Talking with: Maurice Evans, Part I
UPDATE (8-6): We're on the road today, so expect a delay here and there in comments getting posted. We'll do our best to keep up, as will HQ.
As some of you may already know, Lakers swingman Maurice Evans recently took part in the NBA Player's Assn.'s "Feeding One Million" campaign, a partnership with Feed The Children to help provide food, clothing, medicine and other essential items to 1 million children in Kenya. Evans accompanied Ron Artest (Sacramento Kings), Theo Ratliff (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Etan Thomas (Washington Wizards) to Africa, embarking on an eye-opening journey into a plight and poverty most of us are lucky enough to find unimaginable. I caught up with Mo by phone a few days ago, and we discussed the goodwill mission, how the trip affected him on a personal level and, of course, hoops (Lakers or otherwise). Here's Part 1 of what he had to say:
Andrew Kamenetzky: How did you find out about the trip to Kenya?
Maurice Evans: Actually, I have been with Feed the Children already prior to that. They did the "Feed the 5,000," which was feeding 5,000 families in Oakland. We did that when I was in Detroit. We fed 5,000 families there. And last year, with the Lakers, we went to New York and a couple guys from the team were involved with that as well. (Players Assn. President) Billy Hunter knew that I had been involved in the first two and called me over the summer and asked me if I was interested in doing (the trip to Kenya), and I was like, "without a doubt." I wanted to help these people.
AK: Had you heard before about them looking to go overseas, or did this take you by surprise?
ME: I didn't know that they planned on doing a project that feeds 1 million people somewhere in Africa, something like that. When he told me about it, it just sounded like something special, something that I definitely would try to get involved in. It made it that much better to go to Africa to actually give it to people who can't really measure poverty, in my opinion. I mean, people are hungry and starving whether it's in the United States, whether it's in Europe or Africa -- it's all the same. But to be able to go over there and actually see how people are living there and to feel like you could make a difference, it was really cool.
AK: Obviously, you knew going over there that you'd be seeing people living in dire straits. But even with that in mind, was the level of poverty still shocking?
ME: Yeah. It was very shocking. Like I said, you can't measure poverty, but there's so much poverty amongst children. It's really eye-opening. For children, who obviously don't have a hand in what they've been dealt. They didn't have any part in the hand they're dealt, you know? There are children who have limited opportunity to even get an education that are in that situation. We went to the school when we first got there. This building is for educating children and it was one room, two chalkboards, rundown benches, just a long picnic table. The kids sitting there with probably one or two teachers trying to educate a room full of kids. There's no individual attention. There's nobody raising their hands and saying, "I don't understand. Can you explain that to me?" There was nothing like that.
And kids go as much for food as they do for the education. Even more so for the food, because they know that by going to school, the motivation is that you're going to get a meal while you're there. It was so bad that you eat that one ration and you have to provide your own bowl. And some kids couldn't even afford their own bowl, so they had to put it in their pocket. It was beans and rice, and the rice is submerged in, like, juice. So the kid's pockets is all wet and he didn't have any shoes on. And you see the kid with the bowl and he was trying to get as much as he can in it, because it's not only going to feed him but it's also gonna feed his brothers and sisters later that evening.
AK: Is that the worst thing you saw or did it even get more upsetting?
ME: Well, you know, the thing that's so crazy about the situation there was that as poverty-stricken as it was, there was still a bigger discrepancy between "the haves" and "the have-nots." Before we left, they did show us the nice areas in Kenya, where you have nice restaurants. We went on a safari for a couple days. We were able to go see their malls, some of their government buildings.
Probably one of the worst things we witnessed: We went to the Ray of Hope Clinic, and that's where the player's union actually donated money on behalf of all the NBA players. They have these people who have AIDS. And they also help out children, help these people out. I noticed there was a kid standing there who didn't have any shoes on. And he was right in this area called "the slump." "Slump" meaning exactly what it sounds like. Like "slump, that's terrible." And he was walking around barefoot. There's glass. There's rocks. It's hard walking there with shoes on, let alone without. I could see that he was cut all over his foot. I had a little bit of money with me, something like 250 bucks. I see this guy, a vendor, he's selling shoes. I just took the little kid over, tried to get him a pair of shoes. And it wasn't like they were Jordans. They were just like some shoes. Some leather shoes. We took him over to get those shoes and then the next thing you know, here comes another kid who didn't have shoes. And then another kid and another kid.
Before too long, there was a super-long line of kids, and they were realizing that they were going to get a pair shoes if they got in line before the money ran out. I felt so bad that I didn't have more money, you know what I'm saying? You just feel how much of a difference something just small like that will make in their life. When the kids had these shoes, you could just tell the difference. Now they're running around and playing. The kids are playing soccer, kicking a rundown soccer ball with no shoes. Now it seems like when they're playing soccer, they're excited. Little stuff like that.
AK: Did that almost feel surreal, because there are some guys in an NBA locker room who basically get a new pair of shoes for each game?
ME: Yeah. Exactly. It obviously put things in perspective, because even the shoes that we wear for multiple months and multiple games, by the time they're done, they're still in such great condition that anyone would love to have them.
AK: Did these kids know you were in the NBA? Does that mean anything to them?
