Trade Bait

Get ready for the onslaught on rumors, speculation and sourced stories involving the Rams dealing their No. 1 overall pick to Tampa Bay. It's no secret the Rams need a quarterback and they are believed to have an interest in trading for one of the Philadelphia Eagles three signal callers -- Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb or Michael Vick. St. Louis also will consider drafting Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, who will hold a private workout March 25. But the latest trade scenario includes a Bucs quarterback. Foxsports.com is reporting the Bucs and Rams have discussed a deal that would send Tampa Bay's No. 3 overall pick, a third rounder and quarterback Josh Johnson to St. Louis in exchange for the No. 1 overall selection. It doesn't necessarily mean the Rams view Johnson as their potential starter in 2010. But it may indicate that Johnson, who went 0-4 as a starter last season, has some trade value.

Rebirth

"The T-Mac Show" at the Garden. It was a thriller and one of the more memorable Garden nights. McGrady put on a smooth-as-silk superstar performance in his debut, scoring 26 points in 32 minutes with five assists, but didn't have anything left and D'Antoni benched him in the overtime. McGrady was treated as the savior, playing his first game since Dec. 23. It was worth noting, Kevin Durant thought Tracy McGrady resembled the player he was pre-surgery and pre-Knicks. Durant, upsetted T-Mac's debut with a superb 36-point performance in a 121-118 overtime Thunder victory, said he was not surprised by McGrady's outburst. Durant believed that McGrady simply needed to be on the court. And Tracy beleives that Durant is a younger him. Which is almost a fair comparison I would say. McGrady wore No. 3 but not as a tribute to Stephon Marbury but to publicize a documentary he's filmed in Africa, called "3 points." He's worn No. 1 but that is taken by Chris Duhon. For the NYK fans who loved McGrady's show, there might be more next season. McGrady said Friday he'd stay for less if the Knicks can add a couple of max stars. Maybe he's the star. I know Walsh is glad Tracy has said that.

Big Move

The Chicago Bulls are trading Tyrus Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats for Flip Murray, Acie Law and a protected first-round draft choice, pending league approval, according to a league source. Inconsistency has plagued Thomas, who has been an impact player at times with his athleticism and shot-blocking ability. The Bobcats beat out both Denver and San Antonio, who had both had significant interest in Thomas. Charlotte is trying to make a playoff push in the east and trying to make the postseason for the first time in franchise history. This deal all the more sensible for the Bulls who are getting serious about the 2010 free agency. The Bobcats on the other hand get a good portion of the season to take a look at Thomas and decide whether to commit to him long terms. Thomas is set to be a restricted free agent at the end of this season. Tyrus could show up as an incredibly focussed player utterly capable of wrecking any opposing team's night. They needed a big man because of the injuries to the ones they have so I say it was a win win situation for both teams. Although the Bulls must not be serious about the playoffs this season.

Bulls Add to the Tradewinds

The Knicks contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about Luke Ridnour, but the talks stalled when the Knicks wanted to expand the deal to include Jared Jeffries, according to a source close to the negotiations. the conversation demonstrates that Knicks president Donnie Walsh is working on a backup plan if a deal for Tracy McGrady, which would include Jeffries, falls apart. The NYK did send Darko Milicic to Minnesota for Brian Cardinal, who is expected to be released.

On the other end, the Bucks have agreed in principle to a trade that would send forwards Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander to the Chicago Bulls for guard John Salmons. The contracts of Warrick and Alexander both expire at the end of the season, potentially freeing up space for the Bulls to bid for marquee free agents in the offseason.

Now a King Knick

Well I guess we all have been fooled by the Rockets or have we? Reports have it that the deal has the Rockets sending Tracy McGrady, Carl Landry, and Joey Dorsey to the Kings for Martin, Sergio Rodriguez, Hilton Armstrong, and Kenny Thomas. The question will be whether or not this will be T-Mac's final stop. ESPN.com reported that the New York Knicks will work with the Kings and Rockets on Thursday morning to acquire McGrady in a three-team swap. Two league sources tell Y! Sports the Kings are unsure whether they will keep McGrady or expand the trade. I know Tracy is really hoping that he gets to stay with the Kings. Supposedly, if T-Mac stays with the Kings and ends up with a buyout, he hopes to join a playoff contender. A source close to him says he would like to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers or Cleveland Cavaliers. It isn't clear if either one of those teams want him but I mean why would you turn a former All-Star down? Kevin Martin was upset himself but the good news was brought to him at halftime. Imagine that? But hey, like I always say the game is still a business. Martin will be reunited with former Sacramento coach Rick Adelman.

