Bynum Not Dwelling on Trade Rumor

Andrew Bynum has been here before, many times. His name thrust into possible trades for guys like Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh, Jermaine O'Neal, and even in the Pau Gasol trade - luckily, the Lakers were able to acquire Gasol without swapping big 'Drew.

So, nobody should be surprised that after practice yesterday, Bynum brushed off the trade rumors like an annoying, pestering fly.

Not even Kobe Bryant was phased by the numerous reports by multiple media outlets, that the Lakers could possibly ship Bynum to Denver in exchange for 'Melo, saying "he's a big boy, he can handle himself". And there were definitely no video's like this.

If there is actual merit to this trade rumor, or not (we all know Chris Broussard's player movement prowess), Bynum needs to come out tonight in Boston and show some self-pride. Come out and play the game of your life, no matter if you believe the trade rumors or not.

Kevin Garnett Has Lost His Mind

You hear reporters, announcer's, and writers alike all describe Kevin Garnett's on court behavior with words like - tenacious, passionate, intense, and fiery. Yeah, I agree with those; but lately, his antics can be described in three words: flat out nuts (no pun intended, Channing Frye).

People also like to say, "he wears his heart on his sleeve", as if it's some kind of excuse to act deranged; but I think he needs to put his heart back in his chest and go see Ron Artest's therapist.

I have always had the utmost respect for KG because of the passion and emotion he has brought to the game, but ever since joining the Celtics back in 2007, his act turned into a sideshow. Here are a few recent incidents that have me thinking Garnett has lost his mind:

Although there are some disputing views, Pistons F Charlie Villanueva said Garnett called him a cancer patient while trash talking during a game.

Told a Lakers ball boy he "had a better chance of catching Bin Laden", when asked for an autograph.

There is usually a lot of validity in a Spike Lee Joint, but I'm not sure how much there is in a Spike Lee argument (via ESPN Spike Lee Interview) -

What's your most memorable conversation with a player during a game?
This is really surprising, and this is all true. The only time that it's ever really gotten nasty was with Reggie Miller. But we were friends before that and we've been friends since then. When I go to the games, it's to have fun. I'm respectful. If I say a player missed a shot, that's not talking about your mother, your family; it's all good nature. The players enjoy talking to me and I enjoy talking to them.

But this last time against Boston -- you know that game where they disallowed Stoudemire’s 3? -- Kevin Garnett lost it. He was cursing me out for no reason. Maybe because Stoudemire gave him 39 points, but take that vulgarity to Stoudemire. I'm not holding you and I did not even say s--- to Garnett the whole game. That really surprised me. He lost it. He was cursing at me the whole game. He needs to calm the f--- down.

Garnett also tried to make sure that Suns F Channing Frye didn't have the proper baby making equipment, here is the video. That prompted Suns coach Alvin Gentry to say this about KG after that game.

The most recent incident that would have gotten Ron Artest thrown out of the game and suspended for 10 games, was Garnett picking on the five-foot-nothing JJ Barea, and then contacting a referee not once, but twice - here is the video.

I am all for tough, inspired play, but KG is taking it to another level. Put him on the Cavs, Kings, or Sixers and he wouldn't be acting in such a way. Winning does weird things sometimes.

Biggest All-Star Snub

The NBA announced the reserves for this year's All-Star game at Staples Center. Overall, I think they East reserve's were rightfully chosen, but the West is a different story.

First off, the fact that Yao Ming was chosen as a starter is a flat out disgrace. It shows that the fan vote truly accounts for nothing. Secondly, there is one guy who was left off the team who I feel earned a spot - T-Wolves forward Kevin Love.

Yes, I know Minnesota is one of the worst teams in the association, but that's not K-Love's fault. Love is leading the league in rebounding at 15.5 per game, he is averaging a career best 21.4 points per game, and is shooting nearly 44% from behind the arc - good for top 5 in the NBA.

So, it begs the question - Who should have been left off the roster to make room for Love? The Answer: Tim Duncan.

I can hear the cries of Spurs fans as I'm typing this, but it's true. The biggest pro-Duncan argument I will get is - he is the best player on the best team. Not really. Duncan is producing at a career low clip in nearly every statistical category. Tony Parker (whom I believe should be the Commissioner's pick), and Manu Ginobilli (2011 All-Star) are the catalysts of the 41-8 Spurs.

Love's numbers are unmatched - six 20-20 games, 1 30-30 game, and 43 double-doubles so far this season! The guy has earned it.

Does Ron Artest want out of LA?

Marc Stein's initial report about "The State of Ron-Ron" on ESPN earlier today led all to believe that Artest was ready to call it quits.

Artest has since denied wanting out of L.A., responding with, "No, definitely not" when asked about his silent trade demand.


With the Lakers stuck in a rut thus far this season, this is more unwanted attention in LaLa Land.