Much like the NFL the owners are seeking to get a bigger piece of the pie at the expense of the players. Unlike the NFL there are serious solvency issues that must be addressed.

The NBA has become a cash cow for players skilled enough to make a living out of playing hoops. That’s not to say that every NBA player is making bank. Most come and go without so much as a 10-day contract and cup of coffee in the world’s best basketball league. However, since Kevin Garnett first broke the bank with the Minnesota Timberwolves over a decade ago things have drastically changed for franchise players.

Suddenly guys like Joe Johnson are cashing in on deals more lucrative than Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson could have dreamed of.

That’s not to say modern players are undeserving of the money coming their way. As the league has become more profitable it is only right the men who make the game what it is are allowed to get their fare share of the wealth.

In fact, the players aren’t alone.
… [visit site to read more]

Countdown to Catastrophe: NBA Lockout Looms - Lake Show Life - Lake Show Life - A Los Angeles Lakers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Will we ever see a fully healthy Bynum? (Photo: Wally Skalij, Los Angeles Times)

Vitals

Age: 23

NBA Experience: 5 years

Contract Status: Signed thru 2011-12 (Team option for 2012-13)

2010-11 Averages: 11.3ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.9bpg, 57% FG, 66% FT

There might not be a bigger conundrum in all of basketball than Andrew Bynum. When you look at the NBA landscape you’ll notice that true centers are a dying breed. True centers that are more than just big stiffs are even rarer. Thus Bynum sits atop the list of most untradeable Lakers not named Kobe.

His health is always a concern. His maturity might be an even larger issue. His salary seems outrageous for a player with a career average 13 points a night. Still, there is no substitution for an active 7-footer that hits the boards, defends the rim and controls the paint. Bynum is truly a luxury even if it costs more than $16-million for the right to see him suit up 50-60 times a year.

The 2010-11 season was truly a lost year for Drew. He was out of action early due to yet another knee surgery. This time around Drew’s prolonged absence was due to his immature nature. Bynum delayed surgery in order to attend the World Cup in South Africa. A once in a lifetime opportunity no doubt but one that didn’t do his teammates any favors.

It took Drew a few months to get up to speed and it wasn’t until February that we finally saw Bynum begin to dominate the paint like we all know he’s capable of. Then just as he was hitting his stride Bynum suffered another minor setback on the same problematic knee. While he didn’t miss any time his game was never the same.
… [visit site to read more]

Lakers Roster Review: Andrew Bynum - Lake Show Life - Lake Show Life - A Los Angeles Lakers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More