with the season in high gear and football closed
who do you see headed to the playoff

the CAVS playing good with L.James
and all the talent the LAKERS have i was looking for them to do much better
but the KINGS & SPURS are high flying this year and DALLAS making a
charge even though the Denver is still needing help Carmelo playing a
great and in 4th on the allstar vote list so far who do you see or want to be
in the allstar game
let hear your thoughts on the NBA as we march down the season

I'm looking for Sacramento to make a strong finish this season. I know they're hungry and I think it's their time. They held it down without C-Webb too, that has to account for something.
I don't know if the Spurs are as good this year as last year. The team that I really want to go far is Minnesota. Sprewell is the man, and Garnett has to be a candidate for MVP and with Cassell running the point, they have a chance. They need to finish strong though. They also have to shake that first round curse...which they will. I just don't want the Lakers to win it. Shaq's cool, but I can't stand the rest of the team at all. He should've stayed in Orlando. He and T-Mac would have been a terror.

yes so true i really feel the T-wolves will be a force this year
with the uprising CAVS yes i look for Garnett// Webber // Duncan
Iverson to lead the way for the MVP spot and i think Denver's
Carmelo to beat out James for Rookie of the year we can look
right now for Dallas , Minnesota , Sacramento , San Antonio
L.A Lakers in the western conference this far
and
New Jersey , Indiana , Toronto , Boston , Philadelphia and creeping Cleveland in the Eastern Conference

but the west will win the allstar game too much power and
pure shooters in the west
i think the Lakers run is over for a while & the Spurs will not
repeat with Minnesota , Dallas and Denver knocking

Yeah, I think the Lakers are going hrough too much right now. By the time the whole team gets back together they will still need time to get on the same page, while all these other teams have been together all season long. I think Sac. will do it. I hope Minnesota does or Sac. I think Lebron will beat out Carmelo for rookie of the year. Should he.....I don't know yet. I'll be able to decide by March whether he's better or not. Right now I think they are pretty close. I think everyone over shadows Carmelo because of all the hype. Lebron is good but he and Carmelo are really close. I think if Dallas can learn to play "D" then they'll have a chance. Right now, they can't beat the top western conference teams..not standing around looking at people dunk on them for 48 minutes they can't. I think MVP will be Garnett. I think he deserves it too. He's been one of the best for years. They finally got him some help this year.

Since the NFL is over with. I watched the game off and on and missed the real highlite janet and her magic ta-ta, which Justin revealed. Reason I said Janet's ta was magical, because in EVERY picture I ever saw-it is diffrent. No nipple seen, a pasty on the nipple, a nipple ring and even a bare niple-I am so damned confused. Enough of my rant. I say the T-Wolves (gotta have somebody different for a change). The Cavs are good. The management there actually learned from Michael Jordan's Bulls team by having one good player and decent players around Lebron. Melo, do not have that luxury with the Nuggets.

so true melo in a few years will have a supporting cast to
help but all around player he really making his mark in the
NBA he will be very close or if not better to beat James out for
the rookie of the year honors
the T-Wolves is a great choice if they stay healthy around
K. Garnett the CAVS playing good basketball but the Pacers
will be one of the teams to beat as in the west that's loaded
Dallas is strong .........look for these teams to be in the thick
of the playoffs

I like the fact that the Knicks brought home Starbury :jumping: . They are playing a lot better now that they have Lenny Wilkens in place. He has a similar coaching style to Don Chaney, but the difference is, Lenny is actually a coach. :teach: The Nets moving to Brookln is going to be great. Boston is falling apart at the seams and it's only going to get worse.

You got to respect how Indiana is playing. And Lebron is the man. I was not a believer, but I have seen the light. What can't he do. And he's only going to get better.
Memphis is playing better ball too. Carmelo is nice.

Certain teams need a lot of help. Portland, the Clippers, the Heat, the Suns and a couple of others.

Rasheed Wallace to the Knicks!!!!!! I hope.

how about the all star game the WEST 136 over the EAST 132
big Shaq the 2004 MVP in L.A. .......

do you think L. James & mello was snub for a spot on the team ?

what about the start of the game and half time show ?

Chris Webber and Ray Allen are fine, that's all I know about basketball...

lol...........well i can't judge that

Who looks to be the strongest team now that the season is ending? My opinion....the Lakers look like they are getting it together unfortunatley. Minessota looks like they are folding a little bit. Sacramento didn't play any D-fense against the Lakers last night and that really makes me think that they might now win the championship. If you can't stop people from scoring...your no better than Dallas...and we know they are not winning any championship. San Antonio is still there because they play great defense. I think Detroit will come out of the East and Sacramento for the West if the step up the defense come playoff time.

yes the Lakers starting to jell well down the wire but the T-Wolves will get by the
first round this year and the PACERS will be the team to beat but the PISTONS
are a force as well look for PACERS vs PISTONS
sleeper will be the NETS who been there before and can suprise a rise again!

the SPURS are in the mix but will not get to the finals and the MAVS not as strong
the KINGS will be ready this time if everyone is healthy Lakers on a roll but will be
droped by a late run in their round 2 series look for KINGS vs T-wolves
sleeper will be MEMPHIS who might shock the world
stay tune as the tale unfold here ............wild guess
once i see who make the final spots i can get back and lay my thoughts out

Does anyone think that Kobe will leave the Lakers at the end of the season. I've heard that he might go to Memphis. With Memphis being such a surprise this year, maybe that would increase his chances of leaving and making a decent team better. If so, do you think the Lakers should try to get something for him instead of just letting him walk? If so, where would you try deal him if you could play Laker owner for a day? :confused:

