For Kobe Bryant

Dear Kobe Bryant,

I am a huge fan. You're the most powerful scoring force in the NBA, no doubt. You've got the skills and determination and the willpower to win. When you put your heart into it.

Lately, I've been very very disappointed. You're playing your own game. That's great when you're going up against the opposing team, but not for your teammates. They want to feel involved. You've got to get started on the defensive end. You've got to start sharing the ball. You've got to shut down these Denver Nuggets. Great job on Carmelo Anthony, but no way should you be letting Nene and Kenyon Martin get the better of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. You're the leader of the Los Angeles Lakers. You've got to act like it. Don't forget that you've got a whole team looking to help you win these games.

See, if you start letting them help you on offense, it'll be a lot tougher for the opposing team. More baskets for everyone, more energy for everyone. They don't want to sit around watching the Kobe show. They want to see the Lake Show! So go show it to them!

Basketball Genius in San Antonio

The basketball world was rocked a couple of days back when the San Antonio Spurs acquired Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks. And who did the Spurs have to give up? Kurt Thomas, Oberto, and Bruce Bowen. Wonderful deal for the Spurs, and for the Bucks as well, although for very different reasons.

For the Bucks, it's a business deal. Money talks in the NBA, and the Bucks need a lot of it. Cutting Richard Jefferson off the payroll is bound to save them a lot of cash, especially with Oberto's and Bowen's salaries being unguaranteed.

The Spurs are getting that young, athletic forward they need to complement Tim Duncan. Duncan's getting pretty old and the Spurs need to win now. Richard Jefferson fits the bill perfectly. He's athletic, he can hit the three.. exactly what the Spurs needed. Never underestimate the basketball minds in San Antonio. Good deal for everyone.

Quick Basketball Update

Super sucks that I can't play basketball right now because of my ankle injury. I can actually jump and run now, it's just that changing direction is painful like anything. Just when the game was really opening up to me.

I'm seeing things I never saw before, like how to pivot to the post a la Kobe Bryant, or cross over a la Allen Iverson. Still can't jump like Lebron James, but I'm currently on a work-out program designed to make me harder, better, faster, stronger (that's what she said).

Been able to shoot baskets a few nights a week, though. Just recently started shooting jumpers, as opposed to last week, when I could only shoot set shots. The ankle's definitely getting better, but I'd rather not risk it. I'm taking it one day at a time, but I don't think I'm going to be playing full-court, full-contact til July.

Doesn't help that the NBA Finals are over. I'm itching to get my basketball fix.

Kobe - Lebron Puppets : Celebration

Because Kobe Bryant's got number four! You've got to love Nike's basketball ad campaigns. This is the best I've seen in a long time. I know some people don't like these ads, but I love them. Give me Kobe and Lebron puppets any day!

Lebron James vs Kobe Bryant

In the basketball world today, this is the question that everybody has an opinion on. You're either wearing purple and gold, or you're wearing wine and gold.

Okay, so maybe not everybody has an opinion. Take myself for example. I've always loved Kobe Bryant. I loved him when he scored 63 against my Dallas Mavericks. When Shaq and Kobe feuded, I always took Kobe's side. Greatest of all time? Larry, Magic, Kobe, MJ.

Then came Lebron James. The guy is built like a linebacker. Best showtime dunker of all time? Julius Erving. Best in-game dunker of all time? Lebron James.

Most athletic player of all time? Lebron James. Most powerful player of all time, pound for pound? Well, that's a toss-up between Dwight Howard and Lebron James. Lebron James is going to average a triple-double one season, you guys just wait.

The point is, it all comes down to what you need. They're both cocky, so they'll both make that clutch shot. They're both driven and motivated, so stamina wise it's pretty much a lock. Lebron can post just about anybody up in this league, but Kobe can shoot on anybody in this league. Kobe will score 81 points on you, but Lebron will get his entire team involved and kick your ass by himself, too.

It's really a coin-flip. These guys are too good.

Derek Fisher is the new Robert Horry: Lakers win game 4!

Derek Fisher has always wanted the basketball in crunch time. It doesn't happen so often, because then you've got Kobe Bryant on the same team. But hey, two options are better than one any day.

Fisher had not been shooting the ball well at all. He'd missed his last five three-pointers that game, and he'd been struggling the entire playoffs. Aaron Brooks killed him. Deron Williams killed him. Rafer Alston killed him. But still, Phil Jackson and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers kept trusting. All season long they kept trusting.

