As the West had the ball with five seconds left, down two, I figured (as did everyone with an IQ above room temperature) that coach George Karl would call a play for Dirk Nowitzki so the Big German would have a chance to win the game in his home town.
What transpired (a leaning, running 3-point attempt by Carmelo Anthony that never had a chance) left no empirical evidence that George Karl even drew up a play in the huddle.
A George Karl coached team collapsing during a key inbounds pass late in the game? I felt as if I had seen this before. Then I remembered that I had. Links after the video jump-off and shout-out to Trevor Ariza!
- Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum are expected to return to tonight’s lineup against the Golden State Warriors. [OC Register]
- With Luke Walton’s back problems and the 21.5 million due to him over the next 3.5 years making him nearly impossible to trade, Sasha Vujacic remains the Laker most likely to be dealt by Thursday’s deadline. While the Vujacic wants to remain a Laker, he is expendable as the Lakers zero in on Kirk Hinrich. [OC Register]
- The Lakers, historically, are not a big time trader around the deadline. However, some argue with the lack of production from the point guard spot, they may be forced to make a move. [ESPN-LA]
- Health, home court advantage, and team chemistry are the Lakers’ goals as they embark on the second half of their 2009-2010 campaign. [LA Times]
- Luke Walton is out indefinitely with a pinched nerve in his back. [LA Times]
- 18 years ago today, Magic Johnson’s #32 was retired by the Lakers organization. [Bleacher Report]
- Pau Gasol won the 2009 FIBA Player of the Year. [The Globe and Mail]
- In the least surprising story of the year, Jerry West confirms that the Showtime Lakers indeed had sex. In fact, they had lots of it. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]
….
Meanwhile, in Mordor…
- The Nuggets may make a last ditch effort, but for now, all signs are pointing to Marcus Camby being traded to Portland for Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw. [Yahoo! Sports]
- The Nuggets have inquired about Ronny Turiaf, Tyrus Thomas, and Ben Wallace. [Denver Post]
- George Karl has agreed to a one year, 4.5 million dollar extension with the Denver Nuggets, almost guaranteeing that the 2010-2011 Nuggets season will end in mind-numbing debauchery. [Denver Post]
- The Cavaliers and Suns are down the tracks on a deal that would send Amar’e Staudemire to Cleveland. The Cavs have upped their offer to the expiring deal of Zydrunas Ilgauskas, JJ Hickson, Danny Green, and 1.7 million for Staudemire. The Suns want the Cavs to include their first round pick of the 2010 draft, something that Cleveland isn’t sure it wants to do. The Heat continue to make a case too, but don’t appear to have a package that can beat the Cavs. [Outta Town Clowns]
- Amar’re took to Twitter to take on the notion that he couldn’t play with Shaq. [@Amareisreal]
- The Cavaliers, despite progress with Amar’e talks, are still keeping their options open. They’re still talking with Indiana about Troy Murphy and D.C. about Antwan Jamison. However, the Warriors and the Cavs have also talked about Corey Maggette. ESPN]
- With Caron Butler headed to Dallas, Jason Terry will move to the bench. [Dallas News]
- If the Knicks are successful in trading for Tracy McGrady, they will have enough room to offer two max contracts next year–which would be a game changer in the in impending 2010 free agency bonanza. [Empire Sports Now]
- The Celtics know they have to bet better. They know that starts with better defense, too. Boston Globe]
- Paul Pierce really wanted to win the 3-point contest, even going out of his way to mess with rookie Stephen Curry. After winning an exhibition contest, Pierce claimed he was now one of the best shooters in league history. [Boston Herald]
- The Celtics have interest in Kirk Hinrich, or at the very least, a back up point guard. [Boston Herald]
- Carlos Boozer doesn’t expect the Jazz will do anything before the deadline. [Desert News]
- The Clippers are shopping Al Thornton. []
- The Spurs are trying to trade Roger Mason to a team where he can get more minutes. [Yahoo! News]
- Allen Iverson contemplated not returning to the 76ers, due to his daughter’s illness [Delaware Sports]
- NBA players make too much money, says CBS’ Gregg Doyel. [CBS Sports]
Written by dj byrnes [@fictionalDJ]
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