There are others equally as excited and bewildered at the monster that is going to be the Lakers 2012-2013 team. Lakers Nation’s own Serena Winters caught up with some of the biggest names in basketball to catch a few words on the trade. Those interviewed included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Jalen Rose, Anthony Anderson and Marques Johnson, who all seemed excited for the prospect of the Purple and Gold this year. Former Lakers coach and current Miami Heat president Pat Riley too had a few words to say:
“Howard is a little more athletic than [previous Lakers center Andrew] Bynum. They definitely have improved their team . . . It’s not an easy job for any team in the West. And it’s not going to be an easy job for us here in the East.”
So there you have it. Good marks all around, excitement, and anticipation for a competitive 2012-2013 year. The popularity of the NBA trifecta is growing, and it seemed to pay off last year for Miami and in previous years with the Celtics. And for those of you who have given me the swift backlash, I say this to you; the season isn’t done yet. Don’t get me wrong. I want nothing more than a Lakers championship this year… and the next… and the next… and so forth. And Howard, despite my reservations on his attitude and health, is still a phenomenal player. Besides, I can’t hate him that much; he does wear my lucky number.
Don’t forget to wish the Lakers own Magic Johnson a happy 53rd birthday today. You can tweet the former L.A. great on his Twitter @MagicJohnson
If you’re feeling especially tweet happy, send a “Get Well “shout out to Laker owner Jerry Buss, who is dealing with some health problems. He was forced into surgery today, but it is not known what kind of surgery. The surgery is said to be successful.
Lakers Nation News
Pat Riley on Lakers Acquiring Dwight Howard: ‘Definitely Have Improved Their Team’
Houston Rockets Sign Carlos Delfino to One-Year Deal
Basketball Legends React to Dwight Howard Trade
Lakers Nation Wishes Happy Birthday to Magic Johnson
Pau Gasol’s 10 Best Games As A Member Of The Lakers
Andrew Bynum Will Undergo “Kobe” Treatment
Lakers Owner Jerry Buss Undergoes Surgery
Lakers Officially Sign Jodie Meeks and Devin Ebanks
Lakers News
Fast Break Thoughts [Forum Blue and Gold]
Kupchack The New Magic Among Lakers [Lakers Blog]
Lakers Need Not Worry About Dwight Howard’s Health [OC Register]
Lakers Sign Jodie Meeks [ESPN]
Recurring Dwightmare: 4 NBA Stars Who Could Hold Their Teams Hostage [SB Nation]
What Dwight Howard Gives the Lakers [Forum Blue and Gold]
Kobe Bryant’s Ex-Wife Has High Expectations For Her Next Man [SB Nation]
Metta World Peace to Play an ‘Overtly Sexual Vampire Elder’ in TV Pilot [Ball Don’t Lie]
On Kobe Bryant’s Last Olympics and the Final Seasons to Come [Land O’ Lakers]
Kupchak is the Lakers True Superhero [OC Register]
Magic Considered Bynum “Too Brittle” [Lakers Blog]
How Dwight Howard Will Transform The Lakers’ Defense [Silver Screen and Roll]
Andrew Bynum Injury: 76ers’ Center To Undergo Precautionary Knee Procedure In September [SB Nation]
NBA News
Jeff Van Gundy, On Being an Orlando Magic Fan: ‘Is It Worth It?’ [Ball Don’t Lie]
American Beauty: The Joy Of USA Basketball In 2012 [SB Nation]
Repercussions of Howard’s Move Felt All Over the NBA [NBA]
Owner Says Bulls Won’t Rush Derrick Rose Back [Eye on Basketball]
Kevin Love is a Wet Blanket? [SB Nation]
Stephen Curry to Begin Working Out in Bay Area as Next Step in Recovery Begins [Pro Basketball Talk]
USA Basketball: Back On Top … Next Up [NBA]
Michael Jordan Could Part with $1.5 million Following an Investment in a Failing Chicago-Area Gym [Ball Don’t Lie]
What Team USA Basketball Might Look Like For Rio 2016 [SB Nation]