Ron Artest Wants Name Change

The wild, adventurous, and crazy Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest wants to change his name Metta World Peace.

As ridiculous as this moniker is, Artest is serious and has already filed a legal petition to get his name altered.

Of course, Ron Artest isn't the only athlete to change his name as Chad Johnson changed his last name to Ochocinco, but I don't think anyone saw this coming. However, I'm definitely not surprised by this considering Ron's past actions.



From the "Malice at the Palace", to selling his championship ring for charity, to drinking liquor at halftime during games, to his weird hairstyles, to his hilarious interview after the 2010 NBA Finals, Artest has definitely done many erratic things. I could expand to this list, but I don't know how long that will take.

I can just see the commentator like the stupid Mike Breen saying, "How ironic! Peace gets a technical for punching a player in the face. How's that for World Peace."

And then Van Gundy says something even dumber like, "Hey. I like his name. Maybe I will change my name too. How about I change my name to Hand Down ManDown. I think Marc Jackson would be proud of that."

Daughter of Robert Horry Passes Away

Ashlyn Horry, the daughter of former Los Angeles Lakers player Robert Horry, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 17.

Ashlyn Horry was born with respiratory issues and had 1p36 Deletion Syndrome. She meant the world to Robert Horry and was a major part of his life. In this time of mourning, Robert Horry greatly appreciates everyone's support.

"I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. It means so much to our family," said Robert Horry.

Although it is a time of sadness, I feel there should be some uplifting emotions of happiness. Remember Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals?


I don't think any Lakers fan can forget this moment. "Big Shot Rob" with the three for the win at the buzzer!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKBm2kevXQk&feature=related

Dwight Howard Will Become a Free Agent

I don't know why this important information is not in the headlines or top stories of ESPN and YAHOO! Sports, but it definitely is a major development in terms of "Superman" taking his superpowers to Hollywood.


At an Adidas tour Eurocamp day in Italy, Mr. Howard was asked about his future in Orlando. Here is what NBA.com wrote:
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/06/13/dwight-howard-free-agency-future/?ls=iref:nbahpt2


To highlight the story:


"Dwight Howard reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Magic, but told NBA.com on Monday that he will definitely become a free agent rather than sign an extension in the next year and also left open the possibility he would reconsider his future in Orlando if the team does not win the title next season," reported NBA.com


This is a major development because I don't think the Magic have a legitimate shot at the 2012 NBA Championship. The NBA is getting a lot tougher and the Magic don't have a second scorer that can put up 25 a night if he wanted to.


Also, the Eastern Conference is much tougher with the dynamic Miami Heat, the up-and-coming Chicago Bulls, the savvy Boston Celtics, and the athletic Atlanta Hawks, the team that ousted the Magic in the first round of these playoffs. It is very unlikely the Magic will reach the Finals, but if this team does it will have a tough journey just to get there.


The opponent that comes from the Western Conference will be no easy pushover either. Whichever team comes out of the West, (We all know it is going to be the Lakers!) it will be a formidable opponent more than capable of winning the title.


The Spurs can never be counted out. The young OKC Thunder are hungry for a title. The Dallas Mavericks will fiercely defend the Larry O'Brien trophy. And don't forget, Mike Brown wants to win a ring for himself and this Lakers team. 



So again, I strongly advise Dwight Howard to take his talents to Los Angeles. There is a slim chance the Magic win the title, and that's an understatement. If you become a free-agent, the Los Angeles Lakers have to be one of the teams at the top of your list.


Once you see the Lakers win another title this year, you will be absolutely convinced of coming to L.A. 
But the Lakers could only get Howard in a sign-and-trade and the Magic will undoubtedly want Bynum to fill the void at starting center.


The only possible setback is if Jim Buss doesn't want to part with Andrew Bynum. 


I don't think Dwight would be too happy about that...

Mavs Take Title, Dirk Finals MVP

Congrats to the 2011 NBA Champions Dallas Mavericks for a great season. I doubted the Mavs the whole year and although they swept the Lakers, I am especially grateful that this team beat the detested Miami Heat. 


Sorry LeBron. Maybe next year you can win... if you show up in the fourth quarter. And Chris Bosh, you are a little girl. I saw you crying heading into the locker room at the end of the game. I had hoped it was LeBron that would be shedding tears, but I'll take the guy who has butterflies in his stomach.


Congrats to Dirk for winning the Bill Russel Finals MVP trophy and leading his team to victory. The Heat deserved to lose and the Mavs deserved to win. Even Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert recognizes this fact.


"Congrats to Mark C. & entire Mavs org. Mavs NEVER stopped & now entire franchise gets rings. Old Lesson for all: There are NO SHORTCUTS. NONE," said Gilbert.


I love it how he gets in a shot at LBJ. He won't forget "The Decision" and has previously said the Cavs will win a championship before LBJ does. Hopefully, LBJ realizes he can't win a championship with the Heat and calls for a trade to the Lakers.


I'm just saying. If the Lakers can get former Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown, why can't Jim Buss get LeBron?