Lakers Lose Their Cool

Apparently, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning...or they are just classless thugs misrepresenting the most proud franchise in the NBA.

Odom got the tension started when he threw a big shoulder into the chest of the Mavs' Dirk Nowitzki while Dirk was attempting to set a pick for J.J. Barea. Then, moments later, Andrew Bynum went into the ribs of a driving J.J. Barea with an elbow, not even looking at the ball. After he was immediately ejected, Bynum pulled off his jersey and was walked off the court by Mr. Rogers himself, Ron Artest. Artest was ejected at the end of Game 3 for putting his elbow in the face of J.J. Barea.


I always knew the Lakers were a bunch of hot-heads, but this is the ultimate way to disgrace the game of basketball. I now know why the only guy I like on the Lakers is Pau Gasol. He's the only one on the squad that isn't bitching about every last thing. Sure, he isn't the most care-free player on the team but he wouldn't do things like this:



Mike Tirico said it best, "You have to lose like a champion too." That's the complete opposite of what the Lakers showed today.

There will be no 3-peat and good riddance for that.

Lights Out In Los Angeles?

I am really trying to remember the last time I remember a seven-game series in any sport that has been more polarizing than the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers.  I mean I am stunned.  I thought it would be good series, and put my ass out there saying this would be the best series out of the four.  Now, the Mavs have the Lakers on the brink of getting bounced from the Western Conference Semifinals. Even though I am struggling this Saturday morning to find the words to talk about this series, I am going to do the best I can.  

Before we talk about the Lakers struggles, Dirk Nowitzki is playing out of his mind. There is no question who is the best player on the court in this series. It seems like no shot is impossible for Dirk right now. Last night watching the game with my friends, I think we thought every shot Dirk took down the stretch was going in. Funny thing, Dirk didn't miss. I have ragged on Dirk for his playoff misfortunes in the past couple of years, and I need to give a ton of credit when it's due.  

The Lakers are a mess.  Right now, they look like the model-thin hot girl who is celebrating her 21st birthday weekend.... Just a drunken mess. They have no team concept whatsoever. The Lake Show turned into the Shit Show. My friends and I could not believe that Kobe Bryant didn't touch the ball nearly enough in the final three minutes last night as Dallas went on a 17-5 run to close out Game 3. The crazy thing about it is Bryant didn't give up like he is sometimes known to do, rather every other player tried to get theirs. For example, Pau Gasol tried backing down Dirk then tried to hit him with a Dirk-like fade away, clank. Lamar Odom sized up a defender, and attempted to isolate with Kobe's hands failing in the air also a clank. This team's chemistry is destroyed.  

 The Lakers are like this long time cruise liner that used to be very luxurious, but has suddenly become old with holes. Those holes are Derek Fisher, Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, and Pau Gasol turning into Charmin again. This ship is sinking fast, and Kobe Bryant cannot save it. I don't think Kobe can no longer carry his team to victory.  He just doesn't seem to have the ability to do it anymore. It's crazy to say that, but I think the exorbitant amount of games has finally caught up to Mr. Bryant. 

A part of me wants to see the Lakers win Game 4 and then the possibility win Game 5 making this a series again. But the other part of me who hates dynasties wants to see this team just quit and give up get blasted by twenty plus tomorrow afternoon. Sunday, very well could end the latest era in the NBA. 

-Charlie.

NBA Semifinals Predictions

The NBA Playoffs have been terrific so far.  Every series had one or two nail biters, we have a Cinderella team, and a couple great series to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. I myself misfired on the Portland-Dallas series, Orlando-Atlanta series, and of course, Memphis-San Antonio. I thought the Grizzles would give them a series, but I didn't expect them to win the series.  

Eastern Conference  

1.) Chicago versus 5.) Atlanta- I am personally surprised to see the Hawks playing in the second round, and hopefully, they will give a better effort this season compared to past years.  Not having Kirk Heinrich will definitely hurt them because the guy has been a catalyst on offense, but he is just another body to guard Derrick Rose on defense. I think the Hawks' big men could make a difference, but Rose will once again be too good to stop on a nightly basis.  Chicago in six. 

