The Heat take on the Lakers in Los Angeles Sunday afternoon in what should be an epic battle between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. While the Masked Mamba had his nose broken by Dwyane Wade during the All-Star game, Andrew Bynum has stated that he will not retaliate against the former Marquette star. With the rumor mill heating up, here's the latest news from around the league.
- The Heat have lived up to lofty expectations thus far in this abbreviated season, but concerns remain surrounding depth at the center position, writes Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Joel Anthony has done a solid job in his role as the starting center, but Winderman does not believe Dexter Pittman and Eddy Curry offer much when Anthony needs rest. Unfortunately for the Heat, not many options are available in the wake of Joel Przybilla's signing with the Trail Blazers.
- Beyond making a change to their roster, the 76ers need to get to the basket and to the line more often in order to be successful during the playoffs this season, contends John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Lamar Odom addressed his teammates on Saturday night before opening tip and asked for their support as he deals with off-court issues, says Jeff Caplan of ESPNDallas.com.
- Rusty Simmons of the San Francisco Chronicle offers up myriad trade possibilities for the Warriors with the trade deadline mere days away. From acquiring Joe Johnson from the Hawks to talking with the Hornets about Chris Kaman, Simmons considers every possibility for the team to improve their roster.
I think the Hawks have gone as far as they can with Joe. While the Hawks might take a step back by trading Joe, it would get them out from under that enormous contract.
If Odom really and badly wants a return back to Los Angeles, then why did he (and wife Khloe) go and purchase that huge (affluent) mansion in Dallas back in January,, AND use the services of five different realtors (obviously taking advantage of four) while doing their house-hunting???