Fisher was supposed to be washed up. He was supposed to be there as a locker room presence, a calming presence over these Lakers, and most especially Kobe Bryant. He was supposed to dive for loose balls, give up his body for charges. Certainly he wasn't expected to defend anybody, much less hit a three-pointer to send the game in overtime, and then another one to claim the lead for good.

But that's just what he did.

Now, the Orlando Magic, foiled by Dwight Howard's own free throw troubles face an almost impossible task of coming back to win the series.

And Kobe Bryant, for the first time in these playoffs, is smiling. That's on Fish, too.

Basketball Injuries SUCK!

I sprained my ankle playing basketball a few weeks ago. To be more exact, playing basketball at home with my brother. It was a serious game, but it wasn't really playoff-intense. That's what hurts.

If I'd hurt my ankle playing the game of my life, on a game-winning jumper, fine. I'll take that. But practice, pick-up basketball? I wasn't even wearing a basketball jersey, or my real game shoes! I was in sneakers and an old ratty t-shirt. It hurts when you go down like that. I didn't even make the jumper!

So there. Now I've got to wait another week or so before I can start playing basketball again. That sucks. Considering it's the NBA Finals and Kobe Bryant is putting on an inspiring offensive clinic, it's a lousy time to not be able to be playing basketball.

LA Lakers and Orlando Magic, The Finals Game 3 Live Blog

Lakers trail Magic, 64-67, 6:10 3rd

OK, Just saw bits and pieces of the first half. Kobe Bryant is tearing it up. 22 points on 16 attempts. The guy's tired, though. Either that or he's too focused that he's becoming unfocused. I mean, 3 missed free throws and it's only the 3rd quarter! He's got to get the basketball to his teammates more, particularly Pau Gasol, who's shooting 6 of 7 right now.

Too many commercials. The NBA must be making a killing.

5:33, 3rd

RAFER ALSTON!! SKIP TO MY LOU IS ON!

Pau Gasol blocks Hedo, reach in on Dwight. Does anybody else love Jeff Van Gundy on the mic? That guy is FUNNY!

4:11. 3rd

KOBE BRYANT what a ball fake on Lee! That guy's amazing.. so amazing. Cue Kanye West. He's really got to pass that basketball more, though. It's the NBA Finals. You can't do it all on your own.

SKIP TO MY LOU AGAIN! With a circus shot!

Ugh, gotta get back to work. LA Lakers trail Orlando Magic, 67-73. Kobe Bryant is not happy.

Lakers take a 2-0 Lead against the Orlando Magic! Kobe Bryant is amazing.. so amazing.

Kobe Bryant has got to be happy right now. His Los Angeles Lakers are up 2-0 in the NBA Finals. Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum have stifled, or at least countered Dwight Howard. The Orlando Magic almost had game 2, but Courtney Lee botched his potential game-winning layup. Kobe Bryant is 2 games away from a fourth NBA championship, the pinnacle of basketball. He still isn't smiling.

You've got to give the guy credit for focus and intensity. Win or lose, not a crack in his steely facial expression. He looks like he's about to go to war. And for Kobe Bryant, it IS war. He's hoping his intensity permeates the entire Lakers organization. Phil Jackson's got the easiest job of them all right now. All he has to do is let Kobe talk, and lay back.

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Orlando for games 3, 4 and 5. Kobe Bryant is ready. There's going to be no trip to Disneyworld. All Kobe packed is his game jersey, his game, and his intensity. He left his smile at home.

Kobe, Lebron Nike Puppet Ads - Chalk

Part of Nike's dream National Basketball Association ( NBA ) finals match-up between Lebron James and Kobe Bryant campaign.

Kobe and Lebron puppets!

Kobe Bryant, Lakers close out series with Denver Nuggets

Kobe Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers in closing out the series against the Denver Nuggets. Was it ever in any doubt? Kobe Bryant is a genius with a basketball, and it was only a matter of time before he figured out how to win against Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony and the Birdman.

He got his teammates involved, which had them playing some really good Lakers basketball. OK, maybe I am a little biased and Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol just really stepped up. Trevor Ariza did this thing, with the defense and the spot-up threes. This thing was over before it even began. When the Lakers are rolling like that, I don't know if any team can beat them.

Actually, scratch that. If the Los Angeles Lakers keep playing like this, they will be impossible to beat. If only Lebron James can get into the Finals, then this will be a series to remember. Lebron James is a force all on his own level. Just ask Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. I think the Cleveland Cavaliers are the only team who stand a chance against Los Angeles Lakers at this point.