I think Kobe is gone. If I was the Lakers I would try and get something for him, but the Lakers have a history of not doing sign and trades. I'd try to send him to New Jersey for Kenyon Martin. The Lakers would have a dominat power foward and the Nets would have another wing player. Kobe is one of the most complete players in the League. And the Nets have a center coming from over seas that is supose to be the next big thing. It would be a good trade for both teams. I'm sure the Lakers could find another swing man. Kareem Rush will be alright for a while.

truely i think is out of their and he like a few teams that is playoff bound
yes if i was the Lakers head brass i would try to deal him to a few teams
like MEMPHIS , T-Wolves , NETS , Kobe is a complete all around player and
can help these teams get over the hump to a championship....but if he walk
away un-delt the Lakers still have fire power in the old timers but how long
with Shaq , Malone , Payton ??? i agree with sayword that one trade would be
great for both teams i would deal him to MEMPHIS or the NETS for sure
getting out of L.A would be good for him and his career if he stay what a suprise

like the 76ers and IVERSON i think he is the player to biuld on but the trouble
with coach FORD & Iverson not hitting well and this teams falling fast he should
pack up and move on if i was top brass i would deal him to the NETS or Detroit
maybe even send him to the T-Wolves Garnett can use his help he to is a force
and a nice player with a drive but who will want him ?
what about this guy y'all

Kobe
Well, I too think Kobe is gone. He's selfish and he wants his own team and his own glory. Memphis is a good team this year, and with him they could be dangerous. I would definately shop him if I'm the Lakers. You can't let him just walk without getting something for arguably the best player in the NBA today. I would try to deal him to Detroit for Richard Hamilton and maybe Corliss Williamson. You get a good shooting guard and a great 6th man. To Memphis for Bonzi Wells and Mike Miller. Or to Houston for Cottino Mobley and Jim Jackson or Kelvin Cato. Or to San Antonio for Manu Ginobili and Malik Rose. Or maybe a straight up trade more Tracy Mcgrady or Allen Iverson. I'm not sure if those teams would agree, but I would try to get a couple of players for him.

A.I.
Some say Philly is better without him (8-2) than with him. I don't know about that. I think they have to play this good when he's there. I think they tend to let him take all the shots and responsibility when he's on the floor. I would try to also deal Iverson in the same way that I would deal Kobe. Mostly for a couple of good players that could help the team. For these caliber players I would always try to get more than one for them if possible because sometimes even a good player can make a team less affective, so get more than one if you can. One of them has to make a positive impact, then you don't loose as much if one does not. I think that he needs to stop having drama with every coach the team gets. I mean, you can't love everyone, but when you have these fueds in the media, it helps no one.

so true i agree let's see what happen

I too think Kobe is gone. He's selfish and he wants his own team and his own glory. Memphis is a good team this year, and with him they could be dangerous. I would definately shop him if I'm the Lakers. You can't let him just walk without getting something for arguably the best player in the NBA today. I would try to deal him to Detroit for Richard Hamilton and maybe Corliss Williamson. Or maybe a straight up trade more Tracy Mcgrady or Allen Iverson. I'm not sure if those teams would agree, but I would try to get a couple of players for him.

Kobe is foolish for wanting to leave the Lakers, but he seems to be an immature kid, so I guess I can't be surprised. But to trade Kobe for anything less than a Tracy Mcgrady, Allen Iverson, or a "healthy" Vince Carter would be insane on the Lakers part. I also feel the Lakers are making a mistake by not giving Phil Jackson an extension.

yes i agree Phil went through the same thing in Chicago and L.A. got him
and they became winners under his leadership but well i really doubt if they
get a high caliber player like a McGrady or a Iverson and i don't think Iverson
could fit in with this team right now the Lakers have but also he like MEMPHIS
a team on the rise and a suprise this year the Pacers would be a good choice
as well the NETS , Kobe need to weight out all his options and move on it's clear
Shaq is the Man there .

I don't think Kobe is immature...I just think he wants to be the man on his own team. A lot of players do that. T-Mac did it. Kobe has championship rings, he has money. The only thing he needs now is respect. Not enough people respect Kobe for who he is because he plays with the Lakers. I hope he does leave so he has a chance to prove his worth.

It is foolish to leave a championship team because you want more shots. Sports is about winning & making money. Kobe is a superstar on the Lakers. He gets paid like a superstar, and he is winning. If Kobe gets traded to a team like Philly, Miami, or Orlando. I'm sure after a couple of years of losing, and not making the playoffs....or making the playoffs, but never reaching the NBA finals again. Kobe would wish he'd never left the Lakers.

that's true but he feel like he can bring glory to a nother team if he get his wish
and become part of MEMPHIS truely he will be a un-song hero and take them to a title but if he go to a unrated team he's headed for a rude awakening for sure i agree

You know what's great about sports....anything is possible. It is possible Kobe can go to another team and hold it down for them. We'll never know how good he really is until he has his own squad. It is completely possible that he can make the playoffs with another team and win a championship. It's possible that he can't. But we don't know until it actually happens. He has three rings. He has tons of money.

