A fan’s perspective

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The departure

Our headline this morning has nothing to do with a movie, a musical refrain or anything of that nature. The title simply implies a change for me in writing what you are about to read. Since commencing Off the Dribble I’ve covered controversies involving basketball but generally (not at all times) avoided money and politics. This is going to be political and I hope the last instance, the departure is caused by several issues I’ve seen raised regarding the sale of the Lakers.

This time it’s not the surprise of the sale rather it’s the WHO. It’s been pointed out one of the purchasing partners has the same last name as the president of the United States son-in-law, Jared and Josh Kushner are brothers. I have read stories indicating the president’s hands were involved in the sale or a federal investigation of the prior owner prompted this speedy sale of the team. All sorts of speculation surrounding this move have cropped up, the question might be how this member of Laker Nation sees it. From my perspective not very far, did the president have anything to do with this sale? To those who believe he did please raise your hands high enough in order for us to see them. I am not the least bit concerned about this move UNLESS an impropriety might have occurred. I am not the least bit concerned for the future of the Lakers unless this ownership group should prove to be less than competent.

In closing this is for those who tend to believe “He’s only writing this because of his allegiance to the Lakers!” That’s only partially true, a similar account would be placed in front of you if this occurred for the Wolves, Spurs or Pelicans franchise. If you are one of the many conspiracy theorist around so be it, I’ve always attempted to adopt the state motto “I’m from Missouri, you’ve got to Show Me.” I categorically refuse to indict someone due to their last name

KG

The headline above denotes his nickname, he was also referred to as The Big Ticket. I speak of Kevin Garnett, an NBA champion with the Celtics, he would later play briefly with the Nets. It was with the Wolves he made his name known throughout the NBA world. Another noteworthy point, Garnett was one of 5 high school players drafted into the NBA who would eventually be enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame. He retired from the game in 2016, several years later (2022) the Celtics retired his jersey number 5.

KG wasn’t issued 21 in Boston, that number belonged to Bill Sharman legendary Celtic guard. As for the Wolves and why KG was traded we don’t know the entire story. A rift developed between KG and former owner Glen Taylor which lasted until Taylor sold the team. KG indicated his issue with his former team would continue until he met with owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez. So, the rift that existed has been healed, February 28 KG’s number 21 will be retired and hoisted to the top of the Target Center. KG intends to be a “team ambassador” for the Wolves.

Is this true, well….

I’m debating if I should communicate this story if I do a number of you will refuse to believe it. The basis for your disbelief no film/video or taped radio broadcast exists. Okay, you twisted my arm enough I’ll tell the story. What do you suppose was Wilt Chamberlain’s best game, was it the night he scored 100 points, maybe it was the 55 rebound game of his? It’s my contention those could certainly be considered noteworthy however I think of another game.

Some are aware as for others the NBA didn’t began tracking steals and blocked shots until near the end of Chamberlain’s career. Based on that fact we must take the late Harvey Pollack’s stats as official, he was responsible for Philadelphia record keeping during this period. The date of this significant event occurred March 18, 1968, and it occurred while Chamberlain played for the Sixers. What is evening more interesting this game occurred against my Lakers, in the summer of that year Chamberlain  would later be traded that same year. These are the Chamberlain numbers from that game, he scored 53 points pulled down 32 rebounds had 14 assists, 24 blocked shots and 11 steals. The Sixers won the game 158 to 128.

From the box we gather these figures, the Lakers were led by Mel Counts with 26 points and Archie Clark scoring 25, all five starters for the Lakers scored in double figures. This game was played at Convention Hall in Philadelphia which has been demolished, only 3,491 spectators attended the game however it could hold 9,000 folks. The building was home for the Warriors (1952-1962) and Sixers (1963-1968), opened in 1931, closed in 1996 and was demolished in 2005.

Short timer

His 64th birthday will have occurred prior to Kansas concluding the 2026-2027 college basketball season, of course that would be Bill Self. Depending on your view his age is certainly not an issue, many veteran coaches have continued past that number. There do remain a number of questions, the first of course is the change in college basketball’s landscape. Recently in Off the Dribble you read a story on Dusty May and why he left Michigan for the NBA after winning an NCAA championship. This past season the fortunes of Kansas basketball were greatly affected by NIL regarding the departed Darryn Peterson, the other issue the portal transfer.

Kansas lost two highly touted Big Men to other programs. Once upon a time Self indicated “he’d be retired by the time he reached his 60th birthday or a slightly older number, of course that’s not what occurred. It’s become more difficult for a teaching coach such as Self to remain productive. In addition the transfer portal has left many a coach questioning how to reach today’s youngsters. I’m unsure of the timetable for his retirement however I doubt if he recruits anyone from the Class of 2031. If it appears I am pushing Self out the door that is not the case, my question is simple. What remains for him at this point with the exception of another NCAA championship? He’s already in the Naismith Hall of Fame only the College Basketball Hall awaits him.