LOS ANGELES – You know you have a ton of NBA Championship rings when you don’t feel it necessary to attend a victory parade. That’s exactly what LA Lakers coach Phil Jackson did; he skipped the festivities while opting to go to a doctor’s appointment he had scheduled earlier.

Well, okay, but let’s face it, with his stature in L.A. any doctor’s office would be expected to bow to his wishes to push back an appointment for a day IF he requested.

Regardless, the man has won a 6-pack of rings with the Chicago Bulls and after this year’s victory in Game 7 against the hated-rival Boston Celtics; he has another five with the Lakers—the parade thing may be getting old.

Jackson, 64, is said to have bypassed the celebration to keep medical appointments he had scheduled that could not be changed, according to a statement made by the Lakers front office.

Jackson, who has been behind the Lakers bench for the most coaching wins in Lakers history, banked $12 million for the 2009-10 season and is pondering his next move. A decision is expected soon but sources say Lakers owner Jerry Buss might ask his guru to take a large slash in pay.

Lakers executive VP Jeanie Buss, who is Jackson’s girlfriend, told ESPN:

“Phil was already watching the ESPN highlight show when we got home. I think that is a good indication of where his heart is. It’s his hips and his knees that we need to worry about.”

L.A. CABBIE GIVEN $10,000 COMPENSATION BY STAPLES CENTER FOR BURNED CAB

In other news around the Staples Center, the CEO of the arena presented a $10,000 check to a cabbie whose taxi was trashed during the raucous party following that Game 7 win after a mob of “happy” fans decided to burn the dude’s wheels.

The CEO had this to say to the cabbie while presenting the check

“On behalf of all the knuckleheads, we apologize and hopefully that helps you get on your feet a little bit.”

The cabbie who is a 41-year-old Ethiopian immigrant responded:

“I was thinking they can kill me. That’s all I was thinking. They burned the car.”

The financial gesture reminded many of us of the Lakers’ 2000 NBA Championship celebration when the team and Shaquille O’Neal each gave about $43K to the city of L.A. to replace two police vehicles that were also torched during another violent post-game party.

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Manute Bol, the 7-ft, 7-inch shot-blocking giant who played 624 games for four different NBA teams died today from complications of a rare skin disease. He contacted the illness during his time spent in his native country of Sudan Africa where Bol’s passion was helping his fellow natives in the war-torn country.

The 47-year-old Bol died at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville from internal bleeding and other complications from the disease known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Bol’s journey to the NBA started in southern Sudan where a basketball coach noticed him herding cattle with the Dinka tribe. Shortly after, Bol entered the U.S. not knowing a word of English and played for Bridgeport college before going on to become a crowd-pleaser in the NBA.

Whether on home court or on the road, crowds erupted when the Bol, one of the tallest players in NBA history, took the court, watching the player battle stouter competition like Shaq and Gheorghe Muresan.

Besides being known for his freakish, skeletal-like physique, Bol is known for his passion to help save his country and got involved in publicity stunts like Celebrity Boxing where he fought Refrigerator Perry, playing in an IHL hockey game and riding as a horse jockey in another event.

Though criticized by some, Bol did all of this for his country and was constantly trying to raise awareness and money for Sudan’s cause.

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. – A night of shooting 6-of-24, just 25 percent from the floor, many times spells disaster for Kobe Bryant and the L.A. Lakers but not in last night’s NBA Finals Game 7 against their hated rival Boston Celtics.

Despite sloppy play and the hideous night of shooting from the floor, when the final second ticked off the clock, Kobe and the Lakers celebrated an 83-79 win under a purple and gold confetti shower and hoisted their back-to-back NBA Championship trophy.

The win earned the Lakers their 16th NBA title overall and is Coach Phil Jackson and Kobe’s fifth with the team. Jackson has another 6-pack of rings from his days with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

The Celtics battled hard on the Staples Center floor, running up a 13-point lead in the second half and clinging onto a 3-point lead late in the final quarter, but the Lakers battled back in an exciting final few minutes and squeaked out the win on their home court.

This 16th NBA title for the Lakers moves them to within one of Boston’s NBA record 17 and Bryant didn’t pull any punches commenting on the rivalry:

“This one is by far the sweetest, because it’s them.”

Bryant, who was off his game and attempted several off balance ill-advised shots throughout the night, got much needed support and a chunk of it came from Pau Gasol who chipped in 19 points, including 9 in the final quarter, and 18 boards. Ron Artest, who earned his first ring, netted 20 points including a clutch 3-pointer late in the game.