Lebron James wins Game 5 against Orlando Magic

I know I said Lebron James and not the Cleveland Cavaliers. You know why? Because he did it singlehandedly. That guy is amazing.. so amazing. He had the basketball the entire time, and he made plays the entire time. He found teammates for threes, and easy layins. He scored at will. He fouled out Dwight Howard. Lebron James is the bomb. He's the only thing standing in the way of Kobe Bryant for the NBA championship.

The Orlando Magic just didn't stand a chance. When the King is playing like that, nobody has a chance. OK, this is really a conflict of interest here. I love all three teams. I don't know who to root for.

Whatever. I'm hoping for a Lakers-Cavaliers NBA Finals. Just because Nike came out with some kick ass puppet ads, which I will begin posting soon enough. For every Lebron James victory, you get one pupper ad.

KOBE BRYANT leads Los Angeles Lakers to win Game 5 against Denver Nuggets

Yes, I know Kobe Bryant took only 13 shots, but that's what's so great about it. He led the Los Angeles Lakers doing all the other things. More specifically, he passed the basketball. Now I get Kobe Bryant. He believes in his own brilliance way too much, that nobody can stop him offensively, that he starts doing too much on his own. I get that. But when he's hitting up Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom with passes like that, it gets them going. And when your big men are going, you're going to be scoring baskets AND stopping baskets, just like the Denver Nuggets found out.

The Lakers' size advantage finally showed in the series. Odom and Gasol pounded the paint, combining for 33 points, not to mention 24 rebounds and 9 blocks! That's power in the paint! If Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol keep playing like this, no amount of effort from Chauncey Billups or Carmelo Anthony will help the Denver Nuggets. Chris Birdman Andersen looked like a chump against these two powerhouses from LA.

The question is, will the Los Angeles Lakers keep up their strong play? That's really up to Kobe Bryant. That's where his leadership's going to come in.

Lebron James buzzer beater or not, I had to write this.

Dear Lebron James,

I know you're the Chosen One, ordained by the NBA, David Stern, and Nike Basketball. Truth be told, I'm a big fan, a witness, if you will. You've brought these Cleveland Cavaliers into championship favorites from regular season fodder status. I don't think anybody else could do something like that. Props to you.

I'd like to know, Mr. Lebron James, when you're going to stop letting Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic win games. I know they trashed you in the regular season, but these are the playoffs. Things are supposed to be different, right? You're supposed to be winning games by blowouts. It was a hell of a shot, that buzzer-beating game winner you had in game 2, but did it really have to come down to that? You're too good for that.

Just a concerned fan Mr. King James, sir. Please kick Orlando's ass when you get back to Cleveland, and please do it convincingly. The witnesses are watching.

P.S.

I think that for the first time, I actually want a basketball jersey that isn't Kobe Bryant's. I want one in wine and gold!

Basketball Blasphemy : We aren't witnesses!

I just realized, that was some piece of motivational basketball work Stan Van Gundy pulled out of his coaching repertoire in game 1 of the series. "You're standing around like witnesses!" Man. That would get me going, Lebron James' greatness notwithstanding.

The Orlando Magic came out in the second half with a renewed focus and intensity. Lebron James was Lebron James (read: amazing), but the Orlando Magic would have none of it. They didn't want to be witnesses anymore. And it showed. Rafer Alston started taking and making shots. Courtney Lee would have none of Lebron's poster-making blocks. Dwight Howard was physical AND focused, which is a very dangerous thing for the opposing team.

And so, I applaud you, Stan Van Gundy. That was the best piece of coaching I've seen in a very very long time from you. Good job.

Lebron James's Buzzer Beater beats Orlando Magic, Game 2!

Lebron James. Cleveland Cavaliers. Hedo Turkoglu. Dwight Howard. Orlando Magic. One second. Down by two. Basketball season on the line.

You know what happened.

Cavaliers go to Orlando for games 3 and 4 with the series tied, 1-1.

It's amazing.. so amazing..

Kobe Bryant, Lakers lose Game 2 to Denver Nuggets

Kobe Bryant must be really pissed, right about now. The Los Angeles Lakers just can't seem to get rid of the Denver Nuggets in these NBA playoffs. It wasn't supposed to be this close of a basketball series. The Lakers were supposed to blow out these Nuggets. Carmelo Anthony's supposed to flame out, all his talent notwithstanding. But these Denver Nuggets are holding their ground.

Chauncey Billups is holding these Nuggets together with his leadership, and that's impressive. He's the glue that holds them all together. But there's another factor to this. Kenyon Martin reported to training camp as a professional. He worked with the coach. He bought into the mindset and the dedication to defense that George Karl preached. As a result? The Nuggets are giving these Los Angeles Lakers a hell of a tough time.