ME: No. Because the NBA, nice cars, nice houses and lots of money, it's intangible to them. I don't even think they realize what that is. That's not a reality for them, the NBA. I bet you could bring some of the bigger stars that we have and they probably wouldn't be able to recognize them.
AK: Did they know you were basketball players?
ME: They knew we were basketball players, but they knew we were there to help. I'm sure they were extremely appreciative that we were there and we were able to help them out.
AK: Was it weird being there with three other NBA guys and not having people ask you about the Lakers? About Kobe? The NBA?
ME: It wasn't really strange to me, only because I knew what the purpose that we went over there for. It's almost like once we got there, seeing the area, the poverty, what we were in for, we didn't even think much about the fact that we were in the NBA anymore. It was almost like, we're here. Let's see what we can do improve the situation while we're here. Ron brought a video crew so he could document everything that went on and kind of take it in. I think that we did some good things while we were there. All four of us. Theo, Etan, Ron and myself, we all four had a really, really good experience. We really tried to do as much as we could and really tried to be involved with the kids.
AK: Ron learned about his upcoming suspension while you guys were over there. Did that put a damper on anything, or did the circumstances and surroundings make it feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things?
ME: I don't think it put a damper on it, because Ron did a really good job of doing the things to stay positive. He understood. Obviously, he's going to continue to grow and mature every day in this league. He still turned it into a positive. Everyone wanted to call and talk about the dispute that he had with his wife to get suspended. But all he talked about was the good that he was doing and bringing light to the fact that they need even more help over there and around the world. I think he did a really, really good job deflecting that and turning it into a positive.
AK: I read he's looking to build a house in Kenya, just so he can go back and keep tabs on things.
ME: Yeah. Well, I know he also donated money for the Ray of Hope clinic so they could build a lab there, so they can actually help with the medicines and administer them to people. That's one of the pieces they were really lacking. It only costs about $20 to deliver a baby at the Ray of Hope clinic. The people still couldn't afford to pay the $20. The problem is also that they don't turn anyone away. They're there to help people, so it's pretty much free. Also, when they deliver the babies, the problem isn't delivering the baby, it's that they deliver the baby and have the woman go to the recovery room for two to three hours. She'll just sneak out and leave the baby because she can't afford to take care of it. When you're dealing with issues of that magnitude, anything obviously helps.
AK: Did this trip make you think a little differently about the world or put certain elements of your life in perspective?
ME: To be honest, I can't really say that. I can't say that I didn't appreciate life or that I didn't appreciate being in the NBA, given how hard it's been for me. But it makes me want to succeed that much more, so that maybe I can be able to help out even more so on a financial level. I think it serves to be a motivation. Not that I lacked any at all, because I really want to be accomplished. I want to have a great year. I want to build upon the things that I did last year and I really want to expand my role with the Lakers. Just really make an impact for a long time in the NBA. So I think it just serves as extra motivation.
AK: It adds another level of what can come from those accomplishments, aside from the direct basketball results.
ME: It shows you what more can be done. It shows me that there's so much more that can be done. It shows me an extra path where I can really help and affect, in terms of people's lives.
AK: I imagine the answer is yes, but do you plan on staying involved with these programs?
ME: Yes. Like I said, I've been involved for the last three years, and I'm definitely going to continue to be involved and continue to help out in whatever way I can.
Part II to follow soon.
Wow.
Chris, I'm assuming this has ballooned beyond your initial expectations. I think we can all agree on the following points?
1) It's really great that Mo Evans went to Africa, and we're all happy he's part of the Lakers organization;
2) Some people (like Chris) have the right to criticize high-profile athletes who give to certain charities, but not others;
3) Other people (like AK and FWJ) have the right to tell the people from point 2, above, that they are jerks for airing these opinions.
Can we put this to bed now?
Posted by: SBPimp | August 05, 2007 at 05:55 PM
SBPimp,
You have earned your moniker. You have said more with just a few words than all three of us have in pages and pages of posts.
--FearlessWhackJob
PS: Since the first candidate as Oracle failed in that task, I nominate you.
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | August 05, 2007 at 06:03 PM
BTW,
I always knew that I liked Mo Evans. This just makes me like him even more. He is a character dude, and we don't need to be trading away any more of those.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | August 05, 2007 at 06:04 PM
AK, nice to know Mo Evans and Artest's charity work. Props to them and your reporting it.
IIRC, Kobe also helped the Katrina relief work.
Posted by: gdchild | August 05, 2007 at 06:17 PM
Daresay I suppose,
All good deeds are good deeds. Who said that Laker fans are idiots? Send your cash to me.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 05, 2007 at 06:21 PM
Rick -
Maybe the REASON Mitch signed Coby Karl is that he's setting up the 5-for-1 deal I proposed yesterday for JO and is going to need more guards after he pulls the trigger.
If you missed it, since we don't want to let go of Lamar and they don't want to take on another 5 year $30 million contract (like Rad or Luke) the only deal that works salary wise is Kwame, Bynum, Cookie, Farmar and Sacha. This would leave us with only Evans and Critt behind Kobe and Fish, so Karl would be a nice addiditon.
