Real Deal

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20130130_LAC@MIN

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20130130_CHI@MIL

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20130130_ORL@NY

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20130130_SAC@BOS

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20130130_TOR@ATL

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20130130_WAS@PHI

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20130130_DET@IND

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20130129_MIL@DET

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20130128_IND@DEN

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20130128_CHA@CHI

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20130128_SAC@WAS

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20130128_MEM@PHI

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20130127_PHO@DAL

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20130127_NO@MEM

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20130127_DET@ORL

VS UTAH JAZZ 14 PTS (7-10 FG), 9 REB, 14 AST, 3 TO VS OKC THUNDER 21 PTS (8-12 FG), 9 REB, 14 AST, 3 TO VS NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 14 PTS (5-12 FG), 8 REB, 11 AST, 2 TO Here's what we do know: this is obviously the Kobe that the Lakers need to get into the playoffs. What I want to know: do you think this is the Kobe the Lakers need to win the championship? --------- Three games ago, versus Utah, Mike D'Antoni dropped his offense, and started playing through Kobe Bryant. This turned Nash into more of a shooter (the stuff I wrote about). Both MDA and Nash acknowledged this after the game, both said that THIS is the way they have to play. Can the Lakers put it all together to contend, and is this the route they have to take?

Makes sense...didn't think about that, but Colangelo has done that over the years, lol. That's funny. Don't think they would trade Lowry and Davis for Gay, anyway, despite the connection. Would he trade Lowry and Davis for Pau Gasol? Probably so, since Gasol is more Bargnani than anyone else...so hopefully, he gets on that. We'll be waiting.

Yeah, I noticed his frame the first time I saw him...and honestly, in his first few games, I wasn't sure what to think. Didn't leave much of an impression in the first one, forgot who they played...but he played Duke not long after, and did a lot on the floor, even on the offensive end. And I specifically remember the Baylor game, where it seemed like he pulled down every rebound for Kentucky...but my God, he was horrible getting ANYTHING to fall back on the other end of the court. I really can't say I'd take him in the top three just yet. Guys like this...I want to see what they do in the tourney. Those 12 blocks look pretty damn good, but then I go back and look at Jeff Withey and realize he's not worthy of a lottery pick, yet, he's an outstanding shot-blocker. But I do know Noel does more on the defensive end of the court, that's for sure...and that's why he's up there. Still tough to say he's a top three for me right now. Alex Len...man, I don't know. I almost want to say I'd take him over Noel right now. Len just needs a big man coach to teach him how to handle the ball in the post, and when to dump the ball back out. Obviously, I'm going to take McLemore...partial bias there, but even if there wasn't, I think McLemore is easily top three in the draft. And Shabazz. So Noel would be top five, but I'm not so sure about three.

I read somewhere that Boston wants Lowry, so it's making things much more difficult because Lowry isn't making enough money...the Raptors would have to deal Amir or Fields with him + Davis, just to land Rudy Gay. If Toronto just goes with the Calderon + Davis trade... C - Valanciunas PF - Bargnani SF - Gay SG - DeRozan PG - Lowry That's with everyone healthy, and it looks good enough to be a playoff team, no doubt...but like you said, that $16 million for Rudy is a cap-crippling paycheck. I just don't see why the Raptors won't trade Bargnani.

Ugh...didn't watch it. LA was playing, and I was checking out Dallas and Portland, also. More dominant than Davis? That's a big statement...really wish I had watched the second half. Guess it wouldn't surprise me, though, because I do remember there was talk about him being the better defender. If he gets drafted (well, we know he will, probably top five), and he puts on a lot of weight, I wonder if he'll become a better defensive player, or lose out on the defensive end. I don't think an extra 25 pounds would hurt him, at all, since he's so damn athletic and has a huge wingspan, but still...

I just instructed the staff to start suspending people. Justin is the one that did it, and that makes it his decision whether or not they get to come back.

He was suspended indefinitely, along with Slaven.

Our most active poster is gone, so we can hop off his dick and shut the [expletive] up about him now. Real talk.

I'd stick him in late first...didn't notice he was off the list. Dude can have games where he just catches fire, and even though he's a bit too inconsistent and a chucker sometimes, he still has first round talent. It wouldn't shock me if the Wolves or Jazz picked him up.

Yeah, for now. I think we're going to turn it around playing through Bryant, with Nash shooting the ball more. It will even help us out on the defensive end.