#PoetsCorner LAKERS 2020/2021 SEASON PREVIEW

So look last night’s game showed us many things. The biggest one of all is apparently you can lead the way and still have time to cut your toenails while on the bench!? Just playing AD, you know we love you. It's safe to say as Lakers fans we are ready for this new season and there is no doubt that a two-peat is on the cards.

The standout from the preseason has to be the THT man himself. I mean the kid has got to get some serious minutes this season. When I say "Sixth Man" you all say "of the year". I can honestly see that in his future. I just pray we as a franchise look after this young talent because the future's bright, the future's Horton-Tucker. 

All the new additions have shown us they have come to win. Could a new era be on the cards? Can we go for a historic three-peat with this team? I think its definitely possible, though some people will say, "well we did it for Kobe so it's done now". Well in the words of King James the attitude will still be "jobs not done”. The greatest to ever play (Kobe) wouldn’t stop for one and all Laker fans, in fact basketball fans know Kobe championships were back to back in either a three or a two-peat. With that in mind I think it still means more to us as a team and as the Laker family.

So flipping the script, I never thought I would say this, but what about Kuzma? Would he be missed? Honestly he will definitely have to fight for minutes so I'm going to say no (Tim’s jaw just dropped). I will never hate on Kuz, I just think with all that has gone on with his extension talk and what he wants and what the team wants from him are on slightly different wave lengths. I think most Lakers fan would be happy to see him stay but then again if he goes, he goes (Ivan Drago voice).

Finally, the teams we should be worried about this season from the West are the Nuggets, Memphis and the Suns (what no Clippers?). The Nuggets had a solid year last year and the team remains strong, Memphis leader Ja Morant could do a D-Rose Bulls and make it to the playoffs easily and the Suns look good with the addition of Chris Paul to stand at the backcourt with the silent assassin Booker. 

I think the East speaks for itself. The Heat and yeah, I'm just going to say it, Brooklyn. Durant and Uncle Drew can storm the East, but then you got the Greek Freak hungry for a final after falling short.

All this being said it will be interesting to see who meets us in the Finals this season...and yes I did just say "us", you read that right. DAN STOCKER. 

#BleedPurpleLiveGold / #PoetsCorner HORTON HEARS A HYPE

 

THT Kid. 

It was written.

The Poet already knew it.

This is why the game needs Dan Stocker's words, like the Lakers don't need to trade another young gun. Word to the so smooth Kuz. Last year the head honcho of Showtime Life predicted THT would be a problem like people trying to smuggle THC through airports in vapes. Now Talen Horton-Tucker is in the air like your Twitter timelines in a Chris Tucker 'Rush Hour'. The fifth element. Now here's the elephant in the locker room like the cat in the hat. Horton no longer hears a "who" like Dr. Seuss, or a Snoop Dogg GIF, but a hype.

Clipping the Clippers twice over, he has now become the talk of the towns barbershops LeBron referenced on the Uninterrupted podcast with Allie Clifton, Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye. Talen has us hooked after getting his talons into the team. The 6 foot 4, 46th pick in the last draft with a Shaq sized wingspan was huge last night. Big game worthy with big shots in his spectrum like the number 5 we should have retired for Horry. We may have to raise it up for him.

How's 33 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in a 131-106 win to follow 19 last time for the kid that's only just 20? How's that for a line? Becoming the fourth Laker in the last decade to pace 30 in the preseason. After the now PAID Brandon Ingram, the veins of D'Angelo Russell (twice) and the one and only, late, great Kobe. That Mamba Mentality. Enough to take Kuz's spot? His shine? His hype?

You can't knock the hustle as Spectrum Sports referenced Jay-Z beyond a 'Reasonable Doubt', when THT, a bigger king than TGT like a star possessed, chased down his own missed free throw and threw the ball off the opposition. Clipping the ball off Ky Bowman to win the out of bounds possession, no matter which way the STAPLES neighbors pointed.

Hell of a job. Hell of a young prodigy. When I look at THT and the Lakers I feel like Chandler talking to Ross about Elizabeth on 'Friends', "well, maybe you don't trade this one." Let's hope Rob is there for him, as his jobs not done.

It's not just preseason if it gives you reason.

Reason to believe.

When the GOAT Alex Caruso calls you a "killer" you know you're fresh to death.

The Poet already told you to, "look".

Now as our 'Bleed Purple, Live Gold' and his 'Poets Corner' column collaborates, here's his rhyme and reason. THT isn't the only one with a bright future. 

LOOK! So I'm not the type to say I told you so but well...33 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The season hasn’t started yet but it’s not took us long to work out someone in the purple and gold has worked hard this off-season defensively and well offensively. He is dynamite TNT.....well close but we all know it's actually, THT. Maybe he just doesn't like the Flippers...sorry there I go again I mean Clippers. No AD. No King James. No problem. Tucker held it down. Now look yes it’s only preseason but I seen it in this guy in the G-League and well I ain’t the only one even 'bron took to Twitter to tell the world that THT is special.

From South Bay to the heart of LA (Tim...or should I say TDH: you see the South Bay before and after similar shot post? The only, 'how it started versus how's it going', I mess with). Rest assured when it comes to Tucker, he will make his name this season. He's the deadly piece we didn't even know we had. Sophomore year in the league is looking bright. From the class that brought your Zion and Ja Morant comes what could be the biggest steal from the second round since Manu Ginobili. And with the way THT can rain those threes I see a All Star weekend trophy with his name on it. The future's bright, the future's Tucker. TIM DAVID HARVEY & DAN STOCKER. 

