Without Needing Time to Think, It's Time USC Fires Mike Garrett

Whenever USC trustees do an entire town a favor that immerses in the most famous football program in a region where supporters are devoid of a non-professional football franchise, mend respectability of tarnishing and remove the toxic stains turning an illustrious institution into a toxic wasteland and dismiss athletic director Mike Garrett, the Trojans will avoid sanctions for being deceitful criminals of violating NCAA rules.

Apparently, the mood at the spacious and amiable campus located off of Figueroa Ave, is perturbed and overwrought after hearing the latest penalties imposed on an athletic program.

The program remains known for triumphant feats and producing Heisman trophy winners. Now, the unbraced university is known for committing infractions, portrayed as dirty and duplicitous sleazes following a significant NCAA investigation amid unspecified scandals that unveiled the truth.

From Heritage Hall, to the tallness of the Tommy Trojan bronze statue, to Doheny Library, all the students and average fanatics are raving over the unpleasant sins, suffocating and devaluing the recruiting classes of the future at Southern California University.

Battered with much tainted perceptions and harsh penalties, the prominent university is delayed from winning another crystal ball or even smelling roses in an annual appearance at the Rose Bowl.

There were legions of mischievous and deceptive frauds to blame and point fingers because of the infringements in violating NCAA rules.

For years, investigators have probed a troubling dilemma that has ruined the integrity and purity of collegiate sports, but the most noticeable scandals existed at USC, a famous university now buffeted notoriously for wrongdoings and declining to follow traditional principles.

The chronicles and headlines no longer address winning or recruiting the best high school prospect, enveloped by former tailback Reggie Bush, then-basketball phenom O.J. Mayo and coach Tim Floyd, the pseudo who fled the program when pending accusations transpired and were a messy burden.

This is a college football team, with a numerous of scapegoats. This is a college football team, with tainted corruption and will be labeled as an asterisk, forgetting all the championship wins it has compiled over the years with the top quarterbacks and running backs in the nation.

Because of arrogance and recklessness, the Trojans went from the most powerful program to the most powerless program, without having the last word.

All the foolish sins caused ruination within collegiate sports greatest dynasty, and smudged the memories of sheer greatness and exultation. Few want to believe that it’s Bush’s fault when the NCAA learned he had accepted and was lavished with improper gifts and cash from two phony agents.

There are others who want to believe that Floyd is the goon to blame amid a crisis for which he vanished to relieve headaches.

Remember, he allegedly bestowed $1,000 in cash transactions to Rodney Guillory, an event promoter who acted as an agent to Mayo and represented him unlawfully.

Remember, USC self-sanctioned its basketball program for infractions that happened before Mayo’s one-and-done season with the Trojans and Floyd attended the infractions committee hearing. However, he still isn’t the one to blame for USC’s impaired gloom, costing the bleak program a two-year postseason ban and a loss of 30 football scholarships during four-year probation.

Of all the violations, the man to blame isn’t Bush, who played an important role in the Trojans momentous dynasty.

Of all the turmoil, the man to blame isn’t Mayo, but instead he should be credited for reforming an impoverished basketball program in a season he almost led the Trojans to the Elite Eight.

Of all the foolishness, the man to blame isn’t Floyd, even though his arrogance and egotistic morals sabotaged the emergence of the basketball powerhouses in the Pac-10.


But recently, with all the conspiracy the one to deem as a liable and egocentric imbecile is Garrett, a permissive overseer who should have been fired long ago, inexplicably smearing his credibility for the unnecessary sanctions.

He certainly has unhinged his legacy as well as rupturing the legacy of Pete Carroll, a triumphant architect and most winning coach.

There was too much latitude allowed and he was unaware with the unlawful troubles that deflowered mystique and the beauty of purity and believability in one of the commendable programs.

Before he filled in the vacancy as Seattle Seahawks head coach last winter, Carroll acknowledged that his intentions weren’t to elude USC for the scandals.

It’s difficult to believe now that the Trojans must vacate every win between December 2004 and the end of the 2005 season. All of which he was the focal point in the majority of the national titles and wins during his nine-year tenure.

It’s very telling that the most dynamic football university in the nation possibly will be the first school forced to forfeit a championship after the Bowl Championship Series. By viewing this situation, the Trojans are doing whatever it could to downplay further humiliation after USC reprehensibly lost two seasons and scholarships, which wreaks the stability of luring student athletes.

To some extent, it’s an insult to Southern California’s academia and athleticism, but a severe punishment that sends a message and a reality check.

Maybe it sent a reality check to the administrators that it’s time to get rid of a helpless Garrett and hire someone else who’ll be willing to purge the poisonous devastation in the aftermath.

The NCAA held the Trojans hostage as President Steven Sample, Carroll and running back coach Todd McNair and school attorneys and compliance officials eagerly waited since meeting months ago of the NCAA Committee on Infractions.

And finally, it was unveiled that the ruling was unpleasant and destructive enough to hinder the Trojans of dominating the turf on Saturdays.

This is a scandal that obviously gave us an advisable description, knowingly understanding that USC is oblivious and pompous.

For nearly an entire decade, the entire university was highly regarded as the top football program in the nation, constituting an exulted culture with top-notch prospects that verbally committed and forged signatures within a school that had the greatest memories in sports by garnering two national titles, three Heisman winners and seven consecutive Pac-10 titles.

But it’s a shame that none of the indelible moments in school history will last after a player was paid off and a coach was hired by the name of Lane Kiffin, who selfishly left a program in shambles for committing allegedly six infractions.

It’s really a troubling situation when Garrett doesn’t have the audacity to maneuver his program. It’s really sad that he has been manipulated and badly deceived, without setting stricter boundaries to taper all the madness, causing a heinous disaster.

There’s one thing certain about USC. They won’t Fight On, unless the administration waves farewell to a man who destroyed the pride and character of the mighty warriors. His arrogance and indifference has damaged the culture and the apparent symbol of Trojans football.

If Garrett isn’t dismissed, then there’s no fight in Troy.

Celtics' Raw Bench Elevates Presumption as Lakers Raise Concerns

It wasn’t long ago when the Boston Celtics, now taunting on their home floor and staring bitterly in the faces of the Los Angeles Lakers, were whining and weeping about an awful call, but relentlessly outweighed the arch-rivals in the final minutes of Game Four Thursday night.

There’s no need to denounce or disbelieve in the Celtics, who overwhelmed and surprised the visitors in every angle on the floor, neutralizing and overmatching the energy, strength, and sloppiness of the Lakers.

This time, there were signs of relief and worshipping from a competent second unit, out-balancing the disoriented opponents and salvaging a conceivable mindset in an upcoming Game Five.

Much as the basketball populace wants to believe that the Lakers are the favorable ones to win the series, forgetting about the Celtics defensive principles, heart, and guts, the ultimate instinct is denying the possibility of an older and passive franchise.

Outside of the TD Garden, on Causeway Street, the rowdy crowd believes the Celtics are still capable of winning this entire series; presumptuous in bracing the Green Machine, as we called the winningest and most hated franchise in the ‘80s era.

It was an emotional scene on a night the Celtics were balanced and composed, erupting mini-celebrations prematurely in the fourth, sure of themselves that a victory was quickly unfolding. It was a symbolic turnaround for the Celtics, recovering from an abysmal loss in Game Three by capping a fourth quarter surge in an electric romp.

It’s fair to recognize that Boston's momentum and sentimental mode in the NBA Finals reminded us that they are fittingly a portrait of a menacing assassin, securing a 96-89 win to tie a well-balanced series 2-2 while assuring a Game Six in Los Angeles.

In the most arousing exhibit, Boston’s bench scored a massive 36 points on the night and played much of the fourth. Coach Doc Rivers had trust in his second unit and left reserve forward Glen Davis and guard Nate Robinson on the floor.

Earlier in the series, the Celtics were worthless in the lamest performance in the postseason and were criticized roughly for weeping about poor calls or committing too many fouls. They are once again back in the series, fighting back with energy and physical activity while maneuvering the flow, finally glowing on the biggest stage in basketball.


For the first time this season, no signs of exhaustion or age hindered the likelihood of the Celtics stumbling in the closure of a brief reign. It’s decorous that Davis and Robinson embodies the youth and raw toughness, a contiguous mentality that motivates teammates and even the clamorous crowd in the stands, screaming whenever Robinson excites spectators with his explosive scoring and fearlessly taunts the Lakers.

It’s amazing that he’s a little man.

Fearless in taking over and fueling the loudest crowd with his energy as he fired two three-pointers in the first half. He was brilliant on this night, averaging 12 points in 17 minutes and gave the Celtics aspiration in the series.

