Dwyane Wade speaks on Shaq/Lauren London rumors

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

During Shaquille O'Neal's tenure with the Miami Heat, it was often stated how close he and Dwyane Wade were. After a huge falling out with Kobe Bryant, many felt as if Wade were nothing more than a replacement for Bryant. However, by 2006, Dwyane Wade had already built a name for himself.

Dwyane Wade led the Miami Heat to a championship and quickly became the biggest star in the NBA. The success was short-lived, however, after he divorced his wife. Soon, the losses mounted up and the team fell apart. During his downtime, Dwyane Wade began dating movie star, Gabrielle Union.

The couple has been together for three years, but now there are rumors of Dwyane Wade being a cheater. A series of emails, exchanged between Shaquille O'Neal and Allison Samuels, revealed women who had relations with Dwyane Wade and O'Neal's own preference of women. In the exchange, Shaq tells Samuels he does not want to be with Lauren London because she was with Dwyane Wade, his friend/teammate.

Threatening his three-year relationship with Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade told people there was no truth to the story. Wade said, via Twitter, that he and Lauren London are like brother and sister. Dwyane Wade also said not to believe everything you read.

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Kobe Bryant defends LeBron James against critics

By Sports Authority
JR Staff Writer

The Miami Heat added Chris Bosh and LeBron James to their roster to help their struggling star, Dwyane Wade. While James, and two-time NBA Finals MVP, Kobe Bryant, were winning 50-plus games each year and having deep playoff runs, Wade's teams were winning 40-plus games and losing early in the playoffs.

While LeBron James and his teams did well in the regular season and early playoff rounds, they lost when it counted the most. In 2010, there were no more excuses for James. The spotlight was all on him and his team. When they lost in the second round, to Boston, the critics got louder and louder.

The early exit in the 2010 playoffs helped facilitate LeBron James' move to Miami. Dwyane Wade, who had not won a playoff series since the Heat's title run in 2006, was glad to see two of his best friends join the Heat. But, from the start of the season, LeBron James was seemingly trying to out-do Wade, often making sure he did not touch the ball in some possessions, costing the Heat important games.

By the playoffs, it seemed as if the Miami Heat had found a happy medium between their two stars and even their third wheel, Chris Bosh. When the NBA Finals came, Dwyane Wade helped Miami close out the opening game with a win. Dwyane Wade had a spectactular game two and seemingly single-handedly gave the win to Miami. But, LeBron James ended up costing the Heat game two with selfish, careless, play towards the end of the game. Throughout the rest of the series, James' play was up-and-down.

While not needed in the "star" role, he was needed to be one of the biggest contributors on the floor, but he was not, for some reason. His attempts to rebuild his own game, hindered Wade and cost the Heat a championship they were on their way to cruising to. Because of this, LeBron James has been blasted by the media for a third season in a row. Ever since 2008, the media has been trying to create a rivalry between James and Kobe Bryant.

Due to James' inability to win when it counts, the rivalry has not yet had a playoff game. With James now a part of the Miami Heat, it seems as if the rivalry will never come. Despite this, he and Kobe Bryant have become good friends. Tired of the bad press on LeBron James, Kobe Bryant told the media to lay off of him. Despite preparing for his ninth season in the NBA, LeBron James is only 26-years-old. Many of the legends of the game did not win until they were at least 30, or more, and some never won.

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Jason Kidd is finally an NBA champion

By Sports Authority
JR Staff Writer

Following the retirement of Shaquille O'Neal, Jason Kidd found himself as one of the oldest players in the NBA. More important than age, Jason Kidd was a seasoned playoff veteran, but had nothing to show for his efforts. Starting his career with the Dallas Mavericks, the all-star point guard soon became a journeyman.

After his initial stint with Dallas, Jason Kidd joined the Phoenix Suns and was expected to form a duo with Penny Hardaway. However, injuries would hinder their growth. Despite making the playoffs each year, with Kidd running the point, he was traded to the struggling New Jersey Nets in 2001.

The addition of Kidd to the roster boosted the Nets from being one of the NBA's worst teams to championship contenders. In his first year with New Jersey, Jason Kidd led them all of the way to the NBA Finals. While their season was impressive, the Nets could not match up with the Shaq-Kobe dynamic duo of the Los Angeles Lakers, and were quickly swept from the NBA Finals.

