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Basketball from a fans perspective

It’s over (at least for the Lakers)

Monday even a little after 10:00 p.m. Central Time the game was over. The Nuggets beat my Lakers 113-11, I have no intention to critique the game in its entirety I will just say the best team won. The Lakers have not won every playoff series but this one stings more than any in recent memory. In 2008 the Lakers lost in the Finals to the Celtics 4 games to 2, in the 2004 Finals this time it was a loss to the Pistons 4 games to 1. The last time it was this bad we’d have to return all the way back to 1989, the Lakers were swept in the Finals 4-0 by the Pistons. This Western Conference Semi-Finals loss certainly stings and it will require time for me to adjust. The Finals will be on television in my household but it will be different for me.

I can just relax and watch the game since I have no favorite (sorry Nuggets & Heat Nation) to root for. Congratulations are due to the Nuggets; they will play for an NBA Championship for the first time in the history of the franchise. Tuesday morning I read at least two stories asking if LeBron James will retire now. At 38 years of age he will be enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame three years from whatever date. My question, did this loss leave a bitter taste in LeBron’s mouth? This is LeBron’s decision alone, this member of Laker Nation is good either way, if he retires, I could see Rui Hachimura moving into his slot. If LeBron decides in favor of returning, he will provide veteran leadership to the team. My take on the remaining Lakers roster will be provided soon, there will be a few surprises I promise you.

New York City basketball

High school basketball is still produced in great numbers in the 5 boroughs and the surrounding New York City metro, it would appear the numbers of talent have grown smaller and smaller over the years. That is not the case, just as much talent maybe more but why is this subject so difficult to understand in 2023? One of the cities high school greats, Kenny Smith offered us an explanation. The TNT analyst points to the change, kids are no longer playing for a city championship.

The days of Dr. J., Tiny Archibald, Lew Alcindor and Bernard King are long gone for high school basketball. These talented athletes and others unnamed honed their skills playing basketball at local high schools. The boroughs still produced scores of basketball talent however rather than remain in the city they leave for prep schools all over the nation. Check the rosters of Findley Prep (NV), Oak Hill Academy (VA), IMG (FL), Sunrise Christian Academy (KS) or Link Academy (MO). There are numerous others, however those named are probably more familiar to a number of basketball fans.

Barkley and I agree

I realize a number of you are going to find this difficult to believe. Charles Barkley said something and I am in agreement. Barkley was critical of those (JJ Redick being one) who is defending Ja Morant. Before I go any further allow me to state this, those individuals defending Morant have every right it’s a fact Barkley and I fail to see the basis for defending his behavior. Someone needs to point out to him Gilbert Arenas. The very talented Arenas left the NBA far too soon however his behavior was the basis. He’s not the only player just the first that comes to mind. Don’t think NBA owners couldn’t pull a “Kaepernick” on one if they desired.

In the instance of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick management decided he was a detriment to the league no matter what the public believed. Morant can be gone easily if he doesn’t get his act together. Former NBA player Reggie Miller had an interesting take on Dan Patrick’s program. Miller said it’s a good thing (for Morant) David Stern is no longer the commissioner. If you remember hearing or reading of the Malice in the Palace stiff penalties were the result. Ron Artest a.k.a. Metta World Peace received an 86-game suspension. Other parties received lesser suspensions but all were punished. If it sounds as if I’m anti Ja Morant that is not the case. I truly hope this youngster gets his life together, I would hate to see his career crash and burn.

Who stays and who goes?  

Despite the sweep by the Nuggets the Lakers are not in as bad a shape as some might believe, there are needed changes. The Lakers must make a decision on D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves. Of that trio they should allow Russell to walk, without a great deal of detail he failed to play at the expected level. As for the other two, the Lakers should match whatever is out there. Mo Bamba is gone too, not because he can’t play, they simply cannot afford to pay him what his salary demands might be.

Also missing next season are Tristan Thompson, Lonnie Walker IV, Jarred Vanderbilt and Shaq Harrison. In the middle of this we are listening to words expressed by LeBron James about retiring. This is my belief, he’s 38-years old…the next stop (other than Crypto.com Arena) is the Naismith Hall of Fame. In addition what might appear to be double talk I’m okay should LeBron return for season 21. I’d like to see Scotty Pippen Jr., Max Christie and others be moved into the lineup. In conclusion there are areas I cannot comment on, it is rumored the Lakers are attempting a trade for Trae Young of the Hawks. In addition they could acquire Kyrie Irving, if these should occur the dynamics might change completely.

It's become less and less 

Once upon a time we used the term journeyman in reference to an athlete playing for multiple teams. Today we have a large number of NBA All Stars who we might apply the term journeyman, over the course of their career they have worn the jersey of several teams. My Lakers have LeBron James on the roster, they become his third NBA (Cavs & Heat) team. Chris Paul of the Suns has played for even more teams, his present team is number five. Paul’s played for the Hornets, Clippers, Rockets and Thunder during his outstanding NBA career. 

How about Kevin Durant, KD has worn a Thunder, Warriors, Nets and Suns jersey. We must also include Kawhi Leonard among the number since he’s played for the Spurs, Raptors and Clippers. How about Jimmy Butler, he’s presently a member of the Heat previously he played for the Bulls, Wolves, and Sixers. All of the moves have not been of the free agency variety a number include trades. Journeyman meant the player had skills however they were limited, he was hired to fill a need on the team’s roster. That was the old term for a journeyman which certainly doesn’t apply to the NBA of today.