Recently announced, this years US squad for the 2008  Beijing  olympics are as follows:
 *  Anthony, Carmelo                          *  Boozer, Carlos                
 *  Bosh, Chris                                    *  Bryant, Kobe
 *  Howard, Dwight                             *  James, LeBron       
      *  Kidd, Jason                          * Redd, Michael
      *  Paul, Chris                           * Wade, Dwayne
      * Prince, Tayshaun                   * Williams, Deron

       As far as starters go, no one knows for sure. A good sneak-peak of the team can be viewed on July 25, 2008, when the US mens team takes on Canada (8pm Eastern) in an exhibition game. My guess is that James (unless injury interferes), Bryant, Paul, and Howard will be among those that start. This years Olympics should be exhilarating, especially since Team USA hasn't won since 2008 and also because LeBron James personally gauranteed a gold medal. I guess we will find out if he can live up to that promise withing the next couple of weeks. Until then...

The Celtics took this crown this season with authority, finishing with the best record in the NBA, and more importantly, finishing with the golden cup (ball, rather). The Celtics stellar defense was what earned them the right to this glory and victory, as the Lakers had the most trouble ever scoring against a team. Paul Pierce was the MVP of the finals, followed closely behind by Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. The series was finished in game 6, where the Celtics finished it all up with a TKO punch that left the Lakers stunned. It will be interesting to see next years series, especially since the lakers will have their starting center, Andrew Bynum, back on the court. Maybe he will be the Lakers answer for stopping Boston. Who knows... only time will tell. Congrats to both of these teams for having a stellar season. Next year Kobe.... ;)

This year's matchup is the LA Lakers vs. the Boston Celtics. Who has what it takes to bring home the title, and RESPECT. Will KG, Ray-Ray, and Pierce get their very first ring? Or will Kobe and his Lakers deny them? Find out and watch the NBA finals on ABC.

After going up 3-1 on the spurs in the western conference final, the Lakers are 1 game away from reaching the finals for the 5th time in the past 9 years, where they won 3 of the 4. It's quite amazing to see the Lakers get this far, especially since Kobe almost left them at the start of the season. Who would have guessed?

So who will the Lakers be facing? The answer to that question is really a toss up. The opposing series with Boston and Detroit is tied up and the big game #5 is still awaiting. Whoever the victor is, the Lakers will be ready with time to watch and prepare for.

Kobe finally wins his first MVP award, after a long wait. Does he have what it takes to win another NBA championship? I seem to think so...

Here's a tribute to him for his hard work - 20 of his greatest dunks. Enjoy.
*Note - Do yourself a favor and click the 'Watch in high quality' button.

       \X/est$ide                  3ast$ide           

(1) Lakers   vs  Nugs (8) (1) Celtics  vs Hawks (8)
(2) Hornets vs  Mavs (7)  (2) Pistons vs 76'ers (7)
(3) Spurs    vs Suns  (6)  (3) Magic  vs Raptors (6)
(4) Rockets vs Jazz  (5)  (4) Cavs   vs Wizards (5)

A couple of weeks ago the battle for MVP seemed to be Kobe vs. LeBron James. Now the tides have turned and it looks to be Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets vs Kobe of the LA Lakers. Both teams ride atop of the west and tonight is the big showdown between these two teams and what could be a key factor in determining this years most valuable player award. Don't miss out on this exciting game where the stakes are extremely high.

        WEST                         EAST______
1. New Orleans (55-23)       1. Boston (62-16)
2. LA Lakers (54-25)           2. Detroit (55-23)
3. Houston (53-25)             3. Orlando (49-29)
4. SA Spurs (53-25)            4. Cleveland (43-35)
5. Phoenix (53-26)              5. Washington (41-37)
6. Utah (52-27)                  6. Philadelphia  (40-38)
7. Dallas (50-29)                7. Toronto (39-39)
8. Denver (48-31)              8. Atlanta (36-42)

With only 2 regular season games left for most teams, this is pretty much how the playoff rankings will go. However, since the western conference is so tight and 1 loss is all it takes to drop you anywhere from 1 to 4 ranks, there is potential for a whole difference playoff lineup than showed above. I don't think the NBA has ever had  so many teams with records so close to each other. This should make for one of the best playoff contentions ever.

Currently there is a 3-way tie for the 7th and 8th playoff spot in the Western division. The Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors, and the Denver Nuggets all have an impressive record of 45-28 and each have 9 remaining games. Every game from here on out will be crucial for each of these teams if they are serious about making the playoffs. I will be looking forward to watching the warriors take on both of these teams, especially with last years  historic upset of the Mavs when they lost to the 8th seeded Warriors.

On Sunday the Houston Rockets were able to take down #1 seeded LA (who played without their 7 footer Pau Gasol) and claim the #1 spot in the West. Going for consecutive win #23 tonight against the #1 team in the East, the Boston Celtics, the Rockets can really make a statement tonight and show just how serious they are about winning a championship, even without their superstar Yao Ming. So, are there any teams likely to give them a loss before they can beat the '72 Lakers record streak of 33 games? Well, there's a good chance that it could happen this week, even tonight. After their encounter with Boston, they will be facing the Hornets who will be at home, as well as the GS warriors later on this week. Then later on the will face the Phoenix Suns and the SA Spurs, all worthy opponents and capable of beating them.