Jason Kidd had another dominant season, in 2003, with the Nets returning to the Finals, but falling two games short of the title. Following the 2003 playoffs, it seemed as if Jason Kidd had gotten as close as he ever would to an NBA championship. Each year, the New Jersey Nets continued to get worse until the again-struggling Nets agreed to trade Jason Kidd to perennial playoff contenders, Dallas Mavericks, his original team. While the Mavericks struggled, losing in the first round, they soon turned things around.

Dallas, itself, has had several disappointing seasons, following their collapse in the 2006 NBA Finals to the surprising Miami Heat. Five years later, the two franchises, with the same faces, Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki and Miami's Dwyane Wade, with new supporting members, Jason Kidd and LeBron James, returned to the Finals, with both teams considering the season a failure if they came short of the title. Despite getting off to a quick start in the series, the Miami Heat faltered under the pressure and Dallas took home their first title.

Seventeen years of hard work and four teams, Dallas twice, has paid off for Jason Kidd and he can now sit back with the other champions of the NBA.

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Dwight Howard demands his $500,000 from Royce Reed

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

In the eyes of most fans, Dwight Howard is the fun-loving big man for the Orlando Magic. Every time he is in front of a camera, Howard has a big smile. Kobe Bryant, the star of the rival Lakers, once said Howard was a "goofball."

While Dwight Howard is known for his sense of humor, he is all business when it comes to Royce Reed. Last year, fans got to know Reed through "Basketball Wives." She is the ex-girlfriend of Howard and mother of his child.

Last year, Dwight Howard sued Royce Reed because she continued making negative comments about him. Howard has presented himself as a positive role model for children, earning sponsorships. Reed's comments, if taken seriously, could lead to him losing endorsements.

Because of her negative comments, Dwight Howard sued Royce Reed for slander. Howard won the suit and the judge ordered Reed to pay the All-Star center, $500,000. One year has passed since Howard won the suit and now he is ready to collect. Royce Reed has yet to pay Dwight Howard and he is now demanding his money with interest.

Dwight Howard said Royce Reed now owes him $551,606.74.

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Kobe Bryant paying for Homophobic Remarks

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

After winning two championships, in as many years, Kobe Bryant has risen to Michael Jordan-like proportions in the NBA. Many of his fans are ready to crown him as the second-coming of "His Airness." Jordan was known for being very aggressive on the court and arguing with referees.

Kobe Bryant has developed the same sort of killer instinct on the court. Right before the playoffs started, Kobe and the Lakers were preparing for the playoffs. In one of their final regular season games, Bryant was called for a foul. Believing he did not commit the foul, Bryant protested.

However, things went too far when Kobe Bryant referred to the referee as a "faggot." News quickly spread through various outlets and Bryant was fined by the league. In an effort to smooth things over, the NBA has turned this into a positive situation. In 2007, John Amaechi, a former NBA player, came out as a gay man and Tim Hardaway made homophobic remarks, but he soon apologized.

Trying to avoid a similar situation, the NBA has partnered the entire the Los Angeles Lakers team with the organization, GLAAD. Throughout their postseason run, Bryant and his Laker teammates will appear in various ads for the organization.

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Jason Richardson allegedly knocked up Steve Nash's wife

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Steve Nash has been the face of the Phoenix Suns ever since he signed with them in 2004. Over the years, he has had several different players in the backcourt with him. In 2009, Jason Richardson was traded from the Charlotte Bobcats to the Suns, becoming Nash's new backcourt mate.

The two had great chemistry on the court, propelling Phoenix to a solid 53-win season and a trip to the Western Conference Finals, ultimately losing to the Lakers. Off the court, it seemed as if Nash and his backcourt mate, Richardson had a strong relationship. Rumor has it, Richardson had a much stronger relationship with Nash's wife.

In December of 2010, Steve Nash filed for divorce from his wife, one day after she gave birth to his child. While the child was supposed to be Nash's, many say the child was black. Richardson was traded from the Suns to the Orlando Magic in the same week. Initially, rumors stated Shaquille O'Neal was the father of the child, but reports are now saying Jason Richardson is the culprit.

If this is indeed the case, it would all make perfect sense. Steve Nash discovers the child is not his and files for divorce from his wife. A little investigating leads him in the direction of Jason Richardson. Being the face of the team, Steve Nash takes his issues with Richardson to the front office. Not wanting their franchise player upset, the Phoenix Suns trade Jason Richardson to a contender in Orlando in exchange for a similar player in Vince Carter.