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 05, 2007 at 06:39 PM
I think people have taken Chris's comments the wrong way. Chris, like he said, was stating an OPINION. He thinks it would be great if Kobe would donate to charities that fight starvation in Africa. Everyone jumped on him for 'criticizing' Kobe. I look at Chris's comment as more of an opinion, less of a criticism. We ought to be arguing Chris's values concerning charity, and not jumping all over him for wishing that a guy who makes 20 mil a year would give (more?) money to starving kids in Africa. People tend to think that a person's charity, like their religion, is untouchable. It's nonsense to say that we can't think and come to some conclusions about these things and others. Nobody's actions or beliefs are immune to criticism or the application of reason. Evil is fostered and progress suppressed when we don't question our own beliefs and those of others.
Posted by: Mickey | August 05, 2007 at 06:52 PM
I'm BORED!!!! So y'all know what that means, 3 team trade idea!!!!
Atlanta gets:
Bynum
Marquis Daniels
Indy gets:
LO
Kwame
Zaza Pachulia
We get:
JO
Josh Smith
Solomon Jones
The money works, and the idea itself is not TOO ridiculous since:
Atlanta needs a true center, wants to get rid of Pachulia (so I hear), and can't seem to come to an agreement on a contract extension with Smith.
Indy wants LO, Kwame's expiring contract, and a talented young player to help their youth movement(Pachulia definitely has game).
We need a true number 2 scorer, defensive help, and a big man to help replenish the front court since we won't have Kwame, or Bynum.
COULD it happen? Sure. WILL it happen? Probably not.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 05, 2007 at 07:18 PM
I've got to believe that Kupcake has inquired about Posey. He would be a definate upgrade. I'm thinking we don't have the $$$ to do it. It's hard for me to believe that Mitch Kupchak is that "clueless".
Posted by: Fish Guy | August 05, 2007 at 07:20 PM
Hey Rick and Wes
Just to ease your minds a little, Coby Karls contract isnt guarrenteed money, He has to earn a spot so in reality he hasnt yet made the team And we could still sign a free agent if the right one came along.
MH
Posted by: michael h | August 05, 2007 at 07:28 PM
Chris and AK,
I think the main problem here is that there are more problems than problem solvers.
Simple as that.
Its not about choosing charities, its about filling ALL of them.
That being said, I understand Chris's point. Does going to some kid at a a hospital to vist and sign an autograph the same as donating a million bucks and building an entire village in africa and feeing thousands??
Well it seems like its opportunity cost issue. I tend to agree. However, put me in the reality of that kids' shoes and maybe Kobe's vist keeps the kid motivated and he becomes a millionaire one day and gives back. Who knows??
Think of it this way. Kobe can go feed a million children...for a day..but the next day, the kids are still hungry and he has to leave. Was that opportunity cost??? He spent thousands of feeding people for one day, but yet the next day people have to continue to eat and so forth..
Chris, I understand you, although your message didnt come out right into the computer on this blog...but we do need more of you. Would I love to see Kobe go to Africa and help kids out? Sure. Does it make me happy when Kobe goes to visit kids and lift their spirts? Yes.
But you know what would make me happier?? If people in this country with your attitude voted people to represent them or even ran themselves to fill positions in government who all shared in the same vision of helping out others..not for ecnomic investment, but because its the right thing to do.
Posted by: The Lake-Show | August 05, 2007 at 07:43 PM
Maybe this should be put to bed ,especially since Chris isn't being comvinced. However, I have enjoyed AK's spirited defence of Kobe and if only for that maybe it should go on.
Posted by: seraph | August 05, 2007 at 07:53 PM
I'm reading the blog at an airport of undisclosed location and I noticed we are so sensitive nowadays in the blog. Charity which is really a non issue becomes the main issue by airing individual points of interest in this thread. That's what happens when we have nothing to talk about the Lakers, so we create a hullabaloo on a non-issue.
Peace, can we all just forgive and forget and let egos fly like MO & Kobe?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 05, 2007 at 08:21 PM
Former Laker Tyronne Lue didn't do his old team any favors. This is from the Boston Globe:
"I talked to KG and it was tough at first because he's so loyal to Minnesota, his family, friends, and the fans," said Lue, who was spotted at an LA tennis tournament with Garnett July 20. "All he knew was Minnesota for the last 12 years. I thought Boston would be a great situation, a perfect situation with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. I thought automatically they'd be in the Eastern Conference finals with KG. He thought about it and asked, 'You think so?' I said, 'Yeah.'
"Then, Chauncey came out and said, 'You have to take the best thing for you and that's playing in Boston, even though we'd be in the same conference and play four times a year.' We definitely convinced him to choose Boston because two great players were already in place. Adding KG and being in the Eastern Conference, it'd be easier to win.
"Then, KG asked me, 'What about the city?' I said, 'You don't go out anyway, so it doesn't matter. You don't go out of the house. You could play in Alaska.' He's like, 'Yeah, you're right.'
Posted by: Laker4Life | August 05, 2007 at 08:23 PM
Lots of athletes do charitable work not covered in/by the media and I prefer it that way. Charity is not intended to get the person giving positive press ,its intended to help others.
Posted by: Laker Lover | August 05, 2007 at 08:26 PM
"Ultimately, McHale goes down as a loser in this high stakes poker game because—with the exception of the 2004 run with Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell—he failed in 12 years to surround KG with the pieces necessary to win it all." --
this is taken from an article found at nba.com
Can this be said of KOBE and the lakers management?
the lakers has failed to surround KOBE with the pieces necessary to win it all.