#PoetsCorner

#BleedPurpleLiveGold

#PoetsCorner THE LOS ANGELES HISTORY MAKERS

Look it's been a minute since I last wrote something. So much has happened. We did it after ten years of hurt and falling short. The Lakers are once again the best team in the NBA. How did that happen? I think the basketball world knows it meant more to us this year. We had to do it-not just because the new staff and coach had a point to prove-but also for him (the greatest of all time! Best player to play the game). Him and his daughters tragic passing rocked not just the NBA, but the world over. So much so I couldn’t put into words the impact of the loss. But the drive for the team was clear to honour him and his daughters name. Going in to every postseason match up with the motivation to win it all. There was no other option… and so it was written and so it was done NBA Champions 19/20….for KOBE.

So going into the offseason we have not took the foot off the gas in terms of building a team that can carry the name champions. So who has stayed and who has gone? Well the first big swoop the Lakers made was parting ways with Danny Green and our 28th pick in this year’s draft for OKC’s Dennis Schröder. Reasons for this trade are clear in my eyes. Adding more depth at the point with a guy that's not even hit his prime yet and also clearing up some cap space for re-signing AD to a max deal. I mean all the best to Green. I'm sure he will lay BRICK foundations in OKC.

So to fill the gap Green left the Lakers looked to Wesley Mathews who is known for being an all-round solid role player and is reported to have agreed to a one year deal.

Now for the surprise deal which left me thinking, "I'm sorry what!?" The two year deal for Clippers big man Montrezl Harrell, who is coming of the best year of his career averaging 18.6 PPG,7.1RPG and not to mention being named 'Six Man of the Year'. It was a big shock to his former team mate Patrick Beverley who took to Twitter to express his...let’s say shock at this jump ship move. I mean I know am not the only Laker fan happy with this move and you can’t blame the guy for well ….seeing the light and coming to the gold side of Los Angeles. Plus with Howard going to Philly we needed a replacement and I think we got that and then some with Harrell.

I don’t think this is us done in the offseason yet by any means and with McGee returning and Kuzma's team option being put into play we still have business to be done. And let's not mention the AD in the room who we need to re-sign to a max deal.

Next season is anyone's year as it stands now. I mean that’s sports for you and that’s basketball for you too, but I can’t help but see another two-peat on the cards. History has a funny way or repeating itself. DAN STOCKER. 

#TheLeBronSeries KING JAMES VERSION

 

The Basketball Bible.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth". Genesis 1:1.

August 23rd, 1978. Kobe Bryant is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the rest is hallowed, hardwood, hoops history. January 26, 2020. He tragically dies along with his daughter Gianna and several other friends and their family, and the rest of this year is just misery. December 30th, 1984. LeBron James is born in The Land. Monday the 5th October. Today. Tonight. Right now as we speak. Up 2-1 in the NBA Finals. Now let's see if they can be all about the 4-1 like Glen Rice, or every other series in their Western Conference reign. The kid from Akron has the chance to win the Lakers 17th championship in his 17th year all for Kobe. 23 for 24.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Peter 5:8.

"Lakers sweep Heat". The headlines of the Los Angeles Times won't read that no more, but that doesn't mean it's over. "You're in trouble", LeBron told Jimmy Butler in the first quarter. Buckets told the King the same thing in the fourth once the Heat cooled off the talents of a man who used to take it to South Beach. Just like when playground GOAT, Earl Manigualt responded to Wilt Chamberlain's, "welcome to the big leagues schoolboy" dunk taunt at the Rucker (as played by NBA legend and 'Uncut Gems' star Kevin Garnett in 'Rebound' starring Don Cheadle as 'Gault) by saying after hitting the big shot that iced the game in New York, "welcome to Harlem...motherf#####!" Now we have a series! Now we have a Finals. But still, I wouldn't bet against the LeBron James, like I said I wouldn't bet against Kobe Bryant. Especially when the King is doing it for the Black Mamba in the snakeskin he designed for the city with GiGi's number 2. All in for L.A. Doing it for what the graffiti reads on the highway like all those magnificent murals. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"Chosen One" carried on his back in everlasting ink. "What we do in life" and "echoes in eternity" bared on each arm where he carries the word he throws up to the heavens like chalk. Chosen like the Sports Illustrated cover (the first of libraries worth) back in high school where he was given the biblical nickname by royal appointment. 17 years and change ago. When this 35 year old like me was just a kid. When he had a 'fro like Kobe, before he started to lose it all like yours truly. But look at what he's kept. The will and skill of the greatest of all-time. Not even M.J. had it like this at 35. His 'Last Dance' was already swan sung years ago. And as we read his and Kobe's former coach Phil Jackson's 'Sacred Hoops' memoir for the NBA Finals like 'The Last Season' autobiography from the man who won 'Eleven Rings' searching for a soul. During the finals, LeBron (who constantly reads 'The Godfather' to stay motivated as The Don) continues to "chop wood and carry water" like an ancient Indian proverb as he dances with wolves (or former ones) like Kevin Costner in his hardwood field of dreams. Its all about the work. If you build it they will come. And if you work it will be done. 

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5. 

Bulldozer bullying his way to the rim like a sledgehammer. He won't be denied like a wrecking ball or someone taking your lunch money. Running through defenders like it was open season on the floor of a fast break. Twisting the night away like Sam Cooke. Bobbing, weaving and duking it out before dunking like an Ali pugilist in turning out the light and getting in bed before the bulb goes off. All before pumping and flexing under the basket like an Air Canada chopper. Goodnight! Now how's that for a flashbulb moment? Appreciate it whilst the divine light is still upon you. It won't be here forever as we are caught up in his hoops rapture, as basketball beautiful as a halo he enters like heaven. Spin cycle rinsing you and repeating until the uniforms are washed in the blood. Jesus is King and he walks with LeBron like Kanye. The red hat just reads different on the players entrance in Florida's Bubble like the tunnel. Make America...arrest the cops that killed Breonna Taylor. Say her name. Say her name. SAY HER NAME! 

