Shaquille O’Neal hangs up his kicks and retires
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, NBA, News,
Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominant big men to ever play in the NBA has called it a career, announcing his retirement via video. Shaq was a larger than life personality that transcended the world of basketball, becoming a loveable character that appeared in movies, hip hop videos, and all over the mainstream. However, he wasn't all fun and games as he led the Los Angeles Lakers, along with Kobe Bryant, to three consecutive NBA titles, as well as the Miami Heat, playing the role of second fiddle to Dwyane Wade. As a rookie, he became famous for tearing down backboards and the legend of Shaq grew exponentially. The NBA loses a magnificent player who will surely star on another stage.
Read More | ESPN
Gallery: Shaquille O’Neal hangs up his kicks and retires
Advertisement
First hand review of Toronto Raptors Season Opener 2009-2010
Most of the sports world focus rests in New York tonight, as the Yankees and Phillies kick off the World Series. I joined a packed house as the Toronto Raptors kicked off their season against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Some observations need to be made directly, and what follows are some overall impressions of the game, the teams, and the players, as well as some fantasy impact thrown in.
Click to continue reading First hand review of Toronto Raptors Season Opener 2009-2010
Gallery: First hand review of Toronto Raptors Season Opener 2009-2010
2009-2010 NBA Central Division Preview
Posted by Phil Partington Categories: Editorial, NBA,
The pairing of LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal for the Cleveland Cavaliers is grabbing the headlines for the NBA’s Central Division. Two of the biggest personalities in professional sports should create a Hollywood stir in Cleveland next season. Meanwhile, 2009 Rookie of the Year winner, Derrick Rose, strives to build on an exceptional first year with the Chicago Bulls.
Click to continue reading 2009-2010 NBA Central Division Preview
Gallery: 2009-2010 NBA Central Division Preview
Los Angeles Lakers Win The NBA Championship
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Championship, Editorial, Kudos, NBA, Playoffs,
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic four games to one in the NBA Finals, earning the team’s 15th NBA title. Put in a historical perspective, they are now 15-15 in NBA Finals match-ups and are second only to the Boston Celtics and their 17 NBA titles for most championships by a franchise. Phil Jackson also moved ahead of Red Auerbach for the most titles by a head coach, winning his 10th NBA title, the fourth with the Lakers. His other six came with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls. Perhaps, most importantly, Kobe Bryant won a title with Shaquille O’Neal… okay, it’s only important to all those that hated on Kobe and said he couldn’t win a title without Shaq (this group includes Shaq himself), well, in your face!
Bryant was a symbol of will and determination and getting the job done. In fact, such ferocity and competitiveness hadn’t been seen since Jordan took the court. And now, the monkey is off his back and if the Lakers can somehow sign both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, the Lakers could win a few more championships. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are locked in and provide great interior presences, Derek Fisher looks as if he can still play for a few years and it looks like Jordan Farmar will be ready to take up the PG mantle. Contractually, Jackson only has one more season left, but if the core group of players can stay intact, don’t be surprised if he signs another extension. This season, Jackson seemed less stressed because of team chemsitry and the lack of two alpha males (Kobe and Shaq) going at it.
Congratulations to the Lakers and their fans. And to all the Kobe haters, bite it!
Gallery: Los Angeles Lakers Win The NBA Championship
Kobe Bryant Asks for Trade, Takes Back Words
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, NBA, Playoffs, Rumors,
Los Angeles Lakers star player Kobe Bryant has requested a trade from the team. Then he back-peddled from the request.
“I would like to be traded, yeah. Tough as it is to come to that conclusion, there’s no other alternative. It’s rough, man, but I don’t see how you can rebuild that trust. I just don’t know how you can move forward in that type of situation.”
He said this on an interview with ESPN radio. However, just three hours later in an interview with Lakers flagship station KLAC radio he made completely contradictory comments.
Click to continue reading Kobe Bryant Asks for Trade, Takes Back Words
Read More | Yahoo! Sports
Gallery: Kobe Bryant Asks for Trade, Takes Back Words
Heat Eliminated From Playoffs
Posted by Milo Taibi Categories: Athletes, Championship, NBA, News,
The reigning NBA Champions Miami Heat were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday. They were swept four games to none, being just the sixth team in NBA history to win a championship and be eliminated by a sweep the following season. The first team to be eliminated in such fashion in over a decade.
Click to continue reading Heat Eliminated From Playoffs
Gallery: Heat Eliminated From Playoffs
Advertisement
© Gear Live Media, LLC. 2007 – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.