Phil Jackson is about to leave. Shaq isn't going to get any better, his career is about to be in decline. Kobe is the best all around player in the Association. He needs to go elsewhere. Where he can shine. He's accomplished a lot in LA. He's not going to accomplish anymore after this season there. Houston, Minnesota, Memphis and San Antoino are going to be the class of the West. Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnet, Zach Randolf, Chris Weber, Yao Ming are now the dominat "bigs" out west. Even though Shaq can hold down a game in the paint, he can't hold up for a season. And after this year he's not going to be as imposing. At the beginning of the year when Kobe said all those things about Shaq, he was on point. He gets injured often. And complains a lot.

Kobe's best bet is to go to another team and try to prove himself. He's not winning anymore titles in L.A. and neither is Shaq.

I agree that Kobe is one of the best players in the league, if not the best. I tend to agree with Panafrica, that he should watch what he wished for. There are plenty of really good players (Vince, Tracy, Allen Iverson, Paul Pierce) on terrible teams. I'm not sure he'd want to be one of those guys. Trades and player swaps don't always work out the way that players want them to. Kobe can't even keep his mouth shut and be content on a winning team. Can you imagine how he would act if he were on a team like Orlando or Philly or even Boston? Granted he is a good player, but nowadays he's getting the respect he deserves. Shaq no longer over-shadows Kobe. He's not living behind Shaq waiting to get his time in the sun anymore. The problem is that Kobe seems to want to be the next Jordan, and he's not going to be that. He has a good thing in L.A. I think that he could definately make a team like Memphis a lot better than they are now, but you never know what will happen as far as what team he'll end up on or what the roster for next year will be like. Even if he goes to Memphis, there's no guarantee they'll be the same team next year. They could be better, they could be worse. I guarantee that if they turn out to be worse next year and Kobe ends up on that team, we'll hear a whole lot of crying and finger pointing from Kobe Bryant. The guy is good, but he thinks he's too good sometimes. Maybe going to a loosing teams will deflate his enormous ego and show him that he does need teammates to be successful.

WOW !!!!!
what a year for KEVIN GARNETT he was last years allstar MVP
and now the 2004 NBA MVP i said it would be him or Duncan or Iverson
he won and it wasn't close getting 120 first place vote 1,219 point over
Tim Duncan 716 with third place runner Jermaine O'Neal 523
Kobe & Shaq was 5th & 6th and Iverson didn't even hit the list
as we look back it MVP history and past winners
2004 GARNETT T-Wolves
2003 DUNCAN Spurs
2002 DUNCAN Spurs
2001 IVERSON 76ers
2000 O'Neal Lakers
1999 K. Malone Jazz
1998 M.Jordan Bulls
1997 K.Malone Jazz
1996 M.Jordan Bulls
1995 D.Robinson Spurs
1994 Olajuwon Rockets
1993 Barkley Suns
1992 M.Jordan Bulls
1991 M.Jordan Bulls
1990 M.Johnson Lakers
************************************************** ***********
Jordan won 5 times
B.Russell 5 times
w.Chamberlin 4 times
Magic , Bird & Moses Malone 3
Abdul Jabbar did it 6 times and hold the record
3 times with Milwaukee & 3 with the Lakers

CONGRATULATION TO MY HOM BOY k.GARNETT
YEAP HE'S AN ADMRIAL as i was from FARRAGUT HIGH
I watch this young man grow into a star once he moved
to chicago..........2003 allstar MVP & 2004 NBA MVP

1997 was a gift for Karl Malone.....Jordan should have won it that year too.
But congrats to KG....he deserved it!

KG is the man, unfortunately the Wolves are in trouble now. They shouldn't have dropped that first game. That hurts. They still have a chance. They were a really good road team during the regular season, but they needed game one. I think KG deserved it this years. He really had a great year and he along with his teammates carried the T-Wolves to #1 seed in the West.

that's true but i still see them taking this series
they are one of the best road teams in the playoffs

The Nets are in trouble too......obviously my NBA prediction skills aren't as good as my boxing prediction skills.

wolves and nets came up big and the Lakers did too....
can this be the turning point for these teams ????

The Lakers have to win game 4 too, before I give them any hope. The Spurs are too good of a team for the Lakers to return to San Antonio less than 2-2.

I agree. I don't know how many Laker fans called me talking about "Ooooooooooh, the Lakers won". So what, they still have to hold down all their home games and get one in San Antonio. The climb uphill is still a steep one. San Antonio on the other hand has to make sure they win all SA home games period. If they loose one in SA then they are setting themselves up for defeat. Duncan has to be more aggresive than in game 3. Sometimes he's too passive. The Spurs and every other team in the league needs to go to the hole and stop shooting outside on such a weak inside defensive team. Shaq is the only one on team that will block a shot. If you take it to him he'll get in foul trouble because he reaches when he's tired. Karl Malone won't block you (though he'll try to strip you). Devinn George won't block you. Go to the hole. I think the Lakers will still lose in 6 games.

I agree with you both the SPURS too good and yes i think they will be
taken in 6 but who will the Spurs meet ???

very tired players on both ends the way it look the Wolves might shine
to meet the spure

Excuse me did somone say the lakers loose in 6 games???...........Lakers stole the show and now they stole the home court advantage! :D
I guess the spurs are getting the :spank: spanking they need... all we need is 0.4 seconds... :bowdown:

ok yall sports talk ant me......but ummmm

:toast: GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!! :toast:

:hot: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :jumping: :hot:

ok end of commercial break continue on.....:lol:

Go Lakerssssssssssss!!!
please .....not go T-WOLVES

Both the Kings & Timberwolves are damaged goods....I see an easy Western Conference Finals for the Lakers.

