The “new” Lakers
Kobe is in Germany undergoing medical treatment; Dwight Howards’ in Houston a member of the Rockets. Steve Nash and Pau Gasol remain however they were available but sat out the game. No matter, now worry the Lakers accomplished a feat Saturday night they failed all last exhibition season---- they won a game. Under Mike Brown and with the four players mentioned the 2012-2013 Lakers went 0-8. The final score of Saturday evenings game Lakers 104 Warriors 95. The game was sloppy with a high number of turnovers. Hustle and extra effort by this Laker version was evident throughout the game, this was the first game for a re-vamped Laker team.
Robert Sacre was the only player on the floor starter or reserve from last years team. Nick Young (17) and Xavier Henry (29) who emerged off the bench led the way. The downside both players were a “black hole. The two only totaled one (1) assist for the game. I don’t believe any Laker fan believes this team will contend for a championship, they do believe they will compete. NOTE: once upon a time NFL games were described as exhibition games, for reasons unknown the NFL began using the term “pre-season” to describe its games. Seems to me any game played before the regular season in any sport is an exhibition---right?
Bits n Pieces
I have no idea if this guy can play at the Division I level; the story is more of a coach connecting with a player. Cahokia Illinois is located across the Mississippi River some 10 or so miles from downtown St. Louis (MO). Cahokia high school prospect Darius Austin provided the University of Missouri-Kansas City a verbal commitment. This 6-6 205 pound forward was being recruited by DePaul, Indiana State, Drake and Murray State but chose Missouri-Kansas City. He claims his initial relationship with Missouri-Kansas City coach Kareem Richardson sealed the deal.
Labor Day weekend two of the top Class of 2014 prospects were at Baylor. There is nothing set in stone however Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones have indicated they may head to the same university. Scott Drew and staff appear to be great recruiters; for all the talent headed to Waco Texas the Bears have an okay record since under Drew. They compete but have never been considered in the Big XII elite.
Media reports have been circulating Texas football coach Mack Brown’s job is in jeopardy. A failure to win exists on the basketball side at Texas as well; long-time basketball coach Rick Barnes is facing the same type of pressure. We’ve discussed the amount of basketball talent produced by the State of Texas, the problem not enough of that talent has headed to Austin in recent years.
Warriors’ owner Joe Lacob wants the waterfront San Francisco arena open by 2017. The timeline is a desire on his part not an actuality, a number of obstacles might delay the project. The date is the owners wish, this NBA fans’ wish-----a return to the iconic jerseys worn from 1962-1971. Do you remember the jerseys that read: “The City.”
Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose are assigned a task by ESPN.com, they are to provide readers a team by team preview of the upcoming season. As for Rose I might not always agree with him but at least he played the game at the NBA level. Simmons is another story at least for Laker fans. We cannot take into consideration anything written or stated by this life-long Celtic fan and current Clipper season ticket holder? I’m not making this up his Celtic-Clipper connection is listed in his bio.
Are they contenders
Last week I wrote of Eastern Conference contenders Pacers, Nets and Knicks who believe they can supplant the Heat. I didn’t include LeBron’s former team----the Cavs, are they ready to contend? We talk of potential and that is certainly is the case with this young team. The youth could be a blessing and a curse, the Cavs roster contains only two players over the age of 30, Anderson Varejo and DeSagana Diop. The Cavs might now be the youngest team in the NBA.
As was stated previously there is no disputing the talent of 21-year old point guard Kyrie
Irving, the guy needs to uncover a method to avoid injuries. Andrew Bynum has behaved like a knucklehead on several occasions, if injury free and motivated he is talented. In addition Bynum although a veteran is still only age 25. His coach is the same one (Mike Brown) he clashed with on occasion with the Lakers. Number one pick in the 2013 draft rookie power forward Anthony Bennett is only 20, the question is he ready for the rigors of the NBA? The Cavs might be one of those teams that exceed expectations, we shall see if they are able to raise their level of play.
