It looks like the crusade has found its first victim. Yes, it is still the preseason, but really, L.O. is getting called out because he has been in the league too long to still be underachieving in this manner. It seems like he is starting off this year where he left off in the Finals. That should be beyond scary to Jack Nicholson and the rest of the Lakers fans/groupies.
Last night, in 20 minutes of play, he had three points, five rebounds and three assists–all running the point. Did I mention that he also had five fouls? And you know the Zenmaster Phil Jackson is not one to mince words. His response? “I just got through telling him that this is really basketball now,” Jackson said Wednesday. “He looks like he’s either curling or doing some other kind of sport. He’s not playing basketball.
Ouch.
Odom tried to downplay all the hate by saying it’s just the first game in preseason. I am almost willing to put a dub sack on it that Odom won’t be in Lakerland come the playoffs. Kobe just ain’t having it this year. Man up.
Continuing our weeklong celebration of NBA training camps opening this week, we give the people what they want and turn our eyes to teams in Sportaphile’s own backyard, breaking down the grind that is the Western Conference’s Pacific Division:
(Last year’s record)
(48-34) When things go bad, they sure do fall apart quickly. First, the Warriors win 48 games but still miss the playoffs. Then the front office fronted on its offer to Baron Davis, resulting in Boom Dizzle going Hollywood, albeit to the Clippers. Then there’s Monta. So truthfully, I don’t know what to make of the messy Golden State affairs. I don’t even think newcomer Coery Maggette and Captain Jack will be able to S.O.S. this thing before it capsizes. I hate to say it but I think the Warriors can RSVP right now for the 2009 Draft Lottery.
(23-59) It sure must feel good to be back at home for Baron Davis. He has gotten on the Boom Dizzle diet plan courtesy of Jenny Craig and is having a grand ol’ time chilling with Cash W. and Jessica Alba and all his other celebrity cronies. Even without Elton Brand, who surprisingly dipped to Philly, things still look promising for LA’s stepchild team. With the addition of Marcus Camby, I really think the Clips can have about 40-44 wins, which might even leave enough in the tank to trump whoever is hanging on for that final playoff spot. Read the rest of this entry »