Lakers played very well. Spurs played like Roy Jones fought. Duncan didn't show up til it was too late. Parker was indeed MIA in the last 4 games. Well, everyone has their time and last year was the Spurs, this year is the Lakers because no one can beat them from here on. Kings have the talent but are banged up and next year will be too late for them. T-Wolves don't have the experience and they are too banged up also with Cassell stuggling. Detroit and NJ are in the East.....nuff said. I still hate the Lakers. They might get the ring but they had to load up with Hall-of-Famers to do it.

T WOLVES, I EXPECT THEM TO BEAT SAC, GARNETT IS JUST TO MUCH. IF SAC LOSES THATS THE END OF THAT TEAM, THEY WILL PROBABLY BREAK IT UP.

don't count the EAST out NETS and PISTONS can take the Lakers to the brinks
if Wade & Jones can get by the Pacers the HEAT will show up as the spoilers
Lakers will not have an open run for the title !
but i can say they have the talent to go all the way i say i don't see no one in
the west with the T-Wolves and Kings Bang up but i still have the hopes for the
wolves & Garnett....

I can't see any East team taking more than 2 games from the Lakers (yes I have officially put LA in the Finals). The Lakers are a lock to win their 4th title in 5 years!

I think out of all the teams left the Kings will give the Lakers the most problems. Lakers can't defend Bibby. Plus the Kings will play hard all 7 games against the Lakers because of the previous years. The only problem is the Kings are banged up and they have a short bench in this playoffs (rotating only 7 guys). So I'll say that Indiana had a shot (a long one). I say this because they play good defense and they can put Ron Artest on Kobe. He'll be physical with him and make him take tough shots. Only problem...no answer for Shaq. They are soft in the inside. They're best defenders are Al Harrington and Ron Artest. They can put either on Kobe, but what about Shaq? Now Detroit can play Shaq better because they can use Ben Wallace, but he's too short and will end up in foul trouble. Plus they have no one that can get close to covering Kobe. Miami has no prayer. T-Wolves will have to shoot an amazing percentage and at least they have home-court advantage against the Lakers, but they'd lose it. So it's a lost cause. Lakers will win the championship unless Shaq or Kobe gets injured.

as time will tell the LAKERS are full of depth and strong front line with a
great back court but anything can happen don't raise the flags in victory yet !

I have to agree with this statement! :laugh:


I think out of all the teams left the Kings will give the Lakers the most problems. Lakers can't defend Bibby. Plus the Kings will play hard all 7 games against the Lakers because of the previous years. The only problem is the Kings are banged up and they have a short bench in this playoffs (rotating only 7 guys). So I'll say that Indiana had a shot (a long one). I say this because they play good defense and they can put Ron Artest on Kobe. He'll be physical with him and make him take tough shots. Only problem...no answer for Shaq. They are soft in the inside. They're best defenders are Al Harrington and Ron Artest. They can put either on Kobe, but what about Shaq? Now Detroit can play Shaq better because they can use Ben Wallace, but he's too short and will end up in foul trouble. Plus they have no one that can get close to covering Kobe. Miami has no prayer. T-Wolves will have to shoot an amazing percentage and at least they have home-court advantage against the Lakers, but they'd lose it. So it's a lost cause. Lakers will win the championship unless Shaq or Kobe gets injured.

a very well said statement too but i think the Pistons can give them trouble
but Garnett & co..... will have a hard time winning two game this team not
deep enough to rumble with the Lakers yet !
LAKERS IN 5 ....

The problem is that nobody can guard Kobie in the Timberwolves squad and Nodody can Keep Shaq out the Middle. Payton VS Cassell is a nice matchup and it's true Garnett is the next big thing but he is not Big Daddy! :hot:
Spreewell is ok but we all saw what will happen when he goes up aginst the most potent shooting guard in the League...( Poster Time yall )
Wally is hurt, Hoyberg is not mobile enough, erving johnson and Olawakandi are not a factor. :coffee:

made some great points here but watch the wolves thunder
they can be a force yes it's true the lakers will be much to
handle for them outside Garnett the T-Wolves need two more
players to step up big with numbers to win !

Garnett needs to stop shooting so much from outside. They need someone to get Shaq in foul trouble. You can't have Shaq hanging around playing 40 minutes and all that. Kobe will get his. Make shaq get some fouls. Why is every team sooo scared of this guy. Go inside. He might block a shot or two but he will eventually get in foul trouble because he has a tendency to reach instead of jump. You can't live by the three-pointer in a 7 game series. If so Dallas would win the championship. Sprewell, Garnett and Wally have to take "some" shot to the rim in hopes of getting Shaq in foul trouble. They shot good last night, but what happens when the 3-pointers aren't falling?

Well even I have to agree the wolves played good lastnight but the baskets wont fall like that 4 them every night so watch the next 2 in LA and how karl Malone responds with his play in the next games.

yeah ! Garnett & sprewell need to take it hard to the rack and get Shaq in
foul trouble they need a inside game plan bad or they will be packing up for
the year headed home the Lakers are to good and Malone i wanna see how
he react in game 3 in L.A

Nobody takes it hard to shaq anymore unless they want to get some Shaq-fu! :bowdown:
But Garnett needs the team to step it up point blant he is one ot the most amazing players in the NBA point blank. :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:
But if Spree and the supporting cast step it up it could be interesting at least. :wink:

look like he had help as the cast step up and made things happen
scramble for balls and played some D" they controled the tempo
to offset the Lakers and they attacked the basket for some and 1's
but can they show up again to force a game 7 or will the LAKERS end
it ???

lakers8 dusted away the wolves......
Bring on the Pistons. Can the "New Are Bad Boys" Hang with the La All stats? :idea:

yes i think they can hang and defeat them too
but time will tell the story ......they have a Defense
and the Wallace boys can get a job done with Hamilton
too look out L.A

yes i think they can hang and defeat them too
but time will tell the story ......they have a Defense
and the Wallace boys can get a job done with Hamilton
too look out L.A

The wizards made a huge mistake in trading Hamilton for Stackhouse. It was obvious that he was going to be a star when he played that 1st year with Jordan. Bad move MJ.....bad move!

