Last of their kind.

New Orleans, La

Down in the big easy, it seemed just that for a Lakers team that gave up only 30 first half points. Thats right, 30 points. The Lakers came out playing great defensive basketball and limited the Hornets to 28% shooting the first half. In the second half we saw a Hornets team that we expected to see. Chris Paul, who continues to rewrite the record books, had his 7th straight 20/10 game to start the year. He finished with 30 points 13 dishes and 7 rebounds. CP3 is for real. Probably the best point guard in the association right now. With New Orleans picking up the pace considerably in the second half, they were able to get the Lakers out of rhythm. CP3 who stole the ball on the opening possession for LA took an easy one down the court for a lay-up that set the tone. Tyson Chandler was also the recipient of a few Paul alley-oop assists. The Lakers, who never trailed in the game, eventually put together a few stops to hold of the Hornets. 

Phil Jackson was quick to point out that the Lakers gave up a lead of 21 pts. after Sasha Vujacic made two free throws to start the fourth quarter. In a post game interview he said, "We sucked the joy out of a good victory". PJ was also sure to make note of some failed fast break opportunities, most notably a missed dunk attempt by Vladi in the third quarter. On deck for the Lakers is a math up with the Detroit Pistons. Newly acquired, Allen Iverson, hopes to continue his success against Los Angeles. He scored a series high 51 vs LA at the Pepsi center 12/14/07 as a member of the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers have struggled on the road lately vs Detroit, losing their last 6, but have fared pretty well at Staples Center, having gone 8-2 in the last ten. The Lakers 7-0 start is now officially the best in the league as a buzzer beater by Bostons Paul Pierce helped topple the previously unbeaten Atlanta Hawks, 104-103.

Chavez Ravine, Ca

So come this Friday all the baseball hounds, at least the ones with deep pockets, will have had a chance to sniff out a deal with slugger Manny Ramirez. For us Dodger fans, we can just hold on to the hope that Manny really does like LA, and will sign for something in the range of 3-4 years. Hopefully not to exceed $100 million, don't I sound like Dr. Evil? Wait, doesn't that distinction go to F. Scott Boras? I mean jeez, 1oo million big ones, that can buy a lot of foreclosed homes in this struggling economy, but it might not even be enough to land one Mr. Ramirez in time for spring training. Perhaps the one year delays to Dodger stadium renovations and the spring training facilities in Glendale, AZ are to free up more petty cash to throw at Manny. Whatever unfolds will surely bring joy to thousands of fans and heartache to the ones who's GM just couldn't get the deal inked. Los Angeles has showed loyalty to our team, proven by the 3 million plus that pass through the turn styles, and deserves to see a quality product fielded before us. Manny Ramirez could be that product. If not, I'm officially declaring C.C. watch at high alert.