It was one thing to lose to the Houston Rockets, when the Lakers had letdowns. But things are different because the Lakers are playing great baskteball. Pau Gasol is being aggressive. Lamar Odom is being Lamar Odom. Andrew Bynum is doing his thing. OK, not really, but whatever. Point is, the Nuggets aren't beating the Lakers who took the series off against the Houston Rockets. These are the good Lakers. The competitive Lakers. The unbeatable Lakers.

But are they really? Unbeatable? We get to watch and find out. Where amazing happens.

Dwight Howard' Magic beats Lebron James' Cavs, Game 1 NBA Playoffs 2009

Lebron James didn't see that coming. For all his talk about how everybody in the NBA is tough, he didn't expect Dwight Howard to be this tough. Dwight Howard aka Superman of the basketball world was the better physical freak today. He tallied 30 points and 13 boards, while clogging up the paint.

Lebron James got his, but of course, the King will always do. The problem is, the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't get that much out of everybody else. A lot of it has to do with the thought that Dwight Howard is waiting under the rim to block their shots. They were all looking out for him. Now THAT's defensive presence. Superman-like presence.

I didn't see it coming, either. I mean, I love Dwight, but Lebron's my man! I thought for sure the Cavaliers would sweep their way to the NBA Finals. I wouldn't bet the farm yet if I were a Magic fan, though. I mean, they got one game. Against the MVP, possibly the most dominant player of all time, that's not nearly enough. (Note that I said most dominant, not the best. That title still belongs to Kobe Bryant. Michael Jordan who?)

My prediction? Lebron James and the Cavaliers over Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic in 5.

Lakers win Game 1 despite Carmelo Anthony's outburst!

Carmelo Anthony was being guarded by Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant, who was on the same Olympic basketball team Melo was on. Kobe Bryant, who guarded the best offensive player on the opposing team in the Olympic games. Kobe Bryant, All-NBA defensive first team.

It didn't matter. Carmelo Anthony just kept shooting, and he kept making the shots. Still, Kobe Bryant is far more than just a defensive stopper. Kobe scored 15 points in the fourth quarter and willed the Los Angeles Lakers to a game one win. THAT. WAS. HUGE.

The Denver Nuggets have been on rampage this postseason, taking care of the New Orleans Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks in five games apiece. A win in Los Angeles would've boosted their confidence like you wouldn't believe, and put more doubts in the hearts and minds of the Los Angeles Lakers. After the heartbreak of last year's NBA Finals, I'm not sure the Lakers can handle any more doubt.

Bottom line? Kobe didn't just win game one for the Lakers. He saved the series from them. Now Denver's in trouble, Carmelo Anthony or not.

NBA Playoffs - Kobe and Lebron in the Finals!

Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to be in the NBA Finals. For sure. There's no doubt about it in my mind. Lebron James is the most unstoppable force in basketball right now, and I just don't see anybody in the East being able to stop him and his Cavs.

Kobe Bryant is going to have tougher pickings in the West though. The Denver Nuggets are playing some really good basketball right now, and the Houston Rockets are probably the best defensive team in the league. You know how good they are? I created a new franchise on NBA Live, using the Rockets!

The dark horse out of the West would be the Mavericks. These guys play better that way. When they bulldozed through the league a few seasons back, they got dominated by the Warriors in the first round. When they were up two games to none against the Heat in the Finals, they choked big time. This time, no expectations. Let's see if they can pull it off. But probably not.

My money's still on Kobe Bryant making it to the Finals, though. As for who's going to win it all, I don't know yet. I don't even know whose side I'm on either.

Dwight Howard, this is an open letter to YOU

What is up with Rajon Rondo? Lately, the Boston Celtics guard has been tearing it up. That guy is playing the best basketball I've seen in a long time. What gives? He isn't supposed to be this good.

For one thing, Rondo doesn't have a decent outside jumper. He's pretty much a stronger, more athletic Tony Parker. And teams have been able to stop Parker, even with his much improved jump shot. I guess it all comes down to the fact that Rondo has heart. I'll say that much for him. The youth don't know when to give up, man!

Dwight Howard, it was one thing to let Nate Robinson dunk on him. It was the dunk contest, he did it for fun, alright. I can respect that. But Rondo? In an NBA Playoffs game? You can't let him do that in your house, Dwight! (OK, granted it wasn't in your house, but still.) You've got to step up, knock that guy down! You're probably the most solid physical specimen the NBA has, you can't let that guy push you around! You better show me something, Dwight Howard.

