Interesting reading
I read 76er and former Laker center Andrew Bynum’s comments on Kobe Bryant.  Just in case you didn’t read it Bynum indicates Kobe’s dominance with the ball possibly delayed the growth of his game. Surprise to all reading this I actually agree with his statement. Kobe might have inhibited the growth of Bynum’s game. On the other hand the issue that plagued Bynum in Los Angeles has carried over to Philadelphia, injuries.

It might be difficult to gain chemistry with a teammate who is out of the lineup and absent for extended portions of the season.  Naturally Bynum's comment prompted the Kobe haters to come forth. Example; a writer pointed to the fact of Kobe taking 30 shots in a recent game. Another contradicted the total pointing out it was actually 24. Don’t manipulate the figures to benefit your argument somebody is gonna catch you.

“What in the Wide World of Sports is a-going on here?”
Several of you might be unsure of the headline; it comes from the movie script of the 1974 movie “Blazing Saddles.” The line was meant to be comical; the line issued from the NCAA wasn’t quite as funny. First off, policing the vast numbers of student-athletes is a difficult task for the NCAA, recent decisions cause me to scratch my head. We remember the case of Shabazz Muhammad, how about Texas point guard Myck Kabongo? In both instances the players were guilty, as for the punishment that’s another matter.

Kabongo as with Muhammad had been suspended since the beginning of the season. The NCAA finally made a ruling; Kabongo would be suspended for the balance of the season. Texas immediately yelled foul and stated an appeal would be forthcoming. The NCAA said "okay he can play if he  re-pays the $475 in unauthorized travel the suspension will be reduced to 23 games."  Texas has played 11 games to date; this ruling would allow Kabongo to play in the February 13th game.  At that point Texas would have 7 games remaining on it's schedule.  No argument Kabongo is guilty but all this over $475 dollars, in addition isn't 23 games a season long suspension?     

Bits n Pieces
Coach D’Antoni’s first lineup with Steve Nash at Golden State. Nash of course was at the point; Morris was at shooting guard, Gasol at power forward. Howard was center and Kobe at small forward.  Metta World Peace first sub off the bench.       

I wasted two minutes of my life. Surfing the net I came across a video of a sports personality; the host was promoting Nick Saban as coach of the Lakers. I realize it was not intended to be serious but it wasn’t funny nor did it make any sense. For those unfamiliar with the name Saban is the football coach at Alabama.

No more Jason Whitlock from me; all I’m doing is providing fodder for his column and the silliness he promotes. Trust me, the guy doesn’t know jack about anything related to basketball. I question why Fox Sports hired him.

Number 12 Mizzou beat number 10 Illinois in the annual Braggin’ Rights Game. Flip Pressey had a terrible shooting game (3-19) yet the 5-11 point guard had 7 rebounds and 11 assists.  He was 6-6 from the free throw line and scored a total of 12 points. “Even though he didn't shoot the ball well, he controlled the game, Missouri Coach Frank Haith said.” (columbiadailytribune.com)

I will help if I can
If Larry Laker doesn’t have an answer he will research to provide one. After the Kansas-Ohio State on Saturday a fan posed a question in the Kansas City Star. He wrote; “why didn’t Mizzou recruit McLemore (St. Louis)?” He was referring to Kansas freshman Ben McLemore who led Kansas to victory with 22 points. Mizzou was on the recruiting trail however Kansas was too. McLemore chose Kansas over Mizzou, that simple. I guess we might ask the question regarding Semi Ojeleye of Ottawa (KS). Ojeleye clearly the best player in the State of Kansas chose Duke. Otto Porter (St. Louis) chose Georgetown over Mizzou, it happens. The story below on Jabari Parker is similar, Parker had a choice of a school (DePaul) blocks from his home but chose Duke.

We have gone way too far
As a nation we have continued our downward spiral in civility and manners. Once upon a time an athlete choice of a school was between him and maybe his family, no more. Jabari Parker the number 2 prospect in the Class of 2013 made Duke his choice on December 20th.  It was his decision to choose a school which he believes benefits him.  Some fans don't think he made the right choice and have told him so.  Parker reports he began receiving angry tweets some profane once he made his college choice known.  Figure this one out if you care.