not both his game and her are as hot as each other). He was good enough for America and the rest of the world in2010 as he and the U.S. took home gold. So why isn't everyone else now sold?

Sure this guy probably shouldn't start, but what's more perfect than this sixth man coming off the bench? He plays like an All-Star so he should be given that declaration. Gone are the days where bench players and sixth men weren't good enough to play with the big boys. Bobby Jackson changed all that and no one knows that more than the Lakers. Good second units and bench mobs are what take ordinary teams to champions and if you where to start a second team today Lamar Odom would be your franchise guy for sure. He'll be a Laker legend when it's all said and done, Worthy like James. So why is he getting less action in February then 'Call Of Duty' all nighters?



Lamar's entertaining and a genuine star. He deserves the vote, people should return the favour. We've had three rounds of this now. It's time for pen to meet paper halfway like Odom's success meets what he shares. This do it all, versatile forward is cool but not laid back. Don't let that smooth demeanour fool you. That equally silky game is worked and honed to perfection. This is the product of nothing lazy, so why sleep, appreciate. He's everything you could ever want and need on your team.

If Kobe's having a 9 for 21 night, Lamar will come in and make the extra shot after shots. Jumper or critics, Odom rebounds from being written off to sign in for his team and take them out of situation critical. Others would simply clock out, call the game on an account of pain. L.O. takes no L though, he's no loser, mind over matter. If Pau needs help in that hardened frontcourt, Lamar will come in and clean the glass and polish off missed shots, en route to as many double, doubles as Pau or anybody in this league gets. Do you have to be told twice? Lamar's overcome it all, personal and/or what we can write about, year after year, cycle after cycle. He's been through the storm and survived to reign. Championship ring. Back to back ring any bells? Don't confuse selflessness for weakness. He's all team, he's all-star. The everything man. Give him something.

He would be one of your best picks to start a first team, believe it or not, fantasy or reality. Youth and experience. Offence and defence. Inside and out. This versatility is why he would start on any other team in the league, (even his old Miami team and all their hot 'superfriends') and this fact is why he is an All-Star, vote or die, change or George Bush. Forget 'yes we can', make it happen! Tick the box, punch his name, write 'Lamar Odom' down as that special extra name you'd usually reserve for another fan favourite (unless it's Fisher). Then repeat and do it all again. Like clockwork. It's time.

THROUGH THE WIRE: FRIDAY (01/07/11)

24. There really isn't anybody more deserving. Lakers guard Derek Fisher will be awarded the title of '2010 Sportsman of the Year' by the 'L.A. Sports Awards' on the 24Th of February. Derek will be presented with the award at the Beverly Hilton Hotel by the Los Angeles Sports Council. The award according to the council honors, "the local male athlete whose performance and character best exemplified the ideals of sportsmanship during the calendar year." Fish joins elite company. This is the sixth year this annual award show has been around, previous winners of Fisher's award include, teammates Kobe Bryant (2008) and Pau Gasol (2009), former L.A Clipper, Elton Brand (2006) and Lakers superfan and L.A. Galaxy soccer legend, David Beckham (2007). After Fishers stellar year on and off the court it's about time the man that gives so much is having the favor returned.

48. Stand aside Ozzy and Sharon. 'Khloe & Lamar', it was always going to happen. Now your going to have to keep up with more then the Kardashian's as celebrity couple Khloe Kardashian's and her husband Lamar Odom from your Los Angeles Lakers have their own reality T.V. show green lighted. This weekly 30-minute show will have a more humorous side and will be broadcast on the E! cable network. Of course Lamar had to seek permission from the Lakers because unlike his wife, T.V. is not his reality or full time job. Coach Jackson gave his blessing, providing "There's no access to the toilets and the showers in the locker room, things like that." Lamar told press, "The Lakers make decisions that they need to make and Lamar does the same. This is the life that we live. This is entertainment," happy that his coach and G.M., Mitch Kupchack support his decision. The 31 year old forward is maintaining his outside interests which will help him when basketball won't be around, "For me, this is just an opportunity to kind of expand a little bit and get some other things going." Here's reckoning fellow Queensbridge, entertaining teammate Ron Artest will make his presence felt with a cameo, but how about you Phil? "I won't be on it." The coach told reporters. Will you be tuning into this show and keeping up with the Odoms and the Kardashian's? Sound off in our comments section below. As for Phil Jackson's T.V. Choices, "I can hardly wait to watch it," you believe him?

