TRADING CARD Feature-MAGIC JOHNSON

PLAYER PROFILE : EARVIN ‘MAGIC’ JOHNSON
Julius Erving said it best when he described Magic as “The only player ever who can absolutely dominate a game while only taking three shots”. Earvin and Boston Celtic legend Larry Bird turned the game of Basketball around from a sport almost bankrupt to a sport on the worlds centre stage. Johnson helped the Los Angeles Lakers become one of the most dominating Basketball teams in the 1980’s. he is considered to be one of the best point guards and playmakers ever to enter the league. The nickname ‘Magic’ came in a high school game in which Earvin scored 36 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists. Johnson defied the usual physical attributes a Point Guard has, he was 6, 9 tall and sometimes played at Centre because of his height.

Magic led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) he formed a formidable partnership with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Earvin was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) on three occasions (1987, 1989, 1990). He was NBA finals MVP in 1982, 1987 and as a rookie in 1980.

Sadly in 1991 he shocked the Basketball world by announcing that he had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS, he retired from the Lakers. However he still had hope and fought the disease with his 10,000 watt smile still shining bright.

After his initial retirement from the NBA on November 7th 1991. Magic’s immense popularity saw him still being voted as a starting player into the 1992 All Star game. He played in the game and he earned the MVP honours for that game. Following this Earvin took part in the 1992 USA gold winning Olympic basketball team in Barcelona. The original team to be dubbed the ‘Dream Team’ arguably the greatest team ever assembled. With his second and final retirement Magic entered the NBA Hall of Fame, the elite 50 greatest players.

Magic ranked among the Lakers all-time leaders in nearly all statistical categories, averaging 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 906 season matches. Magic became a TV sports commentator staying in the world of Basketball. In the fall of the 1993-1994 season Earvin became head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. At the end of the season he resigned his position blaming personal reasons and frustration over player attitudes.

Michael Jordan may be the greatest player that ever played the sport of Basketball, but Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson is one of my favourite players in the league. He could comfortably play two very different positions and he could score lots of points if needed, however the great thing was his unselfishness, he could dominate the game of basketball without taking a single shot and when he took a shot it was a huge, important one. I also admire the way Earvin rose from his problem (AIDS) and continued to dominate the sport until Jordan’s arrival. No matter what Magic came out of everything smiling…unless it was losing.

#themagicseries

TRADING CARD Feature-WILT CHAMBERLAIN

Inspired by the recent post of the first 'Showtime Newsletter' I wrote over a decade ago when I was 16...our new trading card feature offers quick, bite-size profiles of the legends of the game. Sort of like the back of a trading card.

PLAYER PROFILE : WILT CHAMBERLAIN.

Wilt Chamberlain nicknamed ‘Wilt the Stilt’ and the ‘Big Dipper’ was arguably the greatest basketball player the NBA had ever seen until a certain Michael Jordan came along and arguably the greatest centre that ever lived until Shaquille O’Neal came along and rivalled him for that accolade. However Wilt (despite Jordan and Shaq) still has high prestige in the history of Basketball. He was the man who scored 100 points in a single game “I realize that people will always remember me for my 100 point performance whether I like it or not” Wilt said.

However it was one mean feat some teams don’t even score 100 points in a game regularly combining all 12 roster players. Chamberlains century performance wasn’t his only high. In his first game in the NBA he scored 43 points and pulled down 28 rebounds against the New York Knicks. In his rookie season he gained NBA honours of Rookie of the Year, All-Star Game MVP and NBA MVP. He also averaged 37.6 points and 27.2 rebounds an amazing set of figures especially for a rookie, you could say Wilt dominated the league from day one. In his third year of Pro Basketball ‘The Stilt’ recorded an astonishing 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game.

However March 2, 1962 marked Wilt’s achievement of the virtually impossible, “Give it to Wilt!” the crowd chanted and “We want 100” the crowd cheered as ‘The Big Dipper’ came awfully close to a three digit record that no one had ever done before or would do for the remainder of the century, with 44 seconds remaining Wilt beat a double team and changed the world of basketball. “It was like holding up a tree that had been cut down and was about to fall down” Darral Imhoff Wilt’s guard for that historic night said. Wilt did not boast about his record “It was not even that amazing, had I not gone on a date last night and got some sleep I might have scored 140” he said.

Wilt remained amazing throughout his 14 year career, he won two championships and led his teams to the playoffs 13 times. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers and of course the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 31,419 points in his career a record broken by only two players Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. Wilt holds the record for total rebounds with 23,924. Wilt wore the number 13 throughout his career but it was far from unlucky. Sadly in 1999 at the age of 63 Wilt died. “We’ve lost a giant man in every sense of the word NBA commissioner David Stern said.