Suddenly, it was precisely the inferior Celtics that stayed alive with a Big Baby pushing around and abusing the Lakers seven-footers and little man hitting from long-range. It’s worth noting that no team has ever come back from a three-games-to-one deficit in the finals, and the Celtics knew it was vital to alleviate pressure and avoid a decisive loss in falling behind three games to one.


So now the Celtics are tougher and ferocious, at a time when the Lakers were vanquishing the feeble and soft personality, but were brutally manhandled after establishing a presence in the paint early, until Andrew Bynum aggravated his torn right knee that swelled and painfully limited his production to 12 minutes.

From the start, he hobbled and walked awkwardly and was scoreless in the fourth quarter.

The concept that the Lakers are different, rather than two years ago when they were humiliated in a 39-point defeat, the most disheartening loss in NBA Finals history, had us believing that the Lakers were invincible and couldn’t be denied.

But then came, Big Baby, who was dancing and scowling meaner than Kobe Bryant.

His nickname is fittingly an acceptable one, drooling after he slashed down the middle to score seven points in four minutes to topple the Lakers 62-60 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter. That led to his nine points in a game-changing spurt, and moments later, he stalked off the court with teammate Robinson hanging from his back, proudly jubilating over the blazing run.

“I just felt like a beast,” said Davis during his comical post-game news conference.

Now, suddenly, the Lakers are worried and furious following a sluggish and inattentive performance on a night they could have pressured the Celtics to win the next three games. No longer were they the team we seen in the first game of the series, but a team that relapsed and refreshed our memories of the softness and lack of urgency the Lakers had in the finals two years ago.

Believe it or not, Davis out hustled and out-rebounded L.A. single-handedly. He was earnest and invincible, owning the middle and corralling every loose ball underneath the rim and drew fouls or finished on a put back to sadly torment and harass the hell out of a taller and lanky Pau Gasol and ineffective Bynum.

It was essentially the second-chance points that destroyed the Lakers for which Bynum, Gasol, and Odom combined for a staggering two offensive rebounds in over 97 minutes of play.

“They got all the energy points, the hustle points, second-chance points, points in the paint, best us to the loose balls ,” Bryant said who had 33 points and seven turnovers. "I mean, that’s how the game turned around.”

With Rivers wise choice to believe in his bench, he normally would have called on Pierce to enter late in the fourth, particularly when he delivered in the first-half as the hottest player by getting the Celtics off to a fast start.

However, it wasn’t Pierce, Kevin Garnett, or Ray Allen, but instead it was Big Baby and Robinson with the gratifying night.

“They won this game,” said Artest, shaking his head in disbelief. “I mean, they won this game.”

Yes, the Celtics won it, all right?

Boston Celtics Can't Blow This One, Need a Colossal Rebound From Rajon Rondo

My thoughts, upon watching an emerging point guard blossom and glow on basketball’s biggest stage, is that Rajon Rondo proved to the critics that much of the illusive chronicles heard about his inconsistent shooting and useless semblance was misguided and inaccurate.

Without allowing him a moment to breathe and alleviate the burdens and pressure in a premature transition to the pros, he announced that he’d forgo his sophomore season at Kentucky for an early upstart in the NBA.

You might recall critics, following his brief collegiate career, denouncing and blasting Rondo, who was viewed as a substandard prospect.

You might recall critics assuming that he was an inefficient shooter and blamed for the blemishes and failures at Kentucky, a demanding and elite program in collegiate sports.

There were points, such as four years ago, when the emerging point guard and floor general wasn’t as imperative in the Boston Celtics offense, but now he’s the epicenter to their burgeoning offense.

At the beginning of the season, the chatter was that the Celtics were much too old and aging to match the intensity level of younger and quicker opponents.

Throughout his young career, Rondo has become the centerpiece of thriving talent and is now managing the leadership role. The Celtics supporters even know he’s a mellowed and versatile floor general, praising him greatly for his improvement and strength on an aging and passive roster.

In regards to his explosiveness and savvy delivery by creating scoring opportunities or pushing the ball through the lane with his exemplary ball-handling skills, he’s one of the best point guards in the league and productive at dictating the tone of the game.

A year ago, general manager Danny Ainge ripped Rondo during an interview, and lashed out by throwing a tirade on a local radio station in Boston, bashing him as a selfish and reluctant player.

Early on, his elusive instability was considered as a wasteful draft pick with the No. 21 overall selection for his lack of maturity and unwillingness. His rebellious demeanor almost had worn out on the Celtics, who were attempting to trade Rondo at one point for irritating the front office and coaching staff, including head coach Doc Rivers.

But since he has improved and really is instrumental to their offensive strategies, he'll be Boston’s franchise guard for many years. He’s ultimately braced for a driven mindset to disrupt opponents by pressuring the ball and spreading it around to accumulate assists.

With this season alone, he’s the difference in the Celtics restoration, and ballooned as a resilient and high-profile guard, transforming an unpredictable season into a probable Finals run.

Each night, he normally presents a stronger effort and brings the intensity in every game, but in a 91-84 Game Three loss the Celtics trail in the NBA Finals 2-1, desperately needing a win in Game Four to even a renewed rivalry.

If Boston wishes to return as a championship-caliber contender, Rondo must rebound from an inferior performance and reemerged as a superstar—without blowing a defensive assignment, like the one he gaffed at when Derek Fisher dribbled down the floor quickly for an uncontested layup and a three-point play after he was fouled.

The Celtics, on the other hand, cannot win the series without resurgence by Rondo, who had 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in a spectacular fourth-quarter masterpiece in Game Two Sunday night at Staples Center. If Rondo is scoring and averaging triple-doubles, then the chances of the Lakers winning diminishes and may even have the tendency of unraveling a hard-driven core, including the game’s greatest closer, Kobe Bryant.


And before his frigid night, he was clearly a vital weapon and the primary ingredient in the Celtics' lone win. In these playoffs, he precisely shifted the complexion and now is discussed as a top-tier guard by executing and putting in extra time to improve his abysmal jump shot—a part of his game that has debilitated his potential to drill the outside shot or mid-range jumper.

What’s incredible about Rondo is that he can change his speed, which allows him to penetrate and toss bounce passes off the dribble. Even more useful is his vision and knowledge to find an open teammate, such as Ray Allen on the baseline or Paul Pierce beyond the perimeter.

He, indeed, has all the components, but the question remains whether he can apply it or not. His sudden breakout is a symbol of the Celtics, a signature concept as to why Boston has advanced to the NBA Finals.

All of us are glancing at an elite point guard. All of us are gazing at Rondo. All of us know he’s due for a colossal showpiece. Why not in Game Four when it's all on the line?

Comparing LeBron To Peyton Manning and Why He May Stay With The Cavs

A lot of hype has been going around LeBron James lately. Already, they are talking about the future of the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and the Los Angeles Clippers because they will land superstar small forward LeBron James.

Whoa, hold on there buckaroo. How do we know for sure that James will be leaving?

Yeah yeah, the Cleveland Cavaliers have marked their second straight year where they posted the league-best record but choke in the playoffs. So what?

This often brings me back to the situation in the National Football League: The Indianapolis Colts of the 2000's. They kept winning and winning, but couldn't bring it on in the big show. That's when people often compared Peyton Manning as the next Dan Marino. But Manning had more skill and a higher football IQ and a type of great quarterback we haven't seen for awhile. He was so dominant in the regular season, but he couldn't hold it through to the post-season. He would often times choke to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Which is why I compare LeBron James to the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback. Let's go year-by-year with these guys.

In 1998, Peyton Manning was the first overall pick out of Tennessee. He was drafted by the worst team in league: The Indianapolis Colts. It was a debate between Ryan Leaf and him. As we look back, Manning was the superstar and Leaf was the biggest bust of the decade. The Colts didn't finish well in 1998, posting a 3-13 record, but it marked a bright future for the Colts and their new, young quarterback.

In 2003, LeBron James was looking to be the NBA phenom. He was something the NBA has never seen. Coming out of Akron, Ohio, James didn't even go to college. He was a number one pick from high school. The Cleveland Cavaliers knew they had a star coming with James. They were better off with James than Darko Milicic. When we look back, James is the future of the NBA and Milicic is the biggest bust of the decade like NFL's Ryan Leaf. James would play great in his rookie season, but the Cavs weren't in playoff contention, however, posting a 35-47 record.

Both, however, would continue to improve as both of their years went by. Both had rivalries, too. Peyton Manning had his with Tom Brady. Brady always had been winning the battles for six straight seasons, and getting three Super Bowls out of it while Manning got none. But Manning had his share of many AFC Championship game appearances. LeBron had bit of a one with Kobe Bryant. Bryant would take the charge, though, going to three Finals appearances. One a win, one a loss, and another that is undetermined. James only went to one, but got smoked by the San Antonio Spurs.

