I'm sure a good number of you have played some NBA2K11 in your life time. Outside of school, It's all I do nowadays. My life is exciting I know. But the reason for my addiction isn't a typical video game love. Yeah Call Of Duty is fun, and you can't beat Mario Kart. But being a "diehard" basketball/NBA/Laker fan, there's nothing like this game. It goes beyond enjoyment of playing it. I love it simply because of how accurate and how scarily precise the game has the teams and players portrayed. 

After playing this game I've come to some scary conclusions; If you're playing for money, don't be the Lakers. Just don't be them. Swallow your pride. I had to. When I first started playing for cash I always played as the boys in purple and gold. Win or lose, they're my time. However once I started getting in a debt of hundreds of dollars I knew I had to change things up. I got better. I stopped playing as the Lakers. I won most of my money back. I hate to admit it but I sense a correlation between the game and the league in real life.

If you like winning, here's a list of the teams you should be:

Miami Heat: Yeah I hate them. But in 2K11 you can't lose with them. You have two of the best in the game and an all star big man. The kicker though for why this team is the best is their shooters. Bibby, Chalmers, Miller, Jones, House. Those guys can stroke it. When your big guns are on the bench just fire away the 3 ball with these guys. It's scary how much will go in. Your grandma would whoop your ass with this team. 

Boston Celtics: Yeah I was them for a game...maybe two. Alright i played as them three times so sue me. I put up 50 points with Ray Allen every game. Shooting 3's with Sugar ray is as easy as 1 2 3. KG and Pierce give you a good shooter and a decent post up game but the real X factor to this team is Rondo. Having a good PG in this game is key. His shooting is overrated but he's a beast on D. I must say after the trade though their team is not as good as before. 

San Antonio Spurs: When Ginobili shoots just assume it's going. You have a speedy point guard in Parker and a solid big man in the Mr. Fundamental. Jefferson gives you some athleticism although i must say he's vastly overrated in this game. Check his stats 2K11, jeez. Bonner, Hill, and Neil provide some decent off the bench shooting which is key in this game. 

Orlando Magic: You have the best defensive big man in the game. So if he's in don't take it to the paint. It's a waste of time trust me. Like Manu and Ray, for whatever reason this game views Hedo Turkoglu as a knockdown shooter. Every time he shoots it goes in. It's not fair I know. You have Jameer Nelson, J-Rich, and Gilbert. From what I've seen this game created Arenas from his skill in 07. Not exactly up to date but o well. Ryan Anderson, Q-Rich, and my boy J.J. Redick provide the much valued off the bench shooting. 

New York Knicks: Ever since the trade everyone wants to play as the Knicks. I now know why. Melo, Stoudemire, and Billups. In 2K terms that's all you need. Williams, Fields, and Douglas provide the bench help. 

Now here's why you don't want to be the Lakers:

In 2K11, when participating in some high stakes games, you need a team with a superstar. While the Lakers have one in Kobe. He just doesn't have the speed or athleticism nowadays that a LeBron or Wade have. He's not the same Kobe I once knew in NBAlive05. You'll need shooters which the Lakers don't really have. Kobe can hit em. But don't shoot with Fish or Ron. Lamar is hit or miss. Our bench shooting is laughable. Shannon, Steve, and Matt are not knockdown shooters. The one advantage the Lakers would seem to have over everyone is their bigs, which in some ways is true. Playing as the Lakers you'll never get outrebounded. Also it should be noted that apparently Andrew Bynum cannot make a two footer. No matter how wide open, according to 2K11. In terms of offense, Video games just aren't for the Posts. 2K11 is a guards game. The Lakers just aren't the Belle of the Ball when it comes to 2K11. 

Maybe that's just the status of the Lakers in real life. A team with an aging superstar, no shooters, and at times ineffective and soft big men. 

As you might have heard, The Nets have sent a request to the league, requesting permission to change their name. This process takes 2 years to be put in effect so whatever name they pick it will be behind Brooklyn. Anyone got any ideas?