Overall the Lakers shot about as bad as a team can shoot, nailing just 21 from the floor over the first three quarters while looking like they had attended a Ben Wallace free-throw clinic, barely hitting over 50 percent at the line.

Stats from the losing bench included Paul Pierce (18 points, 10 rebounds), Kevin Garnett (17 points) and Rasheed Wallace (11 point).

‘Sheed, the NBA’s guru of technical fouls, fouled out late in the game and attempted to get into the official’s locker room after the game but was not allowed access by arena security.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig may have just taken the title of worst commissioner in the history of professional sportsaway from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and for that he gets the Sports Climax Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week.

In a sports world where the NHL relies on verifying with video footage that a puck is in the net and the NFL that two feet are inbounds on a TD pass, after yesterday’s interview, Selig appears to be comfortable allowing human error to continue to create controversy in his sport.

Selig has been saturated in controversy over the past few decades with many accusing him of ignoring the steroid abuse issues that were prevalent and obvious during the 1990’s when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa were playing home run derby.

We know how Selig has managed to skirt around issues involving  several other situations including the Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds perjury investigations and the uncovering of A-Rod and several other player’s syringe use.

The more recent issues surround the blatant, game-changing calls that his umpire crews have been making. Some of these blunders, like those made during recent playoffs, have sent hard-working organizations home packing earlier than they should have been.

More recently the Jim Joyce “three-blind-mice- I-have-my-head-up-my-ass” call that took a perfect game from a young Detroit pitcher now has center stage.

That said the buzz about expanding the instant replay had gathered more steam than a locomotive; that is until yesterday when Selig all but squashed the concept.

In an interview with the AP, Selig said he will continue to look at expanding the use of instant replay in baseball, but doesn’t think it will happen this year—if at all. WTF!

“I doubt it, but I wouldn’t ever say never. It’s worked out well.”

SLAP! That line deserves a good bitch-slappin’. What has worked out well? Allowing crews to make blunders that advance the biggest market New York Yankees to another playoff series?

Wouldn’t determining the correct winners for the fans as often as possible be considered working out well?

Making changes that limit mistakes and blunders your blind umpire crews seem to be making on a more consistent basis would be considered working out well.

On another note, these calls have affected our country’s legal gambling systems. Some of these calls have affected the final score or winners as in several MLB Playoff games in the past meaning the people who have wagered on that game have been cheated.

Logical minds who run the NFL and NBA and even Bettman’s NHL have realized how advantageous it is to utilize video replay technology but Selig continues to hide behind some sort of curtain that many of us cannot figure out. How could he not want to reduce those occurrences and limit mistakes?

Selig went on to say in the interview that he “wants to do what I think is best for the sport.”

If that were true Mr. Selig than many people would say then you should resign.

RELATED STORIES:

Umpire Joyce Joins Buckner in Hall of Shame – Sports Climax

McGwire steroid book ranked 94,956 in sales – Sports Climax

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CLEVELAND, OH. – Michigan State Spartans basketball coach Tom Izzo is one of the top basketball coaches in the country and his ability to make sound decisions is one of the reasons. That same attribute may keep him behind a bench surrounded by Spartan green instead of NBA Cleveland Cavaliers jerseys.

Michigan State AD Mark Hollis has announced that Dan Gilbert has expressed a strong interest in his coach, Izzo, although he has not been given an offer yet. But who is Gilbert? The main interest that will put a guy behind that Cavs bench may need to come from LeBron James but only IF he is in the land of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame next season.

Gilbert is a Michigan State alum and thinks Izzo walks on water but until James thinks the same AND has a contract signed, we may see Izzo left hanging in quasi-land.

In 15 years as an NCAA coach, Izzo has won a national championship and led his Spartans to 6 Final Fours but regardless of his ability to win and lead, many do not expect him to take the Cavs job unless James has signed on the dotted line. On the flip side of that, regardless of his resume, he may have to wait for LeBron’s approval anyways.

To wad up and throw away his current contract that has him locked in until 2016 for a total rebuilding scenario without LeBron in Cleveland would be like trading in a Bentley for a Yugo.

The Cavs have remained one of the top teams and contenders in the Eastern Conference with James on the court but have still failed to win a title even though they have opened their wallet and surrounded James with a variety of talent over the years.

That being said, if James leaves for a larger NBA market like New York or Chicago, then Izzo may prefer to stay put in Lansing where Spartans fans are pacing the floor, awaiting this decision.