It's sad being a laker fan.
Posted by: dice8up | August 05, 2007 at 08:36 PM
I guess I have my answer ...
E
Posted by: Emma | August 05, 2007 at 09:47 PM
Absolutely amazing. And, not in a positive way either.
Granted, this is the off season, but has the quality of submissions to this Lakers Blog really fallen this far? This ridiculous banter surrounding the charities that Kobe does (or does not) support is beyond ridiculous. I feel like I need to disinfect myself, and take a long shower after reading the posts on this thread.
Since some bloggers (you know who you are) want to feel smug and superior about your ability to wield the sword of English vocabulary, here is my contribution; my word-of-the-day for you: SMARMY.
I trust you know what it means. Before you reply, look at the Man in the Mirror gentlemen.
Could we please try to limit the commentary to BASKETBALL related matters? Thank you very much.
Posted by: Ghost of Chick Hearn | August 05, 2007 at 09:51 PM
AK is on hoopshype. He's now in the league of Ric Bucher, Marc Stein and T. J. Simers. lol!
http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 05, 2007 at 10:00 PM
I'm so sad right now it isn't even funny.
Two weeks ago, I at least had my Dodgers in first place with the most wins in all of the National League.
Then, something happened, Mitch started moonlighting in the Dodger's front office and they stood pat as the trading deadline came and went while the best competition went out and got an arm (an established starter, no less) and a fielder.
No we have two marquee going nowhere teams in LA at the same time.
Sad.
--FearlessWhackJob
Mitch is definitely contagious.
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | August 05, 2007 at 10:04 PM
Message to Long Time Kobe Fan, Peace, and Dice8up
Long Time Kobe Fan
"You're welcome to compare LeBron to Kobe or Michael or anyone you'd like, but until he's got some rings on his fingers, it ain't gonna mean much."
Kobiatch got his rings from riding Shaq's coattail. thank you!
Long Time Kobe Fan
"LeBron is a very good player and he carried that team to the EASTERN
conference championship. But without a second star beside him, he wasn't
able to beat the varsity squad"
And Kobiatch is a very good player who can't carry his team past the first round. So, what are you trying to say?
Long Time Kobe Fan
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Put down the hash pipe for a minute. EVERY TEAM IN THE LEAGUE WANTS KOBE"
Well let's see if every team he wants to go to want Kobiatch.
Chicago = "F-U Kobe"
Phoenix = "F-U Kobe"
New York = "F-U Kobe"
So, yes your logic is right. Everyone wants Kobe. "Not!"
Peace
"If your point is that Kobe is a once-in-a-generation player, you're absolutely right. No need to resort to histrionics to make that point. "
Kobiatch is just like any SG. They come a dime a dozen. After Kobiatch 2 years is up, there's Dwade, Lebron in the free agency market that will get us much closer winning a ring again!
Dice8Up
"the lakers has failed to surround KOBE with the pieces necessary to win it all."
Kobiatch made this mess when he chase of Shaq. Has nothing to do with the Front office. He wanted to be the man!. So now he can be the man! The team is a reflection of his leadership.
Posted by: Gunner | August 05, 2007 at 10:11 PM
just like helping the Katrina victims is more important than helping a kid learn how to play basketball better.
---
Actually, Kobe did both of those things.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 05, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Wes,
"So the Mavericks are using their mid level to sign Webber and Posey...Hmmm.....
The Knicks are rumored to be close to a deal with Sac for Artest...Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....
The Lakers signed Coby Carl.....
I HAD TO LAUGH AT THAT. TRULY WE ARE ON THAT 2009 PLAN FOR SURE NOW.
Posted by: Gunner | August 05, 2007 at 10:19 PM
If anyone is really interested in Africa, instead of complaining about how other people support charities, write to your representatives and tell them to change the trade policies that cripple African economies. I can assure you that even if every NBA player gave a million a year to starving kids in Africa and if David Stern declared that the luxury tax would automatically go to an African Aids fund, it wouldn't have an iota of impact compared to fair trade, which is a principle the US promotes philosophically but only when it's to our advantage.
I'd suggest looking at the history of Africa's relations with the so-called civilized world (essentially Europe and North America) and then hanging your head in shame rather than debating about where an athlete's time or thousands of dollars out of his pocket should be spent. The only point on which I would agree with Chris is (and it's a point he doesn't specifically make) that drawing attention to the problems of Africa is more important than actually spending money there.
Posted by: Tsphere | August 05, 2007 at 10:30 PM
Gunner
Actually the only one that has said in your elequent term F U to Kobe was the Bulls. Paxton basically said he wouldnt break up his team for Kobe. Of course he said the same F U to KG also because he refused to break up his team for him as well.
Kerr didnt really even want to speculate because he didnt believe the Lakers would put him on the market.
As far as New York, Thomas was drooling over the prospect. He basically said if Kobe did indeed go on the market , that he would be crazy not to try and put a deal together. There was trade speculation in the New york press for weeks and Thomas didnt deny his intrest one time. GM's have to be carefull exactly what they say due to tampering issues.
The fact of the matter is the Lakers have went about their business , like they should, trying to add to the team. If they had been shopping him around the league, that is the kind of news that would have leaked out. So really, where are you getting your info from? Perhaps you know of a secret site that reports things that you cant find in espn hoopsworld S.I or yahoo, I would love to read it.