Despite getting rid of Richardson, Steve Nash and the Suns have struggled, missing the playoffs one year after nearly beating Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

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Tony Parker leads Spurs to NBA's Best Record while divorcing Eva Longoria

By Sports Authority
JR Staff Writer

Three years ago, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria wed on the happiest day on Earth, 7/7/7. Only a few weeks prior to their marriage, Parker had just led the San Antonio Spurs to their fourth NBA championship, winning the 2007 NBA Finals MVP Award. Despite the difference in age, Eva Longoria was positive the marriage work.

Eva Longoria often made the news as Spurs' head coach, Greg Poppovich, did not care much for her. He admitted she was nice, but he thought she was a distraction to Tony. It turns out the coach was wrong about that. Despite Eva attending most Spurs' games, they continued to win.

Other women ended up being the distraction for Tony Parker. When his "Desperate Housewives" wife, Eva Longoria, discovered what was going on, she made quick work of him. Immediately, she filed for divorce and it is clear she is being distracted by this. While Eva may be a little rattled, Tony Parker is going about his business.

Each year since the 2007 NBA Championship, Tony Parker has continued to play well, but the Spurs have gotten worse each year. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics revamped their roster and dominated the league, while Kobe Bryant has turned the Los Angeles Lakers into repeat champions. But, this summer, the Miami Heat stole the show when they not only re-signed Dwyane Wade and landed Chris Bosh; they also managed to sign LeBron James.

Most analysts predicted the Heat, Celtics, and Lakers to dominate the NBA this season. Each team has had their moments, but Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs have silently put together the best record in the league. The Lakers have played great and the Utah Jazz have come from behind on multiple teams, but no team in the league is currently on the level of the San Antonio Spurs.

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Kobe Bryant keeps Lakers alive in NBA Finals

In game five of the 2010 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics perfected their craft. They forced Kobe Bryant to defeat them, taking the rest of the team out of the game. Bryant would explode for 38 points in game five, this included 23 consecutive Laker points. Despite his astonishing performance, the Lakers would lose.

The Boston win gave them a 3-2 lead in the series. Another win for the Celtics means they win the championship. Ever since he led the Lakers to the championship last season, Kobe Bryant has been focused on repeating. His focus never changed and the Lakers were almost given the best record in the West by default.

Last season was supposed to be when the Boston Celtics pulled off another incredible run to repeat as champions. But, injuries decimated the Celtics, leaving them in the cold. The Orlando Magic would inherit the Celtics' battles, falling in the Finals. Ever since their untimely defeat, the Boston Celtics have been thinking redemption.

During the offseason, Kevin Garnett worked hard to return to his form when he was first traded to the Celtics and the team made sure to add the right supporting cast to the squad. When the Boston Celtics took the floor for the first time in the 2009-2010 season, they defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers and got off to a quick 23-5 start. But, for the remainder of the season, they went 27-27. Their finish was good enough for a 50-32 record and home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The Boston Celtics pulled off an improbable run which has led them back to the NBA Finals. Despite everything that has gone on, the Celtics are where they planned to be over a year ago. After knocking off the league-leading Cavaliers, and the second place Magic, it has become clear Boston is the real deal. It did not take long for the Celtics to soon have Kobe Bryant and the Lakers against the wall. Behind 3-2, the Lakers needed a miracle. Luckily Kobe Bryant plays for the team and he attacked, but got others involved.

Only taking 19 shots, Bryant scored 26 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and nabbed 4 steals. In the process, he led the Lakers to their best defensive game of the playoffs, beating the Celtics 89-67.

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Kobe Bryant starring in the NBA Finals yet again

For the past three years, the NBA seasons have ended the same way, with Kobe Bryant as the focal point. For the past six years, the Los Angeles Lakers have been Kobe Bryant's team. Following the departure of Shaquille O'Neal, the team struggled to win games. In 2005, the Lakers found themselves out of the playoffs.

After two first round exits in 2006 and 2007, the Lakers finally brought Kobe Bryant proper help. The trade for big man, Pau Gasol and the emergence of Andrew Bynum placed the Lakers on top of the West. In the 2008 playoffs, Kobe Bryant was free for the first time. He did not have to create every play.

With this stellar team around him, Bryant led his team through the Western Conference playoffs. Right into the NBA Finals, they ran into the Boston Celtics. The Celtics were stacked with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. Despite how great Kobe was, he was not enough against three superstars. The Lakers fell to the Celtics, but the next season, they went on an inspired run and posted a better record than the Celtics.