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22.

So why all the God damned hate?! No wonder he treats his press conferences with the Mamba Mentality mood Kobe did. Like Kevin Durant once said, "Erykah Badu is thicker than a Kindergarten Cray..." ah wait, wrong quote. "I don't trust none of y'all." What's with all these Twitter takes from sofa athletes who only share a hairline with LeBron...and not like the real GOAT, Alex Caruso? We are witnessing like it was all written in scripture one of the greatest this game or world has ever seen and we're throwing stones at something so divine? Is that really are intervention or intention? Is that really inspiration? What about his influence? Building schools and hopefully learning from his Hong Kong error. But we want to throw rocks at the throne like a Witness billboard because after losing one game we say he's done and coming down even after all he's won? You seen the amount of Finals he's been in since the last decade? And now you want to talk about the number he's won? This man has been making milestones every night like a Miles Davis album in this game that went from jazz to the boom bap of hip-hop in all its free flow. Just like this young King went from the Statue of Liberty dunks he held like the book of Basketball, to the castle building downtown shots he puts up like a quarterback. Throwing the big pass to his big man as LeBron James and Anthony Davis become the next Wilt and West, Magic and Kareem, Shaq and Kobe. The new Big Game James worthy of a cigar and clap. Banner and retired jersey. Put 'em up! 

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Matthew 7:7. 

The time is now. To do what's right and to do what under the light seems like destiny. It's been a truly terrible calendar like LeBron tells us when we lose the Black Mamba and the Black Panther in the same year. And it aint over yet. COVID-19 is still infecting 2020 when we were supposed to roar back like a DiCaprio Gatsby, once upon a time in Hollywood. But still we shout Black Lives Matter through the streets through masks, because there's something that matters more than our lives...the lives of others being persecuted by police brutality with the only finality being there mortality. No sentence for the ones who pulled the trigger or dug a knee. Just death for their victims. And they had a problem with Kap taking a knee?! Well this captain linking arms with his team is about to take it all back and win it all for his friend. Like a Hollywood ending, but one down south against his former Miami Heat in the Florida he took his talents to. Homecourt advantage to South Beach? Nah this is Kings court now. And Disney couldn't come up with a better avenger, star wars story in their world (word to the Warner Brothers 'Space Jam' too like Mike. That's all folks like an AD tee), even if they hold all the superheroes and iconic characters to marvel at. Not this one. Not 23. All for 24, infinite like 8. Wrapped around the ball and Spalding spinning world watching like a coiled snake. It's all meant to be and you're all about to see. Witness. Chapter and verse. Because right now we can't get closer to God than this. 

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.

#TheKobeSeries KOBE BRYANT & PAU GASOL Feature-BETTER FRIEND

16/8

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

"Kobe taught us to be better. Better dreamer. Better waker. Better stretcher. Better walker. Better talker. Better walking the walk and talking the talk. Better blocker (what's up my DPOY?). Better sprinter. Better loser. Better winner. Just. Be. Better (GiGi...throat lump). Better form. Better focus. Better friend." Kendrick Lamar, Nike 'Better' #MambaForever commercial spot.

Perfect. Pau Gasol probably the most underrated Los Angeles Laker of all-time, especially in their legendary lineage of big men is also one of the NBA's nicest legends. The former second best European player ever until Luka came along (kid is just that good) was recently seen with his fiancée Catherine McDonnell on a boat like T-Pain with Vanessa Bryant and her children. His late teammate and best friend, Laker and NBA legend Kobe Bryant's three daughters. GiGi's three sisters. Striking a pose with his youngest like when the little one who looks so like Bean was lifted up by Pau a few weeks prior like 'The Lion King' for the Black Mamba's cub. Back when he visited the Bryant home like when Sabrina Ionescu's Tik Tok at the house of Mamba was adorably crashed, Pau even got a seat at the table. The doll tea party table like the man who needs to be brought back for one last go round with the Lakers before his 16 gets raised to the rafters next to 24 and 8 was about to lead the league in back trouble. Pau visiting the Bryant family on Kobe's 40th. Tears. It's the kind of sweet solidarity like support to the grieving Bryant's that we all need in this truly terrible and horrible and heartbreaking year were we've lost everyone from the Black Mamba to the Black Panther, whilst screaming Black Lives Matter in this coronavirus crippled calendar that began with the Kobe, GiGi and their friends family tragedy. Can you imagine a Basketball brotherhood and a bond more beautiful than the Spaniard and the kid from Italy?

