Lakers Analysis

Buss 
Jim Buss comes off as a guy who's looking to impress someone. His dad gave him the team so he for now on believes he has to make all the decisions and his game plan has to be the only game plan. His pride is a major roadblock for the team. His issues might stem from problems with his siblings or an unresolved conflict he had with his dad but regardless if the Lakers are ever going to regain their glory they need an owner who's only motive is making this team great.

Fans and Media
Most of us fans have no knowledge of basketball past scoring and fouls. Media just make stuff up to make headlines and get paid. Most of them learn about the game on the job. We influence the game more than we think though. The players and front office actually watch shows and listen to other fans. All the american players were raised with the media and so their personal views of the game have been influenced since their childhood.

Don't believe me? Go volunteer at your local elementary school or go grab a ball and head to the park. Listen to how the youth talk about the game. It's going to sound a lot like many of the ESPN analyst. Very few of the youth have original thought when it comes to the game of basketball. As the youth grow and some make the league these views come with them to the NBA. Which explains why some players don't want to play for the Lakers. Who would want to play for a team that has such negative coverage. In the same light it would be comparable to working at McDonalds. Although it's clearly Americans guilty pleasure no one wants to be caught wearing the arches.

We live in a society where we celebrate and glorify instant gratification. In the case of the Lakers their fans have been spoiled by sixteen championship banners that hang in the Staples Center. Many of the younger fans grew up with Kobe and Shaq on the Lakers. Championships became synonymous with Los Angeles. Even as the glory years of the three peat came and have since left it wasn't long at all for the Lakers to get annoyed with not winning and made the trade for Gasol which lead to two more championships.

Analyst, fans, spectators and even haters expect the Lakers to be a winning team. This has created a pill too hard to swallow. A line up that includes Price, Sacre and Ellington has only frustrated the frustrated. Although the Lakers may be a few moves away from contending they currently only look towards one thing, their first win of the season.

The instant gratification demanded is gone. The media and many "fans" have moved on from the Lakers because their water hole seems to have run dry. This leaves the franchise with no fan support. When you have no support, it creates the classic dig yourself out of the hole atmosphere.

Now how do we move forward? This team needs a small forward who can knock down three's and defend big dominant forwards like Lebron. They also need young consistent big man to replace Pau and stronger depth at each position.

Here's my Suggestions

1- Trade for Monroe or Rondo

2- Nash retire and place Randle to the IR list. This will allow them to sign two players for half of the salary of the above mentioned. I suggest signing Earl Clark.

3- From now on stop targeting blockbuster players like Melo and LeBron. Those aren't realistic pickups. Instead target guys like Kawhi Leonard and DeAndre Jordan. These are guys who make an even bigger impact for half the money. Then surround them with quality role players. The Lakers won in 2009 and 2010 with guys like Shannon Brown and Trevor Ariza. They will not win with Guys like Ronnie Price and Robert Sacre. You need to know the value of players and what their strengths are to a team. That matters more in the long run.

4- Remember this is Kobe's team until he retires. Don't try to be smart and move him out earlier. He's not a scrub he's the best player in franchise history!!!


By Chris Schlierman
Edited and Co Written by Eddie Schlierman

WORLD SERIES PREDICTIONS AND ANALYSIS

In a post season fueled by emotion, this World Series is proving to be an entertaining one. Both league's wild card teams are now Championship contenders, riding a "don't underestimate us underdogs" emotional streak that many of the heavy hitters never showed up with.

It's been exciting to watch the teams play a similar style of small ball as neither is vaulted for it's offense but has managed to put the ball in play at the right time to put their teams on top. The reputation for both however has been in their pitching, and that's what the series will be decided on.

The Giants are the veterans, with several of the players having multiple world series rings on their fingers leaving them looking like Mr. T, and a big part of that has been their veteran pitchers. This was even more evident with Mad Bum on the mound this past Sunday who owns a shocking 4-0 record with a .29 era in world series games. The scorekeepers have planned a policy to etch a W in the win column in all future starts for Mad Bum as oppositions have been left helpless unless you can get to the Giants bullpen, (who've has been no slouch). That's the one area though that the royals may have the Giants outmatched, as the Royals have one of the most intimidating bullpens. 

Aside from Finnegan's recent implosion, the Royals have been fantastic, but it's the only thing that seems to be real on the Royals team, as their offense is uninspiring, and their starting pitching is fairly middle of the pack. The Royals are lucky enough to be facing the weaker part of the Giant's pitching staff as Jake Peavy struggled in his last outing against the royals, and has had problems going deep in the game the last few outings. Similarly, Tim Hudson has been nothing to write home about since September.

The big question mark is going to be with rookie Yordano Ventura who has been fantastic at times in the post season. He's also the first rookie to start for a Royals team in the World Series. A big question comes with his health however. Early in the season he was hitting 100 mph regularly on the gun until he had some arm problems. Some were concerned it would limit his play time, but he slowed his velocity and managed to put together a very respectable season. Upon entering the post season however, it's seemed he's released his Royal reigns. I was at the game he started against the Angels, and he was regularly hitting 100 mph once again, hitting 102 at one point in the 5th inning! He is a real talent for sure with big time upside for his career. 