Lebron James' Next NBA Playoff Victims : The Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks, this is Lebron James. Basketball god, ender of playoffs, and your worst nightmare. He is 6'8, 270 pounds, with a 40 inch vertical leap. He is built like a linebacker, has court vision like a quarterback. Nike gave him a $100 million dollar endorsement contract before he even stepped on an NBA court. The Cleveland Cavaliers were bottom-feeders before he arrived, and now they're en route to their 2nd NBA Finals in 3 years. And you're in the way. Now what are you going to do about it?

Nothing. There is absolutely nothing you can do. Joe Johnson? Lebron's never heard of you. Mike Bibby? Your glory days are long over. Al Horford? Lebron James doesn't even need his center with the impossible-to-pronounce name. Lebron James is stronger than you, faster than you, bigger than you. And you're a center?

Hey, don't hang your heads, Atlanta. It's not that you're a terrible basketball team. You just happened to be in the Lebron James / Kobe Bryant Era. Like all those teams in the Magic Johnson / Larry Bird era, and all those teams in the Michael Jordan era, you never had a chance.

Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers tied 1-1

The NBA Playoffs, where amazing basketball happens! The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers have given us a whopper of a series, and it's only the second game. Kobe Bryant, as expected, got his points in both games. Yao Ming is doing his usual Yao Ming thing. He's in the paint, changing shots, clogging the lane, scoring efficiently. That guy is the defensive anchor for that Houston Rockets team.

Ron Artest is getting his points. Pau Gasol has risen back from the dead after his game one suckfest, Andrew Bynum is getting killed by Yao Ming, as expected, and all is right with the world. Except I didn't think it would be so bloody. Shane Battier got hurt. Ron Artest and Derek Fisher were ejected in game two. Von Wafer pulled some drama on Rick Adelman.

This is how I like basketball. Physical and bloody. It's a physical game. You've got to be ready to take some contact, both in the paint and out of it. Got to love the NBA Playoffs. Where amazing happens indeed.

NBA Playoffs - Los Angeles Lakers will crush the Houston Rockets

This isn't a prediction. See, Doc Emmet Brown, knowing my fondness for basketball, went to the future and checked out the results for me. Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games, and future Kobe says "Hi." Also, Yao Ming played great for the Houston Rockets.

Of course, you don't really need a time machine to figure this one out. Ron Artest is an amazing defender, but he's not going to be able to stop Kobe Bryant. The Houston Rockets are an amazing defensive team, but they're not going to stop Kobe Bryant.

Well, they might, actually. It really depends how good Kobe is on a particular day. Sometimes, he can take it a little personal, and leave his teammates out of the game. Kobe is best when he's got other threats on his team, so defenders can't afford to just be guarding him. He's got to get them involved. If he does that, it's 4 easy wins for the Lakers.

Artest will probably put up his numbers, just because the guy is so bullishly strong. Somewhere around 16 points, 5 boards, 3 assists, something like that. Yao Ming will totally destroy Andrew Bynum. The size differential is just too big, and with the way Yao shoots that basketball? That's bad news for the Lakers.

Luis Scola and Pau Gasol will probably cancel each other out. Gasol is more talented, but both are extremely smart basketball players and Scola will most likely outhustle the Spaniard. The key to this game for the Lakers? Stopping Aaron Brooks and getting Lamar Odom going.

Lamar Odom's pretty much unguardable for the Rockets. He's too big for the guards, and too fast for the post-players. Let's see how he performs for Los Angeles.

NBA Playoffs - Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets predictions

First, let's congratulate both the Mavericks and the Nuggets for getting the playoff monkeys off their backs. The Dallas Mavericks have been terrible in the playoffs, exemplifying how to choke away basketball games the past three seasons. The Denver Nuggets? Well, let's just say Carmelo Anthony's got to be smiling now.

Star power for star power, we're about even. Chauncey Billups has the slight edge on Jason Kidd, that edge being he makes his jump shots, but Dirk Nowitzki is a beast. Numbers-wise, Dirk will be better than Melo, but you never know. It's pretty much a toss-up.

The supporting casts for both teams are pretty good as well. J.R. Smith has been huge for the Nuggets, but you've got to wonder how much longer he can keep his numbers like this. He's been known to be pretty streaky, so if he catches on fire, the Mavericks are going to be in trouble. On the other hand, Jason Terry is pretty consistent.. you know he's going to put up 17-20 points a game. Denver will have to keep an eye on him.