Summer league, class of '96. Point role playing God, Los Angeles Sparks coach and clutch King, Derek Fisher from 0.4 told SLAM magazine that in their co-rookie year of 1996 he and Kob' balled out on everyone, rolling in Vegas. D-Fish and Bean Bryant went on to be one of the best backcourts from the Forum's of purple to gold in STAPLES. Three-peating together with Horry, Fox and the big fella, before reuniting half a decade after the death of a dynasty for a couple more. But when it came to big dynamic duos, friend or foe, nothing touched the greatest Laker and NBA one/two punch partnership of all-time in Shaq and Kobe. No L.B.J and A.D. or even Magic and Kareem, Wilt or West comes close like Common and Mary J. Blige. Even if the King can spike Westbrook with a dunk and then chase him down for a volleyball block, there's no Laker like the late, dearly departed, two fingers kissed in the air, "Mamba Out" Kobe. Besides H-Town still stomped the Lake Show in the Bubbling Game 1 of the West semis like a blazing first round almost knockout Portland. A team Shaq and Kobe used to throw alley oops on until Shaq pointed at Kobe and his son Shareef with two raised arms and wide eyes. Bryant and O'Neal dominated over twin towers of David Robinson and Tim Duncan like the storied Celtics to be the Lord Of The Rings. Jumping into each others arms before winning a Holy Trinity with Coach Phil Jackson like the G.O.A.T. M.J. with legendary back-ups like Horace Grant and Kobe's "mentor" Ron Harper. But Shaq and Kobe fell out like loose change in torn pockets and this Hollywood divorce lead to a script flip to the talents of South Beach and a Corvette meeting a brick wall like a purple Prince did a girl with a second hand raspberry beret. Still these two fond friends with as many similarities as differences (that's kind of why we all clash sometimes) got back together like 'Hotel California'. First as make friends, never ever break friends and then co-All Star Game MVP's in where else but the STAPLES of Los Angeles as everyone hoped for a Laker reunion which would of been the most compelling, closing chapter, but sadly like answering a Shakeapeare question was this time not meant to be.

So Kobe had a big hole to fill in the center of his Hollywood attention and even rolling with a magic versatile seven foot 'Six Man Of The Year' in Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum (for long) and Dwight Howard (yet) weren't going to quite cut it. Kobe needed more with all due respect to Brian Grant (the former blazing Portland Shaq battling dreaded rival, who was battling more on his way to retirement before his biggest and bravest fight against Parkinson's disease) and Chris Mihm (who smoothly down low we will always love). He found it when the Lakers traded a few spare parts and what would have been a big addition in drafted brother Marc Gasol for his bigger sibling from Spain, the power of Pau Gasol. "I'm not going to war with butter knives anymore", Kobe told press as he took through the tunnel with even more meaning following him and the gasoline of Gasol clicking quicker than switching on the gas. These two were cooking and to think the Lakers almost traded number 16 for the nixed, what would have been the best backcourt in future Los Angeles (Clipper) and maybe 'Bron banana boat teammate like 'Melo should have been, CP3. "WoW"! Kobe and Pau communicating in whatever language lost the opponent in translation as they went in transition even had their own Shaq sized Portland move at STAPLES in the pain for the canvas of their court artwork. Although this one was more subtle in its sympatico synchronicity. Pau's eyes as wide as Shaq but with animalistic animation as the man with the wild hair went crazy with those eyes that vision and those pupils that kind of look like the student of a certain way of thinking as these two on their way to two of their own took everyone to school (like Jordan said about Pippen in 'The Last Dance' Kobe, "doesn't win those rings without Pau"). Mamba Mentality. That's what it looked like and these two arm in arm from down court to downtown Toronto for their last meeting on the spotlight of the floor for Canada's All Star game appeared to be so much more. Better friend? No, Derek and Shaquille need their all due respect. Best friend? Forever.

#TheKobeSeries

#PoetsCorner THINGS JUST AIN'T THE SAME FOR LAKERS

Things just aint the same for ballers! With the NBA commissioner hoping to resume play mid July and only around 8 games left of the regular season what are the playoff brackets gonna look like come post season?

Look! One thing that is clear in my mind is Bron and AD lead Lakers will reach the Finals! Now I know what your think how can you know for sure? Fact is we can’t in a time of uncertainty for sports fans and the world in general, we can't be sure about much. Here come the big BUT and like MC Hammer I can not lie (Poet don't hurt 'em-Tim), the Lakers have a different drive than other teams this year to get it done. The tragic loss of in my eyes the greatest of all time Kobe Bryant. It’s a must to channel that Mamba Mentality and win it all. It' s a big ask for Bron and AD and the rest of this new look Lakers that still own the top spot in the West, but the odds are in our favour. No matter which team you support basketball fans want to see 'Bron lift that trophy and say “this is for Kobe.” Now if you ask me I don’t think there is any greater homage we can pay to the Laker and NBA legend!

So what of the East? Who is going to stand against us? Will it be the mighty Bucks lead by last season MVP Giannis? Or maybe arch rivals Celtic? Or maybe a wild card run for Philly? Or even maybe a Jimmy lead Heat? Nothing is certain right now in any case all I know...in fact no all I BELIEVE is the Lakers will achieve what they have to for the city and most importantly for Kobe.

Teams from the West that stand in our way consist of you know that other team in LA (sorry really can't remember their name even though they have two All-Stars on their team). You can’t rule out Denver who want Nuggets of gold. All round they are a strong team who could pose a threat in the Western Conference Finals or even semis for the Lakers and let’s not forget the fuelled up backcourt of the Houston Rocket. Can Harden and Westbrook bring it home? Or will they crash land in the final stretch? As for Curry and Golden State though they returned before this COVID pandemic fireing on all cylinders. I think like the JoJo classic its 'Too Little, Too Late' this season.

So many if ands or buts. I know the fact is time will tell, but every fan has to admit (even if you’re a dirty Celtic), that the Lakers are a must for the NBA finals to finish off what has been a strange and heartbreaking NBA season. DAN STOCKER.

#TheKobeSeries KOBE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD

Dear Hollywood. 

