Can Lonzo Ball be a transcendent player in the NBA?

Our Southern California News Group Lakers beat writer Mark Medina had me on his podcast, where I rambled about Lonzo Ball after his workout for the Lakers on Wednesday.

Among the subjects we tackled were Lonzo’s evolution from soft-spoken freshman to legitimate leader at UCLA, his potential to change the culture of a franchise, whether he can be a transcendent player in the NBA, the obvious holes in his game and, of course, LaVar Ball and Big Baller Brand.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar undergoes quadruple bypass surgery

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar underwent quadruple bypass surgery on Thursday at UCLA Medical Center, but is expected to make a full recovery.

UCLA released a statement today at the request of the former Lakers and Bruins star. He was operated on by Dr. Richard Shemin.

From the university’s statement:

At this time, Abdul-Jabbar would like to thank his surgical team and the medical staff at UCLA, his alma mater, for the excellent care he has received. He is looking forward to getting back to his normal activities soon.

He asks that you keep him in your thoughts and, most importantly, cherish and live each day to its fullest.

For those wanting to send well wishes, he thanks you in advance and asks that you support those in your own community who may be suffering from various health issues.

Adrià Gasol looks to step out of shadow

The love blossomed on a warm summer day in Calafell, a small beach town less than an hour’s drive west of Barcelona.

His grandmother owned a house there, not far from shores so white and pristine they once earned a European “blue flag” designation for cleanliness. Five years ago, the summer before his freshman year of high school, it was where Adrià Gasol truly found basketball.

You know the name: the one found on five different NBA All-Star rosters, two Olympic silver-medal teams and a FIBA World Championship. Continue reading “Adrià Gasol looks to step out of shadow” »