Basketball from a fans perspective
Published Monday-Friday
A surprise move but not shocking
The Magic Johnson-Ron Pelinka Lakers made a move two days ahead of the the draft. Timofey Mozgov and D’Angelo Russell were traded to the Nets for Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in the draft. The Lakers rid themselves of the huge Mozgov contract in addition he’d lost his starting job. Was it his play or just the fact the Lakers decided to go with a youth movement? As for Russell the youngster certainly has talent and perhaps it will be fully developed now with the Nets. The Lakers have pick number 2, 27 and 28 for now, this trade is a surprise for this Laker fan but far from shocking.
Prove it
If you report a story with no documentation just reporting fails to provide validity to it. You must have the person(s) involved or a secondary or third source to provide the accuracy of your story. I ask the question because once again Stephen A. Smith made a statement we cannot prove or disprove. On ESPN ‘s First Take the discussion I heard dealt with NBA owners. The question was asked who was a “good NBA owner?” With no hesitation asked to name one co-host Max Kellerman said Dr. Jerry Buss late owner of the Lakers. In his most unique way Smith said; “Dr. Buss promised Jerry West $1 million dollars and then reneged on the promise.”
Smith hinted that might have been the reason the long-time GM and president left the team. As most of you are aware I’m a long-time Laker fan and never ever heard this story before June 20, 2017. Rather than depend on my memory I search the net in vain attempting to determine the story behind the story. This leaves me scratching my heard according to Smith Dr. Buss was not a good owner because he reneged on a promise only Smith seems to believe exists. We can argue all day long regarding opinions this story is something totally different.
The brothers
High school athletes arrive in college with a reputation, most come from programs where they became “All-World.” That’s the case for LiAngelo Ball the middle son of LaVar Ball. Lonzo and LiAngelo are the same height and near the same weight. I could never ever state someone cannot play but there are concerns about LiAngelo's game.
Despite the bravado of daddy the middle son is not highly rated, ESPN Recruiting Nation and Rivals award this Ball 3 stars out of 5. As for baby brother LaMelo the reports on him are mixed, ESPN awards him 5 stars out of 5 yet Rivals offers 0 stars. Never in life would I profess to know whether the brothers (including Lonzo) can play at a high skill level. It should be interesting over the next few years to see how all three brothers and their game develop.
I admit I don’t know
The actual number is unclear however I’d estimate 80% of the Mizzou incoming are unknowns. Unknown in their talent and skill level, some might make the adjustment to college basketball easier and swifter than others. They might be unfamiliar to me but I’m sure Cuonzo and the coaching staff knows who they are.
That is the case with Javon Pickett a 6-4 shooting guard from Belleville Illinois. Pickett was one among several headed to Illinois prior to the school’s coaching change. Pickett is a 2017 graduate however he’ll attend a prep school and will be a 2018 freshman. He’s rated the number 9 prospect in the State of Illinois which is outstanding. The coaching staff is looking past Michael Porter Jr. continuing to re-build and re-brand the product.
