He belongs in the corner too
Back in the old days misbehaving children were excelled to the corner of the classroom. Well these are not children however I do have a corner established for several media members. Dan Le Batard of ESPN has been one whom I’ve had a neutral opinion that is until now. He offered his opinion of Jeannie Buss hiring Magic Johnson as President of Basketball Operations. He said in essence there were more qualified people available and Magic got the job because of his “charm”.
Le Batard pointed to Magic’s late night talk show and his brief tenure as Lakers coach examples of getting the job because he was charming. He also added Magic’s co-host duties on NBA pre-game telecasts as part of the charm too. First off, as I indicated earlier there are likely others more qualified for the job but they ain’t Magic. Secondly, if Jeannie Buss is going to “fire” her brother you think she’s going to keep Magic around if he’s unable to correct Lakers play on the court?
As for Le Batard and the charm issue he raised I believe he’s got no idea how Magic has worked off the court building Magic Johnson Enterprises. The man had basketball wealth as his base yet he’s managed to accumulate assets in access of $800 million dollars. You don’t make that kind of money just by your charm. Dan Le Batard you have now been moved to the corner which is getting crowded. You have company however Stephen A. Smith, Skip Bayless and Jason Whitlock however there’s still room for you.
Stop second guessing
I guess I might be the only voice but I think the NBA needs to stop. Dwight Howard was ejected on Monday night after receiving his second technical. A day later they said; “He should have been assessed an unsportsmanlike foul for hanging on the rim” after his dunk. The NBA in my opinion looks minor league on an after basis compiling a list of errors a day later. In Howard’s instance his ejection did not affect the outcome of the game. Can we make the same statement regarding other games? I’d like to see a cease and desist order going forward in the NBA.
He‘s at it again
Lavar Bell is at it again, he’s become quite determined once again with his latest pronouncement. He says son Lonzo Ball “will play for the Lakers only.” First off there is no guarantee the Lakers will have the pick so what occurs then Mr. Ball? In the past a number of players have attempted to name their destination prior to the draft. Kobe Bryant’s family informed Charlotte he wouldn’t sign with them, although drafted by them they worked out a trade with the Lakers. Two years ago Jahlil Okafor refused to work out for the Sixers preferring instead to work out for the Lakers hoping they would draft him.
Finally we have Steve Francis. Francis was aware he was going to be a high draft pick in 1999; he would be selected with the second pick by the Vancouver Grizzlies. Francis “objected to being so far away from home (Maryland) and other issues.” Before the season would begin he was traded to the Rockets where he spent the most productive years of his NBA career. With Magic Johnson calling the shots now I’m not really sure what the thought process is should the Lakers hold on to the pick. NOTE: To use the popular phrase a day later “He walked his statement back”. The elder Ball claimed Los Angeles is home and he’d like his son to play point guard under Magic Johnson.
