THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Nothing like music to set one straight—and, like the headline, the best is yet to come.

I have to say that, frankly, even if I don’t believe it. Following the Lakers has had me singing the blues—yet the cure for that—or at least the way to answer the call—will come later by listening to the Rolling Stones—but in all seriousness: The last two games for the Lake Show have been painful.

On Tuesday they lost at Detroit, in overtime by three, 88-85, during a game in which LAL not only allowed Rodney Stuckey netted 34 points, but the Lakers lost even though they had the following contributions: Andrew Bynum 30/14/3 blocks, Pau Gasol 20/10/6/4 blocks and Kobe Bryant 25/5/7.

Wednesday wasn’t any different, yet in many more ways saddening—then maddening. The 106-101 loss to the Wizards, of all teams, in our nation’s capitol, was the sad part; the realization that Kobe’s 30 were all for naught was the part where I got mad.

What Awaits the Lakers? LAL continues their month of mini roadies tonight visiting Minnesota, and I smell trouble: If I could only figure out for whom.

Boston will meet the Lakers in Los Angeles for an afternoon delight on Sunday, but then it’s right back on the road to Memphis and New Orleans for the second week of Tuesday/Wednesday road contest of the back-to-back variety of the three of these that are scheduled.

If they split the weekday nightmare scenario this week, it’d be nice, for the one next week is an even bigger problem, match-up wise, with Houston and Dallas looming.

The Past, Present and Future of the Point Guard Position. This came to me because it just shows, when you break it down in this manner, how the NBA has changed as a game; furthermore, this change creates an interesting narrative of unknown origin. Most of the best narratives have unknown origins, wouldn’t you say? So, right to it then…

Past: Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Andre Miller, Baron Davis, Derek Fisher.

These guys are still useful, or they wouldn’t be in the league—or leading the NBA in assists like Nash—or winning NBA titles like Kidd—yet it’s a sunset not a sunrise on the horizon.

These guys are pass first, shoot second point guards; they’re distributors and runners of an offense instead of primarily scorers. But don’t sleep on them, because they can score; it’s just their second option, of choice and vocation description.

Present: Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook.

This is strange grouping, for there are many differences in approach here to be fair, yet they all represent players enjoying their moments in the sun. Descriptively, their jobs are simple: They’re all equal threats passing and scoring.

Now—while some may focus on the former (Paul, Rondo) or the latter (Rose, Westbrook)—the danger in forgetting the versatility of these guys can burn a defenses badly.

Future: Brandon Jennings, Ricky Rubio, Ty Lawson, Kyrie Irving, John Wall, Stephen Curry.

This group is the most fun because no one has any idea what kind of growth as players will ensue, or cause for that matter, but it’s enjoyable to see these guys ascend as the future stars they shall all be.

Jennings and Rubio are more along the lines of specialists right now; Jennings lights up anyone and everyone, with distribution qualities that seem optional, or at least game-to-game; Rubio’s stylish passing, flashy ball handling and lightning-fast hands give people chills.

Lawson, Irving, Wall and Curry do everything well, so the sky’s the limit for these guys. Maybe it’s because of the little bit of college ball they all enjoyed to round off all of their rough edges? I don’t know but I’ll be watching; as should you.

I’ll let the Stones play me off; couldn’t think of a better way…