The Sixth Sense

"Well should I get the new J's or the Kobe's..."

Andre 3000 - 30 Something

It's the playoffs and the rule of thumb is to win, or simply go home. I understand that it's been roughly 4-months since I've written anything for this blog...which is a sign of the times. First things first, I've been super busy, and now I have a tumblr account.

Nevertheless while a few things have changed...it's good to see that a lot of teams in the NBA have a familiar look and feel.

Pursuance

Last week I was in Boston, and upon my return home, I had to decide on either taking a cab or the train from the airport...I decided on the latter and within a few minutes of taking a seat, I was in earshot of a conversation about the Lakers.

In the ensuing minutes between stops...a woman says, "Did you see Kobe crying like a little girl last night?" 

I turned to her direction with a Magic Johnson like smile, and then proceeded to look through my phone, and read via twitter.

I don't understand the animosity that people have for the Lakers guard...however I do appreciate the love and fervor that fans have for their teams.

I grew up a 76ers fan, and once Charles Barkley packed his bags for Phoenix, I pledged my allegiance to the New York Knicks. The interesting thing both these teams had in common was Michael Jordan.

Jordan is one of the greatest players in the modern era, and while I loved his sneakers, and watching him fly...he ruined any chance of a championship. I couldn't fully cheer for him, however I did respect his game, and whenever I could...I would do my best to emulate his moves.

The point I'd like to make is simple...I'm not asking anyone to root for Kobe Bryant, or the Lake Show for that matter...I just think it would be a good idea to pay attention to what he is doing now, because basketball players like him are one in a million.

Carpe Diem.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Home Sweet Home

"Now that I've got your undivided attention..."

Andre 3000 - Hollywood Divorce

The Oklahoma City Thunder have evened the series against the Lake Show at 2 games apiece. Everyone loves an underdog, however Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and company are far from overachievers.

Change

The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, with intensity, suspense, and enough highlights to last a lifetime, however there is one team that everyone counted out before they started playing...the OKC Thunder. The main reasons why I believe they have been ignored is because of their small market and they don't have a lot of fanfare or recognition...the other thing that hindered the Thunder was that they are matched up against the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Last night from the start Oklahoma City took the Lakers out of their comfort zone. Defensively they have been able to disrupt shot selection around the basket with blocks are good rotation, and offensively they have attacked the Laker guards with a combination of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Durant is a 7'0" guard causing match up problems across the board and Westbrook, and Harden have found their stride and jump shots.

The series is even and now returns to the city of angels, so the pressure is on both teams to show and prove. The home teams have won all the games, so the first visiting team to win on the road will naturally win and move on to the next round.

A lot has been made about the Lakers' so-called fall from grace, and the tremendous heart and effort of the upstart Thunder.

There is nothing I can write to determine the outcome, so stay tuned for Game 5...it's one game at a time.

Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Three-Thousand

"I apologize if this message gets you down..."

Andre 3000 - Int'l Players Anthem

Within the wide spectrum of teams in all sports...there is one that stands alone.

Excellence

Earlier this week the Los Angeles Lakers reached new heights within their franchise. Last night they cleaned the Staples Center floor with the visiting Clippers 126-86, and on Wednesday with a late 4th quarter basket by Kobe, the Lake Show defeated Dallas 100-95, earning them victory number 3,000 in their illustrious timeline. (This was the Lakers’ 2,543rd victory since moving to Los Angeles)

I respect history, and when speaking with Sonny Hill a Philadelphia basketball legend in his own right, I asked him...if he could pick one person to represent the Lakers, who would it be? I was expecting him to immediately reflect about Wilt Chamberlain, however to my surprise he said without hesitation Elgin Baylor.

From there he began to school me on how Baylor revolutionized the game with his ball handling, and jumping ability. In fact he took the league in a new direction...playing above the rim like no other at his time.

There are other names that could make a claim for the best ever....as for now I'm going to trust the opinion of Sonny Hill. The team will make their yearly east coast trip soon, so I'll be sure to ask some of the current players and coaches their thoughts on the subject.

Stay tuned sports fans.

The Essence

"Keep your hands to the sky, like Sounds of Blackness...when I practice what I preach..."

Andre 3000 - Atliens

adidas has a new marketing campaign that explains in a unique way the power, strength, and dominance that Dwight Howard, and Derrick Rose have over their opponents...using adidas footwear and apparel of course.