Update:

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Knicks have successful unloaded Jared Jeffries and brought in, for a couple months anyway, Tracy McGrady. The particulars: McGrady, Sergio Rodriguez, and Houston's 2011 first round pick to the Knicks; Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, Jared Jeffries, Hilton Armstrong and the Knicks' first-round picks in 2011 and 2012 (with top-1 protection in 2011 and top-5 protection in 2012) to the Rockets; Larry Hughes, Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey to the Kings. The Knicks better hope get LeBron or Dwade or this will be for nothing.

James Arrested (Not Lebron)

Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James was arrested Tuesday on domestic violence charges. James’ girlfriend, according to the police report, said the running back grabbed her around the neck and pushed her to the ground. She complained of pain to her neck and of abrasions from being pushed down in a parking lot. Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti said Wednesday that he is “concerned" about the off-field issues but insists his coaches are doing all they can to “make sure their athletes do the right things and understand right from wrong." Springfield police said they were not ready to discuss details of the incident. According to the Oregon Ducks website, "few players have ever made the impact in their initial campaign at Oregon as the Pac-10's Offensive Freshman of the Year" as he has, by becoming the first freshmen ever to earn the team's "Most Outstanding Player" award. It's always something with these Oregon running backs.

Cavs Headed to Finals??

The Cleveland Cavaliers improved their chances of getting to the NBA Finals by getting Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison in a three-team deal. The traded center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a first-round pick to Washington. The Wizards sent newly acquired forward Drew Gooden to Los Angeles Clippers while also getting back Al Thorton and Brian Skinner. The Clippers also are sending Sebastian Telfair to the Cavaliers. It appears the Cavaliers move is a gesture showing soon-to-be free agent LeBron James a commitment to winning. Now they can counter Rashard Lewis. The Cavs had no answer for Lewis last postseason in losing the East title to the Magic. Among other things, Jamison lightens LeBron James’ workload and provides offense that Anderson Varejao doesn’t. This does not give them an automatic pass through the East and on to the Finals to face Kobe and the Lakers. Although the Magic don’t seem to quite have the mojo they did at this time last season, they certainly aren’t intimidated by the Cavs of LeBron and Shaq. The Cavaliers wound up with a great deal, losing only Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the lowest of first-round picks. So how was Cleveland was able to keep J.J. Hickson? All along, the potential deal had been Stoudemire for Ilgauskas, Hickson, Danny Green and that likely No. 30 pick. But Cleveland took Hickson out of the negotiation today and Phoenix folded on it and does not expect to make a deal. The other most likely candidate for a Stoudemire trade was Miami because of the Heat's interest in him but the Heat have not put together any offer that comes close to enticing the Suns. A third team would likely need to be involved. He again did not say that he would prefer to stay with the team but emphasized how hard he would continue to play for his teammates if he is not traded.

Peppers to Pats a Possibility

The well-respected Vic Carucci of NFL.com is reporting that the Patriots remain interested in the Carolina star. Carucci reported last offseason that New England was taking a look at trading for Peppers, and has this today on the Web site:

We reported in this space a year ago that it was likely the Panthers would trade Peppers to the New England Patriots after he signed his one-year, franchise-tag contract. The deal never happened, but sources say the Pats, whose inability to consistently pressure the quarterback was their biggest drawback last season, remain very interested in acquiring Peppers. They're encouraged that they could gain some leverage if the field for bidders is reduced by possible restrictions on the final eight playoff teams to sign free agents.

However, New England faces a challenge in putting together a strong enough contract to land Peppers while also being able to re-sign nose tackle Vince Wilfork and signing quarterback Tom Brady to a long-term contract in the near future. The Patriots could place a franchise tag on Wilfork for $7 million, although he would clearly be unhappy by such a move.

Fit is important for Peppers. That's not to say he's going somewhere at a cut-rate price because it feels right (he's gonna get his money), but it is to say that identifying "the best place" for Peppers isn't necessarily going to be a purely financial thing.

Press Conference

Tiger Woods will end nearly three months of silence Friday when he speaks publicly for the first time since his middle-of-the-night car accident sparked stunning revelations of infidelity. However, his agent said Woods will not take any questions from a small group of media. “This is not a press conference,” Mark Steinberg said Wednesday. Glad to hear that he is finally having a press conference though. I cannot wait to hear what he will be speaking about. Woods is to speak at 11 a.m. Friday from the clubhouse at the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., home of the PGA Tour. I hope it is to say that he is coming back to the game sooner than people are expecting him to be. Steinberg said in a telephone interview that Woods had taken some recovery steps and quoted the agent as saying, “Tiger feels as though it’s time to make amends and to publicly do that.” Woods to “discuss his past and his future”.