The LeBron sweepstakes has taken center stage even to the Boston Celtics and L.A. Lakers NBA Playoff Finals and now Izzo’s name has been thrown into the fiasco.

Teams like his Cavs, the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets are drooling over the image of seeing James suit up in their buildings, salivating over the idea of having him suit up in their uniform.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh has basically thrown away a few seasons creating enough cap space while it was earlier that rumored Derek Jeter and Jay Z would get involved in the recruiting mission.

In the Windy City, a billboard sits at Grand Ave. and La Salle St. that says “Chicago wants LeBron.” LeBron probably won’t even be driving in that area in Chicago but that’s how much hype surrounds his free agency.

Politicians are even getting in the mix with Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland leading a group of people singing a song entitled “Please Stay LeBron,” and President Obama suggesting where James should sign.

With this circus atmosphere surrounding LeBron and the Cavs, Izzo may have to wait for the official offer that may only come after James signs and APPROVES him as coach.

Izzo may not be used to players making coaching or organization decisions like that but welcome to the NBA . . . before even getting there, Mr. Izzo.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax, LLC

How could you not fall in love with Irene Pollin after last night’s NBA Draft Lottery? Her mouth sitting wide open with that stunning look of shock in her eyes that their 10.3% chance of winning the lottery came true.

The N.J. Nets had the highest probability of winning with a 25% chance. She had the 1978 Washington Bullets Championship ring on or what she called her late husband’s good luck charm on her hand.

Irene is the widow of her late husband Abe: the pair holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured owners in the National Basketball Association.

They’ve owned the Green Bay Packers, Zephyrs and Bullets/ Wizards since 1964 and also have been majority owners in some point of time of the Washington Capitals and Washington Mystics. The Wizards deserved this after their tumultuous season where their best player Gilbert Arenas served jail time and was suspended for bringing guns into the locker room and threatening teammate, Javaris Crittenton during a verbal altercation.

Arenas, who was bothered by injury problems, was still awarded a very sweet deal by the Wizards before the 2009 season, $111 million over six years. After his year-long suspension the team had to start fresh and did so by trading their other two stars, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison.

Ted Leonis who may be buying the Wizards in the future said:

“We’re starting out with fresh air. We’re going to get a core piece who could be with us for 8-10 years.”

Abe Pollin sold Leonsis the NHL Capitals in 1999 and since Leonsis has built that NHL franchise around electric scorer Alex Ovechkin, a top selection in that league’s draft.

The No. 1 pick in this upcoming NBA Draft will almost certainly be point guard John Wall, so we’ll have to see how the new Wizards backcourt looks next year. Two things for certain, Irene Pollin’s priceless facial expression will be one that will always be remembered for as long as the NBA holds a lottery and no matter who they select it will be a wiser choice than when Michael Jordan was their GM and selected Kwame Brown with the 2001 No. 1 pick for the Wizards.

Copyright © 2010 Sports Climax, LLC

CLEVELAND, OH. – LeBron James was presented his second consecutive NBA MVP, joining nine other NBA players who have won the award in back-to-back seasons.Those familiar names are Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash and Bill Russell.

Three of those stars, Russell, Chamberlain and Bird actually took the trophy home three times in a row.

James’ win comes at the heels of a season where he compiled the most impressive stats of his 7-year career that included 29.7 PPG, 7.3 rebounds and 8.6assists.NBA Commissioner David Stern presented the hardware to James Sunday at the University of Akron.

The Cavs star received 116 of a possible 123 first-place votes blowing away all the other candidates. Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant came in second but was picked first on only four ballots.

One piece of the puzzle for James’ career that remains missing is an NBA Championship. The Cavs have surrounded James with several different player combinations and have yet to find the right mix to bring Cleveland its first NBA Championship.

The most recent group includes Shaquille O’Neal who has won titles for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. The Cavs are considered by many as this year’s favorite after winning 61 games this season snagging the top seed in the playoffs.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax™

CLEVELAND, OH. – Word finally came down on LeBron James’ injury to his elbow and as expected, the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar will take the court on Saturday for Game 1 of the best-of-seven series against the Boston Celtics.LeBron practiced left-handed layups and short jumpers at his team’s practice today after being checked out by team docs Wednesday night in Cleveland. An MRI and X-rays were performed and the diagnosis is said to be a bone bruise accompanied by a strain.

“The best thing about it is there’s no structural damage. The docs have given me clearance that I can’t hurt it worse,” James said.