As the years went on, Manning's 2004 season turned out to be one of the bests of his career. After coming off an MVP season in 2003, he had a bigger MVP season that year, breaking Dan Marino's record of 48 touchdowns in a season. Manning had 49 as the Colts posted a 12-4 record. However, they lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 20-3 in the Divisional Playoff round. 2005 rolled by for Manning, posting great numbers as the Colts went 14-2. But their streak ended by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round.

The same thing was happening to LeBron James. After making it to the Finals in the 2006 NBA season, 2007 came by and the Cavaliers were doing great. But it all stopped when the Cavs got downed by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Then 2008-09 and 2009-10 season came. James won MVP and the Cavs were unstoppable in the regular season, like the King himself. But they choked in the playoffs, losing to the Celtics this year and the Magic last year.

Before Manning won his Super Bowl, it was all about statistics. He won a lot of games in the regular season and put up a lot of great numbers. As for the playoffs, before 2006, it just didn't work out. He was a choke artist. He had MVP's, fastest to reach 30,000 yards and all of that, but couldn't get the big one.

Same for LeBron. He had the stats, MVP's, one of the fastest to reach 10,000 points and all of that, but he was a choke artist when it came to the playoffs.

Then 2006 came. The Colts had a terrible defense. It was a struggle. Nobody believed the Colts could do it. But they did. They stopped their rivals in the AFC Championship game versus the New England Patriots and topped it off with a championship win over the Chicago Bears for Manning's first ring. Now when you look at Manning, he is considered the greatest quarterback ever, already. I wouldn't say so. But many consider him better than Brady, now.

Why? Manning never had character issues. Many quarterbacks had character issues. Tom Brady is known a stuck-up jerk off the field. Dan Marino had problems before the NFL along with many other quarterbacks. Brett Favre would never make up his mind and was annoying to some people. But Manning? He never had any character issues and was never selfish. Never. He was an honest man earning his pay.

Along with that, some people say Brady isn't better than Manning is because he whined a lot. Especially during last year's NFL season when he was coming off the year where Bernard Pollard blew out his knee (in which many people thank him for). Also, people never took Brady's 2007 season that big because of all the Spygate troubles. That is why people think Manning is better, too. He earned his ring more and turned receivers who come off a 40 receptions-700 yard season into a 80 reception-1,100 yard season.

It took number 18 nine seasons to win a Super Bowl. And you know what? He never gave up. He never gave up to get that ring. He tried and tried. Every year. People said he choked and he sucked, but he proved them wrong and got the monkey off his back. Now with looking to have the best stats ever for a quarterback (seriously, Brett Favre thinks Manning will beat all of his records and it is possible, easily) and with a couple more rings at hand, Manning can be known as the best quarterback right now and soon to be the best ever. True. Ask anybody.

And that goes the same for LeBron James. And that is why I think James will stay in Cleveland. He will look for inspiration. Manning is a big one. Manning never asked to be traded or anything, because he knows he has the tools to win. James has the tools. Hell, he does. True that. James made it to the NBA Finals with a squad that wasn't as good as he had in 2008 or 2009. Check it.

The Cavaliers have tools bring in guys James wants. The Cavaliers are able to trade Mo Williams for Michael Beasley. And it is possible for them making that deal come true. They are building with a new head coach. Manning was able to fit into it when the Colts made it to the Super Bowl with Jim Caldwell. There's also a possibility that the Cavs can actually clear up cap space and bring in a guy like Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire. Maybe even Carlos Boozer.

Cleveland needs a sports hero. And James is the only one. Indiana's last sports hero was Reggie Miller. It was just a basketball place. Now football is stepping in because Peyton Manning made the impossible happen for the Colts. He made the "Dolts" go away. The city of Cleveland sports has a curse. And we all know James has the keys to break that curse.

James knows he wants to stay in Cleveland. He was born an Ohioan. And he wants to stay one. He bleeds Ohio and he can't leave the Cavaliers. He will be leaving his hometown. Because of him, the arena to watch the Cavs is always packed. Same goes for the Colts' with the RCA Dome and the Lucas Oil Stadium. James can bring a title to not only the Cavs, but to the city of Cleveland. And if James does bring home a title, he will be the icon of everything Cleveland. Not a sports icon, but a bigger national icon. The icon of Ohio. The icon of the NBA. And I can bet you when Cleveland wins the NBA Finals, it will be a thousand times more crazier than what happened to New Orleans when the Saints won the Super Bowl. Cleveland will be packed because a sports team finally won a championship.

And if James completes that, people can often consider him as a better player than Kobe. There are rumors James signing a three-year-deal with the Cavs and if he doesn't win the NBA Finals in those three years, he will go on to play for the Brooklyn Nets. And that's all the time LeBron needs to win a championship in Cleveland.

Like Manning, James has great character. The great Michael Jordan had gambling problems and cheated on his wife. But it wasn't all that bad. He will still be considered the greatest ever. And Kobe Bryant also had issues. He was selfish a lot of times, which brought him into trade rumors of going to the Knicks. And I don't want to go into any further detail, because the rest is history with the rape accusations and all of that. Nothing has ever gone bad to James. The only bad thing was when some YouTuber tried to claim that James was a believer of Satan.

The Cavaliers also have the most money to give James. But I don't think James will accept the max deal. I think he will think about the Cavs first. So many Clevelanders are begging for number 23 to stay. Not as many other teams are begging more than Cleveland and the whole state of Ohio. They may seem smaller than all of them, but I think James can create something with himself. All the other teams have greats in their franchise. The Cavs never have than James.

The Cavs can bring what James wants this off-season. Don't be surprised seeing a guy like Joe Johnson, Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, or Amare Stoudemire coming to Cleveland.

I know James will get his ring in the next three years. It took James a shorter time than Manning to reach his first championship appearance. It took Manning nine seasons. James? Only five. Entering his eighth season, James can bring home a title to Cleveland. He has three more years, maybe even more, to bring home a title to Cleveland. Then he can move on.

Did Michael Jordan ever quit with the Bulls? Did Dwayne Wade ever quit with the Heat? Then what makes you think James will quit with the Cavaliers? LeBron should look at Peyton Manning for guidance. Barack Obama is even pleading for James to stay. It would be better. Much better.

I could go on and on. But LeBron, if I were you, do this. Take the thee-year-deal. The Cavs will do whatever you want. Trust me. The state of Ohio doesn't want you to leave. The Cavs will get a major superstar this free agency. I can see it. Or at least in a sign-and-trade. Trust me LeBron. This could be the best three years of your life and your best years are waiting. And they are in those next three-to-five years. You haven't entered your prime.

James will win a title in the next three years. And once he does, it's all in the books. It will be just like Manning. He will probably pass Kobe Bryant, maybe pass Jordan. Okay, not Jordan, but he could be considered the second or third best player once he retires.

Do the right thing LeBron. Don't quit yet. Look at Peyton. Look at what you can do with Cleveland. Bringing a title to Cleveland will be much bigger than bringing a title to a team like the Knicks or the Clippers. And if you bring home a trophy for Cleveland, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Don't quit.

Lakers vs. Celtics: Derek Fisher Again Prevails as Hero in Pivotal Moments

His stellar night in a hostile atmosphere indelibly was a spectacular display, assuming to revoke the memories of an uninspiring defeat a few nights ago. For the first time in 11 years, it was a portrait of an invaluable swingman to the greatest closer in the game, Kobe Bryant.

Seems the populace eventually would have figured that Derek Fisher is as brilliant and sumptuous in finishing and delivering in a crucial final's game as is Bryant. It’s almost mockery when basketball lords forget about Fisher, a veteran guard dismissed as an old and inactive competitor on the roster. He’s proudly still known for his customary clutch, game-winners and differences as time dwindles in regulation.


Each summer, in a town that sadly may wave goodbye if he decides not to return next season, endears an inspirational leader who has been fortunate to win four championships, all with a dynasty as part of the Lakers. Eventually, he’ll call it quits, but in the late years of a wonderful career, he’s amongst a reclamation period, still the inspirational and spiritual supporter on a unified core. For one night, he wasn’t old or sluggish, but an imperative savior in the Lakers 91-84 win to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

For one night, he declared fame and wasn’t lambasted because of his age and stagnant demeanor, but brought back memories of his thrilling buzzer-beater with 0.4 seconds in San Antonio years ago and his two three-pointers that stole Game Four from Orlando last summer.