Here are some of my suggestions; sarcastic and serious

Brooklyn Wanderers-This one is a serious suggestion as it may not appear. "Wanderers is a common name in English soccer. The meaning refers to a team who can't find a league to play in. They wander from division to division, no steady home. The Nets story is a bit similar. They will wander from their first NJ home to the Prudential Center then finally their final stop at Barclays in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Barons- Anytime the City name and team name start with the same letter, it rolls off the tongue nicely. Oh apparently a "Baron" is part of British royalty. Not sure how that would fly though being that the owner is Russian.

Brooklyn United-Their owner, the Russian whose name I can't spell clearly states he wants the Nets to be the first global NBA franchise (Try not to laugh). Why not name them after the most global team in sports

Brooklyn Guidos- This could actually be a big hit. A good way to always keep New Jersey in their hearts. Name their new arena the Barclays Shore House, the teams cheerleaders would be the guidettes. The Situation courtside? Fist Pumps!

Brooklyn Carmelo's- He'd be honored.

Any suggestions? It's our duty as NBA fans to help prevent another "Magic" or "Wizards".

Best suggestion wins a discount replica Jordan Farmar Lakers jersey.

I have questions regarding the English premiere league. I would go to some of their team blogs, but hardly any are recently active. Being that the Sounders have the best supporters in the MLS, I was wondering if you guys could answer my questions?

1. Why is it that in the Premiere League, a team has its colors, its one kit they are known for, BUT then their secondary and alternate kits are completely different colors? For instance why does Man Utd have their red kit but they also have a blue jersey? I thought their colors were red and black. Man City has a baby blue kit, then a red and black one. I dont get it.

2. How are Premiere League teams kicked out of the first division. To my understanding, the poorest performing teams drop to a lower division. How often does this happen? How is this decided? How is it determined which teams will be brought in to replace them?

3. How long is the Premiere League season? Ranging from which months?

4. What is the FA Cup? European Cup? Carling Cup? all of these Cups? When do they start and how are the teams chosen to play in them? Does the Premiere League have a playoff system like in American Sports? Is a premire League winner determined?

Thank you for your time.

As you all know, over night it seems the Miami Heat have the most devoted fanbase in the league. I'm assuming all of you have been hearing things like " oh Ive always liked the Heat", or " well I'm a fan of whatever team LeBron goes to".

Pretty sickening hu? 

Currently I'm studying the English football culture in the Premiere League. I've come to one conclusion. English football fans are better than American sports fans,...And its not even close.

We are going to see these Heat supporters pop up in massive numbers. I can honestly say I'm looking forward to it.

Why? Because a new rivalry has been born. And while the Heat may soon match the winning ways of the Lakers, there is one thing that franchise wont ever have, A loyal fanbase. 

In England each team has a firm. Many believe and call it a gang. No matter how bad the team is, the firm always backs them. Even if it means fighting against another teams firm. 

These are examples of real loyal supporters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mZMOfwF5f4

(West Ham till I die) In America it would probably be "LeBron till I die"

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/14/15971187_aa57b991ec.jpg

That song, lived out. (West Ham coffin)

http://www.fcliverpool.com/liverpool/specials/ynwa/img/stadshgates02.jpg

What greets you at the stadium gates of Liverpool FC. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7xvegPH_Lw

LFC supporters singing it. Chilling.

Types of NBA fans:

Bandwagoner: supports any team that is winning. jumps from team to team.

Fairweather fan: stays loyal to one team. But only supports them in times of winning.

Fanboy: Supports a single player. Fan of whatever team he plays for

My question for you is;  If Kobe left the Lakers now, Would you still be a Laker fan?

Looking at the Lakers summer league roster I see Gerald Green's name on it.

What are the odds the Lakers will try and sign him? Assuming they dont add a better wing player and if Shannon doesnt come back

Hes an athletic player with more flaws than upside.  Obviously wed rather have guys like Mike Miller or Raja Bell or even Tracy McGrady. When it comes down to it though and if we dont have any of those guys, would you take Green? Do you think Mitch would try and sign him?

Ive been out of the SB game for a few days ever since my site tagline proposal was vetoed. 

All I hear on here in regards to the coaching situation is that the tribe has spoken and you guys obviously do not want Byron Scott. Im a bit confused as to why.

