Family Business

"Here comes the black star, rock star, super star..."

Black Thought - Rock Star (Intro)

The Lakers are currently matched up with the Jazz...and while that may invoke a familiar playoff tune...it's the presence of Joe and Pam Bryant that make me think back to when I first met them at their daughter's volleyball game.

Circle of Trust

One of the strongest bonds on the planet is that of a family...be it humankind or otherwise, the family structure is very important to who we become later in life. Its not unusual to see an athlete's mother, or father in an arena, however when I saw Kobe's parents at the recent games in LA...it made me think of the days that are now so far gone. I met Kobe when we were teens, growing up in this crazy city, however what I admired most about the kid with the ubiquitous basketball was his close knit family. His mother and father's attendance isn't a Hollywood publicity stunt, as they have been traveling to their children's games since way before I can remember.

I don't have much to say about the series, because it has yet to become newsworthy...as the Lake Show have capitalized on the smaller, short handed Jazz. Playing in Utah is difficult, nevertheless, I expect more of the same, as the Lakers front court is beaming with height, and versatility...spelling disaster for the Western Conference.

Stay tuned!

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images