he got game

A lot has been said about Virat Kohli; the middle finger raising, girl chasing, charismatic youngster has been in the news for a long time. What is refreshing to see is that all the stuff off the field does not seem to affect his performance on it. And what a performance it was yesterday. A batting CLINIC. 183 in 148 balls against a formidable Pakistan bowling attack. It was an absolute treat.

Virat Kohli embodies everything that we need not only in Indian sport but also the political arena. Young, brash, willing to take risks and above all, skillful..being able to back the talk and walk the walk. We need more Virat Kohlis. HE GOT GAME.

chin up Lamar

I like Lamar Odom. I've been a fan of Lamar ever since his Clipper days..when he came in the amazing Nike Freestyle commercial. I was thrilled when he came to Lakerland via a trade involving Shaq. A player as versatile and athletic as Lamar...I thought here we go....finally a Pippen to Kobe's Jordan. Unfortunately though, Lamar never fully got into his role. He was brilliant...but in short stretches. He has always been quite distracted and turning from HOOD (say South Jamaica, Queens!!) to HOLLYWOOD. His wedding to one of the Kardashians (does it matter who?) and the subsequent 'reality show' got me thinking how hard he really wants to play ball...or just live the lifestyle of a baller.

The CP3 to Lakers trade was a massive fiasco. For the players involved in the not-to-be trade it was devastating. Some took it on the chin and became stronger (shoutout to my man Pau Gasol for keeping it real) and others took it really badly. Lamar especially. He has always been the sensitive type. He demanded a trade from the Lakers (I am sure he regrets it now) and got it. Being dealt to the Mavs for absolutely nothing seems to have dented his confidence and he just not the same player who was using his skill, getting in KG's grill, drilling a three pointer and contributing to a championship team. Now I read the news that he is going to be demoted to the D league by the Mavs for a game. Knowing Lamar, it is not a good move. He is going to take it hard. And may note even recover.

Lamar has been a warrior, recovering from personal tragedy, finding solace on the court and with his Laker teammates. I hope his Mavericks teammates are there for him and he bounces back. Keep your head up Lamar. Keep your head up.

KobeMask

Everyone who follows (and some who don't!) basketball know by now that Dwayne Wade broke Kobe Bryant's nose during the all star game last week. It was a hard, cheap foul but enough has been written about that so I'll just let that pass. What was interesting was that reports that not only did Kobe suffer from a broken nose but also a concussion. Now that is serious stuff. Everyone was wondering how he will adapt. Today we got our answer.

The Lakers played the Timberwolves today and Kobe was....well...Kobe. Jumpers. Dunks. Steals. Assists. Rebounds. All there. A stellar game. All wearing a face mask which must be making him look even more fearsome to those guarding him. Even haters can't help but appreciate the dedication Kobe has to the game of basketball. Respect.