2.) Miami versus 3.) Boston- Some please explain to me how Boston can look completely dead in the last two months of the NBA season, and now look like an entirely different team?  I feel like Ashton Kutcher should come out of hiding and tell me I have been Punk'd.  So many interesting story lines in this series, whether it's LeBron vs. Boston, Chris Bosh v. Kevin Garnett, old crown vs. new royalty. Remember how Michael Jordan took down Detroit finally after two unsuccessful tries?  That's what LeBron needs to do with Boston to take that next step, or this season is a complete failure plus we have to reevaluate LeBron's ceiling in the NBA. I expect a knock down drag out fight in each game with LeBron finally coming up big in a clutch moment.  Miami in seven 

Western Conference 

4.) Oklahoma City versus 8.) Memphis - The Grizzlies and Thunder find themselves in a new position, the second round. Zach Randolph will have to find ways to score against the twin towers of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka.  I think this has to be Russell Westbrook series for the Thunder to win. In my opinion, Kevin Durant will not have much success against Tony Allen who is a top notch defender, and Westbrook will be forced to put this team on his back for at least a couple games.  This will be a very competitive, exciting series.  Oklahoma City in six 

2.) Los Angeles versus 3.) Dallas- The Lakers seemed to find their swagger in games five and six  against New Orleans, and Dallas did the same thing against Portland. It's unreal we haven't seen a Kobe Bryant vs. Dirk Nowitzki series, and I can guarantee we will have one game where both of the guys will just go absolutely bananas trading buckets with each other.  I will also tell you Pau Gasol is going to have a hell of a time with Tyson Chandler, same goes for Andrew Bynum.  Shawn Marion will need to find his old defensive self because the Mavs might be some trouble with who is guarding Kobe.  Even though Boston-Miami has a chance to be great, I think this will be the best series of them all. Los Angeles in seven. 

First game starts at noon tomorrow, should be special.

-Charlie.

DOY: Kobe Bryant

I missed this dunk watching hockey last night. The Black Mamba just destroyed Emeka Okafor, I mean destroyed him. Kobe hasn't done this to a player in a long time.  Also the secret to last night's victory was Kobe not shooting as much, but shhh don't tell anybody.

-Charlie.

Mitsy's NBA Bracket

Eastern Conference                                                                    Western Conference

               

First Round:                                                                                First Round:

Chicago beats Indiana 4-1                                                             San Antonio beats Memphis 4-3
Miami beats Philadelphia 4-2                                                         Lakers beat New Orleans 4-0
Atlanta beats Orlando 4-3                                                             Portland beats Dallas 4-2
New York over Boston 4-3                                                          Oklahoma City beats Denver 4-3

Second Round:                                                                           Second Round:
Chicago beats Atlanta 4-2                                                            OKC beats San Antonio 4-2
Miami beats New York 4-3                                                         Lakers beat Portland 4-3

Conference Finals:                                                                    Conference Finals:
Chicago beats Miami 4-2                                                             OKC beats Lakers 4-3

NBA Finals

Hate to say it but Bulls over Thunder 4-2

-Mikko

NBA Western Conference First Round Predictions

On Saturday, the NBA Playoffs begins. I am pretty excited to say the least. Someone who is not...my dad. He would probably make some snarky comment about the NBA like 'well now they will actually start to play.' I hope he watches in the upcoming months because I feel the playoffs will be very special. The worst thing about having a successful playoffs this year is there will be lockout for the upcoming season. Trust me, I have already ordered Fox Soccer Channel for next year to enjoy a new sport. Let's get it on with the picks.

1.) San Antonio v. 8.) Memphis- I believe the Grizzlies are going to give the Spurs some trouble in this series. Zach Randolph has played like an All-NBA player, and has the ability to wear down Tim Duncan throughout a seven game series. But the matchup between Mike Conley versus Tony Parker because the Frenchman can break him down and embarrass Conley. Also the Manu Ginobili injury could be the biggest unknown storyline if he is out for more than one game. Parker will be the difference maker for the Spurs.  San Antonio in five  

4.) Oklahoma City v. 5.) Denver- For me, this is the most exciting series of the first round.  Oklahoma City with the best young talent in the NBA mixed with the And-1 streetball feel of the Nuggets, consider me sold.  Kevin Durant came on strong in the final three weeks, and Kendrick Perkins added more than anyone of us really understand.  The Nuggets played tremendously after the Carmelo Anthony trade, and they have a new feel to their team. The Nuggs have a ton of difference makers, but do they have the one guy who can put the team on his back? I don't think so.  Close, fun series, the Thunder take in six.  

