Basketball from a fans perspective

Published daily except Tuesdays & Thursday

This is not every Saturday

February 8 was a little different, I saw three (3) basketball games. This is not every Saturday occurrence in my household but it was this afternoon and early evening. I set my alarm for 2:30 p.m. Central to ensure I didn’t miss the start of the Mizzou-Texas A&M game, the outcome was not as I desired. A&M managed to beat my Tigers 67-64, my consolation was losing to the number 10th ranked team in the nation.

I then switched to the NBA game between the Lakers and Pacers, no LeBron…no Luka…no matter. Austin Reaves led the way to victory with a career 45 point game, final score Lakers 124 Pacers 117. In the meantime the Duke-Clemson game had begun so I was changing channels to ensure the Lakers secured the victory. As for the nightcap I wanted to see Cooper Flagg in action once again. Oh, by the way during the commercial break I saw the final ticks of the clock as Kansas State upset number 16 Kansas 81-73. The NBA Celtics at Knicks is yet to start however I am not going to watch it, I’ve got to pull myself away from the television.

It’s not official

Los Angeles remains Laker Country, this is certainly not official. I offer you no proof of my statement just a belief based on observation, allow a brief explanation. The Clippers now have their own house, the magnificent Intuit Dome is open in Inglewood as most are aware. The January 19 meeting was a “home game” for the Lakers, the Clippers managed to win 116-102 before a Crypto.com crowd of 17,927. The overwhelming majority of fans were in attendance to root and cheer for their Lakers. Fast forward to February 4 and the rematch between the teams at the Intuit Dome, the Lakers were victorious this time 122-97 but here is the difference in the two games.

If you are thinking “they split the wins” that’s not what was noticeable, it was the crowd. Whenever the television cameras panned the attendees there were Laker jerseys easily spotted throughout the audience. In addition noisy cheering was picked up by the mics for Laker baskets and other efforts. What does this unscientific paper provide you…absolutely not a thing but a belief. Los Angeles remains Laker and Dodger country, basketball and baseball. The NFL Rams, Chargers plus the baseball Angels and hockey Kings have their share of fans. I admire what Steve Ballmer has done, moving his Clippers from the shadow of the Lakers by building his own arena. I am unsure even if a single championship would win over Laker fans to the Clippers side, what do you think?

What the heck are they doing

At a point I was extremely concerned about my Lakers. I could see them growing older by the minute with AARP LeBron and AD as their leadership and then BAM! They traded for Luka and that said immediately we are preparing for the future. As for their neighbors in northern California I’m not so sure. The Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler in a trade, talented as he is Butler will be 36 in September. He joins Steph Curry (37 next month) and Draymond Green (35 in March), as you can see the leadership of the Warriors is ancient by NBA standards, so what’s next for these Warriors?

The remainder of the roster is certainly talented but enough to contend for a championship…I don’t think so. Unless I’m overlooking a hidden talent on the bench it’s likely the Warriors will at most be middle of the pack for the time being. Of course a trade or star draft choice could change all that however that’s a big IF. I began this exercise by pointing to the fact my belief that the Lakers might be headed in the wrong direction. They fooled me by making a couple of trades that could prove to be beneficial now and into the future. That’s got to be the road ahead for the Warriors, as I indicate beyond the three stars they certainly don’t appear to have enough to contend going forward.

In 2028

Olympic basketball has become quite competitive, despite this fact Team USA can still produce particularly good teams. The problem the balance of the world is fast catching up to the collection of NBA Olympic stars. What if I told you Team USA would face stiff competition for Gold from France, Serbia or Germany you probably wouldn’t be shocked. What if I told you stiff competition might come from the Philippines, that might not be as much as a surprise.

You are probably aware Jordan Clarkson of the Jazz has Filipino ancestry, I’d bet money you didn’t know there are other NBA players although born in the U.S. also share the same ancestry to the island nation as Clarkson. We have Jalen Green of the Rockets, there is rising star Jared McCain of the Sixers and Ron Harper Jr. in the G-League. Anchor for this team from the Philippines would be 7 foot 3 232 pound Kai Sotto. There is no guarantee this will be composition of the team in 2028 but it is quite interesting if it comes about. This is not automatic, there are steps required to earn eligibility. Other than Sotto all those named have Filipino blood but are American citizens.

Hopefully, the deed is done

Reading this might no longer be required, by the time you read this the Lakers have acquired the center they sought after the AD trade. If that trade didn’t occur exactly what are we looking at in the meantime? We are watching 7 foot Jaxson Hayes continue to operate at the five, he became the starter after AD suffered the abdominal strain. Better yet who is backing up Hayes, there are two candidates on the roster currently?

There is 7 foot 230 pound Christian Koloko who’s played about 8 minutes a game since he earned a roster spot, Koloko has seen limited play in the NBA. Behind him is recently acquired 6 foot 10 260 pound Trey Jemison III. The most time for Jemison in the NBA is the 24 games (14 as a starter) he played for the Grizzlies in the 2023-24 season. As you can see the Lakers have several candidates to occupy space at the center position, the only remaining question are those named really reserve players or spot starters? NOTE: The trade that wasn't didn't occur, from the wire service: "The Lakers say the trade were they acquired Mark Williams for Dalton Knecht was rescinded because of the Hornets failure to satisfy a condition of the trade."   .