SHOWTIME NEWSLETTER

The Good Ole Days.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Let's take it back...in more ways then one. Over a decade ago back in college this 28 year old (yep) writer-who has now clocked 4 years of writing experience from SLAM to Bleacher Report (thanks guys...this isn't a plug)-wrote about his favourite sport basketball for the very first time. At 16 years old and for an I.T. Key Skills project I planted the seeds for my writing dream by writing about my beloved Lakers in some pretty exciting times. So in celebration here is an unedited look (notice how I like to start each sentence with the word 'however') at how I wrote back then (maybe you can see some of the early styles). However please forgive the mistakes (I'm talking about all my articles here)...you should have seen the layout of the pre-iPad, blog and Facebook days newsletter. It looked worse than the Lakers offseason roster. Yeesh!

Here it is folks...maybe I'll bring it back one day.

Extra...extra! Read all about it...

SHOWTIME NEWSLETTER

Player Profiles...

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL

Without a shadow of a doubt the most dominant Centre in the NBA and maybe the most dominant Centre that the world of Basketball has ever seen. Shaq holds the key to any championship success. With his strength and passion for the game LA look certain to win the NBA title again this season. Shaq is 7,0 and 300 pounds however despite his bulky frame he is very agile. His only weakness is his free throw shooting but its improving.

ROBERT HORRY

He may primarily start on the bench but LA’s secret weapon Robert Horry is a key player to the Lakers title triumphs. His secret was revealed when he scored 15 points against Philadelphia in Game 4 of the NBA championship to win the game for LA. He is an offensive threat both in the paint and beyond the arc, he recorded .346 from three point range and he averaged 5.2 points per game. He normally is LA’s sixth man and the super sub however with Horace Grants departure he may have a starting place. His only weakness is that he is said to be lazy, he is simply ineffective in first and third quarters.  

RICK FOX

Rick Fox may well be a player who epitomizes the role player figure of LA he is an unsung hero among all the stars who works 100% every game at both ends of the court. If LA need him then he can score lots of points he is effective in the paint and from three point range. He was the Lakers only player to play in all 82 games he started in 77 of them. He recorded .393 from beyond the arc and averaged 9.6 points per game. Rick Fox is the complete small forward for LA and only really has one backup in Deaven George however Fox is so consistent that that doesn’t matter.

KOBE BRYANT

Kobe Bryant is the second major player in the Lakers high octane offence behind Shaquille O’Neal. Kobe at 23 years old is one of the NBA’s hottest young stars. He has been issued a Jordan tag but came into his own at the start of last season and has never looked back. Bryant is great on offence and defence and boasts a range of skills that no one in the league can match. Last season he averaged 28.5 points per game he recorded .305 in three point shooting. Weaknesses? Can you actually pick out one? Kobe is a player on the rise and after reaching and winning two NBA players he has more experience then some veterans in the league.

DEREK FISHER

Derek Fisher could be one of LA’s biggest surprises last season. After returning from a stress fracture in his foot Derek finally evolved from a young, talented substitute into a star performer and the final addition to the triangle offence. Fish drained three pointers at opponents mercy, and was .397 from beyond the arc. Fisher also averaged 11.5 points per game very impressive for someone who only played 20 games last season. Fisher will miss the first month of the season with yet another fracture to the foot. However when he comes back he could improve even more and possibly one day become one of the best point guards in the league especially with good company like Bryant and O’Neal. Fisher led the Lakers in steals with 1.95, he also averaged 4.4 assists per game and 3 rebounds per game.

THE RESERVES

The Lakers have added great depth to their bench new signing Mitch Richmond takes over Robert Horry as sixth man last season he averaged 16.9 points and was .338 from three point territory. Also Lindsey Hunters (pictured) arrival gives the Lakers possibly the strongest three point shooting in the league along with sharp shooting reserves Brian Shaw, Mike Penberthy, Deaven George and rookie Joe Crispin. Samaki Walker brings his developing skills to the frontcourt and Jelani McCoy arrives as backup to Shaq. McCoy is among a new breed of ‘Marcus Camby’ centres who are said to be ‘undersized’ and ‘Underweight’ but with excellent scoring prowess. Also among the reserves are talented forwards Stanislav Medvedenko and last year rookie Mark Madsen.

FORGET ABOUT JORDAN KOBE’S ON FIRE!

All the news in the NBA at the moment is focusing on the return of former Chicago Bull star Michael Jordan and as much as I welcome his return I cant help but think that his comeback will be tarnished by the continuing rise of the current cream of the NBA crop I’m talking about players like Vince Carter, Tracy Mcgrady, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant. Players who have all been given Jordan tags but have come of age and made names for themselves. The list continues Kevin Garnett, Chris Webber, Latrell Sprewell, etc. All these players are the stars that today’s fans love.

Kobe Bryant for one has really become a huge talent, fed up of playing in the shadow of Dominant team-mate Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe has become a key player in the Lakers back to back championship campaigns. With Shaq’s dominance comes Kobe’s flair, With Shaq’s strength comes Kobe’s agility and with Shaq’s interior play comes Kobe’s perimeter play.

Following mid-season feuds Shaq and Kobe made up and won LA their second straight NBA title with a little help from role players like Robert Horry and Derek Fisher. Now LA boasts the best offence with two unpredictable players leading the way. Players reminiscent of past dynamic duos that the Lakers had, Kareem Abdul-Jabber and Magic Johnson and Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West.