The Wizards are a classic bad moves team, the release Webber, Rasheed wallace, Rip hamilton, Ben Wallace and they keep bring in players that will never be the quality stars that they need!
Think about this.. and Jordan he was only looking for a quick fix toa run at a championship run that fell flat! :geek:

I agree so often bad moves made by the GM look at the BULLS over the years
and how bad moves made this Team it took years before they had any chance
at a title and they shouldn't have let Artist get away to the Pacers and indeed
that was the wrong move the wizzards made letting Hamilton go but he is a rising
star in Detroit and one of the leading scores for them he's the X-Factor in this years
championship run for the Pistons with the add of R.Wallace
GM'S can make some of the most sorry and sour moves what are they thinking ??

We all know how GM's get the stupid gene...lol

for real man and they make the un-real moves that hurt a team chances

I heard on the radio that Karl Malone officially jumped ship today and said he was opting out of his contract and becoming a free-agent. Did anyone hear about this?

Yes I heard this too....I think Kobe is out, so he figures he won't win a title in LA. I think the Lakers are making a mistake (a Chicago Bulls type mistake) if they get rid of Phil & Kobe. The Lakers aren't done winning titles...they just got to get a stronger bench.

Yes I heard this too....I think Kobe is out, so he figures he won't win a title in LA. I think the Lakers are making a mistake (a Chicago Bulls type mistake) if they get rid of Phil & Kobe. The Lakers aren't done winning titles...they just got to get a stronger bench.

That's true. Well, I think they will have to really compete hard from here on because Shaq is not the same. The Lakers won't be the same if they let Kobe go. There aren't any really good coached available, so letting Phil go is a mistake too. The Lakers need better role players and they need to be tougher inside. Shaq is their best inside force and he's a liability once he gets tired (which doesn't take long). They need someone who wants to bang inside and rebound and block shots over 48 mins. Kobe and Fisher can defend on the perimeter, but the inside is soft (as we found in the Detroit series). I don't think the Lakers will have the same dominance, but they can still compete with the top teams if they get kobe and Phil to stay. Then they have to put together a team with chemistry...not just hype. I think the problem will be keeping Kobe because Kobe probably looks at it like "if I'm not gonna win the title, I at least want to not win it on my own team". They might still be at the top next year, but they won't beat out San Antonio, Minnesota, Sacramento, Detroit, Indiana unless they make some really good moves, because you know these other teams are going to now that the title is moving around these last two years.

You know Shaq isn't what he used to be; however, he is still probably the best center in the NBA. Kareem Abdul Jabar was not as dominant in the 80s as a Laker, as he was with the Bucks in the 70s. Yet he still helped the Lakers win 5 titles (none of which could have been won without him). Kobe & Shaq have at least 3 more titles in them, if they have good role players. It is up to them, to decide if they want this.

The Loss of Kark Malone is not a big loss he is past his prime and injury prone.
Kobie might jump into the free anency market but the reality in it is there are no teams that can afford hit that are posed to go 4 a title run.
It's true Shaq does not have the same stamina he had a few years ago but he is still the best center in the leage and will keep that position 4 some time to come. The lakers need to find there place within the small foward and power foward positions. They need a rebounding Powerfoward who can bang down low.

i agree and to let kobe get away will end any chance of the Lakers
return to a championship which open doors up for others like the spurs
T-wolves // Mavs another team i think will fall off next year will be the
Pacers miller can't do it no more ....
Kobe will fit in with any team and be the ACE but L.A need him
you are right their is no body right now they need to keep Phil happy
but i don't see him coming back next year i think the Lakers run is over
for a while new blood is in the hunt

The top NBA news !!!
L.A LAKERS
Phil Jackson gone ! Shaq request trade , Kobe opt out his contract
testing the market this team dynasty is over ......
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/sports/article.adp?id=20040618195509990001

:nuts: :hammer: :spank:
what will come of this team is this a nother look alike BULLS
who split up and could have won maybe two more ?

will Phil take the job in front office in L.A or will he run another
team or retire?

where will Kobe & Shaq land at who can pay the price for these
two ....?

The Magic are trying to deal Tracy Mcgrady for Steve Francis. They are also looking at trading Tracy for Shawn Marion on the Suns. This may be big if Tracy goes to Houston. That could be what they need if Houston doesn't give away too many key players to get him. Houston already made the playoffs.

In even bigger news Shaq might be going to Dallas for Dirk (can't spell his last name, but ya'll know who I'm talking about). The NBA should be very interesting next year. With Detriot as the champion...half the league feels they can win it all next year.