It looks now if Phil walks were either getting Scott or Shaw. Cleveland getting the other. Personally Id rather see Scott coach than Shaw. Here are my reasons;

-He demands respect from his players, Hes "Doc Riveresque". He yells, screams at his players and officials 

-Hes done this before. He took the Nets to the finals and the Hornets to their best season in franchise history

-He has purple and gold in his blood. He played with the Lakers. Obviously he feels allegiance for this franchise. The guy was offered to coach Cleveland but is holding out for the possibility to coach the Lakers

Reasons as to why Shaw would not be a good match;

-Shaw is like everyone on the teams friend. Hes the guy they go to when Phil was mad at them. He was the rock who was neutral. Kind of like the mom of the team.

-Hes never been a head coach before. Makes me a bit uneasy if you ask me.

Regardless if Phil leaves or not, the staff will still have staff to maintain running the triangle. Whether the coach is Scott or Shaw.

P.S. Anyone who wants Jeff Van Gundy, you're an idiot.

Hey everybody. I know someone already published a similar FanPost regarding the blogs Tagline. As it stands now I believe it sais something like " A blog devoted to Laker news, yada yada yada". Its boring I know.

I have a new idea that wasnt posted earlier. I got the idea from Manchester United's official website. 

So here it is, my pitch for the new tagline;

" Silver Screen and Roll- A blog devoted to the world's most famous basketball team"

Hello Raptors fans, this is a survey to find out who in fact is the most hated team in the league. This Post is also being asked on the 29 other NBA SB Nation blogs.

Its a simple question with no reasoning or explanation needed. Just tell the truth so we can find out who Raptors fans consider the most despicable franchise in the league. (atleast at the moment)

Fans of other teams; Please do not vote on this site. Thank you.

Hello Grizzlies fans, this is a survey to find out who in fact is the most hated team in the league. This Post is also being asked on the 29 other NBA SB Nation blogs.

Its a simple question with no reasoning or explanation needed. Just tell the truth so we can find out who Memphis fans consider the most despicable franchise in the league. (atleast at the moment)

Fans of other teams; Please do not vote on this site. Thank you.

Hello Wolves fans, this is a survey to find out who in fact is the most hated team in the league. This Post is also being asked on the 29 other NBA SB Nation blogs.

Its a simple question with no reasoning or explanation needed. Just tell the truth so we can find out who Wolves fans consider the most despicable franchise in the league. (atleast at the moment)

Fans of other teams; Please do not vote on this site. Thank you.

Hello Thunder fans, Simple survey, Which NBA franchise do you despise and hate the most? Which team do you find the most despicable?

No explanation or reasons needed. Just a simple honest vote. The point is to find which team is the absolute most unlikeable organization.

This same question is also being asked to the 29 other NBA SB Nation blogs. 

Note: Fans of other teams, please do not vote on this site. Thank you

Hello Pacer fans, this is a survey to find out who in fact is the most hated team in the league. This Post is also being asked on the 29 other NBA SB Nation blogs.

Its a simple question with no reasoning or explanation needed. Just tell the truth so we can find out who Pacer fans consider the most despicable franchise in the league. (atleast at the moment)

Fans of other teams; Please do not vote on this site. Thank you.

Hello Cavs fans, this is just a poll that will also be asked to the other 29 NBA SB Nation blogs. Please be honest and dont hold back. Im simply taking 2010 survey to find out who is in fact the most hated team in the league.

Simple question, No reasoning or explanation needed; Cavs fans, which NBA team do you hate the most?

Fans of other teams please do not vote on this site. Thank you.

All that we here is that the Lakers won 5 titles while in Minneapolis. Their Banners arent hung like the LA ones. All we see is a little baby blue banner with five years written in golden lettering. In the intro videos when showing Laker history the M.P.L.S Lakers arent even mentioned. 

The Minneapolis Lakers are more than just the first 5 Laker titles

They were the first dynasty in the NBA. They dominated the earliest days of the league. Their superstar George Mikan, also called Mr. Basketball was voted the player of the century in the 50's. He paved the way for Wilt, Kareem, and Shaq. He was the first NBA superstar. Meaning he also paved the way for Kobe.