Playing Up to Potential

Interesting rumors a day before the trade deadline is that the San Antonio Spurs are shopping forward Richard Jefferson. Remember how Jefferson was supposed to lift the Spurs into a position to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference? It hasn't happened as Jefferson has struggled to fit into the Spurs' disciplined defensive system and San Antonio has struggled with injuries and an aging roster. Jefferson had a much better season with the Bucks. Not to mention he is having his lowest production since he was a rookie averaging 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Jefferson was touted as the missing piece for the Spurs to bring them back to the NBA Finals. There are only a few teams that could take on Jefferson’s contract, and even fewer that would willingly add more than $15 million to their payroll before the Summer of 2010. But the first teams that come to mind are middle-of-the-pack playoff squads such as Toronto or Charlotte.

2nd Chance

The Baltimore Ravens say they have signed wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to a one-year contract. Stallworth was recently released by the Cleveland Browns after being reinstated by the NFL following a one-year suspension. He was suspended for violating the league's personal-conduct policy for a DUI vehicular manslaughter charge. Stallworth served 30 days in a Miami jail for striking and killing a Miami construction worker with his car while driving under the influence of alcohol. It's puzzling that the Ravens, who have expressed durability concerns about Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton, would sign someone as injury prone as Stallworth. he’s prone to the type of minor injuries that drive coaches crazy. That baggage, and his yearlong absence, explains Baltimore’s low-risk investment. The Ravens are hoping Stallworth is a new man who still has playmaking abilities.

Nate the Great Shipped

A deal that would send Nate Robinson to Boston is close to be finalized and could be announced Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple league sources. The Daily News first reported on its Web site Tuesday night that the Knicks were on the verge of sending the back up guard to the Celtics. Eddie House, who played for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix and has an expiring contract, is expected to be sent to the Knicks. Robinson vetoed a trade to Memphis last December but was willing to accept a deal to the playoff-bound Celtics. Robinson will earn $5 million this year, bonus included, and will get a chance to play for a championship contender. He will become the first guard off Boston's bench. Sounds like a win-win situation for Nate Robinson & the NYK. The Knicks, who yet again, clear up cap space for this summer's huge free agent market. They will have enough money to get the whole East All-Star team at the rate they going.

Oh Brother

Former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy says his younger brother made the "perfect decision" to follow in his footsteps with the Longhorns. Case McCoy is one of two standout quarterbacks Texas signed this month in a highly rated recruiting class. Case McCoy could face a lot of pressure following a big brother who set an NCAA record with 45 wins as a starting quarterback. Colt McCoy said the youngest of three McCoy boys is talented and should be comfortable forging his own career. Texas coach Mack Brown said recently that the Longhorns would have signed Case McCoy even if he wasn't the younger brother of Colt. Brown said some believe that Case is further along in his development at this age than his brother. It will be interesting to see though how further along he is. Especially with that QB spot being open up for someone. I am sure he will be good but he will be forever compared almost like Eli and Peyton but at least Eli went to a different school.

Missing Piece?

It appears the Cleveland Cavaliers will do something before Thursday's trade deadline. That move could possibly involve Amare Stoudemire or Antawn Jamison, two major moves that could give the Cavs all they need for a championship run. Could any of those moves force the Cavs' rival, the Boston Celtics, to make a counter move by adding another player? It's possible the Celtics will try to add Kirk Hinrich or D.J. Augustin. Or the Celtics may not do anything at all. The C's probably won't do anything though. The Heat are primarily competing against the Cleveland Cavaliers to broker a deal with the Suns' NBA All-Star. The Heat have first-round draft picks and forward Michael Beasley, both of which might attract the Sun towards making a deal with Miami. It will be very interesting to see how things go down the next two days. As of right now though the NBA Champs are looking at The Cavaliers reportedly want to make an upgrade at power forward, either by acquiring Amar’e Stoudemire from Phoenix, Antawn Jamison from Washington or Troy Murphy from Indiana. If they get that player there is no reason why they should not win and win easy.