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Dear Basketball,

We all know what the late, great Kobe Bryant (it still tragically doesn't feel true) could do on the court. Treating the dear basketball like a rolled up tube sock. From the coliseum of the Great Western Forum (how you going to sell that to the Clippers? It's bad enough they cover our banners with their selfies), to being a Los Angeles STAPLE. Everyday of his 82 plus, 365 day yeas a Laker. From 'fro dunks, to Caruso bald, Black Mamba fades. 8 to 24 in the rafters like the 2 of GiGi should be. Like Quinn Cook trading for the 28. Sorry D-Fish we will just put 0.4 up in the rafters for you. Basketball man. He fell in love with you. Like you did him. Mutual even if some times were hard like any marriage or Diesel dynamic duo like Shaq. Mind and body. Spirit and soul. We gave him all our time. He gave us all his all. Up and down the court. Every loose ball. Hustle. Heart. Asked. Gave. From rocking the cradle to what we can't believe now in a 2020 so grave. Sweat. Hurt. The calling. The good. The bad. He made US feel so alive. From the pounding to the grind. Our hearts wish it wasn't time to say goodbye. We're not ready to let you go. Like everytime we roll up a ball of paper towards the wastebasket letting it fly and saying your name like Destiny's Child or Jay-Z on Timbaland's, 'Lobster and Shrimp'.

"KOBE!"

California dreaming courtside however you only need to see that this La La Land city of angels is one of stars. From the bleachers to mopping the floor, just check the seats like an Usher (8701...he's been here too like Diddy and the Family Ma$e's, Bowie 'Let's Dance' sampling 'Been Around The World', featuring The Notorious B.I.G beginning Netflix and ESPN's 30 For 30 Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls documentary 'The Last Dance' now streaming). From Dyan Cannon to Sly Stallone and the number one die hard fan (no not Bruce Willis), Jack Nicholson who treats the Lakers house as his second home. Let's hear it for Jack on the week of his birthday in that opening 'Been Around The World' scene of 'The Last Dance' congratulating Chicago coach Phil Jackson the moment his team beats superfan Jack's Lakers on their Forum floor in the '91 Finals. Little did he know a decade later Jax would be starting the same thing in STAPLES with someone like Mike. Life is beautiful. And how about the recent report that Kobe filmed footage for a potential documentary too? Like if we see him in 'The Last Dance' like the late commissioner, also lost this year, David Stern, there will be tears. Lakers.com the day before yesterday shared a video of Kobe's first All Star Game in New York at Madison Square Garden in honor of Nicholson's birthday. Whilst Kobe is being interviewed by the legend Jim Gray pregame Jack appears out of nowhere like "Heeeere's Kobe" with a just brought basketball still in its box and a Sharpie, jokingly (and probably somewhat seriously) asking a young 8 bean for his John Hancock. As Kobe autographs the Spalding, Nicholson praises his dignity saying he's not like these other stars like "Jack Nicholson who won't even go on T.V." as he tongue in cheek looks at the camera in his trademark wrap-around shades, letting the haters have it. Laughing, Gray asks Nicholson if he has any advice for the kid. "For Kobe?" Jack replies. He looks up to the 6,6 Kobe and pats his arm, "HEAT UP" he repeats...and then knowing grin and wink flashes that signature smile that was so sinister in 'The Shining' and as The Joker, but feels real friendly in real life..."and get loose".

Hotter than July before all the leaves were brown like grey skies. Little did a watching Hollywood know that the sign of this wonders times would point to a post career that mirrored their reflection as they watched the reflecting waxed wood floor like their swimming pools in the hills, behind their celebrity shades (you guys are indoors...you know this right? Not you Jack. You get a free pass). Little did they know that the next star of their Tinsletown own would be the one they were gawping at from their seats like he was the celebrity and they the fans, gifted from the basketball Gods like these hoop dreams in what was once Magic's town after Wilt and West's were scripted. But who could write it better than Kobe? Even before the King of LeBron James took his G.O.A.T. debate like talents to Lakerland for his last waltz and a 'Space Jam' sequel too like he was the next one after 23, not 24. And when he was backing up his 'Bron brother (remember that courtside image of Kobe and LeBron laughing and embracing from last December, before the tragedy, before COVID? Oh to go back to that time) and hitting out on politicians like Trump. Making speeches for other award shows about how he should probably just "shut up and dribble", the same kid who used to stay in his hotel room and watch 'Star Wars' as a rookie when his teammates would hit the next town and party was receiving Oscars off Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill. Kobe Wan Kenobi. We all know the beautiful 'Dear Basketball' penned Players Tribune poem turned into an artistic animation sketch, scored by the legendary composer of classics, John Williams. This has gold all over it like Kobe at home for his Kodak Theatre moment from a purple heart to the red carpet in what he hope were rolled up tube socks under that tux. But how about what else Kobe was writing for his Wizenard series like a Harry Potter meets sports like Quidditch series of books from the man who once dressed up as Voldernort for Halloween and used to cold call legends like J.K. Rowling for inspiration and that advice? Under his Granity platform and like the Detail he brought to his ESPN analysis videos from Taurasi to Sabrina like the WNBA ambassador he was, Kobe knew how to write all his dreams into reality. From hoops to Hollywood. This town got this kid. Just like the one writing this now somewhere in Japan. Coming to America by way of Hollywood for the first time at 21 in '06. From a small seaside town in England near Liverpool, to all these beaches. Seeing his beloved Kobe and Lakers he's supported since age 11 live. Just amazed that he even got the chance to see him whilst he still could...even back then or in his last dance a decade later in 2016. It was like something out a movie. Leaving Los Angeles with La La Land, city of star studded dreams...and a pad and pen. Writing rhymes as a rapper during his 'fro young playing days Kob' had 'Visions' of a hit single with Tyra Banks like taking Brandy to the prom (after his appearance on 'Moesha' Like 90's sitcom staples, 'Sister, Sister' and the "hustling is wrong" revenge of 'Hang Time'). Before K.O.B.E. jumped on Shaq tracks, a Brian McKnight remix ('Hold Me'. Remember him suited and booted in the iconic video clip?) and Destiny's Child (Can you guess which one? That's right. 'Say My Name'), doin' work like a Spike Lee joint.

