Return of the King

Silhouetted against the cold, still night, the hero can be seen riding again. In dramatic lore, he is known as the Captain. This is only an alias for a returning king who once triumphed the expanse of, capturing six MVPs and five titles as spectators peered down upon the mystifying panorama from the highest columns of the Great Western Forum.

Excuse me while I wipe some vomit from my mouth.

Laker fans, spare yourselves and do not get too excited over the return of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the organization. In a summer where more player personnel changes are necessary to field a solid team, I see the addition of the ol’ Captain as nothing more than a weapon of mass distraction.

Owner Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak may be in the works for another trade, which I am patiently waiting for, but the addition of Kareem is a superfluous act for fans less patient than I. Remember when we were supposed to get Scottie Pippen to tutor Lamar Odom? When that plan didn’t work out, the organization had to go to another player, so why not Kareem for mentoring Bynum?

I know, I know, this seems like a bit of a rant. But seriously, when the LA Times article about Kareem’s coaching return sites that he “has worked with NBA players such as Shawn Bradley and Michael Olowokandi,�? I’m supposed to be excited? I’m supposed to think that Kareem is going to do a magnificent job tutoring Bynum, Brown, and Mihm when two of the people I’d top the list of “Most Underachieving Bigmen in the History of the World�? have Abdul-Jabbar’s number in their cell phone as their guru? Couldn’t the LA Times find a better list of players Kareem has worked with?

Magic’s in the owner’s box. Worthy’s on KCAL. Thompson’s doing color for the radio broadcasts. And now Kareem is coaching.

Jerry Buss has gotten his wish – Showtime really is back in LA.

I just thought it would be on the court…

The Laker organization more than likely is working hard behind the scenes in trying to improve this team. I’m patient. I know the wheels are in motion and phones are ringing. Why do you feel as though you need to humor me with moves like this, Mr. Kupchak? I’ve been defending the organization and preaching patience, and I still am, but the lack of patience has infiltrated the offices, too?

The only reason I bring this up is in fear that a move will be made just for the sake of making a move. I’ve read reports of a possible trade for Jason Kapono. Really? Another SF (I know he can shoot, but I thought Phil was enthralled with Odom and Walton)? I’m honestly afraid that the team is so willing to satiate fans’ needs for a move that something silly is going to be done. Maybe that’s an illogical fear on my part, but I look to my Laker organization to be strong in the wake of fan disgust and keep their plan.

I’ve been preaching patience to all the members of the board, but now I guess I have to start writing letters to El Segundo, too.

- bhatta

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