Tim's Two Cents-January 19

Lakers Embark on Longest Road Trip of the Year.  After spending much of the season in the friendly confines of Staples Center, the Lakers now hit the road for an 8 game, 13 day road trip after beating the Orlando Magic 98 to 92 yesterday.  We will finally see what they're really made of.

It all starts on Thursday with LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers.  That is followed by tilts with the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, and the Memphis Grizzlies.

This has the makings to be a very good road trip for the purple and gold.  They just need to keep their focus and concentration at the highest level.  I can almost certainly guarantee that Kobe Bryant will play injured or not injured.  Pau Gasol and Ron are slowly but surely settling into a groove since coming back from their injuries.  Right off the bat, I think the Lakers will end up winning 6 out of 8 on the road trip.  If previous history is any indication though, my prediction isn't worth the screen it's typed on.   

Photo courtesy:
Wikimedia Commons and Eric Kilby under CC-SA 2.0 License

Tim's Two Cents-January 7

Gilbert Arenas Suspended Indefinitely by the NBA.  This is a good move by the NBA and commissioner David Stern.  It was only a matter of time when this decision was going to be made.  This kind of suspension makes perfect sense considering what has happened in the NBA over the last few years.

These sort of suspensions can be traced back to the infamous "Malice at the Palace" between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons during the 2004-2005 season.  As a result, the NBA instituted a number of new policies to create a better image of the game, such as a dress code for the players.  Ron Artest, who was with the Pacers then, was suspended for the remainder of the season.  At the time, it was the longest suspension in NBA history.  So it is no surprise that Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely based on previous events. 

What is somewhat surprising is that the suspension didn't come sooner since it is against league rules to bring guns to an arena in the first place.  The length of the suspension is yet to be determined, but you can be fairly certain it will probably be for the remainder of this season at least.  Lastly, I've got a newsflash for you Gilbert Arenas.  Bringing a gun to an NBA arena is no laughing matter.  You got what you deserved with the indefinite suspension.