Ring King

"Ain't that like LeBron James..."


Kanye West - Gotta Have It






Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Associated Press

Memories

"Ain't that like LeBron James..."

Kanye West - Gotta Have It

The NBA in my opinion has the best all-star game out of all the major sports...as much as I love baseball, the MLB is close second when it comes to overall presentation.

Nostalgia

As a child I can recall watching the all-star game for two very specific reasons: the first was because I was such a fan of the professional game, and I wanted nothing more than to cheer for the likes of Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, and Reggie Miller. The other point about the game was that Jordan would always wear his new sneakers, so I kept a keen watch on what he was wearing.

Every February Nike would release the new Jordan sneaker. Everyone around the globe anticipated what the new shoe would look like. Once the shoe made it's debut, you would wait an entire calendar year for the next one. Between the man who wore them, and the exclusivity of the footwear...the Jordan sneakers took on a life of their own. 

Fast forward to the present day, and it's safe to say that one man, and one shoe changed the industry, and sports culture forever.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: AXG

Magical

"I'mma need a day off, I think I'll call Ferris up..."


Kanye West - Gotta Have It

Things have been very interesting around the NBA the past 2-weeks, as the Heat, and Thunder continue to win...while Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is getting on the job training.


Consistency


It's the All-Star break and while 90-percent of the league is enjoying the much needed time off...the other 10-percent have arrived in Orlando ready for the 61st midseason classic. I am currently watching the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge high above the court in section 202 of the Amway Center...however what's more important is what will happen from the moment this weekend ends, and the second half of the season begins?


Will the Lakers make a trade, where will Dwight Howard go, are the Clippers for real, and can the 76ers get their groove back?


The month of March is around the corner and the answers to these questions and many others will soon be revealed.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Confidence

"You don't see just how wild the crowd is, you don't see just how fly my style is..."

Kanye West - Champion

The only thing constant in this world is change, and so far this year has been like none other. Obviously it's a shortened 66-game season...but one team has learned to take every advantage, capitalizing on their cohesive nature, and never quit attitude.

Guts

The Philadelphia 76ers defended their home court on Monday night against a fired up Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers. It was a game of two halves as Bryant had a blistering 24-points at intermission, but it was the superb shooting of Lou Williams who amassed 14-points in the 4th quarter to carry the Sixers to a 95-90 victory.

The stakes were high as a sold out Wells Fargo Center rocked with a chorus of Sixers and Lakers fans, not too mention the celebrities in attendance which would rival a who's who at the Staples Center including, actor Terrence Howard, rapper Meek Mill, and Philadelphia Eagles players Lesean McCoy, and Desean Jackson. On top of all that, Bryant moved into 5th place in the NBA's all-time scoring list during the 2nd quarter...however the 76ers stayed within striking distance to set the stage for a Lou Williams scoring binge that included 7-straight points that broke the Lakers back.

When asked about the final period, Williams stated, "that's the quarter when you win, that's where you make it happen. From the stat of my basketball career and for as long as I could remember, I've always played well in the 4th quarter, because I know that's the most important time of a basketball game. I've been blessed to be put in the position professionally where I have a coach and teammates that understand that about my game, and put the ball in my hands."

Philadelphia is leading the Atlantic Division with an 18-7 record, and while this team doesn't get the national recognition they rightfully deserve, they continue to press forward, and win games.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Associated Press

Checkmate

"Jay's favorite line...dog in due time..."

Kanye West - Touch the Sky

LeBron James shook up the sports world last week when he announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach. Since then the media and and general public have been giving him the Kobe treatment.

Control

Heavy is the head that wears the crown...

-William Shakespeare

LeBron James is a professional athlete and he has done what was best for him and his family. My first job upon my graduation from Temple University was with the National Basketball Association...when I was laid off due to an economic downturn...my heart was in pain, and I felt betrayed, however at the end of the day it was a business move.

When I look at the circumstances of James' decision...the similarities are familiar. I can understand the way people felt when he choose not to return to Cleveland, because whenever emotions are involved...the vision can become cloudy...yet this wasn't about the fans, or loyalty to his adopted home, it was strictly business. If the Cavs would have traded him to another team last February, it would have been merely the way things are done in professional sports. So there shouldn't be any hoopla when the athlete takes the reigns for once.

The NBA rookies of 2003 are as heralded as the '84, and '96 classes, so with James, Wade, and Bosh on the same squad...it's Xbox come true. Imagine Bryant, Nash, and Ray Allen, or Jordan, Barkley, and Olajuwon together against the league...the possibilities would be endless.