However, since unleashing, he's recently had reports of arm soreness. The team has been dismissive of it's problems but I think this is a big red flag. I'm very skeptical that he'll be as effective in this game especially deep into the game. The Royals have the bullpen to relive him, but I have concerns that the damage will be done before they get a chance to use it. If the Royals can win this one, they are my pick to win the championship. If the Giants get to Ventura however, I think the Giants take the series in game 6. 

Giants are my pick in 6 games. If we see a game 7, look for the Royals to be taking home a historic championship win.

By Alan Clark

Ray Rice should never be allowed near the NFL again

Earlier today leaked video, provided by TMZ,  showed former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then fiancé in the face until she lost consciousness and then proceeded to drag her out of the elevator.  What the video showed was utterly disgusting and made me cringe down to my core.  The fact is clear and simple and how Roger Goodell handled the situation in July was pitiful. It's obvious what needs to happen here; Ray Rice should never ever be allowed to be apart of the NFL or anything that associates with the NFL and his ex-wife needs to press charges as soon as she can.  Anyone who has been involved in a long term relationship knows that your significant other can push you to the absolute edge, but there is one thing that is never tolerated and what Ray Rice did was the least professional action anyone in that kind of public spotlight could do.  Being someone who loves sports, especially football as much as I do, it saddens me to see the blatant disrespect that Ray Rice, Roger Goodell and by default the NFL displayed towards women throughout this entire process.
-Derick

NBA All Time Greatest

While watching ESPN and other Sports Stations I noticed a trend. Their discussion on Best Player only included players from the 80's, 90's & Modern era. Which inspired me to create a real Best Player list that included all decades and a current best player list.

Also I wanted to leave my comments to why different decades were ignored. Well without much thought the average analyst is going to highlight only a few from a decade. As well they're going to focus on the players that were the top when they were in college/ starting their career. Which explains why Magic and MJ are as far back as analyst will cover. Plus ESPN was created in 1978.

As for my List here it is

1- Kareem Abdul Jabbar

The all time leading scorer, top 5 in various other stats with 5 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs, 19 All Star appearances and 6 Championships. No matter if your a stat guy, awards guy or championship guy; Kareem is the top or near the top in everything. That's why he's the greatest all time.

2- Wilt Chamberlain

Not the all time scorer but he would have if he played a few more seasons. He was and still is the most dominant athlete in sports history. As a single player he was the closest to a "win a title by yourself" player. He could lead the league in every stat but free throws if he wanted including assist where he average over 8 in one of his last years active. No one can guard him. Period.

3- Bill Russell

The greatest champion of all time. I know it's hard to believe someone winning more rings than Jordan but Russell nearly doubled Jordan with 11 championships. The most shocking part was he only played 13 years!

4- Larry Bird

The definition of a fighter. Larry Bird was the original killer. Yes he won championships, awards and had the best stats for his position of small forward ever but his best qualification was how serious he took the game. While others quit competing after the game Bird didn't. Magic Johnson got 2 more rings than Bird during the 80's but if Bird had Kareem I'm certain Magic would have never won a single ring. Oh and just for a bonus Jordan never beat Bird while Bird was playing healthy. So I guess you could say Bird kept  "Air Jordan" grounded.

5- Oscar Robertson

The best all around guard ever to play. He could do what LeBron does in the modern era plus some. Oh and he was only 6 foot 5!

6- Kobe Bryant *    7- Micheal Jordan

I'm not going to describe every player on this list but I will explain why I put Kobe in front of Jordan.

Kobe and Jordan play the exact same way but there is a difference to them. Jordan had a consistent up bringing in America, played college ball, had a consistent supporting cast and once he had Phil he won every year in the 90's. ( Every year he played with Phil that is. And neither Kobe or Jordan has won without him.) Kobe who has had no consistency with Phil, supporting cast, college ball or growing up in the same place he has performed at nearly an identical level as Jordan. Plus he has outperformed Jordan with longevity and shooting ability. If Kobe had the same consistency as Jordan Kobe may have 8 plus titles, 35 thousand points and all the bragging rights that go with saying your GOAT.

8- John Stockon

The best point guard to ever play. Period.

9- Karl Malone

Second on the all time scoring this. Enough said.

10- Jerry West

If the 3 point shot was around when the Logo was playing all of the records would say Jerry West number one.

11- Julius Erving

12- Magic Johnson

13- Hakeem Olajuwon

14- Elgin Baylor 

15- Bob Cousy

16- George Miken

17- Shaquille O'Neal

18-  Moses Malone 

19- Elvin Hayes

20- Kevin Garnett 

21- Robert Parrish 

22- Nate Thurmond 

23- Lebron James  *

24-Tim Duncan *

25- Scottie Pippen

* indicates best current players

-Chris Schlierman

4 Corners Sports Official NBA Mock Draft

First Round Only

These picks are not in order of best players rather best fit scenarios for the teams and players.