Shaq for Dirk....OMG. That would be a huge mistake for L.A......so I say do it. :rolling: Dirk is too soft, and that's the last thing they need to replace an inside force like Shaq with. Lakers are already soft inside. That would be great for Dallas because that's exactly what they lack. With all those shooters, Shaq could really make a big impact. He'll have people to knock down shots when he get's double-teamed. That would make Dallas an instant powerhouse.

if shaq go to Dallas and Dirk to L.A it would be a mistake of Lakers and surely
Dallas would be more deeper and stronger but to give up Tracy McGrady would
be a big lost and somebody gain for sure next season will be really big i don't
think Detroit can repeat anyway !

if shaq go to Dallas and Dirk to L.A it would be a mistake of Lakers and surely
Dallas would be more deeper and stronger but to give up Tracy McGrady would
be a big lost and somebody gain for sure next season will be really big i don't
think Detroit can repeat anyway !

I think Tracy is definately gone because he's tired of Orlando and he wants to be traded. Grant Hill was supposed to be with him to build around the two but we know what happened there. I just think Orlando better make sure they get something good for him because he's gone for sure. Lakers should trade Shaq for Mcgrady, but Shaq'a getting paid toooo much. I'm not sure who can fill that wallet. That would make the Lakers great defensively on the parimeter, but Pillsbury like in the middle. This will definately be an intersting season. Detroit is gonna stay the same pretty much. San Antonio should try and get Mcgrady. I mean, they really have no shooting guard right now. They don't have anyone to trade but Duncan though, and I wouldn't do that. I would not trade too many great low-post guys for a great perimeter player.

i agree !
will Iverson stay put with the 76ers ?
i heard the BULLS trying to make some major trades
but they don't have nothing to offer anybody nuthing but
their pick which is 3rd or 4th i think
a team that was nice and need a inside force was MEMPHIS
they made the playoffs but had an early exit add to this team and
you might see a championship but we all know how the GM's work
McGrady could fit in with a number of teams and help in the low post

I think Memphis will be ok without a trade next year. They got to the playoffs without arguably their best player (Paul Gasol). Along with the trade for Bonzi Wells they should be a whole lot better next year if they keep the team intact. They almost had seven players averaging double figures in scoring. They actually had five in double figures and two averaging 9.4 ppg. I think if they strengthen their bench by one or two players they will be even better. Antawn Jamison goes to Washington for Jerry Stackhouse, Chritian Leatner and the #5 pick in the draft. What's Washington thinking? There are gonna be alot of big trades after the draft. Tracy is going somewhere. I think Dallas will make more trades along with the Lakers, Suns, Pacers and Bulls. I also think the Kings will get into the trades as well, because they haven't been able to get it done. That will be interesting.

yes i think the KINGS should make a few to get stronger to carry
them deeper in the playoffs the NETS might need to make one or two
moves this team can be a champion and a nice place for McGrady to
reside at .
who going to coach the LAKERS next season ????
who can pay Shaq his worth and have good players around him to make
a run at a title ???

Well, it's official. Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyrone Lue and Reese Gaines were traded to Houston for Steve Francis, Cutinno Mobley and Kelvin Cato. This is good for Houston because the basically gave up Steve Francis and Mobley for McGrady and gave up Kelvin Cato for Howard. I think it's good for both teams. Tracy get's to play with Yao MIng which will help his game because he has someone to take pressure off him and now Orlando has more than one scoring option. I think Houston makes out better though. Let's stay tuned for more NBA trades. This season will be interesting.

kente417mojo...............
wow ! when i saw that trade completed i knew it was to Houston best
Yao & McGrady both should mix well together and with Howard swinging
this might put Houston back into the thick of things next season
with Orlando will improve as well with some scoring ability they might peek
to a playoff spot if the jell as a unit , we'll see .

I don't see Detriot repeating...I might be wrong...but right now I don't see it.

I think it benefited both the way they needed it. McGrady and Yao are gonna be hard to stop. It should work similar to what Los Angeles did with Shaq and Kobe, though Yao is years away from being the next Shaq, if he can at all. The fact that both players are going to demand lots of attention is going to be a nightmare for other teams guarding them. Jeff VanGundy is a good coach too, so he'll make it work. Orlando shouls make the playoffs now. They have the pieces to start rebuilding now...so no excuses. Maybe if Grant Hill ever get's healthy.:confused:

Detroit......well, they will definately be defending that title. They are a good team...not great yet. They are a level above all other teams now simply because they have that championship mindset and confidence now. Plus their team is solid, but they can be knocked off the top. They have to make sure they keep Rasheed Wallace because he's not a definate yet. If they lose him...they might lose their title. We still have the Laker drama. Kobe, Fisher, Shaq all might be jumping ship. It might be GP's team next year for all we know.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division: Boston Celtics, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors
Central Division: Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast Division: Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards

Western Conference

Southwest Division: Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Hornets, San Antonio Spurs
Northwest Division: Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle SuperSonics, Utah Jazz
Pacific Division: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings

Under the new plan, teams will play divisional opponents four times each (two home games/two road games), conference opponents outside the division three or four times each and opponents outside the conference two times each (one home game/one road game).

The three regular season divisional winners in each conference will earn a playoff berth and one of the conference's top three playoff seeds based on regular season record. The remaining five playoff berths for each conference will be based on regular season records with no regard to divisional alignment.

Home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs will be based solely on regular season record, not playoff seeding, thus a divisional winner that has a higher playoff seed than an opponent will not necessarily have home-court advantage in the playoff series.