3.) Dallas v. 6.) Portland- This is the popular upset pick right now.  It is like an NCAA Tournament First Round game where everyone is riding the mid-major completely forgetting about the powerhouse. Dirk Nowitzki has played great all year, but we all know that one player cannot win a series. In my opinion, I would let Dirk go off for 40 a game, and cut off everyone else.  Tyson Chandler has been great for the Mavs, but Marcus Camby is like the older version of him therefore they cancel each other out.  Also  don't be surprised if Dirk's defense gets exposed once again by LaMarcus Aldridge.  Rip City in six.   

2.) Los Angeles Lakers v. 7.) New Orleans- See this what I hate about the NBA. We get these series with very public teams playing opponents that I could give two shits about meaning we have to endure all four or five games they play against each others. I am still wondering how the Hornets found themselves into the playoffs. With David West out, Pau Gasol will have a monster playoff series propelling them to an easy series. I will give the Hornets a pity win because I am nice. Lake Show in five. 

-Charlie. 

NBA Regular Season & Playoffs From The Only Writer Who Knows The NBA

By now, I'm sure all of our readers know that I am the only writer on this fine blog that knows anything about the NBA. Because of this fact, I will take on the task to breakdown the fantastic, albeit long, NBA regular season; and predict, to the best of my abilities, the possible outcomes from what will be the greatest NBA playoffs since "The Jordan Years."

Regular Season

My predictions at the beginning of the NBA regular season proved to be completely wrong. Both the Heat and Lakers failed to break the Chicago Bulls 72 win season record. I failed to take into account the complacency factor for the Lakers, and I believed the Heat would gel far more quickly. That being said, the regular season was extremely entertaining. Here are some of the highlights from what I witnessed:

• The rejuvenation of the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs is truly remarkable. The Spurs fizzled out at the end, but their start to the season was record-breaking. They achieved their success without significant play from Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, and their defensive prowess reminds me of their dynasty days. The Chicago Bulls' success surprised all of us. Everyone knew that the addition of Boozer and Korver would help this team, but to have the best record with the amount of early injuries they had is a testament to the season Derrick Rose had. Which leads me to.....


• Derrick Rose had himself an MVP season. He took the 8th team in the East to a 60-win season basically by himself. The Bulls star showed throughout the season he can get to the rim against every team, and his improved shooting skills trumped any defense the league put in front of him. He may not have a personality, but his talent and will is something to behold.


• For the first time in Kobe Bryant's career, I think he realizes the success of the Lakers flows through Gasol, Bynum, and Odom, not himself. He should be the runner-up MVP for the regular season. Watching Kobe spread the ball to his bigs through the triangle offense, is the epitome of offensive efficiency. The Lakers were complacent at times, but at their best, no team will be able to beat them.


• Blake Griffin's dunks thrilled and excited every person who watched the woeful Clippers. (who failed to make the playoffs......Charlie)


• This is the first time that I can remember where the NBA Trade Deadline wasn't about saving cash, but about obtaining premium talent. Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks makes New York a credible threat in the East for the next couple of years. Deron Williams to the Nets satisfies The Communists need for a star player.


• The importance of having a great point guard has surpassed the importance of having a great big man. We are in the Year of the Quarterback and the Year of the Point Guard. Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, and Russell Westbrook are coveted assets by their organizations.


• Dwight Howard had himself a great season, but he needs to get out of Orlando. If I were the coach of the Magic, I would take an entire regular season, and focus my entire offense through Dwight Howard. Right now, the Magic are 50% Howard, 50% three-pointers. If I were the coach, I would scrap a regular season to develop a complete Dwight Howard that would terrorize a league for multiple regular seasons. Keep feeding him the ball on every possession. He still hasn't reached his full potential, and I don't think he will reach that point in Orlando.


• Kevin Durant's high caliber season of 2009-2010, never transferred over to 2010-2011. Durant is an extremely good player. He is a terrific scorer who can get buckets from anywhere on the court. But, his game has an exploitable flaw that I have stated countless times. He does not look for teammates. For a player who has the ball as much as he does, his inability to spread the ball hinders the Thunder's offense. This fact will be the downfall of a promising season for the Thunder.


• And Finally............