West Becomes Tougher

The Blazers agreed in principle Tuesday to acquire Camby from the Clippers in exchange for forward Travis Outlaw, guard Steve Blake and $3 million. A source close to Camby says that while he recognizes the benefits of playing for a better team, he is upset because his family is comfortably settled in Los Angeles. He had hoped to re-sign with the Clippers this summer. Camby also was similarly upset when the Denver Nuggets traded him to the Clippers before the start of last season. The Nuggets made an unsuccessful last-ditch attempt to bring back Camby before the Clippers’ deal with the Blazers was finalized. The Blazers had to do something to cover the hole left at center by Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla’s injuries. Camby would help preserve possessions and protect the rim on D. Sucks for Camby but hey man that is the pros man. He is not the only player hurting from this. The person Brandon Roy sat next to on team plane rides, the player he regularly dined out with on the road, the player he made sure to walk out of the locker room with after every game, was gone. Roy said Outlaw’s departure is another obstacle during a tough stretch in which he has battled a nagging right hamstring injury. Once he gets back on the court, Roy says, he is hopeful the emotions of losing a friend will eventually fade. At least Roy recognized that the game is still a business and he understood why general manager Kevin Pritchard made the move

Bait for Summer of 2010

The Knicks are trying hard to pry McGrady from the Houston Rockets before Thursday’s trading deadline. The teams are certainly closer to a deal than they were a few days ago, but it is still far from a given that McGrady will make it to New York. The Knicks want McGrady, in part to revive their playoff hopes this season. But Lebron James is also a big part of the thought process. When the Knicks try to get James, they may need McGrady as a recruiter. If McGrady can regain his old swagger, he may even make a great second fiddle. The multiskilled sidekick that James never had in Cleveland. Sorta like Pippen was for Jordan in Chi-town. The deal could be: the Knicks would send Jared Jeffries, Jordan Hill and either Al Harrington or Larry Hughes, along with draft picks, to Houston for McGrady, Joey Dorsey and Brian Cook. Unloading Jeffries would get the Knicks closer to their dream: clearing enough cap room to sign two maximum players — say, James and Chris Bosh. The Knicks and the Rockets may still need a third team to make a deal. The Rockets blew it big time by banishing McGrady from the team. If Houston had played McGrady they could have increased his trade value. If they want to get anything for him they may have to make the deal with the Knicks.

Failed Test

Juan Dixon, who starred at the University of Maryland and later played for the Washington Wizards, has tested positive for the steroid. Dixon was informed of the positive result several days ago and the International Basketball Federation decided to suspend him on Friday. His suspension is indefinite until further notice. Dixon won an NCAA championship with Maryland in 2002, played for Washington, Portland, Toronto and Detroit in the NBA. I thought he was a good player and could have been better if he didn't end up in Washington. Supposedly, took an over-the-counter supplement and had no idea it had any type of steroid in it. What is so ironic about this is his parents died of AIDS before he finished high school. So he was invited to testify in 2005 by a U.S. House committee who went to Calvert Hall and is the nephew of former Baltimore mayor Sheila Dixon, because he had an anti-steroids message to convey. He told the panel in a prepared statement that he and other NBA players had succeeded "through hard work and dedication to our dreams, not through the use of steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs." Juan was always a guy you wanted to see succeed. All of the things this guy has overcome, all of the work he put into getting to where he is today and now he might have lost his future in basketball because of a failed drug test. It's sad, disappointing and a little heartbreaking. I'll always remember Juan for taking Maryland basketball to the promise land.

Trade Winds Blowing Strong

The Cleveland Cavaliers, reportedly, would trade center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and power forward J.J. Hickson to the Phoenix Suns for all-star power forward Amare Stoudemire, but other teams might be involved in the drama. But reports that the five-time All-Star Stoudemire could be headed to Cleveland have led other clubs to spice up their offers to Phoenix, according to sources. The Suns are mulling over whether the financial relief provided by Ilgauskas' contract (they'll likely waive Ilgauskas after the trade) and the young and talented Hickson are enough for them to part with an impact player like Stoudemire. And the Cavaliers have to be fairly certain that Stoudemire would be willing to re-sign with them before giving up the fast-improving Hickson. However, according to sources, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, appears to be the Suns' top choice. While Stoudemire has good relationships with LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal, some close to Stoudemire believe Miami is his first choice. The Heat have pursued Stoudemire hard but has no one on its roster (besides Dwyane Wade) that interests Phoenix. That includes Michael Beasley. So it would take a three-team deal for Stoudemire to be traded to the Heat.

Redeem

Well looking at this field I did have Curry and Billups in the finals but Pierce? He embarrassed himself last time. But Paul Pierce last night became the first Celtic to win the 3-point Shootout since Larry Bird took the first two titles in 1986 and ’87. Pierce (20 points) outshot Stephen Curry (17) and Chauncey Billups (14). Pierce wanted to make up for a poor performance in the 3-point competition in 2002, when he scored only 8 points. Pierce used gamesmanship to disrupt the rhythm of his opponents. Pierce knocked a ball off the rack and pulled the velcro on one of Curry’s shoes when Curry had a chance to surpass Pierce in the final round. I was not impressed just upset when he claims to be one of the best shooters in Celtic history. But I guess you win 1 ring you can say that....

