Photo courtesy of clippers.topbuzz.com. Chris Paul (left) and Blake Griffin (right) are two of the main reasons why the Clippers currently find themselves in the Western Conference Semifinals. Can they advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history?
By Josh Kramer
The opening round brought the city of Los Angeles to a fever pitch. Round two will bring heartbreak. In a little over a week, people will be referring to Los Angeles as “Heartbreak City,” rather than “Basketball Central.” Even if you are not a fan of the Lakers or the Clippers, you have to admit that an all LA Western Conference Finals showdown would be special. “Lob City” versus the Kobe Bryant Show. What could be better than that?
Unfortunately, I am going to go out on a limb and say that it isn’t going to happen. This is not the same Lakers team that made three consecutive finals appearances from 2008 to 2010. They are full of flaws, lacking the effort and determination to lay it all on the line every night. The Clippers are not only tired and injury riddled, they are overmatched against a very experienced and well coached San Antonio team. Gregg Popovich is arguably the best in the business for a reason.
Kobe Bryant will have to play out of this world for LA to stretch this series more than five games. The Nuggets made the Lakers look like they were standing still at times during the opening round. What do you think the Thunder are going to do? Not to mention the Thunder are much bigger inside than the Nuggets with Ibaka and a now healthy Perkins. I tip my hat to the Clippers on taking down a very good Grizzlies team. But the Spurs are even better than Memphis. Plus, both of the star players on the Clippers are currently struggling with various injuries.
It has been a great year for Los Angeles in terms of NBA basketball. As a consolation prize though, the Kings appear unstoppable in terms of the NHL and the Dodgers currently boast the best record in the National League. In terms of basketball though, Los Angeles should start thinking about the 2012/2013 season.
Quick Thoughts:
Coach K All the Way
Despite the absence of several key big men, Team USA is once again a heavy favorite to take home the basketball gold medal in London this summer. Much of the US’s resurgence to the top is due to college basketball’s all-time winningest coach, Mike Krzyzewski. Word on the street is that London will be his last stint leading the red, white, and blue. I do know one thing. Coach K will lead USA all the way again.
Franchise Tag are sorry excuses
Who wouldn’t want to be paid at least the average salary of the top five players at one’s position? I will tell you who. Those who want job security. Football is a rough sport. There are no guarantees. The average NFL Football career spans a mere 3.3 years. 9.5 million dollars is a lot of money. All franchise tags do is prevent the inevitable contract scuffle. I would prefer a long-term deal if I was in Wes Welker’s shoes as well considering the way he has performed in New England. And don’t even get me started on the current situation in New Orleans regarding Drew Brees.
See ya Shyam
The whole Ryan Braun steroid bonanza was already out of control. Now it has turned into a circus. Yesterday, it was announced that the Shyam Das, the arbitrator who overturned Braun’s suspension was fired. I am anxiously awaiting the explanation for this one. Meanwhile, Ryan Braun continues to reap the benefits, while others such as Shyam suffer. I won’t go as far to say that Braun defeated the system. But in a way, he did.
Just some “Food for Thought.”
Let me hear your thoughts though. Please comment below with any questions or insights that you may have or shoot me an email at contact@thesportskraze.com.
Stay tuned for the next edition of TheSportsKraze.
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