MH
Posted by: michael h | August 05, 2007 at 10:34 PM
I fully respect your opinion Chris...but in a general commentary sense, I wonder when it is that we as a society started to question even the good deeds. I mean Oprah was being scrutinized for not helping at home instead (which she actually does).
Props to Mo for his efforts...just that he's there makes a world of difference. I mean we're talking about it aren't we? Good stuff.
Posted by: Faith | August 05, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Mark my words:
Before your beloved #24's little Colorado "incident," he had hired a divorce lawyer to explore the possibility of ditching the ol' ball 'n chain...Well having her sign any papers during that time would have further killed his already shattered image...So, I have insight into this, it is about time to do it...He will be soon be divorcing his wife...possibly before the season begins...trying to start with a clean slate...possibly with a new team too.
Heed my words all you myopic Laker fans!
Posted by: sipote | August 05, 2007 at 11:17 PM
I told you that you were going to like this kid. Mo Evans. I was not comfortable when Sacramento let him go; too much upside with this player/person. I just hope to hell that he doesn't make Beverly Hills his home. It's not safe up there, burgularys are rampant, and the residents are pissed that they have to live that way.
I've got a deal for you. Stipulating a "reasonable" number and severity of injuries during your season, the Lakers would contend for that in-the-moment championship experience in 2008. I doubt this will happen, and it definitely won't before mid season next year, but I could see a swap which would definitely put you back in the running. Oh, let you guess. It would be win-win with your best buddies up north. Although, if at mid-season, Andrew and Testes are happy and playing well, it will nevva happun, which could also be a good thing for both partys.
The plan also takes into account that for one injury or another; one protest or another, one reason or another, before all is said and done, the Saint will spend big parts of the season on the bench or elsewhere. Your young team will inspire when that happens.
Maurice Evans does not presently figure into the swap.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 05, 2007 at 11:48 PM
Tiny Balls,
"...drawing attention to the problems of Africa..."
is central.
I do believe your African remarks of 1030 pm are thoughtful, on the mark, and have fallen on deaf ears.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 06, 2007 at 12:04 AM
P.J. Brown
P.J. Brown, who continues to consider retirement, has been receiving interest from Dallas, Phoenix and Boston.
Because there's competition for Brown, there's speculation that he could command the full mid-level exception of $5.36 million. His double-double days are in the rear view mirror, but he'll still provide a much needed veteran presence and frontcourt backup.
Dikembe Mutombo
At least three teams, including the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics, have made offers to center Dikembe Mutombo.
Both teams have offered him the league minimum ($1.2 million), and a third team is said to have made an offer as well. Mutombo will have a very tough decision to make, as both Houston and Boston have a legitimate chance to go to the Finals. But with the eyes of the world seemingly focused on the new-look Celtics, don't be surprised to see him get a change of scenery and back up Kendrick Perkins.
Posted by: Gunner | August 06, 2007 at 12:53 AM
burglary, it's burglary
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 06, 2007 at 12:59 AM
I wish the lakers would make this trade already.......
lo-baby drew for JO
We will make it to the second round an if we do lose it will be in 7 game's.
FISHER....we can all agree he's not smush parker MR .4 sec
KOBE....(WILL NOT OPT OUT).
VLAD....... look for him to come back strong (THAT'S A PROMISE )still one the best marks men in the game.
JO........... LOW POST SCORING......something we hav'nt had in a while
K-BROWN.......SO HE CAN MAN UP THE DUNCAN'S-MING'S-ODEN'S.....TO let JO .......ROME..... THE PAINT FOR BLOCK SHOT'S AN REBOUNDS.
with a stong bench
walton
RONNY T
C-M back up center
mo evans..... this is a strong team people are sleeping on.... ????why??? I dunno.
THIS team will make it further than what people think......An that's another problem people just not THINKING.......
CPT
..........YOU ALREADY KNOW............
Posted by: COMPTON'S FINEST | August 06, 2007 at 07:17 AM
Tsphere,
Please note that this is not intended as a criticism of anyone who gives to charities; this is just a statement of the facts.
"I'd suggest looking at the history of Africa's relations with the so-called civilized world (essentially Europe and North America)"
While the colonial system that the Europeans (not North Americans) put in place in much of Africa caused much of the current situation, that is 'water over the dam' at this point. The biggest problem now with Africa is the culture of corruption there. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the aid that gets sent there gets funneled through the existing governments. By controlling who gets food, that aid actually ends up making the situation worse because it strengthens ths hold of the corrupt government.
Tsphere, you are correct in that probably the best thing that can be done is to change the trade policies, so that African products (other than raw natural resources, which there is an abundance of there) can compete. The biggest problem in that area is the European restrictions on imports of agricultural products, which is done to protest their own farmers. U.S. farm subsidies have somewhat the same affect, but to a much smaller degree.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 06, 2007 at 07:34 AM
How about a new thread???
It's obvious that the NBA has a lot of great guys and it's good that the media tells a good story once a yr as oppose to ZERO times a yr.
The media kills the NBA and it's wrong.
However as for society and fans, I think the expectation of the athlete is silly. Athletes are not your society leaders from a standpoint of intellect and being well read about what's going on in the country.
