Shame on Nike & LeBron
Nike is now reporting the LeBron X retailing at $270 dollars rather than the $315 originally reported. I guess the $45 dollar price difference is supposed to defray a portion of the criticism aimed at Nike and LeBron. In case you were unfamiliar the shoe is hi-tech providing the wearer info on his leaping ability and other techno information.  At the time Nike announced the shoe and the $300 price tag a fan’s response was classic. He said; “could a 16-year old LeBron afford those shoes?” As a single parent Gloria James certainly would have been unable to afford those shoes for LeBron. To take this one step further are parents who would purchase these shoes for Junior prepared for the potential risks? There might be an even greater danger for Junior to wear them.  Think Nike really cares, probably not based on this from Darren Rovell.  ESPN’s Sports Business reporter Rovell states; “between its Nike, Jordan and Converse Brands, Nike owns roughly 95 percent of the United States' basketball shoe market.” Just a few thoughts from an old guy, check out the other Nike story below.

I understand his frustration
I’m in the middle on this story; I’m on Kareem’s side he should have been paid, I also understand the Lakers position on the statue. Last year Kareem Abdul Jabbar complained loudly to all within hearing range how the Lakers had disrespected him. After tutoring Andrew Bynum and performing other tasks he felt the team treated him poorly in addition to not receiving playoff shares while serving as a coach. As for the statue he might have been okay if not for the Magic Johnson statue. He probably understood why statues of legendary Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn and Jerry West were erected prior. Hearn served as Laker broadcaster from 1961 through 2002. Jerry West the player, general manager and president of the Lakers. West in his front office position was the architect of several championship Laker teams.

West is sometimes nicknamed “The Logo” since he’s actually the model for the NBA logo. In 2004 a statue honoring Magic Johnson was unveiled at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Times indicates a statue of Kareem will be erected at some point this upcoming season. I’m in the middle on this story because I’ve been a long-time fan since his days at Power Memorial High School and UCLA. Kareem has certainly caused a number of his problems, as a young adult he had an aloof sometimes unfriendly attitude toward the media and others. On the other hand his teammate Magic Johnson was a media darling always easy to converse, always ready to be interviewed. Kareem is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points scored, “he won five of his six NBA titles and three of his six league MVPs with the Lakers.” (latimes.com)

Does this Knight deserve a crown?
I own a pair of Nike Air basketball shoes; I also own a pair of Converse Pro Stars and a pair of Converse All Stars. The balance of shoes is divided between Adidas and Reebok brands. I wanted to provide you a disclaimer before continuing further with this story. As you are aware every September a new class is inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Former players, coaches and contributors to the game are enshrined. This time I was caught off guard with the selection of Phil Knight. As most of you are aware Knight is co-founder and chairperson of Nike. My view doesn’t amount to a hill of beans so this really all moot just an observation. If we just looked at the financial empire Knight has built I would say he should be congratulated or building the business. In the ‘70’s and ‘80’s Converse ruled the shoe world, Dr. J., Magic and Bird wore Converse as did others.

Once Michael Jordan signed with Nike and became a superstar the basketball shoe world changed dramatically. Converse and others attempted to compete but couldn’t maintain adequate market share, Converse later was forced into bankruptcy and purchased by Nike. LeBron, Kobe, and Durant you name ’em, the majority of high profile players in the NBA wear the Nike or Jordan brand. One other issue is the Asian labor used to produce the shoes. Underpaid, overworked and poor working conditions were reported to be commonplace. All that is supposed to have changed according to the public relations department of Nike Corporation. I have no issue with Knight making money but the lingering question remains, what has done as a contributor to the game other than market shoes?

King of the world
If you don’t think you are the best nobody else will either! That’s the story for Heat point guard Mario Chalmers as he makes his case. I've tried to avoid being drawn into arguments where someone is arguing player B is better than player A. In this instance comments of the players have caused me to enter the debate. In a recent interview Chalmers placed himself “in the front end of the top 10 point guards in the NBA.” The front end of the top 10, exactly what is Chalmers saying? Is he stating he’s a top 5 guard or belongs someplace in the top 10? An NBA championship must have gone to his head or maybe he bumped his head! Someone pointed out Derek Fisher has 5 championship rings; does that make Fisher a top 10 guard? Checking the numbers Chalmers scored 10.0 ppg on a .420 shooting percentage while dishing out 4.9 assists per game. His .367 3-point field goal percentage failed to make the top 50 list this past season. Without placing them in any order if I’m picking a point guard I would chose any of the players before Chalmers. Keep in mind we are not choosing All-Pro players just the best of the best, what do you think?

Russell Westbrook, Thunder Steve Nash, Lakers Rajon Rondo, Celtics Chris Paul, Clippers
Derrick Rose, Bulls (healthy) Deron Williams, Nets Tony Parker, Spurs
Mike Conley Jr., Grizzlies John Wall, Wizards Ty Lawson, Nuggets Raymond Felton, Knicks Devin Harris, Hawks