The stunning night of Bryant’s porous shooting inspired Fisher to balloon as a perennial star, dauntlessly stealing the game as time dwindled and scored 11 fourth-quarter points by pushing the tempo and advancing the ball in transition.

It happened so rapidly in a series, that the Lakers suddenly controlled in the absence of Bryant, who usually fires at ease in the final minutes to close out in a winnable fashion and went scoreless in the first 10 minutes of the fourth.


Thank goodness Fisher, the 35-year-old legitimized the personality in the series and shifted the complexion on a night when Bryant shot 10 for 29 from the field. The raucous crowd at TD Garden quietened down, and painfully watched as stun spectators took for granted that Fisher was too slow and old in controlling the momentum.

But he fooled all the weeping spectators, who sadly watched it all deteriorate at home. His sterling heroics are becoming an annual ritual, failing to recognize that he still has the swagger and accuracy shooting the ball. And years later, he’s still savvy and proficient in a game he truly zests, with difficulties defending the explosive and quicker guards.

There were numerous moments Tuesday night when he pushed the ball and executed as the aggressor, silencing all critics about his aging and slowness. Of course, he’s a veteran with not enough quickness or energy to out-duel a younger guard, but he showed that he can prevail and finish on substantial possessions.

“He has been criticized quite a bit because of his age,” Bryant said, “Which is why it’s a huge thrill for him and all of us that he comes through in those moments."

“Truthfully, he has done it over and over again for us. I’m just assuming that it’s his responsibility to our team to do these things. That was just Derek being Derek. He never ceases to amaze me.”


For the first time in these Finals, he wasn’t hearing the chatter about how he’ll be outmatched by Boston’s guard Rajon Rondo. By virtue, he proved resilient in his best game in the finals with an average of 7.5 points on 5-of-18 shooting, and was dismantled in a one-on-one showdown against Rondo, who posted a triple-double in a 103-94 win in Game 2.

His brilliance to race down the floor benefited, after he grabbed a defensive rebound, dribbled like a veteran point guard and accelerated quickly past a lethargic Celtics defense that unfolded in a layup and three-point play because he was unwisely fouled. More mind-blowing is that Rondo, the speedy guard with uncontrollable agility, failed to contest and defend a wide-open Fisher. It’s very puzzling that the Celtics would leave a savvy guard alone, given his history of finishing and prevailing late in the closing moments.

“He pretty much won the game,” said Rondo. “When we made our run, he seemed to have answers every time.”

I’m sure Paul Pierce will think carefully before he guarantees a win. This time, Ray Allen horribly missed shots on a frigid shooting night, coming off a record-setting evening in L.A. when he drilled eight three-pointers in a final's game.

There wasn’t an encore following an incredible shooting display, previously scoring 25 points in Los Angeles a few nights ago, but went 0-for-13 in front of the home crowd and struggled mightily after missing an array of shots.

Doc Rivers, the Celtics coach who whines and cries over poor officiating, blamed the refs much of the night, refusing to acknowledge that Allen and Pierce shot a combined 5 of 25, but divulged that Fisher was the factor in the game.

“Fisher won the game for them,” he said.

It was a must-needed win and a vintage Fisher reinforced the Lakers with his firepower, perception and zest in the sport he has devoted much of his life in, willing to play the game with heart and bravery. For once, he showed why he has four championship rings.

For once, he verified why he’s famously known for his heroics in prior history. For once, he validate why he’s always worshipped for the glorious moments in basketball. With much emotion, he was overjoyed and dripped tears during his brief conversation with ABC sideline reporter Doris Burke.

“I’m sorry to get emotional,” he said.

On this night, he owes no apologizes.

Where Weirdness Happens! Is the NBA Committing Financial Fraud?

If the NBA established evidence of what is a foul, flagrant foul, technical foul, bumping foul, clumsy hit or even a shot to the face, there wouldn't be a convoluted discussion that has perpetuated an uproar among the public. Every postseason, there are prolonged debates on whether the officials make the right calls.

This debacle has slightly stained pro basketball, with silly and asinine calls charged to players who have been infuriated by poor officiating.


Has it ever dawned on David Stern, the unrelenting commissioner who doesn't take much pride in his phony league and hasn't launched an investigation into NBA referees for all the bizarre calls of late, that basketball is shrinking and has lost popularity because of flaws in NBA officiating?

It’s a league with more problems, as usual, and every season is interrupted by mismanaged ruling, regarding a specific possession in the game that could be risky for a team closing in on capping a meaningful win.

If the league evaluates and takes precise measures by insisting on perpetuating an unbearable and unfathomable circumstance that previously sabotaged teams from winning an important game, there’ll be less whistles blowing and a casual aftereffect.

Yet again the NBA screws up in a blunder, happening in the NBA Finals, a series when much is at stake and when a gaffe could obstruct any team from celebrating a championship.

In retrospect, we cannot forget the despicable sleaze that ruined integrity and rectitude in an uneventful sport .

His name was, Tim Donaghy, the former NBA referee who Mr. Stern described as a “rogue isolated criminal” during a press conference in a room of swarming reporters. Right then, the hideous and atrocious scandal that placed an ugly image on the most sternest and tyrannical commissioner had virtually the leverage to investigate all of the officials, and if they were caught for infringement, he had the major advantage of enforcing a harsh sanction.


For all the shame, he stained the league's reputation with the ugliest betting scandal and had to serve a suspension as the FBI investigated allegations that he had point-shaved basketball games over two seasons.

Later, he pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges, acknowledging that he had availability to inside information, which contributed to him predicting the winners and passing on his picks to a professional gambler in return for cash installments.

Because he was greedy and disturbed, he’ll never earn another opportunity to officiate an NBA game. Beyond all, he had a gambling addiction worse than Michael Jordan and had to spend 15 months in prison —deprived of his livelihood and a state of mind.

Needless to say, we don’t know what to believe in an age of sleazes and con artists who are diminishing the elegance and purity in sports.

The unanimous precept is that the NBA is committing a veiling crime called financial fraud, which tells us the league could allegedly be rigging a compelling postseason to expand the best-of-seven series, a dishonest blueprint to mount revenue. If so, this is a disheartened notion, just as the refs blow their whistles on nearly every possession, charging someone with a personal foul.

For years now, refs have received criticism for poorly-called games. Maybe they have difficulty seeing? Maybe they are trying to be fair to every team and appease the whiners? Or maybe they are showing favoritism? It’s hard to tell why the zebras sound the whistles on ridiculous calls.


Sooner than later, the slogan will convert from “Where Amazing Happens” to "Where Rigged Games Happen," with all the elusive corruption rationalizing to us that the league is in minor turmoil with the awful officiating.

For all the weird and odd calls, we can only posit that something phony is taken place, blindsiding the miraculous series. It’s really overwhelming that each postseason is filled with dubious and ambiguous reflections, especially when you hear whistles more than swooshing. It’s truly a league with severe issues, despite the rebirth of the Lakers-Celtics rivalry or the emergence of star power.

Although there’s evidently some hidden mess outraging a sport that Stern tries unyieldingly to recoil the disturbing and destruction that has taken place in his era, Donaghy testified in court papers that NBA referees were ordered to manipulate games to raise ticket sales and television ratings.

Though, he was a sleaze and a deceitful jackass, I actually believe Donaghy when he says that the refs manipulate the flow of games.

This is Where Weirdness Happens!

If Ray Allen Hits From Beyond the Arch, Beat It Lakers

What happened to the aggressiveness, the physicality in defending the perimeter? What, it all suddenly vanished at a time when the Los Angeles Lakers were in command of presumably traveling to Boston with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series of the NBA Finals.

In Hollywood, the Lakers are a sociable and ethical event in a diverse community that assembles at a venue where thousands sit in the stands and communicate on BlackBerrys or fondle with any electronic device, until Kobe Bryant reveals the most intimidating facial expression in the game and titillates the crowd with his scoring attributes.

It was a night when the Lakers had no answer in stopping Ray Allen, whose scorching three-pointers burnt out the nets. It was a night when Jack Nicholson, a lifelong Lakers fan with courtside seats, couldn’t handle the truth.

It was a night when a veteran sharpshooter refused to fall without a fight, recovering from a poor performance, as usual simultaneously, to challenge and precisely turn what seemed like a one-sided series into an interesting and a prolonged showdown. It was a night, of course, when Allen reminded us that the Celtics are still championship bound, adequate in dispatching the mystified Lakers when the Boston Celtics propelled to a 103-94 win in Game Two.