I see nothing wrong with this move to Florida. When A-Rod won the AL MVP award with the Rangers...he was a great player with tons of individual awards, but what truly burned his competitive fire was the quest for a World Series ring, which he captured last October. He is currently about to reach the 600 home run milestone, and now as a champion he can revel in the accolades. It has nothing to do with the Yankees being Derek Jeter's team...it has everything to do with the reason why all athletes play.

Only time will tell if this new star alignment will earn multiple championships...right now as things are, the Celtics, Magic, Thunder, and Lakers can prove to be a thorn in Miami's side, but until next June arrives, we'll all just have to watch and wait.

Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Dedication

"Some dreams stay dreams, some dreams come true..."

Kanye West - Still Dreaming

I've known Kobe and his family for several years, and I'm happy to see the results of his labor.

Relentless

Nike Basketball has a new campaign and while it invokes memories of seasons past, it made me think about the future, and the determination that it takes to become successful.

Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Double Double

"Remember when they ain't believe in me..."

Kanye West - Family Business

The Lakers defeated the Nuggets for the first time since the '09 playoffs, and while they wore their Sunday best white uniforms...this game was far from anything routine.

By Any Means Necessary

Kobe Bryant had a poor shooting night, making 3 of 17 baskets, however he utilized a superior attack, and contributed with an array of veteran savvy moves...combined with his sheer will and intelligence. The Lake Show had a slow start, as this was a game of two starkly different halves...with Denver making the most of things in the first two quarters, and then after intermission...the home team made some adjustments, as they began to defend much better, forcing Anthony, and Billups out of their comfort zones. Then referees got in on things, with the Nuggets benefiting from the closely called game at the outset...however the same calls went to the Lakers towards the end, as Carmelo fouled out with 2:13 to go, and his team down 4.

You have to respect the way Kobe plays and approaches the game. He is still working through the changes that his many injuries have put him through, and with his jump shot faltering...he stayed aggressive in drives to the goal, which enabled him 8-trips to the free-throw line, as he went a perfect 8-8 from the stripe. He also hauled in 5 rebounds, handed out 12 assists, and had 3 steals, with 2 blocks.

This was a complete game, from a complete player, and thanks to teammates like Lamar Odom, and Ron Artest...in the end, everything today at the Staples Center, made perfect sense.

These teams will play again in the second season, and that is when the real fun will begin.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE/via Getty Images

Vote for Pedro

K

"It's what you all been waitin' for ain't it..."

Kanye West - Barry Bonds

In sports across the board, there are several athletes that are as respected as they are feared. In numerous cases they are known by their first name, which is the ultimate sign of respect. For example, Tiger, Venus, Kobe, and Pedro.

Dominant

The Philadelphia Phillies top brass were in the Dominican Republic today (and Tuesday) to watch right-handed hurler Pedro Martinez pitch in a simulated game. The reining champs are in the market to add a strong arm to the rotation...and even if they sign him...they are still in the hunt for Roy Halladay.

In a perfect world they acquire both players and they pitch well...at this point its a waiting game with high stakes. As a former 3-time Cy Young winner, and world champion with the Red Sox, Martinez has the mettle to make a come back...his fastball was clocked at 93-mph...so if he can keep that form, every 5th day, then I expect the Phillies to make another run for the pennant.

Photo: Sport Illustrated-John Nelson/REUTERS

Glory

Winner

"So if you gonna do it, do it just like this..."

Kanye West - Champion

The Williams sibling rivalry ended on Saturday with younger sister Serena defeating Venus in straight sets 7-6, (7-3), 6-2.

Sister to Sister

Serena is the no. 2 ranked player in the world, however she stands head and shoulders above the competition upon winning three of the last four Grand Slam titles. In a consolation for the no. 3 ranked Venus, she teamed up with her sister to win the doubles match against Australian duo Sam Stosur, and Rennae Stubbs 7-6, (7-4), 6-4.

The Williams sisters are as synonymous with the WTA as Derek Jeter is with the New York Yankees, and that ladies and gentlemen is saying a lot. To watch these women compete against each other is not only commonplace...it's an expected yearly event. Women's tennis, or shall I say, tennis in general is better off for having this first family of champions.

Photo: Professional Sport / S Wake

The Five Deadly Venoms

Four

Love

Fresh

Family

Focus

"Trying get that Kobe number...one over Jordan..."

Kanye West - Swagga Like Us

The NBA season concluded Sunday night in Orlando, as the Poison Clan closed out the Finals with a stellar 99 - 86 victory over the Magic.