When Kobe was going through one of his worst times, he got cold called. By M.J. No not Mike, but someone like him in Michael. Jackson not Jordan. Inviting him to his Neverland ranch and giving him some advice on dealing with adversity and the alienation. As the moonwalking King of Pop showed and gave Kobe all the Fred Astaire videos that influenced those legendary dances that took the world's stage by a thriller like storm. In turn inspiring the footwalk in Kobe's ever evolving game (this is a court scientist who used to study nature documentaries and mimick how a cheetahs tail moved when it struck its prey with his leg when he took off for a shot, adjusting mid-air for the clutch. Talk about perfecting your craft) and probably his life's storytelling after he hung up the sneakers like tap dancing shoes too. Just another Hollywood moment in the life and Los Angeles times of legendary Laker, Kobe Bryant. Now even if he was one of the greatest to ever play this game, top five, dead (he really can't be. Tell me it's not true) or alive, it looked like Kobe Bryant's post basketball career that really looked to be something was still being written. Hollywood's not ready to say goodbye. As the author of the Andrew D. Bernstein photo assisted book, 'The Mamba Mentality: How I Play' for your coffee table inspiration posthumously released 'The Wizenard Series: Season One' volume in March, two months after his passing, with more to come. What was and what could have been. Still if only we could read the children's book aimed at underprivileged youth he was working on with Brazilian author Paul Coelho, which Coelho deleted in draft form after Kobe's death with respect. "It didn't make sense to publish it without him", Paul beautifully said in tribute for a book that will always remain out there...in spirit. But more tragically then what could of been in the Mamba's world of entertainment from bookshelves to in cinemas. Or the fact that the Mambacita of his Gianna would have one day carried on his basket torching legacy in the WNBA, probably of fate would have fittingly had it with the Los Angeles Sparks for this child's destiny. What's most tragic is on that cruel twist of fate day like all the lives that were lost, a father and a daughter lost theirs like the rest of their family heartbreakingly did. That's the real tragedy here. But just like we know that up in the hoop heavens GiGi will be beating daddy with all of the tricks of the trade he taught her. Once they call game and she takes a rest, Kobe will be right there beside her with a pad and a pen. Writing their next chapter.

Heat up Kobe...and get loose.

"And we both know, no matter what I do next. I’ll always be that kid. With the rolled up socks. Garbage can in the corner. 5 seconds on the clock. Ball in my hands. 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1."

Love you always Kobe.

#TheKobeSeries

#TheKobeSeries GOOD CHARLOTTE

Charlotte's Web.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Some schedule in 2002, Foxy as Chick Hearn affectionately called him looks to inbound the ball in North Carolina against the Charlotte Hornets with clutch king Derek Fisher in prime 0.4 position and less time left than future Buzz City owner Michael Jordan had to decide which hand to lay it up off the glass with for that infamous, iconic play back against the 80's Lakers that was true Showtime.

2016 was supposed to be the best year. I met a wonderful woman and that was truly beautiful and we got to see LeBron win it for The Land. But in that same year we lost Prince, Ali, Bowie and a whole heroic host of other G.O.A.T., out of this world talents. And all we got back was Trump and Brexit. Even Kobe retired from the NBA as a Laker for life, 24 and 8 to be in the rafters. 20 years. 81 points amongst more. Two jerseys. One team. At least we had each other.

Fox finds Shaq downtown in a position the most dominant ever has no business being like the free throw line or players in clubs the night before a big game, gone three ("what it do bay-bee"). He looks for Robert Horry whose had more big shots than anyone without Air before their name in the logo.

2020 was supposed to be that year of redemption finally recovered from the depression. Finally lost in translation in Japan for a teaching gig on my way to writing for the Tokyo, 2020 Olympics in any way I could. This was supposed to be the new roaring twenties in a new Fitzgerald, Gatsby age of decadence. But then the morning I got here, somewhere in Yokohama my phone was buzzing in the middle of what was my night from back home like someone I cared about died. Turns out they did. To begin this year we lost Kobe and GiGi and all those people that tragically lost their lives in that horrific helicopter crash. Rest peacefully. And all we got back was Corona. Turns out in the end it's the worst year. Stay safe.

Big shot Bob gracefully gives it off to the young 'fro of Kob who on the ball at the same center court Charlotte logo he could have owned (and still did as he was about to) is aggressively marked by former '96 Laker teammate George Lynch, who is on him like 41 on Glen Rice whose three throwing left the Lakers last season.

Rocking the same teal and turquoise Kobe cleats I copped the same year I fell in love with someone of the same name in tribute, now I walk in them to honour the man who joined the team I started supporting a year earlier and began a beautiful twenty year fanship that felt like a friend too. And the rest was hallowed hoops history I hope haunts every night for the rest of my life. The 'Charlotte' Kobe's imagine in imagery what it would have been like if Kobe took to the floor in Larry Johnson pinstripes too.

