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Today, September 17th, is a significant day in many ways. On this day 223 years ago, the United State Constitution was signed by 39 brave men. On this day 65 years ago, Philip Douglas “Phil” Jackson was born in Montana. Young Philip quickly turned his basketball smarts into a head coaching job, after winning two titles as a player, and is considered one of the best coaches in NBA history. He has set many records along the way, while winning a total of 11 championships as a coach. So I want like to congratulate Phil Jackson on his 65th birthday and I hope there will be many more ones in the future, both birthdays and championship rings.
The Latest on the Lakers
Here are the greatest Lakers of all-time, categorized by jersey number. [Silver Screen and Roll]
Michael Beasley believes the Lakers are the team to beat— smart. But he also believes the Timberwolves are the team to beat— not smart. [Slam Mag]
It is hard to believe that Kobe Bryant is still a hated sports figure. According to the latest poll, Kobe is the fifth most hated sports figure, but how? This man has submitted his legacy in NBA history, he has proven he can lead his own team to a championship. How can a man who sells out almost every game, and who gets “MVP” chants in opponents’ arena, be hated? [ESPN Los Angeles]
Number two on Lakers.com top ten plays of the 2009-2010 season is… Derek Fisher’s Game 3 fourth quarter performance in the Finals. [Lakers.com]
Make sure you check out episode number 2 of LakersNation’s podcast, ” Pulse of Purple and Gold,” with Brytni Jean. [LakersNation.com]
The Latest on the NBA
Omri Casspi’s mural has been defaced again, for the second time a swastika has been painted on the mural. [ESPN.com]
Game-by-game predictions for the 2010-2011 Orlando Magic. The Magic may have lost a valuable piece in Matt Barnes, but the team is still very good. [Yahoo Sports]
Tracy McGrady understands that his playing days are slowly diminishing, and this stop at Detroit may be his last one. [Sporting News]
Charles Barkley admits he received money from his agents during college. Looking back at all the other bad things he’s done, this story isn’t really jaw-dropping. [Hoopsnotes]
Here are the top ten small forwards in fantasy basketball, according to our friends at Dime Magazine. [Dime Mag]
Carlos Boozer’s tutorial on how to grow a beard. [Dime Mag]