 Make no mistake, Kobe Bryant is not the next Michael Jordan he is Kobe Bryant.

Years from now critics will be trying to find the new Kobe Bryant. At just 22 years of age Kobe has become one of the most exciting players in the league he has also won two NBA titles and rings.
The 30th October will mark the start of the new NBA season and amidst all the Jordan comeback hype a certain double act will be hotly tipped to take their third successive title.

RICHMOND FINALLY IN L.A!

With Rider gone Phil Jackson finally has a suitable backup for Kobe Bryant. Former All Star and Sacramento King star Mitch Richmond.

The prolific scorer who averaged 16.9 points last season was involved in a trade for Lakers point guard Tyronn Lue. Last season he played for the Washington Wizards and came 5th in the league for free throws. Mitch Richmond improves the Lakers bench and with O’Neal, Bryant and Fisher acting as the first team triangle offence, Mitch should complete the benches triangle offence which features sixth man Robert Horry and new signing Lindsey Hunter.

Kobe now has too solid backups with Mitch and the Lakers three point leader Mike Penberthy, fans wont miss the presence of wayward Isaiah Rider or retired Ron Harper.

If Mitch gets his chance to play in the first team (and he will while Fishers injured) then he will join Shaq and Kobe to form the leagues most dominant three pronged attack. He will become the Lakers best third scoring option since Glen Rice who left at the start of last season.

ISAIAH’S RIDE IS OVER!

Forget about Rider's last chance to justify his place in the NBA, it's over.

J.R Rider a former Minnesota Timberwolve, Portland Trail Blazer and Atlanta Hawk, was given a last shot at the big time with the best team in the league the Los Angeles Lakers. But after turning up for training late like Cedric Ceballos used to do, being regarded as untrustworthy by his teamates and after violating the NBA’s anti-drug problem Isaiah was cut from the Lakers playoff roster in favour of Tyronn Lue. Rider has recently signed for playoff shy Denver Nuggets (he was late for training the first day). Rider could have been one of the best players in the league in his prime, However he broke the law too many times and became such a problem to the NBA that Dennis Rodman looked like an angel.

MORE NEW SIGNINGS FOR LA!

If the arrival of Mitch Richmond wasn’t enough to enough to guarantee a third successive title for the Lakers then the signing of more talented players sure was.

The Lakers traded backup centre Greg Foster to the Milwaukee Bucks for three point specialist two guard Lindsey Hunter, they also signed talented but unproven San Antonio Power Forward Samaki Walker who acted as all star Tim Duncan’s backup last season for the Spurs, he has the skills but will have to fight with Russian Stanislav Medvedenko and last year rookie Mark Madsen for a roster spot as backup to Robert Horry. He can also play backup centre. Walker has great rebounding potential but is he a good enough replacement for departed veteran Horace Grant. If he does choose to play backup centre then he will have to compete for the job with new signing Jelani McCoy who is young and has scoring potential.

The Lakers rookie this year is Point Guard Joe Crispin who is a very good shooter. All these signings strengthen L.A’s bench.

SHAQ RAPS!

Shaquille O’Neal celebrated the Los Angeles Lakers back to back championship success by rapping in front of a crowd of thousand of Lakers fans at the teams celebration festival. He performed his own rendition of ‘It takes two’ Shaq (pictured) entertained the large crowd, but the show was somewhat oddly stolen by rookie Mark Madsen and his dodgy dancing.  

GUESS WHOS BACK?

The Lakers have plenty of competition for this years NBA championship however no one expects the Washington Wizards to do well this year. However the team have a trick up the sleeve their owner and possibly the greatest basketball player that ever lived Michael Jordan has come out of retirement for two seasons to play for the team. He is donating all his salary to the relief fund in New York after the Trade centre disaster on September 11. 

CAN THE LAKERS MAKE IT THREE IN A ROW!

The Los Angeles Lakers won their second straight NBA title by beating last seasons success story the Philadelphia 76ers 4 games to 1. The Lakers also gained the record for the most successful postseason run in the leagues history by sweeping every team apart from the 76ers, the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Antonio Spurs and the Sacramento Kings. These teams were considered the best in the Western conference. The Lakers won despite being written off by critics because of feuds between star performers Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant (pictured left). The Lakers won and became a much better team then the squad that won their first championship by beating the Indiana Pacers in the 1999-2000 season.

The question is can they now make it three in a row. The team is certainly strong enough the team is still fairly intact despite the loss of popular veteran players Horace Grant ( pictured right) and Ron Harper and the loss of Isaiah Rider who was an excellent player at his best however his troubles with the law and his disloyalty to the club were too much for another team to suffer Rider was shown the door.

The Lakers made up for these losses by signing some top players. Topping the list is All Star Mitch Richmond who should partner O’Neal and Bryant in the teams triangle offence despite his age and injury problems. The Lakers also signed guard Lindsey Hunter who came 5th in the league for three-pointers last year. Questions were raised by the signing of Samaki Walker as starting power forward. Walker has always been a backup and the Lakers could of signed top forwards Anthony Mason or Brian Grant. However Samaki has proved every one wrong by excelling in the preseason, however he still has to fight for a starting place with skilled but lazy forwards like Robert Horry and Russian Stanislav Medvedenko.