However, injuries led to the Celtics falling to the Orlando Magic, who would end up facing the Lakers in the finals at the end of the season. In a reversal of what happened in 2008, Kobe Bryant improved his leadership skills and the Lakers would win the championship. This year, they have done what no team has been able to do since 2002 and made the NBA Finals three years in a row. If they win the championship, not only would they defeat the Celtics in the finals for the first time in twenty years, but they would also be the first team to repeat as champions since 2002.

The last team to accomplish the 2002 feats were the Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers. But, this time the focal point of the team is Kobe Bryant, as opposed to Shaq.

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LeBron James begins his Summer Vacation

After years of letdowns and disappointment, LeBron James was supposed to finally break through this year. Following their heartbreaking loss to the Orlando Magic in last year's Eastern Conference Finals, the attitude of the Cleveland Cavaliers changed. The change was led by LeBron's attitude. He went from thinking about simply dominating to thinking about the championship.

In an effort to build a team to dispatch the Orlando Magic, the Cavs made the seemingly right moves to build them for a playoff run. With the assumed demise of the Boston Celtics, the Magic were the only team thought to be able to handle Cleveland. LeBron James thought of only winning a championship throughout the summer of 2009. The season could not come fast enough for him.

Quickly, LeBron James was able to get his team to come together and they dominated the regular season. They posted the top record in the NBA and they swept the season series from Kobe Bryant and his defending-champion Los Angeles Lakers. With those two wins, LeBron James was considered to officially be the best player in the NBA and his team looked unstoppable. Even with the best record in the league, the team decided to add another scorer in Antawn Jamison just to be on the safe side.

When the playoffs started, only one word was spoken of, championship. LeBron James embedded this into the minds of his teammates and they truly believed that they could defeat the Orlando Magic. Facing the heroic Chicago Bulls in the first round, the Cleveland Cavaliers easily rolled over them. In the next round, they had the aging Boston Celtics. The entire basketball world was expecting LeBron James to put on an amazing performance that would end the Celtics' run in the second round. Two years prior, the Celtics had stopped James and his Cavaliers in the second round.

But, LeBron James seemed to dominate in game one, as he led the Cavaliers to a victory. But, in game two, the Boston Celtics stunned them with a blowout win in Cleveland. But, LeBron James dropped 38 points to blowout the Celtics in Boston and taking a 2-1 win. Most Cavalier fans saw game two as a slip on the part of their superstar. Follwoing that game, he seemed to be focused and he battled a close game in Boston. But, in the fourth quarter, the Celtics stormed back and won the game. The top-seeded Cavs featuring the two-time MVP, LeBron James were the only team still playing in the second round.

The Magic that they were waiting to defeat were waiting on the winner of the series and their manufactured rivals, Los Angeles Lakers, were in their Conference Finals, facing the Phoenix Suns. With the spotlight now on the best team in the league struggling against a has-been, LeBron James cracked under the pressure and his team fell to the inferior Boston Celtics. The 2009 Cavaliers had been built to take out the Celtics, but when they fell to the Magic, they proved to be weak against them. For the 2010 season, the Cavaliers were built to take out the Magic, but they got rid of pieces that were in place for the Celtics.

Now, LeBron James has an early start to his summer vacation. He will not get much rest as every team in the league will be throwing themselves at him. James is a free agent this summer and every team wants a piece of him, most notably, the New York Knicks. Teams cannot openly approach LeBron James until July, so he will have a full month to relax before the media frenzy fully emerges.

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Kobe Bryant signs extension in L.A.

For the past fourteen years, Kobe Bryant has played for the Los Angeles Lakers. During this time, he has gone from being just an average guard to becoming the best player in the NBA. With the upcoming 2010 free agency period, the list was expected to include Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade. The name Kobe Bryant can be taken off of this list.

Following the 2007 NBA Playoffs, Bryant demanded that he be traded from the Lakers. At the time, the team was nothing outside of him. Kobe Bryant felt that the best way for him and the team to improve was for him to move on. The Lakers ignored the pleas from Kobe to leave. As a result, he stuck it out and the Lakers are now one of the top teams in the NBA.

Back in 2007, no one would have ever guessed that Bryant would re-sign with the team. However, following his fourth championship, Bryant wants to retire in Los Angeles. To ensure his retirement, Kobe Bryant has signed a three-year deal with the Lakers that is worth $83.5 million. The deal does not kick in until after next season. When it does kick in Kobe will be making $27.8 million a year. When the contract expires, Kobe Bryant will have spent eighteen seasons in the NBA, all with the Lakers.

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