Words eye view

Basketball from a fan perspective

Not the move expected

I’m going to reserve judgment and depend on Rob Pelinka, Frank Vogel, and the scouting staff; this was not the move I expected the Lakers to make.  Friday afternoon the team announced they signed Damian Jones to a 10-day contract, this after the Suns released him.  He’s only 25-years old, drafted by the Warriors in 2016 the 6-foot 11-inch Jones has also played for the Hawks and now the Lakers.  The report indicates he’s an athletic Big Man, does that statement indicate rim protection?  It should be noted I have been far more kind than a few members of Laker Nation on this latest move.   

The Logo

Several folks especially those 50 years and younger have no idea.  They don’t realize the logo used by the NBA over the decades represents former Laker great Jerry West, the league adopted the emblem in 1969.  The last few years we’ve witnessed several calls for the NBA to change its symbol, they point out the need for an updated logo.  We first heard calls for the symbol to be changed to LeBron James several years ago.  Recently Kyrie Irving added his voice to the chorus asking for change, rather than LeBron he stated his belief the logo should be changed to that of the late Kobe Bryant. 

This is an issue that fails to cause me to lose any sleep, my question how many really pay any attention to the logo?  The other professional sports simply have their name branded on the front of the logo.  At one point I was opposed to any modification but not for any specific reason.  I am in the middle on any proposed change, if it should occur, I would be okay.  If the logo should remain in place, I’m still okay…how do you feel?  One other note in closing, we uncovered information that points out West has no desire for his likeness to be used.

He told ESPN “He was embarrassed by it all and wanted the NBA to change the logo.  West suggested that perhaps Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s legendary sky hook, Michael Jordan’s Jump Man, or LeBron James’ Breakaway dunk would be better suited for the logo than he is.” * This was made by West four years ago and the NBA has simply ignored his request.  I would not do this account justice without mentioning Colorado, although the rape case against Kobe Bryant was dismissed it’s still “out there”, could the NBA in hoping to uphold its image replace Jerry West with Kobe Bryant in the age of the Me Too movement?     

*Courtesy SB Nation 

It depends   

I once read Celtic great Bill Russell refused to sign autographs.  It was reported he and his wife were eating dinner one evening and the constant interruptions made him refuse to sign them at any time.  We are unsure if Russell still makes this his practice of not signing autographs.  This is not to state basketball players are friendlier than other athletes I’ve just met more of them than other athletes.  Several years ago, a friend’s company was the sponsor for an NBA game in Kansas City. 

Retired NBA players living in the area were invited as guests, I met Scott Wedman and Clay Johnson.  To help some of you Wedman was a 2-time NBA Champion with the Celtics (1984 & 1986), he was drafted by the Kings.  Wedman’s NBA career ran from 1974 through 1986.  Johnson a Kansas City high school guy played at Mizzou and for the Lakers and Sonics for a time.  I found both players to be friendly conversationally which surprised me. 

The late Sam Lacey played center for the Kings; he was made the 5^th pick in the 1970 draft by the Royals.  When the team moved to Kansas City his career blossomed, never a great scorer the 6 foot 10 Lacey was a capable defender just ask Kareem.  One additional athlete I met was Jason Terry, the Jet as he was nicknamed played for a few NBA teams one of them the Mavs.  He retired in 2018 and we met while he was training a youngster in the Dallas area, Terry was quite personable and friendly.