However some problems face the Lakers rookie Mark Madsen and third scoring option Derek Fisher are both injured how ever they are predicted to be back soon. There are also rumours of a rows between O’Neal and coach Phil Jackson however knowing the Lakers it should blow over and the Lakers should be lifting the NBA trophy for a third consecutive year come next June. 

PLAYER PROFILE : WILT CHAMBERLAIN.

Wilt Chamberlain nicknamed ‘Wilt the Stilt’ and the ‘Big Dipper’ was arguably the greatest basketball player the NBA had ever seen until a certain Michael Jordan came along and arguably the greatest centre that ever lived until Shaquille O’Neal came along and rivalled him for that accolade. However Wilt (despite Jordan and Shaq) still has high prestige in the history of Basketball. He was the man who scored 100 points in a single game “I realize that people will always remember me for my 100 point performance whether I like it or not” Wilt said.

However it was one mean feat some teams don’t even score 100 points in a game regularly combining all 12 roster players. Chamberlains century performance wasn’t his only high. In his first game in the NBA he scored 43 points and pulled down 28 rebounds against the New York Knicks. In his rookie season he gained NBA honours of Rookie of the Year, All-Star Game MVP and NBA MVP. He also averaged 37.6 points and 27.2 rebounds an amazing set of figures especially for a rookie, you could say Wilt dominated the league from day one. In his third year of Pro Basketball ‘The Stilt’ recorded an astonishing 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds per game.

However March 2, 1962 marked Wilt’s achievement of the virtually impossible, “Give it to Wilt!” the crowd chanted and “We want 100” the crowd cheered as ‘The Big Dipper’ came awfully close to a three digit record that no one had ever done before or would do for the remainder of the century, with 44 seconds remaining Wilt beat a double team and changed the world of basketball. “It was like holding up a tree that had been cut down and was about to fall down” Darral Imhoff Wilt’s guard for that historic night said. Wilt did not boast about his record “It was not even that amazing, had I not gone on a date last night and got some sleep I might have scored 140” he said.

Wilt remained amazing throughout his 14 year career, he won two championships and led his teams to the playoffs 13 times. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers and of course the Los Angeles Lakers. He scored 31,419 points in his career a record broken by only two players Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. Wilt holds the record for total rebounds with 23,924. Wilt wore the number 13 throughout his career but it was far from unlucky. Sadly in 1999 at the age of 63 Wilt died. “We’ve lost a giant man in every sense of the word NBA commissioner David Stern said. 

PLAYER PROFILE : EARVIN ‘MAGIC’ JOHNSON

Julius Erving said it best when he described Magic as “The only player ever who can absolutely dominate a game while only taking three shots”. Earvin and Boston Celtic legend Larry Bird turned the game of Basketball around from a sport almost bankrupt to a sport on the worlds centre stage. Johnson helped the Los Angeles Lakers become one of the most dominating Basketball teams in the 1980’s. he is considered to be one of the best point guards and playmakers ever to enter the league. The nickname ‘Magic’ came in a high school game in which Earvin scored 36 points, 18 rebounds and 16 assists. Johnson defied the usual physical attributes a Point Guard has, he was 6, 9 tall and sometimes played at Centre because of his height.

Magic led the Lakers to five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) he formed a formidable partnership with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Earvin was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) on three occasions (1987, 1989, 1990). He was NBA finals MVP in 1982, 1987 and as a rookie in 1980.

Sadly in 1991 he shocked the Basketball world by announcing that he had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS, he retired from the Lakers. However he still had hope and fought the disease with his 10,000 watt smile still shining bright.

After his initial retirement from the NBA on November 7th 1991. Magic’s immense popularity saw him still being voted as a starting player into the 1992 All Star game. He played in the game and he earned the MVP honours for that game. Following this Earvin took part in the 1992 USA gold winning Olympic basketball team in Barcelona. The original team to be dubbed the ‘Dream Team’ arguably the greatest team ever assembled. With his second and final retirement Magic entered the NBA Hall of Fame, the elite 50 greatest players.

Magic ranked among the Lakers all-time leaders in nearly all statistical categories, averaging 19.5 points, 11.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 906 season matches. Magic became a TV sports commentator staying in the world of Basketball. In the fall of the 1993-1994 season Earvin became head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. At the end of the season he resigned his position blaming personal reasons and frustration over player attitudes.

Michael Jordan may be the greatest player that ever played the sport of Basketball, but Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson is one of my favourite players in the league. He could comfortably play two very different positions and he could score lots of points if needed, however the great thing was his unselfishness, he could dominate the game of basketball without taking a single shot and when he took a shot it was a huge, important one. I also admire the way Earvin rose from his problem (AIDS) and continued to dominate the sport until Jordan’s arrival. No matter what Magic came out of everything smiling…unless it was losing.

COURTSIDE COLUMN

  
To start our new opinion based short columns, we sound off on what's been bouncing around the courts the most lately.

LeBron-Carmelo-Kobe-2014.