• The Miami Heat failed to live up to my lofty expectations; however, I have never had so much fun watching an NBA team (see kicked down door). Wade and Lebron consistently carried Chris Bosh. Bosh was not ready for the start of the regular season. He wasn't ready for the intensity and hatred, and he wasn't ready for all the expectations. Wade and Lebron's friendship seems to be genuine, and their games actually compliment each other at times. Erik Spoelstra failed miserably at the beginning of the season. His offensive game plans were woeful, and he commanded no respect from his team. But, he prevailed. The success of the Heat stems from his ability to place Wade as the go-to-guy in the clutch, and use Lebron and Wade in pick-and-roll situations. The Miami Heat needed two more weeks of training camp, but I still consider their season a success.

The NBA regular season was a complete success. It captured and enthralled viewers. But, for as great as the regular season was, the playoffs will surpass expectations and astound anybody who watches.

NBA Playoffs

I have never been this excited for the NBA Playoffs to begin. Think about all the great matchups. Durant vs. Bryant. Lebron vs. Rose. Rondo vs. Wade. Howard vs. Entire East. I mean, Good Lord! Plus.......No Gus Johnson and ALL CHARLES BARKLEY BABY!!!!!

Here are some of my predictions for these immaculate NBA playoffs:

• 
  
  Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls had a great NBA regular season. I do not think this will translate over to a NBA Finals berth. The Bulls remind me too much of the Cleveland Cavaliers of the last 3 years (Best record, MVP, Role Players a plenty, Defensive Minded Head Coach, Probably Coach of the Year). Rose will constantly be double-teamed and triple-teamed and it will be up to the role players to carry this team. If Korver, Boozer, and Deng can make shots, the Bulls will ruin my prediction. But, those players couldn't do it in Utah, and I don't think they are ready to do it in the hostile East.'


• 
  
  The San Antonio Spurs won't make it to the Finals either. They are actually "too old." The Boston Celtics are old, but the Spurs are "too old." Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward of all-time, and I believe that this is his last relevant playoff run. It's unfortunate, but the passing of the torch needs to come sometime.


• 
  
  The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers are the only two teams in the West who I believe have a shot at making the finals. With the addition of Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder's lineup, the Thunder can now compete physically with the Lakers. The Lakers triangle offense and big man prowess will ultimately carry this team to the Finals. Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson want this title badly. Phil wants to go out on top, and I believe he will inspire Artest, Fisher, Brown, and Odom to step up like they did last season.


• 
  
  The Boston Celtics are the wild-card in these NBA playoffs. Before the Perkins trade, the Celtics were the easy choice for the Finals. Now, they seem like they will be lucky to get out of the first round. I believe the Celtics will pony up and make one more run, but their lack of skilled size in the middle will ultimately be their demise in the East. Sorry Bill Simmons, but your Celtics have no shot of winning an NBA title this year.


• 
  
  The New York Knicks don't play defense. You don't win championships without defense.


• 
  
  The Denver Nuggets' coach George Karl is the only challenger for Tom Thibodeau for Coach of the Year. Their success is totally out-of-left-field. They lose their two best players and then have one of the best records in the league since.


• 
  
  And Finally...........


• 
  
  The Miami Heat on the verge of being a dynasty. Lebron, Wade, and Bosh are playing well together. They have stifling defense at times. Their role players step up at times. They have experience, they have the pedigree, and I believe they will make the NBA Finals, and win their first championship together. I don't know if the Heat will struggle in the half court offense. I don't know if their role players can live up in the extreme pressure of the playoffs. I don't know if they can defend Derrick Rose. But, I do know that the will of the two superstars of Lebron and Wade will push this team harder than any team in recent memory. The Chicago Bulls succeeded because they feared Michael Jordan's retribution. The Miami Heat will succeed because Lebron and Wade won't let them fail.

Prediction: Heat vs. Lakers

Heat in 6 games!

A $100K Swear Word

A new precedent has been set in the NBA by fining players when they get caught swearing on T.V. Kobe Bryant was caught on T.V. Tuesday night yelling at a ref after getting a technical foul by saying, "Fucking faggot." The fine for this obscene remark is $100,000. $100,000 for swearing? The fact that he is fined and the amount he is fined is extreme for just saying a few derogatory words. Players of any sport curse during the course of a game and it gets caught on T.V. but no fines are ever handed out. I do not understand what is so different about this situation.



Bryant obviously did not mean to imply that the ref was actually a homosexual. As bad as it may be, the term "faggot" has become a slang slur that many people use on a daily basis. Kobe apologized for the comment today by releasing this statement: "What I said last night should not be taken literally. My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period. The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone." Kobe, as well as anyone who has played competitive sports before, realized that he made this comment during a game where his adrenaline was racing and it is hard to control what you say. I probably have used "faggot" before during a game in referring to an opposing player or a ref. Does that make me prejudice towards gays? No. It is just something said out of frustration that is not really meant to mean what the term is.

