81 Points

Kobe Bryant scored 81 points tonight. That is the second highest total in NBA history behind the legendary 100 by Wilt Chamberlin.

Shaq - Class Act

Shaq gets OK to pay for Mikan;s funeral - NBA - MSNBC.com

"I'd like to send my condolences to the Mikan family, O'Neal said. "I heard they were having some trouble, some problems, so if you contact the Heat office, I would like to pay for the funeral."

This is typical of Shaqa Clause.

Why Would Anyone Willinging Go Back To The Celtics

ESPN.com - NBA - Green again: Payton returns to Celtics

GP must love the green shoes. I'm just hoping the Patriot or Red Sox mojo doesn't transfer to the guys in green shoes.

Rudy T Quits

ESPN.com - NBA - Tomjanovich quits as Lakers coach, cites health

The Laker saga continues as Rudy T quit as coach today. If the Lakers want to get the ship going straight again then Dr. Buss will get on his hands and knees and beg Jerry West to come back. This would also require Dr. Buss to back away and not micro-manage the team. Jerry West is the greatest executive in NBA history and doesn't need any help.

Shaq-A-Clause Strikes Again

ESPN.com - NBA - Shaq doles out presents to L.A.-area kids

I hope the fans in LA give Shaq a huge ovation in his return in just about a half hour. He deserves it.

The Glove Not Going To Boston?

ESPN.com - NBA - Report: GP furious with Lakers, may quit Celtics

Any man that would rather retire than wear those horrible green sneakers is OK in my book. I hope the Glove gets another trade.

Derek Fisher Will Be Missed

ESPN.com - NBA - Lakers lose Derek Fisher to Warriors for $37M

I hate the Lakers losing this guy. He was all about hustle and doing the right thing. I wish him great luck with the Warriors (except when he plays the Lakers).

Shaq to Miami

ESPN.com - NBA - Shaq traded to Heat in blockbuster deal

Well, my Lakers head to Clipper land in terms of team quality. It gets even worse if Kobe leaves or goes to jail. I wouldn't be worried if Jerry Buss hadn't driven Jerry West (the logo) from the team. Mitch Kupchak is no Jerry West.

Boo Lakers

ESPN.com - NBA - Pistons finish L.A. for first title since '90

Kudos to the Pistons for smacking down the terribly disappointing Lakers. Too many of these Lakers did not live up to what it means to have the privilege of being a Laker. This team seems to have quit and that's not acceptable.

Babies in the NBA

Look how young they look. I really wonder if these guys will ever get a shot at coming close to the expectations. The odds are against it.

Trade Kobe

Bill Plaschke writes a great opinion piece in the LA Times on the justification for trading Kobe. For a guy who needs the support of teammates and fans he sure is a guy going down the wrong path. I wish Kobe's parents would write a book on parenting so I can read it and do the opposite.

Putting Their Money Where Their Mouth Is

Gary Payton and Karl Malone did what most players say they are willing to do but always back out. They are taking major paycuts to play for the Lakers to have a great shot at winning an NBA championship. Welcome home. guys.