Hollywood, the NBA, it's all a business you know. Why is it these days the most exciting time of the basketball year is in the offseason...and we aren't talking about the Las Vegas Summer League here peeps. Sure some mega deals make for some excited fans and Twitter feeds, but the Summer blockbusters should be left for 'Pacific Rim' and the 'Man Of Steel'. Sure in this season of deals a lot more is about to go down but right now for one team it was all good just an Odom, Bynum and Fisher ago. Even the Zen Master would have a hard time calming this mess and Buss junior hasn't even begun to swing the wrecking ball his late, great father said he would.

Maybe I'm just a bitter Laker fan who is down from the departure flightplan of Superman 2. With Dwight Howard now giving Houston a problem or the next Dream, the Lakers are haemorrhaging (thank the basketball Gods Kobe bleeds purple and gold aswell as vino for life). From the artist formerly known as Artest, now becoming Mecca World Peace and returning home to N.Y. (we're proud of you buddy, good luck...they need you) to the fact that next year the only player under contract is a 40 year old point guard. Still, me and my girlfriend (a devout F1 fan) where talking about sports politics and how it just takes away from the actual entertainment and purity of the sport itself. It's more than money or fame or drama, when a kid is up late playing basketball in his back yard like Michael Jordan in 'Space Jam'. For every Garnett, Pierce and Terry looking to make the Brooklyn Nets bigger in the fight for N.Y. (albeit with a best before end sticker) than the storied, finally there Knicks, there is a depleted, storied Boston franchise that has to start again from scratch. I mean Rondo's great but who is he going to pass too?

Then again when you tell me that next year the Lakers could boast the biggest three ever...and I do mean ever. Surely this Laker fan will change his mind...like the rest of us "fake" fans right?! LeBron, 'Melo and Kobe...I mean WOW! Who wouldn't want that...unless we get Chris Paul nixed again. Kobe can retire to the rafters after a few great years with the two premier players in the league who will take over showtime and the rest of the NBA for the rest of their careers. The legend, the legacy, the championship, the coronation, the jerseys, the statu...STOP! Wait a minute who is to say James or Anthony will leave the big markets of Miami and New York for the bright lights of L.A. Sure they left Cleveland and Denver, but they look settled now. LeBron's ringing the championship changes with his own big three and proving everyone wrong. There will be a second watch the throne, before there is a 'Decision 2'. Just ask Jay-Z. Hometown hero Carmelo looks right in the New York orange like he did the upstate Syracuse one and in this current Knick/Net war for the city it looks no better than that. Besides LeBron is supposed to take his talents back from South Beach to his hometown Ohio to be a Cleveland Cavalier with next great point Kyrie Irving, but would you swap champagne for wine and rocks thrown at billboards instead of thrones? I'll believe that when I witness it.

As for the Lakers we got excited for the biggest free agent less than 365 days ago and a year later look where that got us. Dwight wont be added to the Mikan, Wilt, Kareem and Shaq Mount Rushmore of Lakerland and until the future tells us otherwise if you want LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony alongside Kobe Bryant, you better make some trades on your video game and have some fun. Reality is we have a season now to play, let's not throw games for lottery balls and free agent markets. Right now let's be thankful we have some potential in Wesley Johnson (who actually wants to be here...yep there's my cutting remark...sorry I'm not as good as the jokes as Jon Hamm), a decent big in Chris Kaman, and a hometown boy returning to the team he belongs...welcome back Jordan Farmar. Let's just hope Pau Gasol comes back as strong as we know Kobe will and hope we can add some more pieces before the puzzling 2014 market unfolds. Which is a year away, so dont waste it away. Right now Laker fans we need to enjoy Kobe and what we have left...while it lasts. This may all be a game to some but the real one begins after LeBron receives his ring...for the Miami Heat. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THE MAGIC SERIES-NOW YOU SEE ME

The Incredible Earvin Johnson.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

"First rule of magic...always be the smartest guy in the room."

Ladies and gentleman, don't be alarmed. What you are about to witness tonight is magic like no other. We will transport you in your seats back to the purple and golden era of the 1980's. It's showtime people and our man with the top hat and wand is going to light up the basketball world like California mornings with just a flick of his wrist. Look closely...now you see him.

Now you don't...like a flash upcourt he runs, a Point Guard in a big-mans (who occasionally takes the cap's chair) body, the centre of attention. A man built like a quarterback and one who delivers the ball in the same way. Shoot first, think later...nah, pass first, see the game before. Watch him race upcourt look one way (normally at you) and throw the peach in the opposite direction (usually to the guy you where too busy not watching). Slight of hand has never felt so grand. The magician who could make the ace in the hole play would rather show you his full deck and still win by his hand. Watch him now as he affects the game on the grandest scale without even needing to take a single shot. Talk about pulling a rabbit out the hat.

