Voting Changes for NBA All-Star Game are Needed

By: Micah Sokolsky

The starters have been announced and the 2014 NBA All-Star Game is only a few weeks away; February 16th to be exact.  The fans have spoken and voted to see their favorite players participate in the mid-season classic:  a game filled with dunks, alley-oops, fast breaks, and zero defense always provides entertainment for the viewing audience.  Who doesn't want to watch Blake Griffin jump over everybody or LeBron James soar to the hoop and have every player on the floor watch it happen?  Unlike in baseball, the NBA All-Star Game is for the entertainment of the fans and players alike, and has no real value.  Win or lose, everyone has a great time.

Black Mamba Back in Action

Sunday night, Dec. 8, marked the return of LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Bryant returned from an Achilles injury that put an unexpected early end to Kobe's 2012-13 season.  Bryant, the fierce competitor that he is, swore to be back for most of the 2013-2014 season to help his Lakers to make the play offs after missing them last year.  Fresh off a two-year contract extension worth $48.5 million, signed on Nov. 25, 2013, Bryant returned to action at home Sunday to face the visiting Toronto Raptors.  This year's Lakers team with out Kobe played a lot better, entering Sunday night's game with a 10-8 record.  However, Bryant's return did not result in victory, leaving the team with a 10-9 record.

Above the Rim: Oh How the Mighty Have Fallen

The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. This has to be the mindset of the Los Angeles Lakers front office following a first road playoff sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. The Lakers had grand expectations going into this season after creating a proverbial super-team that brought together a starting lineup of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, and Dwight Howard. With four potential Hall of Famers on the court, what could go wrong?

Overshadowed by Reported Death Threats

 Recently in game two of the Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder series, Patrick Beverley had a career night. He posted up numbers that showed his complete game.  Patrick scored 16 points and he added 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Most people have never even heard of this guy but it seems as if he is ready to erupt as a true role player for the Houston Rockets. However, one controversial play has overshadowed his special play in the playoffs.

Have we seen the end of Kobe Bryant?

Two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Kobe Bryant went down. It looked as if he just slipped but Lakers fans soon found out it was much worse. Kobe rose to his feet and asked Harrison Barnes if he had “kicked” him. Harrison said “no” and Kobe immediately knew he had torn his achilles. This for those of you that have experienced this injury before know how dreading and horrendous this injury actually is. Could this be the end of Kobe’s career?