Kobe drives like Ryan Gosling in LA. Straight for the perimeter like a Raptor towards a weakness on the fence. Then on the world's smallest dime he stops on what looks like the smoothest, slipperiest when Bon Jovi, classic Hornet honeycomb court in all the association as he bobs and pump fake weaves. Turns out it is for the ankle breaking defender he's just lynched and the G.O.A.T like M.J. as the future number 24 fades away like 23 and falls to the floor.

With the unlucky for them and all the other teams who passed up before like a Sam Bowie (or Todd Fuller(?)! Who? I know right!), 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft the Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant, a 6 foot 6, 215 pound guard out of Lower Merion high school. As fellow twenty/twenty gone before his time, late, great legend David Stern shook his hand. Even future teammate Samaki Walker-with all due respect-was selected before him.

As 8 watched his wonder of a clutch shot like an Oscar winning 'Dear Basketball' scrawled and rolled up tube sock, it would have been a prayer if it was from any other player. But Hail Mary this is Kobe who the Basketball Gods called to their hoop heavens with the Mambacita Mentality of the first name Gianna, who would have grown up to be the greatest WNBA player of all-time like her father Hollywood's greatest storyteller like a Harry Potter wizard, Wizenard with Voldemort Halloween fancy dress killer instinct.

But then as the draft day deal goes down, the logo Jerry West redefined the NBA once again as he shipped centre Vlade Divac (who came aboard from abroad post-Showtime as part of Basketball's new European evolution and revolution and ended up actually playing with the man he was traded for, Kobe back on the Lakers before he retired) to the Hornets nest for Charlotte's new basketball buzz. The kid called Kobe with sunglasses uptop his Jordan dome, "taking his talents" to the NBA like future Laker LeBron to South Beach as the King. Add a Shaq sized center and the rest is hoops history engraved in the legend of Larry...O'Brien like a storied Bird and Magic, Celtics rivalry.

As Kobe falls and slides across the same teal that could have been his in Laker purple on his bum, the ball falls through the twine right at the perfect timing, second moment of 0.00 without a tenth to spare. The city of Charlotte can you tell me how his a## tastes? Word to Shaq's raps. Kobe has barely stopped sliding when he's pumping his fists in celebration like that was helping him move along the floor like a western handcar across the tracks.

What could have been seems these days more of a heartbreaking question, than a Twitter timeline debate one, as our feeds are full of tributes in testimony. If Kobe as a Hornet ruled the world (imagine that). Imagine one G.O.A.T. under another with Kobe and Jordan, 23 and 24. Imagine a backcourt with Baron. David Wesley in reserve. In the 24's of his later career Kobe and Kemba. 2K like a video game. Imagine him in that classic, iconic white with teal and purple pins (and those switching colour alternates) instead of purple and gold. Imagine the Buzz City Jersey purple. Laker fans would shudder. Charlotte would shiver. Kobe would have brought trophies. Put North Carolina on the NBA map as well as UNC college like Jumpman, Jumpman, Jumpman. If he moved to New Orleans with the team after Katrina via an Oklahoma home it would have been Mardi Gras. This guys no Bobcat. They would have never given up the name to the future Pelicans, only to take it back years and deals later. Let's not even get started with the Hornets six degrees of separation. Still we think Bryant would have ended up in Hollywood one way or another. It just seemed scripted by the Basketball God's. So much so. Meant to be. Just like Kobe trolled the Hornets on Instagram on his draft day anniversary. Yet Kobe almost ended up with Charlotte for life and sometimes it's just as heartbreakingly close as that. Or the final, life changing seconds before he cock, loaded, adjusted his sight and sniper pulled the trigger. That's a bullseye.

"THE DAGGER! THE DAAAAGGER," the commentator keeps crying as Kobe pumping his fist like this, drives the knife through the heart of the city that could have been his if they had him. We are far from the playoffs for the defending double champions in 2002, but the master of those ceremonies Robert Horry runs to pick him up in an embrace like he just D'Angelo vein iced Game 7. A suited, screaming Samaki Walker celebrating at the camera leads the bench off the pine on to the hardwood. There's muted, humbled boos as Kobe raises his hand in iconic, jawing celebration for the first of many infamous Laker Jersey thumps. Hugging Shaq like when he leapt into his arms after just another game in the year 2000. Keeping his arm up, reaching for the sky like the Wild West, Kobe is the first to run off the floor like the wrong sort of fans were about to hit it. But the Hornets have to give it up. That sting in his tail was one of young Kobe's best. So much so my 17 like Rick Fox year old self wore out the tape on my VHS like it was something I shouldn't watch gone four o'clock in the morning across the pond. I still remember the joy of the shot that I knew was good the second it left Kobe's hand, like it was yesterday. Not almost 20 years ago. I still remember him like he's here. It still doesn't seem real.

Now like Joel and Benji or 'Lifestyles Of The Rich Famous', that was good Charlotte.

#TheKobeSeries

#Forever24

GLEN RICE FEATURE-RICE THROWING

Right On Rice. 

By TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

"Good shot. Rice. I got a feeling about him tonight Stu", legendary play-by-play Lakers anchor Chick Hearn said from the water of the first bucket. Like the man who invented the term "Slam Dunk" knew it was all jello cooling in the refrigerator coming true. 41 for 40. On the last "party like its 1999" night between the coliseum like pearl pillars and carpet red of the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, CA, someone showed out for the Los Angeles Lakers one last time on that hallowed hardwood like history. Before the remnants of the 80's Showtime and those old trim throwback uniforms gave way to the STAPLES of a new millennium. But it wasn't Shaq or Kobe. A Robert Horry, Rick Fox or even a Derek Fisher. Instead it was the one man that was meant to turn this dynamic duo into a big-three like LeBron James before he teamed up with Anthony Davis, Glen Rice. But we all know with the Shaq and Kobe beef there was no room at the table for another star in this classic team of legendary role players. Just ask former All Star big names like Isaiah 'J.R' Rider and Mitch 'The Rock' Richmond. But Glen was still a big three, from being a three time All Star (and shooting his way to MVP one weekend like the 3 Point Contest) to making 1,559 three-pointers in his 15 year career. Throwing rice like weddings in matrimony with any team he was engaged with good fortune. The prosperity and symbolism of making it rain like Lil' Wayne. Umbrellas up. You can't stop the reign like the rap of former three-peat teammate Shaq.