David Stern made this comment while announcing the fine of Kobe, "Kobe and everyone associated with the NBA know that insensitive or derogatory comments are not acceptable and have no place in our game or society." So Mr. Stern, the next time I hear a player calling another player the "N" word during a broadcast, should I expect to see a fine coming because he is insensitive towards African-Americans? I think this phrase occurs more often than that case of Kobe's slur. You cannot pick and choose which slurs are considered insensitive and which ones are "ok" to say.

You think Kenyon Martin got fined for making these comments after a game against the Mavs?(Nnnnnooooooo)

Goodbye Sacramento?

Sorry Kings fans, I had to put one of the best buzzer-beaters in one of my favorite rivalries growing up as a kid. I remember being at my friend Shannon's house that day, and a bunch of my friends watch Big Shot Bob hit that three leaving us all in disbelief. It's fitting tonight, the Sacramento Kings play what might be their final game in Arco Arena against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.


In case you don't know, the Maloof brothers who own the team has been in discussion to move the team to Anaheim and rename them the Royals. The move has been bashed by some, and even guys like Chris Webber are trying to save the Kings. Last night, I was watching TNT's Inside The NBA showed some sympathy for the Kings, and talked at great length about how loyal the fans were and coupled them with Seattle. In my opinion, I thought the over-top sensitivity had to do with Webber and Kenny Smith, both former Kings being at the desk, but I felt it was unnecessary for a perennial moving franchise.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the Kings team that had Webber, Mike Bibby, Vlade Divac, and others trying to dethrone the evil Lakers. But how can people tell me to feel some sadness for a franchise who has moved from Rochester-Cincinnati-Kansas City/Omaha-Sacramento?  I understand teams move, but usually, it's one or two moves, not potentially five if they head to Anaheim. The other thing is if you want to be outspoken about a team leaving, how about the fans actually show up for the games? The Kings are second to last in attendance drawing an average of 13, 796 fans per game is pathetic. Smith, Webber, and Charles Barkley can say all they want about how great the fans were in their day, but when it comes down to numbers, they don't lie.  

The Maloofs are smart businessmen. Right now, most of their money is in Las Vegas, which is struggling worst than the Charlie Sheen Live Tour, so why would they keep the Kings in Sacramento when that business venture is failing as well?  It makes no sense when the Maloofs can provide an alternative team in suburban Los Angeles where all the transplants can see their favorite players on a nightly basis. So long Sac-Town.

-Charlie.

Don't Expect A 2010 NBA Finals Repeat

Right now, this is one of the best times to be a sports fan. Everyone in baseball still has a chance, the growing debates about what player to take in the NFL Draft, and the winter sports are heading into the playoffs this week. As the NBA Playoffs get underway on Saturday, the biggest question is will the two teams from the 2010 NBA Finals survive the first round? 

The Boston Celtics are in a complete free fall after trading Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Rajon Rondo has seemed like an entire different player, Kevin Garnett yells, but it feels like to me no one listens like they once did when Perkins partolled the lane. People from El Pres, Simmons, and others have mentioned  how much the city of Boston loved Perk, and I really think the players felt the exact same way. I believe the perfect comparison for this is my sophomore year of college dorm floor.

We had an awesome door room floor. Everybody got along, and our resident assistant let us live our lives without meddling plus also being a good friend. There was a true togetherness about our unit compared to the one I lived in the year prior where four or five of us were great friends, but no one else went out together. With this group, people did so many more things together and felt like a family. After the resident assistant got poor grades, we got a new one and he ended up being the opposite personality.

He wanted to make his prescene felt here and life changed for every guy there. Most of the guys did not react to change well leading to multiple problems. People got kicked out of the dorms, vandalized various things on the floor, and it became pretty miserable for the last two weeks.  The Celtics' old team with Perkins had that original dorm floor unity, and now what they have is the misrable nature of the new look dorm floor. Everyday it seemed like one person would say "Man I miss Matt, our former RA" and I am willing to bet the Celtics' players have days where they say "I miss Perk more than I thought I would."