So why do folks want these guys to be the leaders of everything.
Just because they make a lot of money,
there are plenty of intelligent mothers and fathers with regular jobs and a perspective on society and the world. Go ask them?
Parents should lead your households and when an athlete like a Magic, Braylon Edwards, Keyshawn, Kobe, or DWade gets it then good it's a bonus but why depend on an athlete.
These athletes are not Bill Russell, Ali, Kareem and Curt Flood who had strong perspective on many issues in society.
It is what it is. It's a different era.
Why waste time saying what the athletes should do as oppose to doing the best you can with your family and community?
Posted by: LakerBake | August 06, 2007 at 08:05 AM
That must have been a heck of an experience for Mo Evans. It's always good to hear that NBA players are doing what they are supposed to be doing with all of thier priviledge.
Like Chris, I would like to see more of this type of philanthropy in Africa. We all know, hopefully, about the hopeless situation in Africa. It hurts to even think about it. I do have to disagree with Chris' assessment about Kobe's role in this though. Kobe does plenty of charity work, even when he's being a wannabe Bull.
If only Kobe would be more charitable to his own team....
Tsphere made a great point. We must find a way to remove those lopsided, unfair trade barriers in Africa to get some economic flow into that continent. There also needs to be a solution to the problems of malaria, AIDS, and corruption among many, many other things if Africa is to overcome. Kobe's role in that is minimal at best. He's just a basketball player. Even Bill Gates is having a hard time just putting a dent in this situation.
Good debate guys.
Posted by: Rocky | August 06, 2007 at 08:13 AM
FROM CNNSI.COM (Arash Markazi):
LOS ANGELES -- If Jermaine O'Neal gets his wish, he will not be playing for the Indiana Pacers next season. If he gets his dream, he will be suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant.
While here Sunday for a charity basketball game hosted by Baron Davis and Paul Pierce, O'Neal said he doesn't want to be a part of a Pacers youth movement and that it would be in his and the team's best interest to part ways.
"I would welcome a trade to the Lakers," said O'Neal, who averaged 19.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocked shots last season. "Indiana has given me the opportunity to establish myself as a really good player in this league, but they're into rebuilding and going really young, and I'm just not in a position physically to go through another five to six years with a lot of losses and a lot of down time."
The Lakers have tried to acquire O'Neal, 28, several times this offseason, but talks have reportedly stalled over Indiana's insistence that the Lakers' package include both Lamar Odom and 19-year-old center Andrew Bynum. The Lakers' refusal to part with Bynum, the 10th pick in the 2005 draft, cost them a chance at Jason Kidd during last year's trading deadline. The failed trade was the basis of Bryant's infamous videotaped tirade in a shopping center parking lot in which he said the Lakers should have dealt Bynum for Kidd.
"I was ready but you never know in this business," said Kidd, who was also in Los Angeles for the charity game. "Playing with Kobe makes the game easy. He's the most dominant offensive player and he's a competitor, and I love playing with guys who love to compete."
If the Lakers once again fail to deal Bynum for a proven All-Star, Kidd could be the benefactor: O'Neal said he would also welcome a move to the Nets.
"Los Angeles and New Jersey would be my top two teams," O'Neal said. "I think L.A.'s a real possibility and I think New Jersey's a possibility too."
The idea of O'Neal coming to New Jersey quickly put a smile on Kidd's face.
"I think that would be a great addition for us if we had an opportunity to get a guy like Jermaine," Kidd said. "He comes every night to play and he's a great person and a great basketball player. It would be a huge move."
If O'Neal had to choose one destination, however, it would be Los Angeles. He recently sold his home in Westwood after getting an unexpectedly good deal but said that he and his wife were already searching for a new house in Los Angeles and would love to make it a permanent residence.
"I love L.A.," O'Neal said. "I normally train here every summer. The last two summers I haven't trained here because I got hurt, but I love it here. My daughter loves it. My wife loves it. This is one of the prime places that if I were to be traded, I would allow Indiana to trade me here."
The main reason O'Neal would welcome a trade to Los Angeles has little to do with the sunshine and shopping that his wife and daughter enjoy and more to do with playing alongside Bryant, whom he entered the league with in 1996 as the only two high school players selected in that draft.
"We've spoken a couple times this offseason," O'Neal said. "Me and Kobe have been on each other since we were 15, playing AAU basketball, adidas All-American Camp, Nike All-American Camp. It's been a long relationship that we've had. We talked about maybe playing together. ... We just want to make sure that our thought processes are similar and now we're going to let the business handle itself. I mean, we could talk for years, but if [Lakers GM] Mitch Kupchak and [Pacers president] Larry Bird don't decide to make the deal, then it's all talk."
While Bryant has had little to no interaction with his teammates this offseason, he and O'Neal have found a common ground in their respective positions. Both are leading rebuilding squads in the prime of their careers without enough help around them.
"I think Kobe's in a position right now where he understands that he needs some help," O'Neal said. "He needs some help to get to the position where he wants to be. I think he's the best player in the NBA and the world, but obviously no player can do it by himself. He has a nice group around him, but he needs some help and I can give him some support. ... He wants to prove to people that he can get back to the NBA championship, and I'm at a point in my career where I want to prove to people that I can help a team get to the championship."