Although he’s been given the green light to play, James will continue receiving daily treatment and the team has scheduled another MRI for next week.

“We’re just being very [cautious] right now,” James said. “I didn’t do much shooting [today].”

The Cavs moved into this next round of the NBA Playoffs after they eliminated the Chicago Bulls in 5 games of a best-of-seven. Finishing that series in short fashion is exactly what the Cavaliers needed so James will be required to play less games over the stretch of these playoffs.

Knocking off the Celtics may not as easy. Many are expecting this to be a knock-down drag-out fight between these two hungry teams. The Celtics are out to prove they weren’t one-time wonders while the Cavs are still searching for their first title with James.

“If I am limited during the [Celtics] game, then I’ll be smart about it,” James said. “That’s what I was able to do in Game 5 [against Chicago]. I was very limited in shooting long-range shots, so I started going to the hole in the fourth quarter.”

With this injury limiting LeBron’s play, don’t expect a large amount of highlight-reel slam dunks until the elbow finds a way to work itself back closer to normal.

NOTE: ESPN First & Ten analyst Skip Bayless stopped just short of accusing LeBron of over exaggerating about his injury after he elected to shoot a free throw left-handed when the Chicago game was out of reach.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax™

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. – The Oklahoma City Thunder came to play on Saturday, out-rebounding the L.A. Lakers and their 7-foot duo, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum and thrashing the Lakers 110-89 to even the NBA Playoff series 2-2.

Kevin Durant scored 22 points and Russell Westbrook netted 18 and added 8 boards for the Thunder who are suddenly making believers out of their fans and opposition around the league.

After the game Durant was composed and seemed all business during a courtside interview saying, “It’s a seven game series.”

“We knew what we were capable of and how hard we play every day and how hard we practice every day,” said Durant. “With those attributes, I think that we can go far as a team. It’s all on us. We control our own destiny at this point.”

“A lot of people didn’t expect us to be here and once we got here, people were saying we were going to get swept.”

Kobe Bryant was held to 12 points and his decision to not take a shot for the first 15 minutes of the game, got his team in a 15-point deficit hole they could never dig out of.

The Thunder responded with a vengeance and the Lakers never got within double-digits after the first quarter.

“This is as big as a game can possibly be,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “You’re playing against one of the best teams in the playoffs on your home floor. Like I told the guys after the game, the Lakers did a good job the first two games. They took care of their home court. We did the same thing.”

Bynum and Gasol led the Lakers in scoring with 13 and Kobe took his 12 points to the bench, spending the entire 4th quarter there with 3 other Lakers starters.

“Our expectation is we wanted to win both of these games and be done with it. I think that’s every team’s mindset coming on the road being up 2-0,” Bryant said during post-game. “We’ve got a tough fight.”

Game 5 is Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax™

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Los Angeles Lakers just announced a three-year contract extension with Kobe Bryant. This is the companion piece to a four-year extension for Pau Gasol announced in December, 2009.

The Lakers press release quoted General Manager Mitch Kupchak as saying:

” Kobe has been a cornerstone of the Lakers for well over a decade…and in the process developing into one of the greatest players in basketball history.”

The lack of an extension for Bryant was creeping back into sports analysts’ conversation as a result of the Lakers’ uneven performance since the All-Star game (13-8), most particularly the just concluded 2-3 road trip.

The level of uncertainty rose a bit more after coach Phil Jackson’s mysterious comments about returning next season. Kobe’s return was rumored to be tied to Jackson’s only adding to the paranoia of Lakers fans.

Despite Kobe being as clear as he could be after the team won the 2009 NBA Championship, the anxiety in Los Angeles was fueled by the memory of that horrible time in the summer of 2007 when Kobe demanded a trade.

Bryant told the assembled 100,000 people at the Lakers victory celebration last June, when asked if he was going to re-sign with the team: “Where am I going to go? This is my home.”

The team now has four of its starting five signed through the 2012 season. Ron Artest took a multi-year deal last summer and Andrew Bynum was given his big money contract at the beginning of the 2008 season.

Sixth man, Lamar Odom is under contract for the same time period after last summer’s mysterious standoff.

Re-printed with permission of the author.

Paula Duffy is a national sports columnist for Examiner.com and the Huffington Post and regularly comments on sports/legal matters for radio affiliates of ESPN and Fox Sports. She founded the sports information site, Incidental Contact, is the author of a line of audio books designed for sports novices and in her spare time practices law in Los Angeles. 

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax™