He’s in a hurry
We are guilty of tossing out the term superstar far too often but that is exactly what I intend to do right now.  The Pelicans Anthony Davis is on his way to that term being applied in fact he’s in a hurry. Opening night against the Magic his stat line read; 26 points 17 rebounds 9 blocked shots and 3 steals. This 6-10 220 pound power forward will not turn 22 years of age until March meaning his game can only continue to grow. Davis did just about everything the Pelicans asked of him, there is no truth to the report he sold popcorn during half-time

He’s an idiot!
An acquaintance knowing my allegiance to the Lakers and Kobe posed a question to me. Larry said; “For years ESPN built up Kobe Bryant and now it appears they are trying to tear him down---why?” I confess I watch ESPN television and read ESPN.com stories more than any other sports news source. It seems to me Fox Sports, CBS Sports and others often repeat stories originating from the “World Wide Leader.”  I can only speculate as to the reason why---ratings. Besides this issue I will make a further statement. From this point forward I will never comment on any future account ESPN’s Henry Abbott reports. I have come to the conclusion Abbot is a hater and an idiot, it’s not worth me continuing comment on anything he writes or reports.

As for the “Carmelo doesn’t want to play with Kobe story” Carmelo responded by claiming the story has no legs. Later Dwight Howard voiced a similar statement; “me leaving for Houston had nothing to do with Kobe Bryant.” So much for the “Inside sources” of Abbott the village idiot. We can add ESPN’s Colin Cowherd’s name to the idiot list, he goes on the air defending Abbot. Cowherd claims “we are attacking the wrong person, 7 or 8 general managers plus an insider working for the Lakers claims Bryant is a detriment to rebuilding the Lakers.“ Their beliefs are their own however I agree with TNT’s Reggie Miller, he said on Tuesday “they need to step forward and identify themselves.” At the time Abbott writes an iincendiary story and fails to identify sources he should be prepared to absorb all the bumps and bruises that follow.       

A world of change
Lithuanian Arvydas Sabonis arrived in the NBA as a 31-year old rookie. The political climate of the day prevented the 7-3 Sabonis from coming to the U.S. to play. Although he was skillful injuries robbed him of the mobility he demonstrated as an 18-year old. One skill that remained evident was his passing skills. He was one of the best passing big men. Age and injuries contributed to a shorten NBA career however he was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

History will not repeat itself with one of his sons; Domantas has arrived on our shores at age 18. Domantas is not as tall or has as much bulk as his dad; he’s 6-10 and 215 pounds. He’s enrolled at Gonzaga as a freshman and will display his basketball talent during the 2014-15 season. This is no assertion of an NBA career for Domantas it’s just another basketball story of interest to several of you.

Bits n Pieces
A friend asked about Jack Karapetyan red shirt freshman, see Karapetyan is transferring from Kansas State. He asked me; “You suppose they (K-State) asked him to leave?” I said probably so, I have no evidence to prove my conclusion. I imagine there may have been a sit-down with the coach. Karapetyan may have been told he would receive limited playing time.

I was asked;“whose gonna win the NBA Championship?” I said; “I’m not sure Cleveland may be a sentimental favorite but don’t count the Spurs out. After all they are the defending champs.” I then stated; “As for the NCAA Championship I truly have no idea who would have expected UConn to win it all?”

Laker fans in the Eastern and Midwest Time zones were greeted by devastating morning news.  Most went to bed on Tuesday night believing the Rockets would win game one they had increased their lead to double-digits in the third quarter. Rising this morning Laker fans were informed promising rookie Julius Randle had suffered a fractured tibia in the fourth quarter of the game. Reports indicate surgery will be performed next week; no speculation exists on a return date.

Many don’t realize Tyreke Evans of the Pelican was groomed for the NBA. He was raised by three older brothers who “trained” him as a youth to play the game. Evans was the 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year that first year after being drafted by the Kings. The summer of 2013 Evans was traded to the Pelicans and continued his steady if not spectacular production. Although Evans can play the two it appears Coach Monty Williams will utilize his talent at the three this season.