MMA marks this sportsman's post Basketball career. Taking his Don King fight promotion talents to G Force Fights and the South Beach that was the sand of the prime of his career like LeBron James for the 6,8 guard/forward who won both NCAA and NBA titles before he swapped courts for canvas like a sports artist.  Born in Jacksonville, Arkansas, the Flint Northwestern high schooler graduated to the maize of Michigan like a Chris Webber, Juwan Howard or Jalen Rose Fab Five with his terrific three. Glen's college alumnus raised his iconic 41 to the rafters as he helped fill the trophy cabinets and write records like leading Michigan in all-time points (2,442) and also still holding the record for a total 184 points in tourney play off 25.6 points per game and averages of 58% from the filed and 52 from three. As this consensus All-American and Big 10 player of the year also became the 1989 Final Four Most Oustanding Player. No wonder he made the iconic cover of Sports Illustrated like a Wheaties box. Clawing twine with the Wolverines like Logan was enough for this cat to go forth as the 4th pick in the 1989 draft, were he was born into the 90's golden era of the NBA with the Florida franchise and a Fresh Prince fade. Welcome to Miami, it was summer, summer, summertime everyday for the spark of nostalgia. Basketball courts in the Summer had girls there and they all saw Rice rain like a rainbow.

Expanding in the league into the 90's the Heat went straight to Rice like Curry. And like Steph Curry with the shot Rice had that splash. Today you could imagine him as a brother across the Golden Gate from Golden State to San Francisco. He averaged 13.6 points per as a rookie, but the unlucky number belonged to the Heat's 18 wins. Still, this was a young team and "give it a few years", and Rice was joined by Miami Heat legend Steve Smith and future Laker teammate no stranger to the perimeter himself Brian Shaw. This team had the makings of a young big-three, but Rice now far from a rookie or even a sophomore (no slump) was the one. Averaging 22.3 leading the pre-Wade and LeBron, even pre-Mourning and Hardaway Heat to their first playoffs before a certain number 23 gave them as quick an exit as their entrance. In the mid-90's like a Jonah Hill movie he won the Long Distance Shootout at the All Star Weekend like a moneyball and was straight cash for his 56 point career high against the big future he would have with Shaq. But Miami didn't make the playoffs this time around. And this would be his last year bringing the Heat with South Beach.

Good Charlotte would be where Rice would find his grain next from the seams of the Spalding to the hardwood he bounced the ball off as he set up downtown were the high-rises found him open. One of those sky scrapers wouldn't be Mount Zo however as Mourning made it to where he was always meant to be...Miami. Rice was the trade piece that made Zo so. But he was also the buzz in the downtown city of Charlotte that put up numbers in North Carolina like 2 and 3. With the grandmama of Hornets legend Larry Johnson, Glen Rice lead the teal to 41 wins...which seems as fitting as his classic Charlotte pinstripe throwback. The following season however with the shortlived but successful one/two gone like that (L.J. left for N.Y.C. and that perfect four point play), Rice threw in 26.8 teaming up with a new big three in late, great point forward Anthony 'Mase' Mason and Vlade Divac who was traded from the Lakers for the draft rights of none other but Kobe Bryant. It seemed like Glen would be forever subtly linked with his future with the Lakers where he would finally, one-time become a champion for the three-peat, new millennium beginnings of the year 2000. But not before becoming the 1997 All Star Game MVP off 26 points with a record 20 points in the third and 24 points in the second half. Breaking records from Philly legends Hal Greer and also Laker Wilt Chamberlain. You see the number? When Jerry West made the Laker move for Rice he traded fan favourites Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell. But with the combo wings of Eddie and Kobe and the twin peaks of Elden and Shaq for a four All Star year that also saw Nick 'The Quick' Van Exel with the fan vote, it was clear there wasn't room in Hollywood for the two of them...in both partnerships as Rice made a better three fit for at least a couple of years before the Lakers tried to ride with Rider or Richmond. Leaving Rice bobbing for Big Apples in New York with the Knicks as a Sixth Man, before journeyman-to Houston and finishing his career back in Los Angeles with the Clippers. But, still like pure water Rice was the thread pass wet jumper that was as integral to the Lakers first post Showtime, new millennium championship to the dynasty just like the vets of Ron Harper and A.C. Green (no stranger to the M.J.s of Magic and Michael) or former teammates and Miami men B. Shaw and Bad Boys own John Salley for life. But with the rival Clippers he would become only the 48th player in NBA history to amass 18,000 career points...against the Lakers of all teams. All before a career crippling knee injury called it a career after just 18 games. But forget a Sarah Palin rumor, Glen Rice's legendary legacy lives on in hoops-despite the mixed martial arts left turn like Darko Milicic-in his son Glen Rice Jr. The former Philadelphia 76ers draft choice and Washington Wizards player now balling in Saudi with Al-Fateh. And somewhere throwing rice, you know this kid shares more than a name, but the game with his dad. They say a look like that is hereditary junior.