These guys paved the way for Russell's Celtics. They paved the way for the league. The Lakers werent dubbed the Yankees of basketball recently or even in the 80's. No, they were dubbed that knickname in the early 50's.

I love the Lakers. Im glad they moved to LA. But the Lakers franchise now has completely shunned the Lakers founding fathers. Now with the Lakers franchise winning their 16th, I think the franchise should pay more respect to the Minneapolis teams. "The first Lakers"

I propose a petition in favor of having the Minneapolis Lakers championships represented in Banners, hanging side by side with the ones won in LA. The same size, just Baby Blue and yellow colored ala their colors then. Let all 16 Banners hang together in unison. Who's with me?

As all of you know by now, the series is now tied at 2 a piece. We're two games away from repeating, winning it all again, getting revenge on Boston. We're also two losses away from losing to Boston...again, having to suffer another summer of a Boston championship, seeing Pierce and KG's ugly mugs in celebration.

You all know i see the glass half empty when it comes to Lakers. How are you guys feeling now?

The Lakers are NOT beating the Celtics.

Think about it, how does Ray Allen get the Finals record for 3's and Rondo get a triple double? Because theyre Celtics, and it would only happen against the Lakers. Thats the crazy and cruel type of stuff that happens when these two teams meet.

Go back to 08, when we blew that 24 point lead. Again, it would only happen to us at the hands of THEM.

We lost to them 8 times before finally beating them, including back to back losses in 68' and 69'. 

How does one franchise lose to another 8 times in a row? 4 series that went 7 games. All 4 game 7's went to the Celtics. Can someone please explain that?

Its not meant to be for the Lakers, for whatever reason. We now have to win 2 out of 3 in Boston. Pierce hasnt gone off yet. Rondo hasnt either. Those two are bound to have big games at any moment. Who knows who will pull out the heroic crap next game for them. Whoever does it, history sais the Lakers wont match it.

Call me a troll, a bandwagon fan, whatever you want. It killed me in 08 when the Celtics won. It kills me now to think they are now the favorites to win the series. This is why I didnt want the Lakers to face the Celtics in the Finals. This is why I didnt want to relive "The Curse"

What if Ron Artest was on that bus in 08 that got rocks thrown at by Celtic fans? Can you imagine what he would have done? I hope some Celtic fans try to pull that this time, the only thing that will happen is Ron Artest busting open the door and going ape shit on the crowd. Wow that would be sweet. 

Anyone going to Game 1?

How do you plan to greet the team from Bawwston?

Lets give em a "wicked" welcoming shall we?

Yes you heard me right. The general consensus among experts is that the Celtics will beat the Lakers in similar fashion to the 08 finals. Browsing through SB nation and yahoo posts aside America wants the Celtics to win, and in dominating fashion.

Guess what though, I like the Lakers playing the villain in these finals. The underdog and the villain, what a role eh?

The Lakers are going to need the home crowd more than ever on thursday. Im not a fan of color coordinated t shirts and all that other cheezy stuff teams like the Cavs promote, but anyone got any other ideas on how to give the Lakers that Salt Lake City type homecourt advantage?

Its the finals baby, gotta pull out all the stops. I lived through 08, I dont want that again thats for damn sure.

If youre like me, which most of you are, you probably just got done swearing at your TV profanities towards the Suns players. Yeah I cant stand these Suns either. Wasnt there an article not too long ago from the OC register saying its hard to hate the Suns?...Yeah FUCK THAT SHIT.

But before you go off into the deep end just remember last year it was tied 2-2 with the Nuggets. All seemed lost then and the Lakers still won it all. That was before they went 7 games with the Rockets

A year before when the Celtics won it all they went two 7 game series and beat the Pistons in 6. (after being tied 2-2)

What Im saying is struggle is good...I guess. Its harder on my heart but I think it benefits the Lakers. In 08 the Lakers steamrolled through their opponents only to get run over by the Celtics. The 08 team didnt face adversity and lost in the finals. The 09 team did and ended up triumphing through it all.

P.S its going to be even sweeter to rub into Suns fans now that their hopes are up.

