Basketball from a
fan’s perspective
Is it time to sell?
Jeanie Buss fired brother Jim when it was reported he intended to sell the team. That was only one element causing a rift in the family, the team had suffered on the court too. Jeanie cleaned house not only her brother but long-time GM Mitch Kupchak was shown the door too. They were replaced by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka as president and GM respectfully. By the time this is read a coach will be in place (Frank Vogel hire) but that will only resolve part of the problem. I’m not sure who to give credit let’s just say, “The fish rots from the head down.”
Perhaps it is time the family considered selling the
team. All of us are faced with changing times,
the dynamics involved today for the Lakers are far different from those in the
day of Dr. Buss. This proud franchise
which once was the gold standard has fallen on hard times in recent years. The most recent Forbes report indicates the
Lakers are the 2nd most valued franchise in the NBA, only the Knicks
ranked ahead of them. A February account
indicates the Lakers are valued at a cool $3.7 billion. Divided among the family and the small number
of stockholders all could earn a hefty payday. Remove the "family" element sell the team to someone who's made money outside basketball.
Big Z
It’s funny in a manner of speaking his nickname, the late Zelmo Beaty was nicknamed “The Big Z.” Standing 6 foot 9 inches and 225 pounds technically he wasn’t big considering he went to battle against Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Bellamy and other 7-foot centers of the era. Beaty played his college basketball at Prairie View A&M and was a two time all NAIA player averaging 25 points and 20 rebounds during his time at Prairie View. He led the team to the 1962 NAIA championship, later he would be drafted by the St. Louis Hawks and moved with the franchise to Atlanta.
Beaty proved he could play in the competitive NBA of the period and believed the Hawks slighted him in salary. The issue of salary in 1970 witnessed him leaving for the rival American Basketball Association Utah Stars, Beaty would continue his outstanding play in the ABA winning a championship in 1971. He would conclude his professional career as a member of the Lakers in 1975. Beaty is another of the double honorees, elected to the College and Naismith Hall of Fame. Zelmo Beaty or Big Z a name from basketball’s past you should know.
It’s funny in a manner of speaking his nickname, the late Zelmo Beaty was nicknamed “The Big Z.” Standing 6 foot 9 inches and 225 pounds technically he wasn’t big considering he went to battle against Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Bellamy and other 7-foot centers of the era. Beaty played his college basketball at Prairie View A&M and was a two time all NAIA player averaging 25 points and 20 rebounds during his time at Prairie View. He led the team to the 1962 NAIA championship, later he would be drafted by the St. Louis Hawks and moved with the franchise to Atlanta.
Beaty proved he could play in the competitive NBA of the period and believed the Hawks slighted him in salary. The issue of salary in 1970 witnessed him leaving for the rival American Basketball Association Utah Stars, Beaty would continue his outstanding play in the ABA winning a championship in 1971. He would conclude his professional career as a member of the Lakers in 1975. Beaty is another of the double honorees, elected to the College and Naismith Hall of Fame. Zelmo Beaty or Big Z a name from basketball’s past you should know.
Celebrity NBA fans
The recent complaints about entertainer Drake’s support of the Raptors is interesting. I didn’t see what he did only read the complaints by the Bucks head coach and fans. Entertainer Doris Day died May 13 at the age of 97, she became an early fan of the NBA and Lakers when the team moved to Los Angeles in 1961, she was later joined by actress Dyan Cannon. At some point Jack Nicholson began showing up at Laker games in the Forum (later GW Forum). There were a host of others who became fans of the Lakers and the NBA.
The recent complaints about entertainer Drake’s support of the Raptors is interesting. I didn’t see what he did only read the complaints by the Bucks head coach and fans. Entertainer Doris Day died May 13 at the age of 97, she became an early fan of the NBA and Lakers when the team moved to Los Angeles in 1961, she was later joined by actress Dyan Cannon. At some point Jack Nicholson began showing up at Laker games in the Forum (later GW Forum). There were a host of others who became fans of the Lakers and the NBA.
In New York Spike Lee is almost always seated courtside at
Knick games. At the time the Nets moved to Brooklyn this Brooklynite was
asked which team he would root for? You
have the answer already; we can add Chris Rock and Ben Stiller to the list of
Knick fans. Due to the entertainment
industry headquartered in New York and Los Angeles most celebrity fans can be
seen courtside at MSG and Staples Center.
The Wahlberg brothers’ film in New York and Los Angeles but can
sometimes be seen at TD Garden Center in Boston. Actors Chris O’Donnell, Vince Vaughn and Bill
Murray can sometimes be seen at the United Center in Chicago. The Bulls also claim former President Barack
Obama as a fan.
Do we include Justin Timberlake on our list since he’s a
minority owner of the Grizzlies? The
same for Wil Smith with the Sixers and Usher with the Cavs, they are also
owners of a piece of the franchise.
Finally, do we consider actress Jami Gertz, her husband is one of the
owners of the Hawks. As for Drake’s
actions this occurred back in the day.
Jack Nicholson got up from his courtside seats during a game and
listened in on the play the opposing team was to run. Nicholson ambled over to former coach Pat
Riley and said; “They are going to run
________________”. Did this actually occur I offer no proof, maybe it’s just one
of those urban myths? As for the list
don’t consider it to be final there are other celebrities omitted certainly not
on purpose.
Captain Speculation
I know don’t remind me, I once said you cannot give yourself a nickname. Well Captain Speculation (me) is staying away from this one. The NCAA’s vice-president of Governance indicates the body will make recommendations for penalties based on the Adidas trial. To date only head coach Rick Pitino has been fired along with several assistant coaches from a few programs.
Captain Speculation
I know don’t remind me, I once said you cannot give yourself a nickname. Well Captain Speculation (me) is staying away from this one. The NCAA’s vice-president of Governance indicates the body will make recommendations for penalties based on the Adidas trial. To date only head coach Rick Pitino has been fired along with several assistant coaches from a few programs.
Surely penalties will be forthcoming for a select number of
schools. Who gets penalized you ask; I
have no idea and for once there is no speculation on my part? I can make this statement with certainty;
several coaches and basketball programs should demand an apology if all we
uncover is what’s been noted to date.
Does cheating exist, of course it does.
I hope in my zeal I’ve not assassinated anyone’s character.