While some have suggested that O'Neal might not be the player he once was, he said that had more to do with injuries, including a left groin tear and a torn meniscus in his left knee, than diminished skills.
"What people don't realize when they consider my last three years to be 'down years' is that I was physically hurt," said O'Neal, who missed 82 games during that stretch. "I went out and played on knees I needed to take care of. My meniscus, I put that off for two years [before having surgery in April]. I'm 100 percent right now. I really want an opportunity to rejuvenate myself. At 28, I'm going into my prime. The game is slowing down for me, I understand it a lot more, so I'm ready to go out and show people what I could really do."
O'Neal, who admits he hasn't always seen eye-to-eye with the direction Bird has taken the team, has been in constant contact with the Pacers during the offseason. He's spent the majority of his time at home in Indiana and away from the spotlight while his name is bandied about in various trade talks.
"I've had quite a few conversations with the Pacers," he said. "I just wanted to see where the organization's focus was with the team. If they're trying to rebuild, maybe it's better to get younger pieces [in a trade] for me so they could grow with the young guys. I just told them that I can't be in a rebuilding mode right now. I can't go through that. Physically that's going to wear on me too much to do that."
After the charity game, played at USC's Galen Center, O'Neal, who didn't play, smiled and laughed as Lakers fan after Lakers fan, including Snoop Dogg, tried to persuade the five-time All-Star to come to Los Angeles. It's a plea he's heard many times before but one that especially hit home this time as he contemplated the end of his seven-year career in Indiana.
"I tried not to come out here this year. I wanted to stay away from a lot of the talk because it's an emotional time for me to talk about being traded," he said. "I get emotional talking about it because I always told Reggie [Miller] I'd win a championship for him, and for whatever reason we've had some tough times up there [in Indiana]. I thought if I came out here [to Los Angles], it would help persuade me to make the decision that I need to make. My decision is for me to get better as a player, and if things don't work out this year, I have an option in my contract next year and I will opt out and become a free agent."
Posted by: tha show | August 06, 2007 at 08:32 AM
JO wants to come to LA!
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/47496/20070806/jermaine_seeking_trade_to_lakers/
Posted by: Chi-Town Laker | August 06, 2007 at 08:42 AM
Tsphere,
To add further on what you said:
"I'd suggest looking at the history of Africa's relations with the so-called civilized world (essentially Europe and North America) and then hanging your head in shame rather than debating about where an athlete's time"
I was reared-up in a third world country & what I learned from dealing with the poor community, you've to form a private army or bodyguards to protect yourself from goons, thieves plus the blessing of a bureacratic (oftentimes, corrupt ) local government to effect a real permanent change. Nonetheless you can help in a small way but whatever help you can give for the few in form of food and money, it has only a palliative effect because the endemic problem stays. As you delve deeply into it, you will discover that the problems are not merely economic but it involves social, political and long parental and/or community neglect, all working in a vicious cycle. A Peace Corps or the churches could offer some solutions because they lived within the community.
However, we're proud of MO and Kobe's efforts in spending their time for the underprivileged and sick children. I don't know if you all recall, Kobe was the first NBA player to offer help for the Katrina victims.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 06, 2007 at 08:43 AM
for those who think the lakers should wait until next summer to get jermaine o'neal, since he can opt out and become a free agent, i say that's wishful thinking.
dr. buss is not a fan over paying luxury taxes. never has been, and i don't think he would start next season.
some people say having kobe, jo, and lamar would make us elite.
i have to agree with that.
however, that would also put the lakers over the cap by a huge amount. i mean look at the money each of those players command. once again, dr. buss wants no part of that luxury tax...unfortunately.
and if the lakers choose to wait until next summer, i am positive the pacers will deal jo to the nets so they can at least get SOMETHING in return for him.
jermaine o'neal is a better basketball player than lamar odom. point blank. like i have written before - if you think otherwise, you are simply a lamar odom fan.
the only tough part of the deal is trading bynum. and bynum is roughly a 50/50 shot of becoming good. i don't think the kid will ever become great.
kupchak, MAKE THIS DEAL before the new jersey nets offer richard jefferson and a cup of coffee and STEAL JERMAINE O'NEAL - A PLAYER WHO IS BEGGING TO WEAR THE PURPLE AND GOLD.
what more could you want from an all-star player? even after the kobe drama earlier this summer, jo IS STILL ADAMANT ABOUT BECOMING A LAKER.
he has spoken with kobe on SEVERAL OCCASSIONS THIS SUMMER.
make the deal.
let's move on.
lamar, thanks for the sometimes great, sometimes erratic play. what lamar has been through in the past year and a half is pretty damn sad. no human being should have to go through that.
bynum, best of luck. you simply became a trading piece to help improve this squad.
with the jo deal, the lakers ESSENTIALLY and EVENTUALLY would receive:
jermaine o'neal (via lamar odom)
kwame brown (via caron butler)
jordan farmar (via draft pick)
for
shaquille o'neal.
i would have been cool with this deal 3 YEARS AGO!
Posted by: tha show | August 06, 2007 at 08:43 AM
Any comments on Oneal demanding to be traded to the lakers... How is this any different from what Kobe did.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/08/06/oneal.trade/index.html
Posted by: ctlaker | August 06, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Hey take a look at Magic Johnson's comments on the Lakers off season.