Watch him change the game with a blonde haired white kid from way downtown in French Lick. Watch him take this sport of basketball across the borders of the world and cultural divides. Before LeBron, before Kobe. Even before the greatest of all time Michael Jordan, there was another M.J., defining this league and his G.O.A.T. legacy of being the best. When LL Cool J was ruling the charts and helping build the towers of Def Jam, a basketball pioneer was relaying the foundations of the forum. Mama said knock every other team out. The Lakers-let alone the league-haven't seen a P.G., like him since. It took Nick Van Exel, some clutch Derek Fisher buckets and an ageing Steve Nash last year to come even a little bit close decades later. His legend lives in Laker legacy and he is the greatest at his revolutionized position in league history.

Witness him hold court like a judge, passing death sentences to the opposition with the drop of the gavel. A jury of his peers found him guilty of stealing the gaze of everybody before their eyes. From Hollywood to the hardwood. It could be Jack Nicholson or Isiah Thomas...everyone wanted to get close to the savior of basketball, whose legacy was more than just legend. It was the end of the old way and a new day in what decades later is one of the most premier and popular sports of the century. As a business man he took Starbucks to the 'hood, as an all business basketball player he took the game to the globe, trotting like a Harlem player, making it all so fun again. Prepare to be amazed by all this world wonder that came from the most selfless player...no wait the most humble, selfless celebrity in history. No wonder the Red Hot Chilli Peppers dedicated a song to him like their 'Salute To Kareem' by the way.

There's hundreds and thousands of memories that truly amaze and that's just the icing on the cake. The Magic man's game was cooler than the ones he put in the Chick Hearn refrigerator, by the word of Jim Murray. From his explosive speed to finding he right place and pass for a shot and detonation...and boom goes the dynamite. From Jerry West to Jerry Buss he owned it. From the slickness of Pat Riley's drawn out play to the Worthy big game of James and the sky-hook, line and sinker of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar the Los Angeles Lakers of the eighties overcame their Celtic green envy and beat Boston into meeting Larry O'Brien on some storied late June nights. Just like Los Angeles at it's best, it gets no hotter than that.

A shining star who was a beacon for basketball. An All-American who served over a billion people like McDonalds and did more for the world beyond basketball...and we aren't talking about his brilliant business ventures. A man who boldly looked the world and the HIV disease in the eyes and announced he wasn't giving up or giving in. You can't slow the pick and roll of the greatest. An inspiring figure who influenced changed the sport world with his friend Larry and more. Flying like Bird from the scissor cut net gains of college to the Barcelona Olympics it was all a dream, made real. As improvised and inspired as jazz, like Miles, Dizzy, Coltrane or Mingus, our man was behind the notes but ahead of the play.

He knew exactly where everything was going...his way. This was his life like his autobiography, the game was his along with Larry like their co-write. It was written, from the basketball gods to the record books. Engraved in the hardware of history. From the basketball hall to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame he dribbled the ball to it all. Raising his jersey to the rafters and hitting it all out the park before retiring and owning the Dodgers. From the banners to Broadway, coaches, analysts, purists and players still can't comprehend a player like him. This is no trick. This is as real as it gets. Magic in a world of muggles and league of extraordinary gentlemen. After all this is the closest thing to Quidditch.

Ladies and gentleman this is Earvin Johnson...this is Magic.

Now you see him.

GARY PAYTON Feature-PAYTON IN FULL

The Glove Is On For The Hall.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

This year there is about to be a lot of chatter down the halls of basketball fame. This time the talk won't be trash though. A true 90's legend and one of the greatest Point Guards of all time is about to be enshrined by Naismith alongside N.Y. legend Bernard King in this years Hall of Fame. Welcome to basketball immortality Gary Payton. You've sure earned it. Talking the talk, and dribbling the dribble all the way to an incredible, successful career.

A player for our generation. Nine times an All-Star, nine times all-defensive along with only Kobe, Jordan and Kevin Garnett. The only P.G. to ever win the 'Defensive Player of the Year' award and one of the only players to ever even cause the greatest of all-time problems. A two time gold medalist who showed the world he was an Olympian as well as one of the NBA's greatest athletes. A skillful and savvy guard. The only thing more slicker than his infamous 'trash talk' was his famous game.

'The Glove' held it down for Supersonic basketball for 13 years. More Seattle than Fraiser Crane, the whole city was listening and watching. Before it was 'goodnight Seattle we lost you' and 'good morning Oklahoma and Kevin Durant and co', Payton was as 90's and Seattle as the Sonics traditional, now throwback jerseys. Laker legend Gail Goodrich said Payton was "probably as complete a guard as there ever was", while Gary's cousin coined the nickname 'The Glove' for his smothering defensive ability. "You're holding Kevin Johnson like a baseball in a glove" he remarked. This may not be baseball, but when it came to basketball, whether it be one of Phoenix's brightest scorers or money, the ball was Gary's in the end.

Payton in full was one of not only the games greatest true 'guards', but an offensive talent as well as an defensive one. We're not talking about the talk either. He is known as the NBA's highest scoring Point Guards in his prime and is legendary in basketball lore as a purist like Rakim is in hip-hop. Legendary Seattle grunge outfit Pearl Jam may have originally named there band originally after Mookie Blaylock, but when it came to Seattle basketball it was number 20 who rose above them all like the Space Needle. An out of this world talent who woke up his team like coffee and stirred his opposition. Gary Payton holds the Seattle franchise records for points, assists, and steals. Just like the cities sensational sister team, it was always a Storm when Payton played.