I cannot believe a team with a playoff seed on the line can lose to a team like the Washington Wizards especially in overtime. They are playing like individuals, and want this season to be over as soon as possible. The body language is horrible right now from Doc Rivers to Delonte West. It's a team effort to look this disinterested. The Celtics are far worst off than they were last year, and I personally believe the New York Knicks will beat them in six games. My thoughts on that series will be given later this week.

While out west, the Los Angeles Lakers have had more up and downs than a long distance relationship. Before this sudden five game losing streak, the Lakers had won nine straight. Further they had won sixteen of their last seventeen games. They are the definition of inconsistency, and sometimes those teams are able to turn it on in the postseason propelling them to victory. If the Lakers are a true contender, they will make a statement tonight against the San Antonio Spurs at home. With the two seed on the line, they need to play on a playoff level.

On the other hand, I wonder what Gregg Popovich does tonight because San Antonio has won both games against the Lakers this year, so maybe they do not think it's the worst thing to play them in round 2? The Spurs might come out firing with all their starters trying to dump the Lakers farther down the seeding. Also don't discredit  the Oklahoma City Thunder's 14 point win against the Lakers at the Staples Center Sunday night. To me, the 120-106 beatdown spoke volumes that the young Thunder can compete with any team in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant finally looked comfortable against Ron Artest dropping 31 points, Russell Westbrook is a nightmare for the Lakers' guards, and Ibaka/Perkins can compete with Bynum/Gasol for sure.

The last couple of years we always had an idea of who will be playing in the NBA Finals. While there are favorites, I feel this year is more unpredictable than others in years' past. I expect a lot of close series, and maybe some new favorites rise up in the upcoming months.

-Charlie.
 

The Lakers Aren't Moving Anybody

After the Lakers fell flat on their faces against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, Magic Johnson and General Manager Mitch Kupchack went into panic mode. They started talking about dealing players, and giving the team the spark that they need for the postseason run.  Kupchack also stated that they will not break up Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, or Lamar Odom... yeah about that.

If the Lakeshow wants to bring back some talent, they will have to give up Bynum, there is no question about that. Unless Kupcheck can pull off a Chris Wallace coup again, nobody is going to trade for Ron Artest, or Steve Blake. The only guy who will draw some interest is Shannon Brown. But do the Lakers really want to trade their top energy guy off the bench and Brown's contract isn't that significant.



I personally think this is a ruse because I used the ESPN Trade Machine only to find out I needed to deal Artest or Bynum for any trade to work. My humble opinion tells me that people are scared shitless of Bynum's knee problems. Honestly, this is his ceiling. He might improve a little bit, but I do not see him being one of the most dominant centers of the next decade. With Dwight Howard becoming a free agent in 2012, it makes perfect sense to trade Bynum because I feel Howard will probably come to L.A. But the question is will someone take that risk?  Probably with all the new technology that's out there, but I don't think he is perennial All-Star

At the end of the day, the Lakers will be fine without adding anybody. The West is stronger overall, but it isn't as top heavy as the Eastern Conference. The Lakers might not make the biggest splash at the deadline, but maybe they can figure out a smaller acquisition to help out like the Celtics and others have done in prior years.

-Charlie.

Ending the LeBron-Cleveland Feud

The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered one of the worst losses in NBA history.  They lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 112-57 last night. For those non-math majors out there, that is a 55 point loss. That is like Duke playing UW-Eau Claire type of scoring right there, although that might be giving the Blugolds some credit.  Obviously, players like Mo Williams and Antwan Jamison are embarrassed.  But to put the cherry on top, their most famous former player LeBron James tweeted his thoughts...  

Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!

I never said LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland and try to bring that city a title. Personally, I wanted New York, but that's just. I didn't like how he was an asshole about the whole ordeal.  LeBron's horrible PR decision is the reason why people hate him with more venom this season. LeBron wants people to know he hates Cleveland and never will forgive them for burning his jerseys, blocking out Jay-Z songs, etc.. But honestly, I am fed up with both of them.  This is like a weak rap beef comparable to Soulja Boy and Gucci Mane with LBJ and the city of Cleveland.  Each sides needs to give it up.  We understand you hate each other, but let's move on.

This isn't the WWE where we have a long feud resulting in a title fight, then another one, and then a final grudge match in a steel cage. This is the NBA.  Both sides need to stop being bitches. Unless someone throws a punch in a game, this is a meaningless squabble.  I do like LeBron is in FU mode because that's the type of player he needs to be this season. The killer instict is back, now let's see if he can do it in the playoffs.

-Charlie.