Gosh, he seems not satisfied or deflated a little.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Asr5brp4qVbanL_uG.02CceLvLYF?slug=txalstonarrested&prov=st&type=lgns
He's too savvy to give you the real Laker insider info but he mentions being hopeful for another move or 2 before TRAINING CAMP.
I think we're going to get something.
I know all the "stand pat" guys will not be happy.
Hey AK, are there any moves you like other than KG?
That's not gonna happen obviously.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 06, 2007 at 09:08 AM
the competition for JO to the Lakers is New Jersey, the other team he said he'd accept a trade too:
From SI adn Hoopsworld articles:
"Los Angeles and New Jersey would be my top two teams," O'Neal said. "I think L.A.'s a real possibility and I think New Jersey's a possibility too."
This is a concern and I truly believe will be the answer to the question of Kobe accepting the team or not.....
From what I've read, Indiana would want from NJ Richard Jefferson, Nenad Kristic and Marcus Wiiiams - From the Lakers they want Bynum and Odom---
Of course there is a benefit from Indiana's perspective of sending him out West----If they can't get both Bynum and Odom in the deal from the Lakers, the Jersey deal is better and they'll accept it because they won't risk O'Neal opting out next year...
If ONeal goes to Jersey or anywhere else, Kobe will quietly confirm to the Lakers that he won't play for them again----my bet is he plays in Europe for a year and then comes back as a free agent....
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | August 06, 2007 at 09:57 AM
Nice work by Mo and his friends. I wish more casual fans appreciated the fact that there's more to the NBA life than bling. I also liked how Mo expressed that helping out unexpectedly gave him even more motivation to succeed in his chosen profession. I believe that people who are motivated to succeed for the purpose of helping others feel a greater sense of peace and accomplishment.
I have to say, though, I don't understand the (few) who take a holier than thou regarding the charity work of others. If you were holier than though about your own charity work, you'd merely be tiresome. If you are the sort of person who compares the charity work of A to the charity work of B, just to denigrate B, then you can be sure that you a being C, for "complete a____le."
I also think the famous are different from you and me when it comes to charity. If you are celeb, I think it's a positive thing to draw media attention to your efforts, b/c like it or not, it's inspiring to the young and impressionable. It also gets the issue in the public eye. For the rest of us, yeah, giving should be its own reward, but my point is that if you are famous, lending your image can be more powerful than any action you take or check you write. Celebrity, like money or other forms of power, can be used for good or bad. I'm all for the Oprahs, the Jolies and others of the world who cause people to pay attention to people who would otherwise be forgotten. Kudos again to Mo, Ron-Ron and Etan for adding their own spin to this tradition.
Posted by: The D | August 06, 2007 at 10:03 AM
ctlaker,
That is the best Laker news I've heard in a long time. I hope it happens. And I hope it persuades Kobe to want to stay.
Posted by: Rocky | August 06, 2007 at 10:10 AM
with elton brand being out for so long, the lakers better get jermaine o'neal before the clippers enter the fray.
Posted by: tha show | August 06, 2007 at 10:10 AM
By the way, in case Gunner and KL missed it, here are some quotes from the article about J.O.:
"I would welcome a trade to the Lakers," said O'Neal
"I was ready but you never know in this business," said Kidd, who was also in Los Angeles for the charity game. "Playing with Kobe makes the game easy. He's the most dominant offensive player and he's a competitor, and I love playing with guys who love to compete."
The main reason O'Neal would welcome a trade to Los Angeles has little to do with the sunshine and shopping that his wife and daughter enjoy and more to do with playing alongside Bryant, whom he entered the league with in 1996 as the only two high school players selected in that draft.
In other words...
O'Neal: I want to play with Kobe
Kidd: I want to play with Kobe
Now could you please provide sources for all of your "F.U." quotes? Direct quotes from any of
the players that say anything to the effect of "I don't want to play with Kobe" will do. They don't
have to actually say F.U. (and by the way, wouldn't it technicallybe F.Y.?)
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 06, 2007 at 10:19 AM
sounds like magic johnson also EXPECTS more moves.
hopefully those moves include jermaine o'neal becoming a laker.
this deal would have been done & dusted with jerry west as gm. we'd already be talking about what other role player to sign or trade for to help kobe & jo contend for the title.
c'mon lake show.
Posted by: tha show | August 06, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Since this blog is now more into negative press, I thought some of you would enjoy these articles
jermaine wants to be a Laker, and read CAREFULLY what he says about iif mitch and bird don't do anything Kobe and him can talk all they want it won't happen, also read jason kidd's quotes for those who doubt he wanted to be a laker BAD.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/arash_markazi/08/06/oneal.trade/index.html
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22961.shtml
Posted by: lakofan | August 06, 2007 at 10:35 AM
10mil,
"my bet is he plays in Europe for a year and then comes back as a free agent."
Interesting thought, but who would have enough money to be able to afford him, and would any of those teams be good enough that he would want to play for them? I am assuming that he will not take some amount well below his "market value".
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 06, 2007 at 10:58 AM
I wanna read part 2!
More Mo!
Mo Money, Mo Problems!
...ok, nevermind last part.
Posted by: ajax | August 06, 2007 at 11:00 AM