Fresh out of Oakland, California, Gary was a star and a 'Sports Illustrated' cover feature during his time at Oregon State University. The 1987 Freshman Of The Year, already belongs in a hall of his own being enshrined in the OSU's Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. With all these accolades it's no wonder Seattle took him with the second overall pick in the first draft of the 1990's. There a true 90's legend was born. A man who almost enjoyed 20 years in the league. Before Blake Griffin and Chris Paul took the basketball worlds attention in Lob City, California there was a 'Sonic Boom' of magnificent, air shattering performances in Seattle. You all thought that was the cities famous rain...but it was reign. As the reignman Shawn Kemp and Payton formed an alley-oop, point/dunk combo for the ages that re-invigorated basketball and would have made the daily dose 24/7 if Youtube was around then. The top ten plays of the week belonged to one of the greatest duo's ever. There was a storm coming and Thunder in Seattle before the city was even stripped of their team, name and colors in favor for Oklahoma.

Even for the 'Sonicless in Seattle' years a retired Payton has been active in supporting his former club. One standpoint was his expression not to have his retired Sonics jersey in the rafters of Oklahoma City. he wants it home in Seattle, where it belongs. That is a good point from a great guard. Working on bringing a team back to his basketball city, Payton was part of the famous documentary 'Sonicsgate' and now his valiant efforts amongst others are giving Seattle it's Sonics franchise back. Sure like no Gary and the team in Oklahoma, it'll never be the same, but we only have to look back to the golden era of the 90's for the good times. A time when Payton was manning the basketball quarterback position like Eli.

Like the number of times Payton cause the greatest player of all time Michael Jordan trouble. The rivalry even stretched to the 1996 Sonics/Chicago Bulls Finals, where in six games The Glove grabbed the bull by the horns and had basketball's Ali on the ropes. Payton boxing clever would get into M.J.'s head with his trash, but get under his skin with his play. Michael may have floated in the air like a butterfly, but Payton stung like a son of a bee. Mike could talk the talk too, but 'The Gloves' 6, 4, 180 pound frame could match up with the G.O.A.T like his words. Jordan's averages almost tailed off by ten against Gary. Sure 27.3 points per game (a great 26 in one of these games, was Jordan's lowest Finals total ever) is still incredible, but when Payton man-handles points away even from the greatest offensive threat the NBA has ever seen you can see why this glove was one of the most smothering and frustrating opponents ever even when he kept his mouth shut.

Gary Dwayne Payton may have never won a ring in Seattle but he sure earned his respect. It was strange to see him leave but in a trade for Ray Allen, Payton found himself in Milwaukee in a small, Point only backcourt with Sam Cassell. The two together had a short but very sweet spell of small basketball skill. Then in one of the craziest offseasons and arguably the birth of superteams, 'The Glove' aligned with 'The Mailman' as Payton and Karl Malone joined Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles with the Lakers. In a Hall Of Fame dynasty extending move the faces of Seattle and Utah basketball, strangely donned purple and gold. It looked good but wasn't all 'showtime' however as the Lakers couldn't get it done against a more complete, champion team in the Detroit Pistons. They tried though and even though a death of a dynasty ensued as Karl, Shaq and even Phil Jackson escaped from L.A., Gary was committed to staying around and making everything work.

Still the truest Point Guard the Lakers had since Magic was traded to L.A's rivals Boston with role player legend Rick Fox for Chris Mihm, Jumaine Jones and Chucy Atkins. This obviously didn't please Payton who was then shipped to Atlanta for former Celtics great Antoine Walker. Still, things weren't working out there either and Payton was released and then returned to Boston. Then G.P. 20 took his talents to South Beach in a reunion with Shaquille O'Neal and also the man he was traded for and then played with in Boston (Antoine Walker) for the Miami Heat. With some crucial contributions and some clutch shots Dwayne Payton helped Dwyane Wade and company to a championship. Giving Gary a well deserved ring that eluded him in Seattle.

The Hall now awaits a man who boasts career averages of 16.3 points, 6.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals a game. A man who put the city of Seattle and it's Supersonics franchise on his back, not only during his prolific playing career, but also during the dark, dog days of a city that lost his team. A fast talker with a quicker game. One so slick, it was sick enough to cause the greatest player ever displeasure. A man that was not only the face of Seattle and the 90's but one that was the look and that infamous trash talk grin of basketball. This traditional Point Guard helped revolutionise the game with more than his wordplay. Now 'The Glove' will be handed to Naismith, where the Hall Of Fame will hold his memory down forever. When it comes to the 90's golden era of basketball there's nothing like nostalgia and there's no one like Gary.

THE KOBE SERIES-DEAR KOBE

An Open Letter To Kobe Bryant.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Dear Kobe.

