The Regime

Kobe needs to start playing efficient basketball, until then the Lakers are going to continue to struggle. 23 shots to get 23 points just isn't going to cut it, I feel far more comfortable when he's taking under 20 shots (which is the winning formula as Nitro indicated in his post). This doesn't all fall on Kobe though, at times he's just forced to take a high volume of shots because the rest of the team simply isn't getting the job done. I don't know what happened with Pau Gasol. Through the first half of the season the dude was playing at a MVP level, but the second half has just been treadful. His scoring and rebounding hasn't been up to par this whole month. On top of all this his defense has been lackidasical, and that "Gasoft" label has resurfaced. As for Artest you guys know my position. The Lakers need to seriously consider other options.

I was really hoping the Knicks would make the Heat work and tire them out for tomorrows game against streaking Houston. But at this rate Miami might just bench their starters for a good part of the second half.

If the season ended today my vote would also go to Derrick Rose. The Bulls finished the first 15 game stretch with a 9-6 record and that's pretty damn impressive considering there wasn't a whole lot of talent for Rose to work in the absence of Carlos Boozer. The biggest reason why the Bulls have become one of the best teams in the East is because of Derrick Rose's progression as a player. He has improved in ever notable statistical category this season. He's 6th in the league in scoring and 8th in the league in assists. http://i53.tinypic.com/2hgz22p.jpg The biggest knock on Rose's game through the first couple seasons was that he could not shoot, but he continues to prove the doubters wrong. In his first two seasons, Rose made just 16 threes per year, through 28 games this season he has made 45 three pointers. That's a crazy leap. In addition from that games that I've watched this season his on ball defense has improved under Tom Thibodeau.

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/70812/20101228/could_magic_go_after_troy_murphy/

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/70817/20101228/bulls_still_looking_for_perimeter_help/

Hell yeah, why not? I still don't understand why they don't.

Time for Matty Ice to live up to his nickname. Both of these guys have done one hell of a job improvising and alluding the blitz.

Wednesday, December 29th LA Lakers @ New Orleans Winner: LA Lakers Leading scorer: Kobe Bryant Thursday, December 30th New York @ Orlando (TNT) Winner: Orlando Leading rebounder: Dwight Howard San Antonio @ Dallas (TNT) Winner: Dallas Leading passer: Jason Kidd Friday, December 31st Toronto @ Houston Winner: Houston Player with the most threes made: Kevin Martin Atlanta @ Oklahoma City Winner: Oklahoma City Leading scorer: Kevin Durant Saturday, January 1st Golden State @ Miami Winner: Miami Leading scorer: LeBron James Sacramento @ Denver Winner: Denver Player with the most free throws attempted: Carmelo Anthony

Atlanta's d-line is playing possessed.

Wasn't every Spurs/Lakers game nationally televised last season? Or atleast 2-3 of them. The Spurs are good every year, as long as they have that core together they are going to keep it competitive. This is one of the best rivalries in the the NBA, that should be enough of a reason to televise it.

Huge mistake from Brees, he's trying to do to much.

LOL, somebody had to make the bold predictions jeez. Atleast my Super Bowl picks can still be right.

Waste of time. Atleast the national audience will get a glimpse of Sam Bradford and his excellence as a rookie.

I've watched atleast 3-4 Knick games this season, and I was one of the first to admit that I underestimated his abilities following the chain of 30 point games. I don't doubt his offensive abilities one bit, but it's difficult for me to put a one dimensional player in my top 10. He gets a lot of weak side blocks, outside of that his defense is mediocre. Amare is also a horrible rebounder for his size, that fact is that he just doesn't box out, it's as simple as that. He's a decent offensive rebounder, but even that comes in spurts. Imo, Amare should have no troubles averaging over 10 rebounds every game. It's hard to pass up Dirk's game, he can beat you in so many ways. He's arguably one of the best big man scorers the league has ever seen. He can shoot the three ball with ease, he was post you, and he's underrated when it comes to beating guys off the dribble. I admire Amare's athleticism and midrange game, but Dirk simply changes many defenses because of his offensive arsenal and versatility. Btw if your making a top 10, my top 10 would look something like this... 1. Kobe Bryant 2. LeBron James 3. Dwayne Wade 4. Dwight Howard 5. Kevin Durant 6. Deron Willliams 7. Carmelo Anthony 8. Chris Paul 9. Derrick Rose 10. Dirk Nowitzki Amare would probably be anywhere from 10-15 with guys like Brandon Roy, Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh, and Rajon Rondo. I was really surprised that you didn't even mention Deron Williams or Chris Paul in your list.

Amare wouldn't even crack my top 10. You are really overrating him.

^lol, are you serious. No way Amare would crack my top 10.

Weeks overdue.

Sam Bradford now has 335 pass completions this season, the most ever by an NFL rookie, passing Peyton Manning's mark of 326 in 1998. Just another accomplishment in an amazing season for Bradford.

I highly doubt that. If that does end up happening, they'll probably swap picks and move down the draft and get someone like Ryan Mallet, Jake Locker, or Cam Newton (who I hope drops down to Miami). But they are going QB in the first round no matter what.

They're a lock to get Andrew Luck. Their biggest need by far is QB.

What's the deal with Vince Carter, is their a timeline for how long he's supposed to be out.

I love me some Hakeem Nicks.

I don't understand why this game isn't nationally televised, smh. The last two loses have been tough to take in, we need to win this game and get some sort of winning streak going.

1. Is this your permanent displayname? 2. In their threepeat the Lakers will beat _____ in _____ games. 3. Why do chicks dig Hakeem Nicks? 4. Why is Wilson Chandler your favorite player? 5. Blonds or brunettes? 6. What college are you attending or plan on attending, if any? 7. Where does Amare rank for MVP? 8. Vick or Brady for MVP? 9. What is the Giants biggest need this offseason? 10. Do you still hate me?

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/70782/20101226/bynums_minutes_to_increase_within_two_weeks/