Anyone watching the ECF's? Yeah Boston is by far the better team. Think about it. Who is Orlando's go to guy?...Bueller Bueller? Oh yeah they dont have one. They dont have an offense. Howard doesnt have post moves. Lewis is inneffective unless he hits 3's. VC is proving to be a choke artist and the Lakers have already faced better point gaurds than Jameer Nelson.

Boston is looking scary. They have `4 guys to go to at the end of the game; KG,PP,Rondo, and Allen. They play D and are physical. Theyre the Lakers kryptonite.

The only thing worse than the Lakers losing is the Celtics winning. Fuck this revenge you "Laker fans" speak of. I dont know about you but I dont ever root for the Celtics, Let alone root for them making it to the finals. I want that franchise in the lottery every year.

All you "Laker fans" rooting for the Celtics need to take those green jerseys off. You say you want the Celtics because theyll be the easier team. Wake up. Fuck Home court Advantage. This series is proving who the better team is.

This post isnt targeted towards a specific topic. Just a nice plate full of a little of everything. Enjoy.

the Celtics: Most of you guys viewed them as the ideal team for the Lakers to steam roll over in the finals. All of the fans on here seem to be begging for "revenge" from 08. A month ago they seemed old and washed up. Now theyre the scariest team in the NBA. The 08 Celts seem to be back which is a bad thing. We all saw the result when that team was rolling. Im still praying the Magic can get their act together. The last thing I want is the Celtics getting Banner number 18. So why would any Laker fan be rooting for them to make it in the Finals? If the Lakers win the Celtics still own us in the overall head-to-head matchup. If the Lakers lose the Celts go 3 up on the Lakers in all time Titles and 10-2 against them head-to-head. Seems like big risk little reward doesnt it? 

Shaq: Most of you hate him. The guy failed to get the ring for the King. What a shame. He isnt going back to the Cavs. His 1 year deal is up and really has no purpose going back there. Making assumptions hell probably want to grab onto the coat tails of another contender. I think you know where Im going with this. Yes I would be welcome to having Shaq back with the Lakers. Its where his jersey where one day be hanging. Its his only true team. It makes sense as well. Bynum gets hurt every month and Shaq would be more than a capable backup. I think Shaq has 2 more years left in the tank.

Bynum: Can anyone else see Barbosa or Dragic falling on Bynum's knee tomorrow leaving him on the floor in pain, carried off the floor done for the year? Anyone else think he should have had the surgery as soon as it was bothering him? Yeah me too. Lakers cant win it all without him being effective. "Shoulda went under the knife Drew". No offense But I think the team would have been just fine going up Fesenko and Collins without you.

The Suns: From PJ's comments to Nash's...this rivalry hasnt skipped a beat. Go Lakers. Beat those Suns of B*tches

Because Im a true fan and this is the NBA I wont COMPLETELY say the series is over. Out of respect for the Jazz.

However looking forward to the possible next round matchup and Im excited...the most excited Ive been for a series since the 08 finals.

Think about it, the last time these two franchises went head to head in the playoffs, the Suns were the greatest thing since the showtime Lakers and the lakers were Just Kobe and a few role players. (one named Smush). The Lakers were the underdogs which is rare and sports fans thought us Laker fans actaully expected our team to win those series. I remember the smack talk especially between the Suns fans. Ive never seen a fanbase so proud of barely beating a 7th seed before in my life. Congrats on those first round series wins that never lead to a title. Also, congrats on beating your nemesis Spurs and getting your revenge. But guess what?

Now its time for the Lakers to get thier revenge. Tables have turned as well. The Suns are not the team to beat. Theyre riding a magic palyoff run steamed by Goran Dragic and Jared Dudley.

Anyone else think Kobe is going to pumped for this series? We all know he takes stuff to heart. Two straight years of elimination from the Suns hasnt been forgotten. Hell I wouldnt be surprised if he doesnt have one of his best series of his career.

Bottom line. Im stoked for the Suns series. Preferably when the Lakers play in Phoenix. Why? Because the looks on the Suns fans faces will be completely different. Instead of a smirk it will be a blank look while they think in their heads, "wow I dont If our Suns can beat these guys"

Suns fans, Smush and Kwame aint comin back. Its a horse of different color now.

One question though:Can Raja Bell please get back in a Suns uni so I can have more fun swearing at my TV watching the games?