In the paint, the Nuggets definitely have the advantage. Kenyon Martin and Nene Hilario are playing inspired defense. They're moving their feet, getting good position.. it's going to be tough for Erick Dampier in there. Then again, Damp is a pretty big guy. It's a question of which Erick Dampier shows up. Oh, and Brandon Bass is a poor man's Paul Millsap. A very poor man's Millsap.

For the coaches? I don't really know. Rick Carlisle has to call every play, and George Karl is a little loopy. It's a crapshoot, really.

Prediction? As much as it hurts me to say this, Nuggets in 6. Dallas has a really bad history of choking.

I've got to start playing basketball again!

These NBA Playoffs are something else. I've never needed a reason to play basketball. I play because I love everything about the game. I love the feel of the ball, the sound when it bounces. I love the squeak of basketball shoes on a clean hardwood floor. I love the quiet when the ball drops through the hoop. It's an amazing feeling. But these playoffs, they make me want to play even more!

The Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics series has me all amped up, like I told you so. So do all series with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in them. I wish I could see games with Lebron James, though. It's impossible for me to play like he does, but still. The guy is the King.

I've decided to take a break from full-court games for a while, though. I'm too busy for them. I'll just shoot baskets at home with my brother, who's pretty good. I'm actually taking a few moves from his repertoire. That turn-around fade away jumper is pretty sweet. His variation is a little different from mine, in that he has this little shake-fake before he turns around.

What a game. You've got to love it.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics give us a double overtime classic for game 6!

If you're a basketball fan, I hope to God you caught the game last night. The NBA Playoffs, where Amazing happens. I never thought I'd say this, but the amazing happens in Chicago and in Boston. Game 6 was a classic! Joakim Noah's dunk on Paul Pierce guaranteed that. And then Derrick Rose blocking Rajon Rondo? WHOO! Rondo has been killing the Bulls the whole series, and it was the consensus that Rose can't guard him, but boy that all changed yesterday!

I can't believe I'm actually excited about the Chicago Bulls. Kirk Hinrich, Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, Joakim Noah are pretty good!

Of course, leave us not forget about Ray Allen's 51 points. Mr. Shuttlesworth was unbelievable, hitting shots like only Jesus could. He was so good, I almost wanted Boston to win. But of course, no matter how much I hate the Chicago Bulls, I hate these Celtics more. We have Finals history!

This was an amazing game. I almost played some basketball instead of writing this blog post!

Brother's coming up in the game!

I recently played basketball with my brother, and he beat me. Twice in a row. That kid is getting better. I didn't play hard, but it was usually enough for me to give him a good drubbing on the court, but he's got some new quickness that wasn't there before. That's scary, since his shot is now pretty reliable.

I've got to get in better basketball shape. Seeing how Lebron James and Kobe Bryant are built, that's inspiring. Of course, I have a day job and can't focus on training all day, but I can make a few changes. Dropping a few pounds is a sure-fire way to jump higher. I'd probably be quicker also. I can work on my explosiveness by strengthening my muscular skeletal structure, too. Of course, I never do it, because I'm too lazy!

But my shooting form is back, at least. Now I just need the rest of my game back. Then I'll be ready to kick some ass. No real whole court games for me for the next 6 months, though. That's a hell of a lot of time to get into game shape. Let's just hope I actually do it.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Brandon Roy is a BEAST!

Brandon Roy is a beast of a basketball player. I can end my blog post there. I don't have to talk about Joe P changing shots in the paint. Or about LaMarcus Aldrige having a great game. Or how the Houston Rockets have to get the ball to Yao Ming more. Brandon Roy is a beast. That's all I need to say.

But of course I will say more.

I'm a fan of both the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trailblazers. I don't really know which team I'm leaning towards. On the one hand, I'd love it if Houston got out of the first round, just because Tracy McGrady is injured, and Yao Ming is such a nice guy, he deserves it. On the other, RIP CITY. Brandon Roy has really stepped up, and when you see this guy, he's just oozing with talent. The Portland Trailblazers are one of the more exciting teams to watch. Rudy Fernandez, Greg Oden, Roy.. these guys put the fans in the seats.

Also, whoever comes out of this round is the only team in the West that has a chance to match up to the Lakers. No other team is long enough and big enough to give the Lakers a run for their money. But we'll talk about that some other time. Because I have to get to work.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Where Lebron James' Cavaliers sweep the Detroit Pistons happens

I guess everyone in the basketball world saw it coming. Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers swept the Detroit Pistons today, making it the only sweep in these NBA Playoffs so far. Lebron was amazing. The guy almost had a triple double with 36 points, 13 boards, and 8 assists. Sometimes, you wonder if he can win it all 1 on 5. That guy is that good.

