It's a Monday night in Los Angeles. So, what's on the agenda? A walk near Marina Del Rey? A dinner in Santa Barbara? Perhaps a trip to 90210?
No, how about the Clippers vs. Spurs at Staples! Yes, that's right. The Swirsk is at an NBA game on an off night. I love this game! Before the tip I ran in to Bulls scout Jay Hillock, one of the nicest men you'll ever meet. He was the head coach at Gonzaga when John Stockton ran the point.
I am a Chris Kaman fan. He's having a solid first quarter. If the Clippers do trade him they’ll want a ton in return. Mike Taylor is an exciting player for the Clipps. He was drafted by the Blazers from the D-League and that's a first.
Ran into Eric Gordon (sorry Illini fans). He is making the adjustment from college to pro. Matt Bonner stopped by to renew acquaintances as did former Bull Roger Mason. The NBA is a wonderful fraternity. Tim Duncan just dropped a beautiful bounce pass in the fourth quarter to Bruce Bowen. Thrilling game... Mason hit a big time three ball with 8.4 seconds left as the Spurs handed LAC it's ninth loss in ten games.
Bulls vs. Lakers here at Staples on Tuesday night and I guarantee you the atmosphere will be much more electric. Anxious to see Kobe and Rose on the floor together. Audio preview of the game just below:
The Bulls released Demetris Nichols earlier today and here's wishing him all the best. He's a class act.
The Clippers are off to a horrible start (1-9) and just can't get it together. Baron Davis is a great guy. He's back home in LA and got the coin but is he happy after leaving Golden State?
NBA thoughts:
Every arena should have a moment of silence to honor the life of Pete Newell who passed away Monday at age 93. The man was an icon, a pioneer and left an incredible legacy for generations to come.
Stephen Jackson cashed in with the Warriors on a three year extension.
OKC now 1-10... but Thunder fans still love them.
Boozer with a 20-15 game as the Jazz beat Amare (30 points) and the Suns.
I leave you with this update on LeBron:
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
Research and projections done by The Plain Dealer reveals that currently there are 18 teams in position to offer LeBron James a maximum contract in July 2010. This list of 18 remains fluid and can change over the next year and a half.
"Every day it seems like [the media] has me going someplace else," James said two weeks ago when the Pistons traded Chauncey Billups, significantly clearing their books for 2010. "I'm very happy here; I have said that over and over."
James made his strongest comments yet on the speculation at a rally encouraging people to register to vote last month when he said, "I love you, Cleveland... I love Ohio, and I'm not going anywhere."
Based on a projected $64 million salary cap, James could sign with the Cavs for about $133 million in 2010. Other teams could sign him for roughly $102 million.
