Return of the Man

"I emerged from it all without a stain on my shirt..."

Jay-Z - Guess Who's Back

Tonight the Lakers are in Texas to build upon their already successful season.

Repetition

Last night Kobe Bryant returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for 5 games, and 18-days...however once the contest began he regained his the form that has made him so impressive year in and year out.

The Lake Show struggled against the upstart Grizzlies, nevertheless Bryant stayed confident in his abilities, making a series of baskets including the game winner to outlast the home team.

Since the beginning of the season he has connected on five game winning shots including...Miami, Milwaukee, Chicago, Sacramento, and now Memphis.

He has a particular feel and love for moments like these that will continue to amaze and confuse alike.

The best thing about Kobe sitting out is that his team went 4-1 without him, and he was able to rest not only his ankle but also his other nagging injuries, so come playoff time the team should be in good shape to defend their title.

Photo: Joe Murphy

Young Buck

"Everybody is a star..."

Sly and the Family Stone - Everybody Is A Star

I missed the Sixers season opener against the Bucks, so recently I traveled to DC to see what Brandon Jennings was all about...

Poise

Milwaukee has an interesting team in that they are a lot better than their 11-11 record shows. They have talent at every position, and it is going to take a few more games until they smooth out the rough edges...however what I was most impressed by that night was two fold: the leadership and play of veteran Hakim Warrick, and the way Brandon Jennings carries himself both on and off the court. He is as talented as he is respectful and polished.

If you have an opportunity to watch this team...be sure to tune in as you do not want to miss this rising star's rookie year. In the Eastern Conference anything can happen, and I will not be surprised if and when the Bucks return to the post season.

Photo: Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

Double Nickel

Faith

"Allen Iverson...Hakeem Olajuwon...don't even bounce"

Asher Roth - I Love College

When Brandon Jennings was selected by Milwaukee this past summer, no one saw what was coming next...

Self Confidence

The 76ers played the Bucks in their home opener...I was busy covering the World Series...so I didn't attend the game, however my friend and colleague Michael Tillery was there and wrote a great piece for SLAM's website...entitled I Saw A Rookie of the Year Tonight. He texted me at during the 4th quarter telling me how amazing the rookie is, and while I hadn't seen him since the McDonald's game, I was intrigued, because now he's in the League, and apparently getting busier than a worker bee in July.

When Jennings went from high school to play professionally in Italy...I wasn't too sure how well he would do as a point guard. Needless to say its good to see that my opinion doesn't matter, and the work that this man had put into his game, and basketball IQ is now getting the last laugh.

Last night he scored 55 points in a 129-125 win over the visiting Warriors. Interestingly enough he didn't score in the 1st quarter, but he kept his composure en route to breaking Lew Alcindor's 39-year old Bucks rookie record by 4 points.

There is never a dull moment in NBA action...from this, to Dwyane Wade's dunk...things are heating up. This week I'll interview LeBron James, and Rudy Gay, so be sure to stay tuned...as the best is just ahead of us.

Photo: NBAE