It was, I’ll admit, a night when Allen rescued his teammates of possibly facing a large deficit against their longtime foes. All the celebrities were in the stands, witnessing an ominous moment and watched Allen control the dynamics in the game. So it was Allen, riding a sensational streak in three-pointers, that slaughtered the Lakers from every angle on the floor beyond the perimeter. This time, the Lakers deteriorated in a must-needed win, ignoring and disrespecting the outside shot of Allen.


He couldn’t miss on a night when every shot scorched the nets, and as a result, he buried seven threes in the first-half, en route to eight three-pointers and shattered a Finals' record for the most threes made in a game that changed the complexion for the Celtics. This would mean that Allen is the next MJ, right? Considering that he was the hottest player on the floor and assassinated his archrivals and archenemy in Bryant with a spectacular masterpiece since Michael Jordan fired six three-pointers in the 1992 Finals against Portland, scoring incredibly 35 points in the first half and flaunted when he shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, Allen is a clone of MJ in three-point shooting in the NBA Finals.

If he has found rhythm and returned to streaky long-range shooting, it would be imperative noting that his ubiquity of essential offerings puts a tremendous amount of pressure and massive weight on the Lakers, now having to travel to Boston for the next three games. It’s obvious that they have to win at least one game in a hostile environment, but will have to make some minor adjustments, like defending the arch and putting a hand in Allen’s face. In retrospect, it may minimize his possibility of heaving outside shots.

How did the Lakers abandon defending the perimeter, when a dangerous shooter in Allen is proficient in lighting it up? It’s fitting to believe that L.A. disrespected his ability to shoot it from long distance, getting an assumption that he’s beginning to descend because of his age and recent travails. Earlier in the season, his scoring average devalued and it almost forced general manager Danny Ainge to listen to offers and send Allen off in a midseason trade to Golden State for Monta Ellis.

And it showed that the Celtics were fortunate in holding on to Allen, especially when he’s known for firing shots, useful in a moment when much is a stake. Of all the struggles in Game One, he recovered after a miserable field goal percentage. As it was, the Celtics weren’t worthy of winning a championship, but criticized harshly for relinquishing their solid defensive effort and not attacking aggressively.

By salvaging the first win in the series, the Lakers faltered in a game they needed badly, now forced to win at least two out of three in a hostile territory because of the 2-3-2 format. A few nights ago, the Lakers were physical, for once, and weren’t feeble and eluded softness. To his credit, Allen was very mobile and cleared himself by moving without the ball and caught it and attempted shots that fell in.


But his nemesis Bryant was frustrated and bitter. Entering the late stages, he’s slowly debilitating in his game, and hasn’t facilitated much in this series, though his teammates have stepped up the intensity. And instead of focusing on what was happening in the game, he bickered and even seemed angry when the refs whistled an awful call or no-call.

For a while, he pestered and harassed Allen in a one-on-one duel, but stopped playing defense a bit. It was obvious that he tried to avoid being whistled for a foul, and was forced to sit out much of the game in foul trouble. Sometimes, the refs make us wonder if the series are rigged, but either way, they called an offensive foul on Bryant for his third personal foul. Then, coach Phil Jackson hurried and yanked him out with 3:20 left in the half. Above all, it was a bad night for Bryant, out-dueled by his villain Allen.

If not for Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, who combined for 46 points, 14 rebounds and 13 blocks, the Lakers might not have survived. They are both flourishing and no longer have a soft personality, willing to exploit a prolific scheme inside. And when the inside presence of Bynum and Gasol makes Kevin Garnett older as if he’s leaning towards retirement, you know the inside game must be a dynamic force.

The game was over once Ray-Ray stole the Hollywood limelight.

“There’s no better place, moment or time to win a game—and to win in a great fashion,” Allen said. “I don’t know what record it is that people are telling me that I got, but it’s great to have, great to be able to look back on it and say I did that. This is definitely our time.”

It’s good to know that Allen is optimistic and has swagger.

John Wooden's Principles, Guidance Touched Lives

The most respected elder in sports was described as a teacher of instilling spiritual and inspirational messages, which transcended beyond sports and sharpened the intellect of athletes who were willing to accept unsolicited advice from the late John Wooden.

At the age of 99, he was the strongest and active man, still impacting the lives with his famous principles and direction that brightened the minds of young lives to educate and influence young athletes.

The death of an idolized legend, which touched lives with his consequential discipline and teaching methods, symbolizes the lost of a man who believed and advocated the meaning of integrity and success. His religious theories instructed and cultivated the lives of student athletes, liberal in helping young people accomplish dreams and fulfill prosperity.

We all mourn the death of Wooden, the admirable man with a contiguous and untouchable legacy engraving a piece of eminence and will always live within the hearts of former players and alumni’s, including student athletes who never were privileged to learn from the voice of a wise man amongst an era when he coached collegiate basketball. It’s worth considering that we are lamenting the death of a man who insisted that he was a teacher more than a college basketball coach, and won 10 national championships, seven consecutive from 1967 and 1973, and garnered an 88-game winning streak, along with four 30-0 seasons.

He was still blessed to have the strength and independence of writing love letters after his wife, Nellie, died of cancer in 1985. Ever since her death, he never recovered and wrote love letters often as a way to express sanity and vent about his wife’s lost. But now, he has departed for the heavens after withstanding longevity and having exuberance as an elderly man, with a shrewd mind to still offer wisdom and ingenuity.

He was born on October 14, 1910 in Hall, Indiana, where he was raised as a humbled and selfless gentleman, only later to coach a renowned program in collegiate sports. Eternally, he’ll be remembered and greatly appreciated for his famous principles, called the “Pyramid of Greatness,” a phrase no longer discovered in an indiscipline or muddle generation, indifferent of the useful concepts that emphasized the priorities of a priceless life.


His inspirational structure was humane, constituted from his father’s kindhearted and accessible advice. “Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books—especially the Bible—build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day.” From his father’s advice, Wooden was devoted and shared his moral knowledge in a wealthy environment in Los Angeles. In addition, he eluded the rural livings of Indiana and traveled to California, harvesting as the greatest legend to thrive at UCLA with his methodological and spiritual beliefs.

This is a notable explanation to why he’ll always be greatly appreciated and hallowed, not only for the unbelievable championship streaks, but for uplifting one of the most recognized schools and translating the culture of college hoops. He exposed proper beliefs for achieving and reaching a pinnacle in goals, touching the lives of Bill Walton, Marques Johnson, Jamaal Wilkes, and Lucious Allen, and the spacious campus of UCLA when he was hired in 1948 for a yearly salary of $6,000. He never took the word “student” out of student athlete, but emphasized discipline and molded his players with his pleasant and diplomatic standards, which resulted in his first National Championship at UCLA in 1964.

There was Jerry West, the one legend who expressed his thoughts eloquently. “Forget his accomplishments, he’s a great man,” said West. “He was one of the greatest men I’ve ever been around in my life. He was more than just a basketball coach.”

It’s perfectly fine to suggest that he transcended more than just college sports, but was the most essential individual in basketball and all of sports in general. Yes, it’s fair to admit that his name is greater than James Naismith. As a beloved coach, he touched and taught many people in Southern California, where he stood as the superior voice near the beach and where the sun beams. Back in 1948, he drove with Nell and the kids to Southern California, admired and revered by most people for his incredible and savvy coaching.

Winner of 10 titles in 12 years will be remembered as one of his greatest and memorable accomplishments. That said, he’ll never be unrecognizable with all the astounding memories, such as when he rode a 75-game winning streak and two national titles in the season. Amid an indescribable streak, Walton, the hippie and a star player who wore long hair and a brushy beard and had returned for his senior season, after he had deeply admired and idolized Wooden, who was unmatched and won 10 NCAA titles between 1964-1975.

Therefore, he’s acknowledged as the greatest college basketball coach ever, after he died Friday night of natural causes. It’s not easy to win an unprecedented 10 National Championships and achieve his brilliant conquest at a storied program during the turbulence in the 60s and 70s when the U.S. was at war and bearing a horrendous crisis.

He was a religious, conservative, and intelligent man, but more than anything a great teacher.

Here's a Wakeup Call For Bud Selig: Expand Instant Replay in MLB

When an umpire blows a call to stifle Detroit’s Armando Galarraga and the 21st perfect game in major league history, hijacking and wrecking much of an impeccable mark in sports, then we assume that a fraudulent sport may be rigged or even the worst call in Major League Baseball history.

Upon glancing at instant replay, veteran umpire Jim Joyce blundered a call when he ruled Cleveland’s Jason Donald safe with two out in the ninth inning of a near-perfect conclusion.

There’s no reason to argue that it was one of the worst calls ever, an error on an umpire who rarely botches a decisive play at first base.

The best way to describe an erroneous misunderstanding is that Joyce was confounded and certainly hadn’t noticed a mistaken call that would have been overturned if the majors extended and enforced instant replay.

