Tag: Basketball

LaVar Ball is Back at it Again

lavarHe’s back in the headlines. Lavar Ball has touted his son(s) as the best player(s) in the world. His outspokenness has begun to strike an unfavorable cord with the public. Some would say he’s doing too much and is only hurting his children’s future. While others praise his dedication to his brand and energy he spends on his sons.

On The Herd, Ball is being interviewed by Colin Cowherd. While discussing his Big Baller Brand and the number of shoes sold, co-host Kristine Leahy was sure to voice her displeasure with the brand. Leahy gave her great advice that “…in order to have a  successful company, you’re going to have women who like your brand,” and Lavar was ready to respond with “…yeah if you have a women’s company.”

Of course, after his comments the internet made their own interpretation that Lavar is being “disrespectful to women”. I don’t think Lavar was disrespectful at all. Women may just not be in his target demographic. What’s wrong with that?

People these days are uber-sensitive. So sensitive that it’s rubbing off on our sports. Basketball these days is a watered down version of what he was accustomed to years ago. Same could be said for a lot of things.

Many people don’t like the ones who are candid and forthright. Let’s water down how we think so it’s easy to digest. Lavar Ball is many things. He’s obnoxious, he’s arrogant, he’s outspoken, and there’s no question that he loves his children (even if it’s in faux-Joe Jackson type of way).

Let the man sell his brand. Everyone wants to feel included, but life isn’t about “inclusion”. We live in a world where there’s supposedly hundreds of genders and the “Woman of the Year” was born a man. That’s pretty much why Bruce Caitlyn Jenner won the award. It’s a confusing time to live in.

Get off Lavar’s back. I’m pretty sure if the tables were turned and a woman said that her company “wasn’t for men” there wouldn’t be much of a problem. But, because he’s a man and is not including women in his target market – we have a problem.

I think the real issue here is that the man is selling a $495 shoe for a player who has not stepped foot in NBA. He hasn’t even been drafted yet. Who knows if Lonzo Ball is the second coming of Darko Miličić or the next Jason Kidd? That seems to be the only issue here.

 

6.0.A.T.?

Where were you when Kobe Bryant played his final NBA game? Even though the woeful Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs months ago and the Utah Jazz had no benefit to win, Kobe put on a performance. A performance that puts the cherry on top of Kobe’s iconic and historic career.kobelastgame

In 1996, Kobe Bryant, was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick overall. The Charlotte Hornets has no intentions of signing or drafting the teenager out of Lower Merion High School. He was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Back in 1996, I was old enough to remember watching the draft that night Kobe was drafted.

A 17-year-old (yes, 17-year-old!) kid from a Philly suburb was thrust in the NBA. His dominance in high school spurned his decision to jump college all together. Who would’ve thought Kobe Bean Bryant, the wide-eyed teenager would eventually become one of the greatest ball players ever?

I’ll always remember the Finals of 2004 between the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe was teamed up with legends, Gary Payton, Karl Malone and Shaquille O’Neal. He was in his prime then, still donning the “#8“. This was the end of his first stint of championship appearances. I remember how fearful I was for the Pistons to go up against Kobe Bryant. He was “the man”, “the second coming of Jordan”, “The Best Player in the NBA”.  The Pistons were able to defeat the Lakers in 5 games in what was called “The Five Game Sweep”. But let’s not overshadow the Black Mamba’s great career with a recollection from 2004. kobefinals

It was great to the league honor Kobe Bryant the way they did. The near-season long Kobe farewell tour was more about him than the Lakers. The fans packed into NBA arenas not to watch the Lakers but to see Kobe. Fans, no matter who your favorite team or player is, watched as Kobe ended his career Wednesday night in front of his home crowd. The same crowd that watched him achieve greatness for the past 20 years. Despite his 50 attempted shots, he scored 60 points in a winning effort. Sixty!

His point total was the most for any player in his last career regular season game. The Lakers stormed back, thanks to Kobe, to beat the Utah Jazz, 101-96. It was great to see Kobe and Shaq embrace each other at the end of the game. Their animosity towards one another was a part of the reason why Shaq left LA to pick up a championship in Miami. From Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, Devean George to Snoop Dogg, Jack Nicholas and Jay-Z, all were in attendance to see the Mamba’s last game.

Kobe leaves his mark on the game. One of the best in his era, one of the best Lakers player ever. A 5-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, 15-time All NBA Player, 12-time All Defensive Team, 1 regular season MVP and 2 Final MVPs. Kobe’s name is synonymous with success. It’s tough to see such a great player move on, but it was destined to happen eventually. kobeshaq

Kobe may be one of top five players to ever play the game. His skill and knowledge of the game trumped others. He stood out among the rest. He was the best player in the league at one time. Maybe one of the most feared players in the league as well.

Kobe put on a good show for 20-years. He had his ups and downs with the Lakers but managed to be up more than down. He leaves the game, third on the list of “most points scored.” He leaves the game a legend. The one who proceeded Jordan as the “great one”.

Thank you Kobe!