One thing I would like to see change is the charging call. There are so many guys "flopping" now it's rediculous. You don't even have to have your feet planted anymore because charges are getting called so often. It's messing up the whole point of defense. They should start calling it more tight against the defended. :smash: I don't like the zone defense either.

maybe if the play more one on one to would kill the charging foul call

Steve Nash is now on the Suns. How could Dallas just let him walk. That guy is a good point guard. Yeah $$RICH$$, I think they should not allow the zone and maybe people would actually play real defense. There's a lot of movement in the NBA now. Vince Carter wants out of Toronto, Nash is gone to Suns, Kobe and Shaq still up in the air. T-Mac to Houston....Francis to Magic. Who do you think will be the top 5 teams next year so far?

it's so hard to tell right now with all the trades and moves going on
but look for the Pistons , Nets, Pacers, in the EAST and T-wolves
Rockets, Spurs again in the WEST
what about the Lakers offer to Duke's coach Mike coach K. will he accept
or turn it down it's been said he will if shaq & kobe stay put but shaq will
be gone i think and Malone said he will return next year before retirement
it's said to be a 12 million contract for coach K from Duke!

Hey $$RICH$$. I don't know much about Coach K. From what I hear, for him to take the Laker job would be a risk. Why would he want to jump into a situation like this, when he's somewhere he's been for a while. It's like jumping from a sure thing to a maybe. Plus he doesn't know what he's gonna be working with as far as the roster. I don't know what happened to Rudy T, I though he was a done deal. I think Malone should retire. He won't be the same after that injury, but he wants to continue to chase something that he will not be able to get....hopefully. The best thing for the Lakers would be to get rid of Malone if at all possible. I think he will be a distraction and a liability to the team. I don't know if Shaq will leave. I tend to think Kobe will leave first. But you never know.

i know and the Lakers want an answer before summer camp starts next week
Mike K. might stay at DUKE he have a good team returning for a nother run at
the NCAA Title , And right now nobody know what's going to happen with shaq
and kobe or who gonna leave or stay but wow! they let Nash get out of DALLAS
was a mistake Houston will be much better with Yoa Ming & T-Mac the SUNS
get better as well might make a good run in the WEST

History has shown that great college coaches don't always make great NBA coaches. The styles of the two leagues are vastly different. I personally don't know why the Lakers would even consider Mike K for this position. I would think Rudy T to be the safe choice (just keep him away from the alcohol). He is a proven winner, and has won 2 titles. Actually I would have kept Phil Jackson (because he is done winning titles), but in his absence Rudy T is the best bet.

you know Panafrica i have to agree look at Rick Pinto who tryed twice
to make it in the NBA and shot back to the college level they know these
not the young kids from High school but Pros i think Kobe had a lot to do
with that , he was going to DUKE if he didn't make the move to pro but i
don't see coach K. leaving DUKE where he is a true winner , Rudy T is L.A
best bet right now to replace Phil Jackson .

look like Rudy T. will get the job as L.A Lakers next coach a five year deal
worth 30M after other interviews with Pat Raily, Coach K and T.W another
college coach but who will he have to work with as Shaq is asking to be
traded and Kobe a free agent ! ?

Good Choice with Rudy T...I still think Phil Jackson got a raw deal though. I don't know if any coach could have handled the craziness the Lakers went through last season. We'll have to see what Rudy can do with a Shaq-less LA.

I think Miami is making a big mistake. If they give Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Choron Butler and first round pick for an aging, overweight Shaq...that's too much. I don't think Shaq will make them a championship team...so why give away that much young talent for him? They almost got to the second round in the palyoffs and now they are dismantling their team to bring Shaq over who will probably continue to diminish this year and next year and the year after that. They will have to rebuild in a couple of years if they do this. :nono: Bad move in my opinion. Lakers are getting the better of this deal, especially if they can hold on to Kobe. They'll still have a pretty good team in place. Maybe not a championship team...but a good team that will make the playoffs and maybe get past 1st round.

L.A if they keep Kobe surely this team can make another run for sure
without shaq ! but him with the HEAT won't make them any better but
a lost of maybe 10 games or more but they will have great power under
the basket it's a bad trading deal like i said before you know how the GM'S
work making sour moves in the off season next year will be full of changes
and look like the PISTONS can surely come back but who knows at this point
this deal is bout the only one seem worthy because nobody else can fit Shaq
amount into the budget without giving up their star player/s

I'll tell you one thing $$RICH$$, I wouldn't trade away 3 players that have made a difference on my team for one player that might spend a considerable amount of time on the injured list. Shaq is always a maybe as far as health and performance nowadays. He is definately still the most unstopable player in the game, but his health is a "?". He might make them better on the inside immediately, but he has to be on the court to be a factor. I think Houston will be a team to watch for, because they have the pieces now. There will be now room for error when playing them because they have fire-power and they have defense because Jeff VanGundy demands it from his team. Tracy McGrady is a good defender too. That team will be a problem. Detroit will be fine as long as they keep Rasheed Wallace. San Antonio will still be good if they can keep Ginoblli. The Lakers are deciding their future for Kobe...who may not even beat his trial. He didn't rape that girl (hopefully), but you never know with the justice system...so why make moves to keep a guy happy..that might not even be able to play long-term?

so true ...........maybe HOUSTON will now take control of the west but i still
like the T-WOLVES but Garnett need help if they ever going to reach the finals
Houston will be a team to beat and shaq should have stayed put in L.A

With all the trades happening....do you think the T-Wolves should make a trade to strengthen their team? Would you change the team as far as the starters or the bench or what? They might be able to be the team in the West if they play like they did this year. I think with the Laker break-up..the West is up in the air now. It's level now. There is no favorite until someone stands out because of their play. This will be a good year. No completely dominant team with exist. That's how it should be.