It’s certainly a modernized and a refined game, unlike 20 years ago when the development of technology was limited, including DVR or review booths.

But now, a foolish and heavy discussion is heard quite often in the majors, regarding gaffes that ruin integrity and pride within a sport once known as a well-respected event.

It’s clear that baseball is stuck in usual turmoil, on the brink of destruction, whether it relates to asinine walk-off celebrations, performance-enhancers, or poor calls.

These days, we point our fingers at commissioner Bud Selig, the unsettled man in charge of the shame that has ruptured the reputation of baseball.

He hasn’t been a strict enforcer or advocate in declaring instant replay, and refused to institute it for debatable home run shots that normally resulted in disputable evidence.

He’s the biggest embarrassment in sports, failing to take pride and stricter measures in an unhinged league, and allows players so much latitude.

And what has happened over the years is that players’ insidious nature tricked and deceived Selig, a man in denial of imposing stricter boundaries for shams and con artists who are disloyal and violate the drug policy by using performing-enhancing drugs to improve their performance level.

If he has yet to declare reliable drug testing, then what makes you think he’ll demand instant reviews of a mistaken call?

Indeed, it was costly and humiliatingly, an awful call Wednesday night, perhaps a bad one we’ll never forget as Galarraga was on pace for recording perfection.

The problem hatching in baseball remains whether the calls are accurate or inaccurate, but the only way to determine the proper outcome is by remodeling tradition a bit and expanding the use of instant replay.


This lingering issue is beyond simplicity, but outrageous in such a way that baseball refuses to employ technology. It’s surprising that he had sense enough to insist he’d deliberate on expanding instant replay to eliminate blown calls.

It’s never too late to contemplate on rectifying a continuing crisis, but eventually he must awaken and snap out of his absent-minded habits to virtually avoid misunderstood ruling that can change the dynamics of a game.

He should be aware that umpires aren’t perfect in getting the calls correct, and if the game happens to be on the line, it may cost a club a much-needed win.

The human errors rationalize that Joyce has a tougher task, making sure calls are perfect as possible to grasp a consensus proposal as to which player is treated fairly and earns a moderate call.

If baseball utilizes replay more regularly, the average no-call would be corrected as most would be reversed and ruled out, while others would indicate that he outran the late throw, advancing to first base safely without needing to guess whether he made it safely or fell short of beating the out.

Maybe this is something Selig could consider to lessen the incompatible observations, mangling the beauty of baseball.

Between the episodes of steroids battering the league and instant replay expansions, the majors have a greater dilemma, currently taking away the gratifying aspects of possible no-hitters, perfect games, or even worst a probable win.

For all the plights, this may either inflict Selig to endorse and adore the availability of review booths and big screen televisions, which provides evidence in subsequently rescinding an implausible call, akin to the horrendous call that Joyce presumed was the right call.

In what was a disastrous judgment, it delayed a historic milestone and stopped Galarraga’s perfect outing on the mound.

He wasn’t sagacious in a regular-season event, but instead was obtuse in realizing he cost Galarraga a chance to engrave a page in the history book, all because a call wasn’t reversed in the expense of his relentless location and command on the mound to secure a 3-0 win.

In contrast, other leagues accept the availability of technology that has taken over the modern age.

But it’s obvious that Mr. Selig is comfortable with constituting his own rules and still lives in the old school days.

In other words, he likes having it his way. If he wanted, he’ll be a suitable CEO in running Burger King, a fast food corporation in which he could have it his way.

If he wishes to reestablish credibility within a battered league or attract a large audience to once again be intrigued to a commonplace sport, then in relation to the other leagues, he needs to insert instant replay and modernize the game.

Long ago, the NFL instituted instant replay after lingering debates caused much hysteria, eventually grasping a clear understanding that human error sabotaged fate as a majority of the calls were ruled as indisputable evidence.

What? That’s similar to what the majors are confronting, doomed of all the unsure and botched errors.

Maybe one day, Selig will wake up and smell the steaming coffee.

But he hasn’t awakened from his long years of rest, still asleep on the job without waking up and realizing the league is affronting a terrible nightmare.

It’s obvious that he needs a wakeup call.

Lakers Were Soft, Feeble Before Delivering Knockout Punch to Celtics

It happens instantly and inexplicably, on a pleasant evening at Staples Center, a locale nearly exploding on every possession and forced a fuming Doc Rivers to signal for a timeout when the rabid crowd exploded amid an energized frenzy. The Lakers survived on a night the celebrities and non-celebs attended to witness Team Hollywood avenge an embarrassing 39-point loss two years ago in what was the worst elimination defeat in NBA history.

He wasn’t scowling or grinding his teeth like a vampire anxious to devour the Boston Celtics blood, but he was fiercely the dictator on the floor for setting the tone early in an onslaught against his archenemies. He seemed much too enraged in his home gold uniform, willing to secure his legacy and establish redemption, but more importantly beat down the Celtics to direct the Lakers to its 16th title and pull one shy of Boston.

Rather than acknowledging that the Lakers aren’t soft, undermined or relapsing, the everlasting misgivings allows a cynical individual to disregard the much-improved toughness of a core once ridiculed for softness and a feeble-minded mindset. At one point, the Lakers were insulted for perishing in the regular-season, in which the lords of basketball began to downplay the mental toughness and shrewd efficiency.

There is, believe it or not, a reason not to dismiss Bryant and his teammates. Finally diminishing lethargy and imprudence, realizing much is at stake. It’s clearly evident that the blueprint in resounding pride and polishing in a win over the despised rivals is to disclose the Celtics blemishes. If you haven’t noticed the Lakers are tougher and more potent, unlike two years ago when they were manhandled and shoved around by the much physical and aggressive Boston.

But this season alone, the aging Celtics were sabotaged at times and the slowness in matching the intensity of younger and faster teams revealed flaws in the transition and defensive schemes. Once described as the softest and harmless franchise, suddenly evaded all the instabilities and converted into a physical heavyweight. In other words, the Lakers would have lasted in the Octagon, exchanging a brutal knock out punch.

What we desired was an NBA Finals rematch between two of the greatest bitter rivals in sports, wishing for a physical showdown after the Lakers were unemotional and lackadaisical in initiating minor skirmishes and dominating inside. But no longer are the Lakers fearful or reluctant, empowered to outweigh the older and sluggish Celtics.

For instance, it turned into a physical match in the early minutes when Ron Artest and Paul Pierce were tangled with their elbows underneath the basket before the forwards crashed to the floor in a scuffled that led to a pair of technical fouls. It’s an indicator that we are glancing at a physical and aggressive series, probably one of the greatest in NBA history and could extend to a seven game series if the Celtics pull off a win in Game 2 Sunday.

During the season, the Lakers were doomed in repeating for a title, but now the loudest crowd on Thursday night believes they’ll win a second straight championship and amass title No. 16. It’s very overwhelming to see the Lakers rebound after coasting to a breezy 102-89 demolition to take Game One of the NBA Finals, assuring doubters and disbelievers.

After all, the fiercest of them all resides in L.A., and seems unbeatable and invincible as Pau Gasol moved the ball inside, as Artest taunted and heckled Pierce with his stellar defensive effort, forcing the veteran forward to accumulate fouls, and as Bryant weaved through the uncontested lane dominating the paint. It was a shaky night in which Pierce finished with 24-points on 6 for 13 shooting and appeared frustrated while in foul trouble.

But the Lakers were determined and hardly forgotten about the dreadful disappointment two years ago, ready to erase the ghastly afterthoughts. On a flawless night, the hostile Lakers faithful chanted unpleasantly at Boston. It’s a team they truly loathe, dating back to the ‘60s-‘80s era. When the Lakers blew open a large deficit late, fans started chanting, “BOSTON SUCKS, BOSTON SUCKS!”

For nearly two years, Bryant has waited for a moment to seek vengeance after it all ended so humiliatingly in the NBA Finals. What a difference a year makes, watching the Lakers grow and mellow into a physical and forceful core, which now isn’t an easy out. Because Los Angeles is more experience, angrier and vigorous, the fiercest competitors are playing with urgency and approach a game with a believable mindset.

With all the chemistry and reinforcements, Phil Jackson strongly believes the Lakers can beat their nemesis, delighted to have another shot at the Celtics and expunge sorrow and heartbreaking memories, presumably by winning it again. In the meantime, Kevin Garnett disappeared and tried to dunk, but failed to convert twice on uncontested attempts.

Most can recall when he used to be the renowned forward in the league and was clearly known for his turnaround jumpers and defensive force, but now is gradually declining in touches and making shots. He stands on wobbly knees, wearing ankle weights and obviously looks slower than two seasons ago when he shouted to the heavens after winning his first championship that “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!”

