The complete story
ESPN E:60 “Pictures: Penny Saved” detailed a portion of the career of Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. Over the years we’ve read and heard many stories regarding Kobe Bryant and the Shaq feud while the two were Laker teammates. This would eventually lead the Lakers to trade the older Shaq and kept the younger Kobe. Portions of the story might be true while others are downright fabrication of someone’s imagination. While we are kicking Kobe up and down the block for the break up consider this jewel. Injuries would ultimately cut short Penny’s outstanding career but prior to that there were problems between he and Shaq.
Shaq in the E:60 account states: “Penny was LeBron minus the muscles.” At the time Shaq left in 1996 for the Lakers he acknowledged he never contacted Penny. The two were reported to be friends yet he failed to converse with his teammate regarding something as important as this move. Horace Grant teammates of both in Orlando claimed egos destroyed the relationship between the two. Next time someone reminds you of “Kobe running Shaq out of town” tell them this story. Everything contained in this account can be documented just in case there might be question.
“Must be the shoes”
The line above was uttered often by Spike Lee’s altar ego Mars Blackman in a series of Air Jordan commercials back in the day. Blackman is history however Air Jordan is very much present. SI compiled its list “The 10 Best Sneakers of Summer” and Air Jordan XIII being released on August 19 made the list. Conspicuously absent from the list was any models of the BBB shoe. Lonzo Ball has been discussed (since Summer League) far more than the shoe his dad is attempting to market.
I claim no psychic ability but believe at some point there will be movement positive or negative. As for the positive LaVar Ball will secure an agreement with a major shoe manufacture. NOTE: It will not be at the astronomical financial level he’s been talking about for the last six months. The negative, no deal will be struck and LaVar Ball will decide to go it alone. He’s got product on the market currently, Big Baller Brand shoe will be produced however the $$$ figure of $495 will be reduced.
On Mizzou's radar
Back in the days of Norm Stewart the media said often Mizzou had a “pipeline” to Michigan players. A number of players from the state would find their way to Columbia every year to play for Mizzou. Perhaps the pipeline is being resurrected once again, Duane Washington Jr. might be the first talent from Michigan to play for Cuonzo Martin.
Washington is a 6-3 combo guard from Grand Rapids Michigan; he’s a Class of 2018 prospect. He’s unrated however Mizzou has an offer on the table for him so the coaching staff must see evidence of talent in the youngster. Did I mention Washington’s uncle? His uncle is Derek Fisher former Laker and NBA coach. This is no indication of talent; let’s see how this plays out.
Man-Cave
How is building your Man-cave proceeding? My cave was finished quite a number of years ago due to a key issue room size. The room size certainly can impact your intention as an example I remember seeing a photo of former Laker trainer Gary Vitti’s Man-Cave several years ago. Although I would love to have several items of memorabilia Vitti had the room looked rather junky.
I couldn’t determine the room size although it certainly appeared larger than den size.
The cave contained a desk top computer and furniture prior to adding a television and the Laker gear. Room expansion is out of the question so the plan is only one more purchase for now a Jamal Wilkes Laker jersey. I have an Andrew Bynum and Steve Nash jersey which I no longer display. They left the Lakers years ago and I can’t just trash them after purchasing them. Both are in excellent condition I wonder if I could sell them on eBay, I think I’ll check that out.