Is Shaq to Miami definate, or just talk right now?

Is Shaq to Miami definate, or just talk right now?

Hey Pan...it seems to be a definate, but the reason it hasn't went through yet is because for some reason they can't trade until the 14th of July. I don't know why. They said it will probably be anounced tomorrow. But they are talking like it's a done deal. What do you think about it if it goes down. Who do you think it benefits more...Miami or LA?

Honestly I don't think this trade benefits either, as Maimi is trading away the "supporting" cast for Shaq's championship run. Also I don't see Kobe, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and C. Butler winning a title in LA. This is a lose-lose to me...it would have made more sense for Shaq to go to Dallas.

Honestly I don't think this trade benefits either, as Maimi is trading away the "supporting" cast for Shaq's championship run. Also I don't see Kobe, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and C. Butler winning a title in LA. This is a lose-lose to me...it would have made more sense for Shaq to go to Dallas.


True, I tend to think LA would get the better of the deal though. Dallas would have been a better fit because I think he'd win a championship with the Mavericks sooner than with the Heat. They definately need inside presence and that's what he brings. Too bad the Lakers are babies that can't play together...they still have a run or two left in them. Yeah, Kobe, Lamar and Brian Grant won't produce a title because they'll have too much trouble with teams like Houston, Detroit, San Antonio and any other teams with size. This trade will make the Lakers extremely small. Brian Grant would be the starting center and he's only 6'9.

"with the Diesel coming aboard, the Heat's next priority has to be at point guard and forward." The "Heat's spending money for free agents remains the same, the $1.6 million lower salary exception for one player and the $5.4 million mid-level exception." The "Heat is suddenly drawing lots of attention from plenty of interested suitors." Shaq's "former teammates who have benefited from his penchant for drawing double teams, such as Lakers free agents Derek Fisher and Karl Malone and Spurs free agent Robert Horry, have expressed an interest in a move to Miami."

So it looks like Miami Is smarter than we thought and anyone would love to play with shaq!

surely Pat Raily will pull in some more talent to mix with Shaq if this deal go through
and L.A will be on the less end and maybe out the race , yes i think T-Wolves need
to make a few moves to better the inside game and defense to help control the
tempo of a game right now i can't see them winning a title with just Garnett he was
really beat down and tired throughout their run last year, Shaq also would have made
an impact in the middle with a suprising team like Memphis that seem to be getting
better and going to be back in the thick of it next year .

I heard Karl Malone was now thinking of jumping aboard the Miami express. Does this guy have any pride? Miami actually has a point guard in place that they are trying to mold into a star. The rookie....Dwayne Wade. He did great in the post season and showed he's a good player. They still have their top scorer Eddie Jones and Rafer Alston (10.2 ppg). They might have a decent team, but in a couple of years they will have to rebuild...if Shaq gets them to the playoffs...they aren't going to get any high draft picks. Then on top of that he's costing alot to get money-wise...so no real room to sign a supporting cast. I just don't think it's going to be beneficial. Maybe right away they will win more games...but I don't see them winning a championship. If they get Derek Fisher he will make them a pretty dangerous team. I would not sign Horry...even though he's good. He waits until playoffs to try to turn it on and that's not as valuable as everyone thinks it is. Karl Malone can still play but I don't think he lived up to his part on the Lakers this past year...so I wouldn't put much stock in him. I guess you really can't pass up a chance to get Shaq, I just hope they aren't giving up too much. So Kenyon Martin to Cleveland is the talk. Wow!! It would've been sweet if Minnesotta could have gotten Carlos Boozer. His stock skyrocketed :bazooka:after this season. T-Wolves do need an inside presence. Garnett is tall but he's not an inside force like he should be. He stays outside too much and let's the defense slack.

Well it done and final....Shaq is history in Los Angeles and now shifts weight to Miami.....

I believe Shaq will return this coming season in Tip Top shape so he will be able to destroy his former team. :bazooka: :bazooka: :bazooka: :bazooka: :uzi: :uzi: :uzi: :uzi: :uzi: :bomb: :bomb: :bomb: :spank: :spank: :spank: :bazooka: :bazooka: :fight: :fight:

I guess Shaq being traded made Kobe's decision alot easier...he's staying put in L.A. What a big baby!!!! :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

With K-Mart leaving the Nets, I know Jason Kidd is gonna be pissed. The only reason he re-signed with NJ was because of Martin.

With K-Mart leaving the Nets, I know Jason Kidd is gonna be pissed. The only reason he re-signed with NJ was because of Martin.
The Nets won't be nearly the same without him. They have no toughness now. Denver is going to be tough. They will really improve with Martin there with Carmelo Anthony. That will be a fun team to watch now. The NBA is going to be incredible next year...I can't wait. If I was Jason Kidd I'd be pissed too. His team was alreay going downhill....now it just totally fell off the cliff. Jay Z better start working his magic. :x:

yeah with Martin gone to Denver with carmelo they made the playoffs and now
will be stronger and have a 1-2 punch the Nets just knock themselves out as a
contender in the east and the Heat now on the rise look like Detroit we have to
deal with Shaq more then they like too next season and kobe stay will keep L.A
above water should return to the playoffs but the finals out the question Memphis
made a trade to make them stronger the team to watch next season !