Rasheed Wallace was held scoreless, too. I don't know whether to credit Cleveland's great defense or just chalk it up to the fact that Rasheed didn't come to play. That's disappointing. I don't have any problems seeing Lebron's brilliance totally dominate a team, but at least put up a fight. This is the NBA! Fans pay good money to see a basketball game, not a let-down!

Man, that Allen Iverson for Chauncey Billups trade really didn't work out, did it? Totally screwed the Detroit Pistons over. And now look where the Denver Nuggets are. But I guess Joe has his reasons.

Either way, it's Cleveland Cavaliers against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals. You heard it here first.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Chicago Bulls beat Boston Celtics in Game 4, Double OT

This was a basketball game for the ages. To be totally honest, I never expected this to be much of a series, but this Bulls team is letting the Celtics know they're in for a fight. Ben Gordon hit a three-pointer to tie the game at the first overtime, and the Chicago Bulls never trailed. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce did their best, but it's anybody's game when it's that close, and John Salmons closed it out for the Bulls. He made four free throws in the final minute and blocked Paul Pierce's potential tying three-pointer.

So what's giving the Boston Celtics so much trouble? They're the defending champions. This young Bulls team should be a cake-walk for them!

No Kevin Garnett, that's what. Garnett is the heart and soul of the Celtics, and they only go where he can take them. Right now, he's injured at the sidelines, so that doesn't bode well for the Celtics. Also, while we know that Chicago is a pretty athletic team, who knew they'd be so tough as well? Joakin Noah, whose name I have trouble pronouncing, is actually a presence, if you play him with Tyrus Thomas. John Salmons isn't backing down from anybody, and ROSE! Rose looks like he has no idea he's playing against the defending champs. That guy has ice in his veins, even though he's so far been outplayed by Rajon Rondo. The Celtics are over, whether or not they win this series. At least they got one championship out of the Big Three experiment.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Kobe Bryant scores 38 against Utah Jazz Game 4

I don't really know what to say about Kobe Bryant's 38 point game against the Utah Jazz. The man was brilliant. Deron Williams did what he could. Carlos Boozer did what he could. But you don't win against the Los Angeles Lakers when Kobe Bryant's got it going like that. No way. Not a chance. That was just some amazing individual basketball.

I was watching the highlights, and I swear, Ronnie Brewer was doing a good job defensively, he just really didn't have a chance. They could've triple-teamed Kobe and he still would have found a way to get the ball into the basket. It was just that kind of night for him. The guy is too good.

How does this all help me? Well, I'm inspired. I'm going to practice those moves Kobe used in Games 1-4 of the series. Besides that, I'm going to be working on my fade-away jumpshot again. That jumper can be unguardable, if I only put in the time and work I should.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Game 2

Derrick Rose has come back to Earth, but the Celtics' chances still don't look so good in this basketball series. I can't believe I'm actually saying that about the Boston Celtics! Well, OK, I can believe it. With Kevin Garnett out, that team is a shell of its former defensive self.

The Celtics took away game 2 from the Chicago Bulls, but their three starters had to play near perfect games to do it. Pierce put up his usual Paul Pierce numbers, Ray Allen was shooting lights out, and Rajon Rondo was just a whirling dervish out there. Still, you have to wonder if Pierce can keep it up. If Allen will be as accurate this whole series. If Rondo's gimpy ankle won't give out on him pretty soon. And let us not forget, Derrick Rose was very quiet in this game.

So what happens when the Celtics come down to Earth to join Derrick Rose? The Bulls will win. They're younger, faster, more athletic. The Celtics are getting old, and without the defense to hold down the fort, they don't stand a chance.

Kevin Garnett must be crying his eyes out.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Where Lebron James makes us all witnesses

Have you seen the recent Cleveland Cavaliers spoof of the Heineken beer commercial? That's amazing. That's all Lebron James the King of all basketball.

When your best player wants to have fun, you all follow. And winning is fun. Dominating your opponents is ever more fun. And creating mock videos while you do it, that's even fun..ner?

Check out the video here!

It's actually pretty smart. When you're loose and relaxed, you tend to play better. Lebron James is actually telling the team "Relax. Everybody get on my back, do your part, and we'll win it all, easy." Everybody on the team is confident. Everybody on the team is having fun. And everybody on the team knows Lebron can take them to the promised land. And what's a championship without beer? Lebron is a genius. Nike is crying tears of joy right now.