As it turns out, it seems highly impossible to win, especially when Gasol is defending and contesting every shot. He’s quicker than Garnett, establishing a post presence and becoming a shot blocker in the middle, no longer described as GaSoft. Remember, he was the scapegoat when the Lakers collapsed miserably to the Celtics two years ago, and condemned for his softness and incertitude. There’s no doubt that Gasol was the difference in Garnett’s faltering, coming in a competition Bryant scored 30 points and defensive specialist Artest handled the truth.

But as the spectators viewed from the stands, Boston’s sensational and mellowing point guard Rajon Rondo was a non-factor, and never really was involved in the offense. Whether it was rust or just a poor night, the Celtics will need the floor general to bring the intensity and return to regular form in Game 2.

He’s an essential piece to Boston’s functional offense, but whenever he has an off night the entire team tends to frail. It’s obvious that he creates and inspires the offense with his exceptional pocket passes and drives to the basket, setting up the brilliant offensive play. As for the Lakers, Gasol was the ripple-effect, scoring 28 points on 8 for 14 shooting and earned a trip to the foul line 10 times and led with 14 rebounds.

“Pau is the guy that has to be part of the scoring combo with Kobe. So he has to provide some of that for us in this series against probably one of the top defenders in the game,” said Jackson.

If the Lakers continue to play physical and assertively, then they’ll win the series. Turns out we were skeptical of the Lakers’ tenacity.

Looking Back at It

It felt more of an trade than separate signings during the off-season. The Los Angeles Lakers let go of their key to an NBA Championship in Trevor Ariza. But the L.A. filled the hole at that small forward spot when they signed Houston Rockets power forward Ron Artest. Artest was good enough to be their SF and they were also lucky enough to keep Lamar Odom as well. Ariza was in Artest's previous team with the Rockets.

Houston's 2009-10 season later turned into a disappointment. Yao Ming was the big key, as he was out for the whole year. Then Tracy McGrady was traded, but the Rockets got Sacramento Kings' Kevin Martin out of it. But it wasn't enough and Houston would later turn into a team that is now looking forward to an off-season and the NBA Draft late in June. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers finished as the best team in the Western Conference and are now looking at revenge at the Boston Celtics in a re-match from the 2008 NBA Finals.

Many expected before the season that Trevor Ariza would have the better end of the deal with a five-year contract. Along with that, Ariza was in his prime at 29 years of age and was coming off an amazing performance in the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Artest would seem like "that guy," even though he had a five-year deal as well. The thing was, Artest looked like he was past his prime as he would most probably play as a role player with his age of 34.

The Lakers looked like they had a bad deal coming for them. They never built their roster when they were aging with the Shaquille O'Neal-Kobe Bryant era. Now the Lakers are with a new team with as Kobe Bryant is acting nothing like people are saying that he is "past his prime." Pau Gasol is in his prime and is just doing amazing right now. But the Lakers pulled the trigger on the AK, taking in Artest. But it didn't seem right. Artest was aging. And it took the Lakers six years to win a title again because they got younger. Now they were aging again and the 2009-10 season may not be what it was in the 2008-09 season.

But the Lakers got the better end of the deal here. First of all, Trevor Ariza should be considered a bit overrated if you ask me. He shot over 47 percent with his three-pointers during the post-season in the Lakers' title run. But, here is the thing: in his whole career, Ariza was nearly 30 percent from shooting behind-the-arc. And with that, he shot 33.4 percent for this year with the Houston Rockets from behind the three-point line.

Another reason the Lakers got the better end of the deal because players simply are going to play worse when they land in Houston. Ron Artest may not have a polished season, but Ariza was no where near polished. It was worse than smelling a wet dog. His true shooting percentage was a downright horrible 48.8 percent. Along with that, the so-called "superstar" averaged 14.9 points per game. Artest's true shooting percentage was 51.1 percent and averaged 17.1 points per game, also acting as if he were a power forward most of the year while Ariza was a small forward. Big difference there.

Though Artest's number weren't that good from last year, he helped spread the floor and make other players better actually. Many people complained with Artest in the triangle offense. But it wasn't that bad and Phil Jackson tried to defend him as much as possible. So what, his player efficiency rating was worse than Trevor Ariza's; but if you have been living under a rock, Artest is poor on shooting with his two-pointers, which is about 45 percent. But he also didn't shoot as much, too.

But Artest showed during the Western Conference Finals what he really means to the team and why the Lakers picked him and should pick him over Ariza every single time and moment. Game Five was his best performance of the series. Artest had 25 points in that game, and 17 in the first-half. Along with that, he made a spectacular game-winning shot right at the buzzer. Then in Game Six, when the Lakers (with, of course, the help of Mr. Kobe Bryant) eliminated the Phoenix Suns 111-103, Artest had 25 points once again. Artest helped big in that series and Kobe Bryant also had his best statistics ever in a playoff series; averaging 33.7 points per game, 8.3 assists per game, and 7.2 rebounds per game.

The Lakers must feel lucky not playing the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, or facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. They will be going against those tough small forwards like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. But there's something worse than that when they face the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. They will face a small forward that destroyed them in the 2008 NBA Finals: Paul Pierce. Pierce smothered on defense, guarding Kobe Bryant at times. But his offensive game was very very productive; averaging 21.8 points per game and 6.3 assists per game in a six-games series-win. But Pierce was going against guys like Luke Walton, Vladimir Radmanovic, and sometimes Kobe Bryant. Now he will face a defensive-stopper in Ron Artest. Ariza wasn't very productive in his 35 minutes of play during the 2008 NBA Finals (according to John Hollinger, the games that he was in were the Game Two and Game Six blowouts). But now the Lakers have a so-called upgrade and a much better player, which was explained above: Artest. Paul Pierce did not do so good against Artest this year; averaging only 13 points per game and 2.5 assists per game. Artest is different, too. With the Indiana Pacers, Artest pantsed him, which gave me the name for my NBA podcast at PantsingPaulPierce.com. But nevermind that, Artest is ready.

Now as we look back, we'll see who got the better end of the deal: the Houston Rockets in Trevor Ariza or the Los Angeles Lakers in Ron Artest. I guess you'll have to decide. But no worries, if you don't want to, you already found it while reading this. Enjoy the NBA Playoffs. I expect a great performance from Artest, as the Lakers will win this in six or seven games. But as we look back at this, the Lakers have the last laugh.

Kobe Tries to Cement Legacy As Lakers Pursue Revenge Over Archenemies

If he amasses his fifth ring in an infatuating postseason, the franchise that turned Kobe Bryant famous may want to dedicate and unveil a bronze statue of either the admirable or scorned superstar. If so, the self-proclaimed Black Mamba will stand tall accompanied by the late Los Angeles Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, hockey great Wayne Gretzky, former guard Magic Johnson and legendary boxer Oscar De La Hoya outside of Staples Center.

A couple of months ago, he became the greatest scorer in Lakers history, surpassing Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with his unstoppable and fierce scoring as the most dominant finisher in the game. Ever since capturing 25,193 points in his remarkable career, he surpassed (Mr. Clutch) Jerry West, the former architect of the Lakers during two dynasties, who traded for Bryant in 1996 and revamped a prominent franchise around currently the most competitive shooting guard in the league.


He is a rare guard and clutch performer in a competitive game, when an influx of NBA stars has emerged within a fascinating league, to eschew an uneventful and inert era.

Now, he’s en route of accumulating his fifth championship, all in a town where he’s declared the renowned icon as opposed to the despised villain, derided and condemned for his arrogance and self-centered psyche.

But he has matured over the years, becoming a charismatic leader and a MVP-type player for his unselfishness and ability to control the leadership role. He’s a tougher player and more focused on winning championships, rather than being awarded individual accomplishments and conducts himself as a mentor, grooming the younger players as he passes his prime.

In a society that either loves or loathes the heroics of Bryant, we are persisting an endless debate on whether he’s more savvy or greater than Michael Jordan, who he is compared to frequently for the parallels with his pump-fake jumpers or turnaround jump shots. It’s simple to assume that he’s examined in contrast to MJ for owning four rings and leading a mini-dynasty in the prelude of a new decade.

For all those critics who dislike a special player, arguably in a generation when competition is steeper and engrosses the viewers minds, why would Kobe pay any mind to the negativity after rekindling and monopolizing the league by his captivating buzzer-beaters and non-stop thrilling shots? In comparison, he’s not similar to Jordan, but very close.

Honestly, there will never be another MJ. But if Kobe wins another ring, it would cement his legacy and place him in the company of Jordan.