This is for you. Thank you. Now I would love to claim to be your biggest fan but then I would be discrediting the love you receive from all sorts of devoted fans all over the globe. I'm an NBA fan who bleeds purple and gold. One who often wonders which M.J. was the greatest of all time when it came to sports like those who swear by the king of pop (R.I.P.). Still, your closer than you think. The story of my love for this game and your game is a special one. Here it goes...

You grew up in Europe. You know how it is! I sit writing this in an internet cafe in my hometown in England, thinking of how you grew up in Italy dribbling with your hands while everyone else was doing it with their feet. I know you love soccer, but like your first love I love basketball and when it comes to sport I havent looked back since. While everyone else in my country was watching the Premier League my heavy, 2 in the morning eyelids where focussed on basketball and again you know how it is. Television coverage, before cable and League Passes (which not everyone including myself can afford) was seldom. Sure it was Michael Jordan who got me into basketball, him and his Chicago Bulls team, but I never really saw them play until I went to the video libary. He was a legend, you where the reality.

Standing their with that 'fro, that smile and those sunglasses, next to that big fella. Complete with a new stadium and uniform set that shined brighter than the Californian sun in Los Angeles, but not your chances. I saw purple and gold ticker tape fall as you leapt into Shaquille O'Neal's arms on my television set a million miles away. The kid from the small seaside town saw a team that ruled the Pacific do it again three times over before, he had to get a closer look. That's when I made the trip, halfway through my sebatcle year in Toronto, Canada (shout out to the T-Dot, 81 right?!) in 2006. I had a few weeks left before I returned home for Christmas, I was close, but not that close. Still, it didn't matter I made that flight to LAX. What I thought would be just in time to catch the Lakers/Clippers what we here call a derby at STAPLES...but then lost luggae happened and I missed THE game. Still, I got to meet former player Walt McCarty at the airport and strike up a conversation which six years later led to an interview. America and life is crazy.

Still, when I got my things back and went to the heart of the city, the first thing I did with the new day was visit downtown Los Angeles. There after an hour long coach ride I saw the STAPLES Centre for the first time in it's metal and glass flesh and it was like seeing one of America's greatest landmarks for me. In my mind the Hollywood sign couldnt compare. Nothing could. I made my way to the ticket booth and asked what games where playing this week (I already knew), the attendee told me about the 5 games over the week (I had planned it perfectly). He asked me which ones I wanted. I looked at all my saved up cash..."all of them"!

Then I got to see all the dunks, fade-away's, steals and smiles for real. I couldn't take my eyes off the court...and I'm a big Jack Nicholson fan. It was December. Remember you went down with an injury in the week. I thought 'what luck', but then against the odds you came back to beat the San Antonio Spurs, tongue out with the dunk. Just when I saved the best seats in the house for last. What a trip! What a week! You came back. The I did four years later (it felt like home)...and I know you will, 6 or 9 months later. Is this the end? Nah! I mean I know you, I've grown up with you. Father time never. Face time more like. Time to get those iPhone's and Instagram ready. I just feel sorry for the bear.

You see I had to put it all down in writing, like I've done time and time about you. Almost to the point where it's become a little strange (but hey, I'm a sportswriter). 'The Kobe Series' followed 'The Jordan Series' as I tried to hash-tag the range of articles I've wrote about you to spread the love, just like you joining Twitter. You can always 'Count On Kobe'. I can't thank you enough, writing about you on your birthday (the article 'Thirtysomething') got me my first gig with SLAM Magazine's online site. How can I thank you for that? Your passion, fuelled mine and turned it into work and success. Then came Dime Magazine's 'Laker Nation' blog and who knows what next. From speaking to the likes of Scoop Jackson (he has his own letter), James Worthy on Christmas, your boys Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Earl Clark, Kareem Rush, A.C. Green and even the likes of Spike Lee, Tyrese and Vin Diesel. This life is crazy, but it all started with you. The love of my life even see's it, and she prefers her sports with four wheels. It's all love.

"Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise," remember?! Don't hate this I'm not writing this article like this is it. This is no goodbye letter. Six to nine months is a long time and I may have wooried that you may never come back but I know the Kareem rocking chair has to wait. Besides you've just overtaken Wilt when no one thought you could. Who's next? Even the King LeBron knows the throne may be his, but it's not his league yet. You retire when you say you do. As those so called better players get wheelchaired off the court with lesser injurys (ouch!), you rip your achilles apart (it's amost a fitting injury for the player closest to 'God'), make two free-throws and walk off like you where just taking a Gatorade break. Maybe you are.

You've come back from things more flagrant. Won MVP's with a broken nose, become a phantom menace with the mask, showed ESPN this former number 8 is better than 7th place. There's still venom in this Mamba. The Vino is still getting better with age. You shouldn't worry...everyone else should. You're good, matter of fact you're great. That's what makes you legendary. I've got you like Dwight, Pau, Steve and Metta have. I'll see you again, maybe in L.A., and I'll write again and it won't be a history piece. It'll be a piece where you make history. 'The Kobe Series' will still play and you'll still come back with avengance. Besides it's just one more ring you want right? This is no book end. This is the start of the next chapter of your career. The story continues. Now how do you want to write it?

Yours Sincerely,

Tim David Harvey