I'm a witness. Man.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Kobe Bryant and Los Angeles Lakers dominate Utah Jazz

Don't blame it on Jerry Sloan, or Deron Williams, or Carlos Boozer. I don't think there's any team in the NBA right now that can face up to the Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Actually, I don't think there's any basketball team in NBA history that can do that.

This isn't a knock on Larry Bird's Celtics, or Magic Johnson's Lakers, or Jordan's Bulls. This Lakers team is just too good. Maybe the only team that actually is stands a chance is Lebron James' Cleveland Cavaliers. Just because King James is an athletic freak of nature out there on the basketball court.

Kobe Bryant passed the ball to this teammates at the right times, and took it strong himself when he had to. Trevor Ariza was hot from outside, Lamar Odom was Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol played his usual brand of smart, Spanish basketball, and Bynum is 7 feet tall. How are you going to stop that? The Lakers are way too long, and way too strong for the Jazz. Deron Williams is brilliant, but he can't do it on his own. Carlos Boozer? Whatever muscle he's got left, it's not nearly enough to compete with the post players of the Lakers.

I predict a quick sweep of the Utah Jazz in this series. Sorry Jazz fans.

NBA Playoffs 2009 - Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Kevin Garnett, Derrick Rose

I'll be honest. I hate the Boston Celtics. It's nothing personal. They're a storied basketball icon. KG is a beast, Paul Pierce is a great offensive player, and Ray Allen is Jesus Shuttlesworth. But they beat MY Los Angeles Lakers last year, BADLY, and that stings.

I wasn't giving the Chicago Bulls much of a chance in this one, but Derrick Rose proved me wrong. Boy, did he prove me wrong. I don't think the NBA has ever seen a rookie make a playoff debut like that before. Let's put it this way. The last time Chicago faced Boston in the NBA playoffs, it was Michael Jordan against Larry Bird. Jordan lost. But Rose? He ROSE above it. He kicked ass, took down names.

I originally thought the Celtics would make short work of the Bulls, but after hearing that Kevin Garnett wouldn't be available for the Playoffs, I'm thinking the Celtics are headed for an early exit. Too bad. I would've wanted to see Kobe Bryant's Lakers sweep them in the NBA Finals.

..Of course, I don't think LeBron James will even let the Celtics get to the NBA Finals, anyway.

Rip City is back!

Portland Trailblazers are kicking ass. Greg Oden totally dominated Andrew Bynum today, and Rudy Fernandez with that back door reverse dunk alley-oop? That's crazy stuff!

It was a pretty tight game all the way, with some really good defense on both sides. Joe Zilla is a pretty solid inside presence, same way Andrew Bynum is. Bynum seems a step slower, though. Probably because of the long layoff. In any case, give Oden one more season and he's going to be kicking both their asses. That guy was born to play basketball.

Kobe Bryant lost this game for the Lakers. I mean, I'm a huge believer in taking the shot yourself, but at least let somebody hold on to the ball for a while, just to keep the defense guessing. Pau Gasol would've made for an excellent choice. He can finish, he's a good passer; basically a bigger threat than Kobe because the Trailblazers won't be double-teaming him.

Although you all have to admit, Kobe was pretty amazing for a stretch in the fourth quarter. He just tried to do a little too much, and it backfired on him. Still, it was pretty inspiring. I went out and shot a few hoops after watching that.

Lakers and Nuggets, Kobe Bryant kicks ass!

I caught the third and fourth quarters of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets basketball game, and Kobe Bryant just blew me away. He pretty much killed the Nuggets, well, him and Pau Gasol. Kobe's a whole lot more fun to watch, though.

After the game, I just had to go out and shoot some baskets. It just rained, and the ground was wet, but that didn't matter. I went out, shot 50 baskets. I know NBA players usually shoot around 500, and I used to shoot a minimum of 200 in my day, but hey, we've all got to grow up, right?

Anyway, did pushups right after, and squats. It's not just about working on your game. You gotta take care of your body as well.

Hi! Welcome to Blog and Ball!

I've been playing basketball for 8 years now, and blogging for around the same time, so I figured I'd combine my two hobbies together for this.

I'm 5'8, 160lbs. I can play the 1-3 spot, depending on whom I'm playing against. I'm a Kobe Bryant and Lebron James fan, but I love the rest of the NBA too. I used to average 28 points a game at 58% shooting, likely due to to my NBA-like shooting practices, at pick-up games. My two biggest assets are my jumper (which I abuse) and my unshakable confidence (which I abuse as well).

This blog will be about all things basketball, with a focus on the NBA, especially the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. NBA scandals and miscues and all sorts of frivolity welcome as well.

Keep balling!