Steve Nash is a Laker

'Steve Nash is a Laker'

I read this headline and did not know what to think. Steve Nash. A Laker. I have not been a big fan to Steve Nash. Not that he does not have game. I always despised the fact that he got back to back MVP's when, in my opinion, he did not deserve the second one. And the fact that the Lakers and Suns have been in some gritty playoff battles over the years. So yeah, Nash as a Laker was something which did not sink in fast. But when it did...I could not help but think what a great pick up this was. Nash has great court vision and he will help the non triangle offense to be fluid. The big men will get more touches. Kobe will be effective off the ball. And Nash has a great jumpshot. The only thing lacking...some D but then no one can guard any of the fast guards in the west without help defense anyway.

So Steve Nash...a Laker....welcome to Showtime!

Tim Duncan - war horse

It is quite apt that Tim Duncan is a Spur. All these years in the NBA and he is still going hard at it every single game. This year the San Antonio Spurs have come together like no other team in this lockout shortened season. They are injury free and playing some beautiful basketball. It looks like they are going to win the championship this year and it seems like destiny that they win all lockout shortened season. Mr. Fundamental. War Horse. Champion.

gut check time

What was a 3-1 series lead has now become a tied series. Against the Nuggets. This Laker team has been all over the place this season and it is even more apparent in this current series against Denver. There have been only flashes of the team which can be dominant and a serious contender to the title. Everything else has been sub par. Suddenly game 7 has become a must win for Kobe and crew. Metta World Peace will be back for this one. Will he be the x-factor putting the Lakers over this Denver hump? Will have to wait and see.

Its gut check time.

what next, knicks?

The worst and the best first round match up in this years playoffs for the New York Knicks was the Miami Heat. The worst because no one really expected them to win the series. The best for the very same reason.

The Knicks have a great basketball legacy and despite being the Mecca of basketball and all that the professional basketball teams just have not lived up to the expectation.

The Knicks have a great team. Any team which has Amare, Carmelo leading them with a great supporting cast like Chandler, Fields, JR Smith, Jefferies etc. (sorry...not jumping on the Lin bandwagon). It just boggles me that such great talent cannot be a threat night in and night out. I guess it boils down to heart. None of them seem to have the heart to win...to dig deep down and deliver when it counts...desire is what separates the greats from the so called superstars...

Its going to be a long off season for the Knicks. I hope they emerge from it with an identity, stronger and with desire.

it's the playoffs!

The 2012 Playoffs are underway and there has already been a lot of drama.

No Metta World Peace (give Peace a chance)

No Derrik Rose (unfortunate..)

The Clippers are in the playoffs.

The Mavs are almost out of the playoffs

Amare punched a fire extinguisher

It is shaping up to be a great playoffs. I LOVE THIS GAME.

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.