I would like to add my hope that Isaiah Austin gets drafted in the second round and gets a rookie contract.


Cavs- Wiggins

Bucks- Parker
76ers- Warren
Magic- Vonleh
Jazz- Exum
Celtics- Embiid
Lakers- Gordon
Kings- Hood
Hornets- Smart
76ers-Thames
Nuggets- Levine
Magic- Trade
Wolves- Randle
Suns- McDerrmott
Hawks- Robinson
Bulls- Anderson
Celtics- Adams

Suns- Young
Bulls- Smith
Raptors- Ennis
Thunder- Harris
Grizzles- Early
Jazz- McGary
Hornets- Grant
Rockets- Stauskas
Heat- Wilcox
Suns- Clarkson
Clippers- Payne
Thunder- Napier
Spurs- Saric

Melo's Best Fit

With Carmelo announcing over the weekend that he officially opted out of his contract this becomes a major step for him and his career.  Melo, who has yet to win or even contend in a very weak and dismal Eastern Conference has a pretty simple decision when it comes to winning. With the acquisition of Phil Jackson in March and Derek Fisher being added as the head coach, the Knick’s showed some life in trying to keep the 11 year veteran.  However with his decision to depart over the weekend there are a few questions that go unanswered. What is it Melo really wants? Money? A championship? One of the leagues best all time scorers? Whatever the answer is, these questions will determine where he ultimately ends up.

Chicago looks to be the early front runners for Carmelo and in terms of winning right now there is no better fit for him. He would have a fantastic point guard in Derrick Rose as well as some of the best defenders in the NBA with Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson (if the bulls can hold onto Taj).  The Bulls are desperate for a true scorer and if Derrick Rose can stay healthy they will be an immediate title contender in the Eastern Conference next season.  However, at 30 years of age this is likely Carmelo’s last significant move in the NBA and he must evaluate his career up to this point. 

Melo could stay in New York with players like Raymond Felton, J.R. Smith and Andrea Bargnani and also make a lot of money doing it (129 million dollars) but why would he want to?  He and the Knick's both have proven that this relationship will never work other than for money.  The Knicks have done nothing the past three seasons since Anthony has dominated on offense and in the cap space.  With Anthony posting some of the best numbers of his career this past season, the Knicks as a whole failed to do the same finishing ninth in a weak Eastern Conference with next season looking dim as well. No first round pick, no cap room and players that are a half step away from free agency give little hope to a squad in 2014-15.  If Melo returns to the Knicks it will be for one reason and one reason only: the money. Now is the time for Carmelo to figure out his priorities and the choice is clear; he needs to chose legacy over money because if he were to retire now he would only be remembered as a scorer and not one of the games elite.

Carmelo should explore his options especially with teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers getting thrown into the mix. Let's see if he truly wants to contend for an NBA Championship.

-Derick Riggs

WORLD CUP 2014 - Predictions

And so it begins, the 2014 World Cup has finally come. Almost a week into the cup all eyes are intently watching each group as they fight for the coveted top two spots to advance to the knockout rounds. We have only just begun yet the cup has already shown exhilaration, fright, triumph, courage, resentment, frustration, and pride. This will surely be a cup to remember.

Robben led his nation to a clearly stated notion of dominates over the defending cup champions Spain 5 to 1. The German’s destroyed Portugal from the second the whistle started the match. Of course, Neymar had a few beliefs of his own as he scored two of his own leading Brazil, the host nation, to a victory in the cup opener against Croatia. Thus far the cup has been nothing short of astounding football.

Who will win? This is the question we all have asked. I like most sports fans enjoy making a prediction or two. Below I have my predictions for the 2014 World Cup.

GROUP A  

1 – Brazil              
2 – Mexico            

GROUP B
1 – Netherlands
2 – Spain

GROUP C

1 – Columbia

2 – Cote d’Ivoire

GROUP D
1 – Italy
2 – Costa Rica

GROUP E

1 – France
2 – Switzerland

GROUP F
1 – Argentina
2 – Bosnia

GROUP G

1 – Germany

2 – USA

GROUP H

1 – Belgium

2 – Korea

ROUND of 16

Brazil VS Spain - Winner: Brazil

Columbia VS Costa Rica - Winner: Columbia

France VS Bosnia-Herzegovina - Winner: France

Germany VS Korea Republic - Winner: Germany

Netherlands VS Mexico - Winner: Netherlands

Italy VS Cote d'Ivoire - Winner: Italy

Argentina VS Switzerland - Winner: Argentina

Belgium VS USA - Winner: USA

Quarter Finals

Brazil VS Columbia - Winner: Brazil

France VS Germany - Winner: Germany

Netherlands VS Italy - Winner: Netherlands

Argentina VS USA - Winner: Argentina 

Semi Finals

Brazil VS Germany - Winner: Germany

Netherlands VS Argentina - Winner: Netherlands

Finals

Germany VS Netherlands

World Cup Champions

NETHERLANDS

- Eddie Schlierman