82. Injuries still seem to be taking their toll on a lot of players and nearly every team in the league at the moment. The Dallas Mavericks overcame the Oklahoma City Thunder but Dirk Nowitzki sat out yet again. It was also reported yesterday that Cleveland Cavalier, Daniel Gibson is sitting out of the Ohio teams five game road trip. Not a great time for him as his wife Keyshia Cole is busy promoting her new album, 'Calling All Hearts'. Now also Phoenix Suns rookie forward Gani Lawal will miss the rest of this season due to torn ligaments in his right knee. The 46Th pick spent time honing his game in the NBA's development league for Iowa.

O.T. Hats off...or coats even to Bulls sharp shooter Kyle Korver who is charging up 'Operation Warm' with a coat drive, helping people in this long Windy City Winter...speaking of injuries today's feature piece and new reality star Lamar Odom is shouldering a lot of news including an injury to that very part of his body...meanwhile Sun's guard Steve Nash's future still looks bright, Jason Richardson may be gone among others but Nash is not interested in a trade. Ex-Sun Amare Stoudemire has also spoken out and said he felt under appreciated while t Phoenix...looks like the revolving doors are still spinning in Arizona. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: THURSDAY (01/06/11)

24. As Kobe Bryant and Dwight Howard continue to lead All-Star voting attention shifts to Saturdays Slam Dunk Contest this February in Los Angeles. Sure there's no Kobe, or LeBron again for that matter but this years participants showcase a lot of Rising Star talent. Brandon Jennings, JaVale McGee, Serge Ibaka and Blake Griffin will participate this year. In a contest that sees one of the hottest sophomores (Jennings) go against one of the hottest rookies (Griffin). Nate Robinson won't defend his crown this year and Dwight Howard won't let anybody dunk over him either. To make the waning event more exciting there will be a 'Sprite Slam Dunk: Countdown to the Contest,' series where each participant will be aided by a dunk coach in order to help craft the best dunks possible. Two-time contestant and TNT dunk analyst Kenny 'The Jet' Smith will coach Griffin, while dunk legend Darryl 'Chocolate Thunder' Dawkins will mentor Jennings. McGee will work with NBA legend Chris Webber and Ibaka his Oklahoma Thunder running mate, Kevin Durant. Expect thrill, spills, versatility and my money on Jennings, unless Griffin has a monster planned.

48. Phil Jackson may be able to rest a little bit easier now, it's more than one game. Last night the Lakers overcame the Phoenix Suns 99-95 on the road at the U.S. Airways centre. Kobe Bryant had 24 points, continuing his crucial play and ascent up the Top 10 all time scorers list in the NBA. Steve Nash had a double, double of 10 point and 11 assists for Phoenix who also had a hot streak from Sun, Jared Dudley who had 21 points, and three of the teams eleven three pointers. Still despite this blazing shooting from the home team the Lake Show watered down the Suns. The Lakers had a balanced attack with Bynum scoring 14, Shannon Brown 13, and Lamar Odom 12. It was Ron Artest's 11 that where special though, with shades of last seasons Western Conference Finals series, Phoenix left shaky, three point shooter Ron, Ron wide open...will they never learn. Artest sinked the three pointer...BOP! Cutting Phoenix's lead to 1 with 1:30 to play. Here's betting every Laker in their heads was screaming 'SHOOT'! this time...or maybe not. Now the Lakers are at .500 over their last eight games after this Western Conference Finals rematch. Phoenix are looking burnt however losing 10 out of their last 13. Even Air Phoenix's Vince Carter's strong 14 points couldn't pull them back. He had a long three point attempt in the waning seconds blocked by Pau Gasol and that was all she wrote.

82. You got to love real, touching stories that shows the NBA rally does care. The Cleveland Cavaliers have offered a homeless man a job. The Cavs have taken Ted Williams off the streets and given him a job as an announcer due to his radio-worthy voice. "This has been totally, totally amazing," Williams told press now his life is looking up following his battle with drink and drugs. "I'm just so thankful. God has blessed me so deeply. I'm getting a second chance. Amazing." Williams is obviously thankful and humble for this offer. Cleveland are offering this golden, voiced Cavalier talent a two year contract including living expenses. Hats off to both parties. What a story.

O.T. In other Cleveland news, guard Daniel Gibson has a boobie, his ankle problems will keep him from his teams five game road trip, but at least he gets to spend more time with wife Keyshia Cole...Yao Ming has had surgery on the stress fracture on his foot, what remains now is the rest of his career, and when he'll be back, good luck Yao...the Memphis Grizzlies look to move on from their airplane incident as O.J. Mayo and Tony Allen insist there is no hard feelings...Hollywood couple Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom are going to get their own reality show, it was only a matter of time...lucky for Clippers centre Jarron Collins, after being waived by the team, Los Angeles have now offered him a 10 day contract...Lester Hudson, however does not share this Collins look as this week he has been waived for the second time by the Washington Wizards. TIM DAVID HARVEY.