With four rings, he needs two more to tie Jordan in the ring category and only three shy in owning seven rings. And a palatable explanation as to why critics hate Kobe so much is because the average critic is envious or detects arrogant vibes from a star player once in trouble for unlawful issues when he was accused of rape in Colorado.

Shortly after, he reclaimed popularity, managing to intrigue the game of basketball with his awe-inspiring finishes and unbelievable achievements. Relatively speaking, he has the No. 1 selling jersey in the league among all NBA players and at nearly every venue he receives mixed emotions from a hostile or compassionate crowd, overshadowing the talented and emerging stars in pro basketball.


Since he’s an impact player and considered as an elite guard because of his high performance level, he’s credited as one of the most unique guards to ever play the game. Kobe’s presence alone makes the NBA unique, defined as the game’s best finisher and unstoppable competitor, selling out a capacity crowd at Staples Center, a mum site unless he hijacks the final desperation moments with his successive shot making in an extravaganza known as the Kobe Show.

And if there’s one celebrity to witness the wildest event happening on Figueroa, it’s Jack Nicholson, the famous celeb who has a personalized seat on the sideline and scolds at officials whenever there’s a no-call or a bad call. While Bryant is the star and maestro of the Lakers, Nicholson is the team mascot and inspires the speechless crowd to cheer on L.A.

Nicholson loves L.A. and so does Kobe, who truly aims for a win every time he takes the court and buoys his teammates to have a prevailing mindset and play with toughness.

It’s acceptable to give the nod to Kobe, but just not on the same scale as MJ, until No. 24 wins seven or eight rings. Keep in mind, he’s on pace to win multiple titles in the next few years as long as the Lakers have a functional nucleus to remain championship destined.

Earlier in his career, he won three championships with Shaquille O’Neal as the most dynamic tandem in sports, until his feud with Shaq engendered a controversy and impaired an eternal dynasty in sports history, as well as his heated disputes with 10-time champ head coach Phil Jackson

When he walked away from the Lakers to take a hiatus, he wrote a book and ripped Kobe by stating that he was “uncoachable” and also mentioned that he tried to coax the egomaniacal Buss Family to trade the problematic guard.

As he’s on the verge of adding to his incredible ring collection, he’s amazingly revered for bringing in much revenue and triumph to a city that prides itself on basketball. Is he the most dominant ever? Who exactly knows?

Throughout his prosperous career, Jackson has been fortunate to coach a pair of the greatest players of all time. It’s suitable to describe Bryant as a G.O.A.T—the greatest of all time, given his 40 and 50-point games, his 81-point spectacle, becoming the youngest player to average a certain amount in points scored, and lastly surpassing West in the most points scored as a Laker.

If he never wins a championship again, what more is there to accomplished?


He’s already the most accomplished athlete, and should be focused on avenging an embarrassing 39-point loss to his archenemies and hated rivals the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. More than ever, he’s still furious and disgusted over the way it ended so painfully, ready to secure revenge against Boston in the best-of-seven series with Game One beginning Thursday night in Los Angeles.

If he was to write a journal on his agenda amid an unbridled quest, he’ll be strictly focused on returning the favor to the Celtics, wearing his brutal game face by scowling and grinding his teeth. What’s more appealing about Kobe "Bean" Bryant is that he played the last few seasons with fractured index fingers, banged up knees and ankles, but still managed to score and average an outrageous amount in the point ratio.

He’s playing with insulting negligence, fueling the overlooked Kobe to endure incredible performances by capping an incomparable scoring average.

That alone justifies that he’s the greatest playing in the game during a generation when an abundance of players are ignored as marketers airing silly commercial ads of Kobe as a puppet or photos of him embarrassingly wearing a top hat and bow tie. Even if his teammates are flaky and enigmatic on numerous occasions, Bryant will have that frightening stare, the scariest and evilest facial expression in sports.

After all, the Black Mamba is the equivalent of the fiercest scorer on earth.

Blackhawks' Heartfelt Story Removes Hellish Futility

In a town realizing that all the miserable droughts and sporting curses painfully paralyzed a disgusted city in America used to dense sporting activities and derision taunting Chicago —the most ecstatic sporting town in the county —has been blasted as a pathetic community filled with much adversity.


It’s almost worse than a dynasty receding in mere moments, but in Chicago, misfortune and curses has left an entire city in despair, helpless of the unending calamity. And perhaps fans were scourged of witnessing championship glory, as the local franchises were barely observed for delighted success accomplished during the regular-season and in a single game alone.

It’s surprising that we’ve noticed and refused to dismiss the Chicago Blackhawks, once called the worst franchise in pro sports, when the organization was pathetically bungled for incompetence that hatched bleak disadvantages in recent memory.

When a dysfunctional franchise tries to rebuild around a depleted roster, facing more humiliation than before, all hellish episodes describe Chicago as a sporting town with much disgrace and absurdity.

It seems that the championship days have arrived for one franchise existing in a long-awaited town, finally removing doom that has stifled the ill-fated Cubs of escaping a 102-year World Series drought. And nearby on the Southside of Chicago, the White Sox have won it all only one time in 93 years.

Flirting with the likings of Jay Cutler, a fallen star who was supposed to be a franchise quarterback and the best since Jim McMahon of the ’85 Bears stood as a legit gunslinger —the Bears are luckless, too, and won once in 46 years.

The last time you can recall such exhilarating play was during the Michael Jordan era, when he directed the Bulls to six titles in a single decade.

What’s discovered as an improbable run, following a superlative series in which the Blackhawks proved dominant in the latest renaissance turning point, the sturdy and winnable hockey franchise at home is two wins away from winning the Stanley Cup and becoming the latest champion of transcending grandeur and reviving deficits.

While most of the buzz is garnered strictly around two competent stars and faces within an emerging franchise in Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, who have both developed as top scorers, Dave Bolland is a shutdown defender and has been a difference in the Blackhawks unimaginable postseason.

They held off the Philadelphia Flyers in a tense and neck-to-neck 2-1 win to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.

There’s a multitude of palatable fans in Chicago, believing one franchise can forestall the bleeding that has stained a mournful town for years, all because of the sporting letdowns. Whether that was Steve Bartman attempting to catch a foul ball that was playable in the late innings or President Obama and Oprah (the world’s most powerful man and woman), losing in the bid for the 2016 Olympics, the average Chicagoan has experienced the futility worst than any other sporting town.

So when the B-Hawks scored on consecutive plays executed brilliantly by Marian Hossa and an unexpected Ben Eager, more settling and soothing is that every Chicagoan had something worth screaming about.

All of the sudden, the United Center has become the hottest location in the Windy City, luring spectators to witness what could be the nicest and dazzling story in a long time and relieving any depressing or numb-minded theories involving dreadful memories in the past.

Once lulled of watching infinite torture, fans only attended the United Center for the beer. It seems that way at Wrigley Field, where fans refuse to attend, but instead turn one of the oldest venues in sports into a sports bar.

Despite all the woes, the Blackhawks are the beautiful story this season, particularly goalie Antti Niemi, who was originally a backup until starter Cristobal Huet evolved into a disappointment.

But when Niemi defended the nets in the San Jose series, he was flawed in surrendering seven goals and has translated the parallels in the Stanley Cup Finals. He’s a tough-driven goalie, stopping 14 of his 32 saves in the third period against the Flyers.

By now, any hockey fanatic knows that Duncan Keith is the best defenseman, pestering and stopping any opposing player with his stamina and physicality. Being that the Hawks are aggressors defensively, bodies were banged against the glass and flew across the ice as tempers flared, triggering minor scuffles and verbal confrontations.

Without much star power from Toews and Kane, who both finished scoreless in two straight games, the team will make due with their presence, charisma, and strong mental outlook —quality principles in polishing a game requiring much mastery and adrenaline.

The talk is heavy these days about the Blackhawks revitalizing a sense of conviction and erasing any tumultuousness. What’s happening in Chicago is an alarming feel-good story, confirming that the Hawks are one of the best pro franchises (by accomplishing the unthinkable) and are moving closer in capturing immortality, earning a championship after being devoid of winning the silver cup in 48 years.

Before we evaluate one of the cities mired in shambles, we may assume that the 'Hawks will win it all, based on their ability to score without the contributions of Toews or Kane, the top stars grabbing the most attention of late.

Ever since he arrived to the town with breezy skies, Toews, the superstar who emerged at the NHL level quickly, was accepted and greeted by fans. He’s the most beloved sports star in the city, currently, and the icon that Chicagoans admire.

Recently, the city of Chicago is experiencing felicity, thanks to the 'Hawks heartfelt story.