Mission Statement

No one believed in the Lakers more than themselves. I was in Orlando last week...and even I was on the edge of my seat after what happened in Game 3, but with determination, teamwork, and a few mishaps from the home team, the Lake Show made it happen over the next two games...capturing their 15th title in franchise history.

I had an hunch that things would be different in Game 4 and 5, because after I conversed with Kobe, and Odom before and during the media availability (Wednesday afternoon) they both spoke candidly about staying the course and closing the Magic out. They were so relaxed that we started talking about things other than the game, as it was just really good to catch up.

This was a special year for me, as I witnessed some classic moments this season...from Andre Iguodala's buzzer beater in LA, to LeBron's crab dribble, as well as the 61-points posted by Bryant in Madison Square Garden...its been quite a show.

In covering the 76ers, Wizards, Cavs, Magic, and Lakers this year...I must admit that I began to see the evolution of each team. The 76ers showed promise in making the playoffs two years in a row, and while the Wizards had a tough season, they were able to develop JaVale MaGee which will come in handy next year. I was surprised by both the Cavs and the Magic, as I thought Cleveland would advance to the Finals, and not Orlando, but that is why the games are played, won, and lost. Last but not least what I noticed from the Poison Clan was a growth and maturity that very few teams have. Losing to Boston last year changed the Lakers, as they learned to win by losing.

Let's see...I covered the Lake Show in the following cities: Philadelphia, DC, New York, the Meadowlands, Los Angeles, and Orlando. They won all but 2 games, with one of the losses in Game 3...and while they didn't always play well, it was usually good enough to win. The formula worked for them to the tune of "I Love LA" and another championship banner.

Consequently, the parade and celebration is tomorrow in the City of Angeles. I firmly believe that this team can win again, and we will have NBA deja vu with the Celtics and Lakers trading championships. Last year is 1984 in which the C's took it all, and this year is '85 with the Lake Show victorious.

The Poison Clan wins again, Kobe and Fisher have 4, Phil has 10, and I have a feeling that the Magic will be back again.

Stay tuned sports fans.

Photos: Garrett Ellwood/NBAE, Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE, Anthony Gilbert/AXG

The Last King of Akron

Calm before the storm

"You're messing with this joker, but you need a KING..."

Kanye West - Magic Man

The "Dream" Finals with LeBron James pitted against Kobe Bryant failed to come to fruition, so instead of moving forward on the series that begins this Thursday...many members of the media have decided to harp on the what happened last week...when LeBron, after losing to the Magic, walked off the court without congratulating his competition.

Pain

So what do I think or feel about this "so-called" situation...well I will say that I cannot wait to get to my assigned seat at the Finals so I can do what I do best, and that is stick to the script. If I were LBJ, and lost, I'm not sure what I would do? Let's give this man some credit for playing hard and giving his best to his team and the game of basketball. 

It is easy to throw stones at him, but the pain that night was so deep that the best thing he could do was to do nothing at all. Top tier athletes dedicate their lives to the sport they excel in. As a journalist I run 2-miles per day to stay in top shape for my 4 TV appearances a year, and if I arrived at the TV studio and the producer decided they didn't need me, I'd do my best to mask my feelings. I'd be upset, but it would be best not to say anything to save myself from making a mistake.

I'm not making excuses for anyone. I can only be responsible for my actions, however I can understand what happened. And to all you highly paid, out of shape, unprofessional media experts, I'll see you in my thoughts during my workouts...we are all ordinary people...even LeBron James.

The Adventures of Dwyane Wade

"I'm more of the...trips to Florida..."

Kanye West - Flashing Lights

Last week I stumbled across a video on YouTube that invoked childhood memories of playing basketball all day until the street lights went out. I was so intrigued at what I saw that I decided to get involved and do a little good old fashioned research.

Competition

Dwyane Wade is not only a great athlete, and humanitarian, but he is also someone that I consider a friend. He gives directly from his heart, and people like that are far, few, and in between. So to make a long story short, Wade has game...as well as the championship hardware to prove it. 

Nevertheless, billionaire Charles Charles MaGalls has ignored all reason and logic, by sending out a personal challenge to the man we call Flash...in a match of one on one. The rules are simple...game goes to 10 by 1, and you must win by 2. However judging from the MVP season D Wade is having, you would either have to be an elite player, or insane to issue a duel of such proportions...but I've been around the game for a long time, and just when I thought I'd seen it all, in comes MaGalls from left field.

A wise person once said...quitting while you are ahead...isn't the same as quitting.