Worse Dunk Contest

Nate Robinson is the NBA's first three-time slam dunk champion, and that's enough for him. Robinson barely won another title, garnering 51 percent of the fan vote to hold off Toronto rookie DeMar DeRozan. This was not the dunk contest I was looking forward to with all four contestants. Charlotte's Gerald Wallace and Shannon Brown of the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated after the first round. They should have been eliminated from even participating. Gerald Wallace does that weak dunk for his first attempt and Shannon Brown (who hops are CrAzY) does nothing spectacular. I did not expect this to be a joke. Creativity for these guys were just not there. You would think people would give them ideas to do. Then again the rule of not using props hinder them too. All the Lakers made sure we knew that Shannon was going to bring it. Wallace should not even got the 70sumthing that he received. Reggie Miller stated best that maybe there should be a website “DontLetShannonDunk.com”. If this contest did not include either Shannon or Wallace, we may not be talking today about how it was the worst dunk contest of all time. I could not agree anymore. But congrats to Nate.

Fresh Start

The Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks have now completed a swap of Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden and two other players. The trade dramatically changes the look of the Wizards. Haywood was the longest-tenured Wizard and final link to the Michael Jordan era and Stevenson was a starter on two playoff teams. But a person with knowledge of team's thinking said there could be more changes on the way before the trade deadline. The move impressed Kobe Bryant enough to declare the Mavs legitimate competition for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavs probably could have sent Howard to Golden State for Stephen Jackson earlier this season. That would have been an immediate upgrade but yhey ended up getting Butler, a similar high-scoring player with an all-around game with only one season remaining on his contract, and a defensive-minded big man with an expiring contract in Haywood. In the end they were were patient, too and it paid off.

Save ASW

During the All-Star break, the previous generation's stars actually showed up and tried to popularize the sport. If the players then had been like the players now, I doubt the league would have ever gotten off the ground. It sounds harsh, but we will see what happens when labor troubles boil up. The big names didn't show up Saturday night in Dallas because they might lose to a relative unknown. Who knows what a slump that might cause in sneaker sales? Somehow, Dominique Wilkins made the Basketball Hall of Fame despite losing the dunk contest to Spud Webb in 1986. I always used to enjoy the NBA All-Star Weekend, but the last few years I feel like why am I watching. The actual game has been good the past few years but Saturday events need to change or change of people. The dunk contest is dead and boring. All the dunks that can be done have been done and for you to tell them that they can't use props is ridiculous. And them adding the game of HORSE I commend but it got boring after a while. I've had more exciting backyard games of HORSE than that. All I am saying is that it is called All-Star Weekend for a reason. Your All-Stars are suppose to participate not let all these rookies do all the work because nobody knows them yet and are not interested in them. Players just look at All-Star Weekend now as a time to get a break and recover for a few days.

T-Mac Long-Term?

the Knicks got bad news on the Tracy McGrady front. Now that the Mavericks and Wizards pulled off a deal that would include Caron Butler and Maverick Josh Howard. Butler was supposed to be the most vital piece in a Knicks' three-way trade between the Wizards and Rockets in which McGrady would get to New York. Knicks would like to see if McGrady is someone to consider re-signing in July. At least they'd have a fallback candidate if McGrady excels and they are unable to land one of the top free agents, LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. McGrady once was considered in those players' class before microfracture surgery on his left knee last year.

Trade Rumors

Amar'e Stoudemire talks about trade rumors:

Selling the 'Cats

NBA commissioner David Stern expects the Charlotte Bobcats to be sold within 60 days. He's just not ready to say if Michael Jordan will be the buyer. At his news conference Saturday on the eve of the All-Star game, Stern said if Jordan was the buyer "that would be a good thing." Jordan is currently a minority investor in the Bobcats but majority owner Bob Johnson has given Jordan control of the basketball operations. Johnson is the first black majority owner of a major professional sports team, but has lost tens of millions and is looking to sell. Jordan has first refusal on any sale, but it's unclear if the Hall of Famer has an ownership group in place. Former Houston Rockets executive George Postolos has also inquired about the Bobcats.

Back to the Best

Lions haven't had a playmaking running back since Barry Sanders up and left town before the 1999 season. they probably will bring another running back to camp with Kevin Smith's future in doubt. If the CBA agreements are not met, running backs like Ronnie Brown, Mike Bell, Jerome Harrison, Darren Sproles, LenDale White, and Jerious Norwood will be restricted free agents, not unrestricted free agents, making them harder to pursue. With no agreement, the unrestricted pool of running backs dwindles to players with six or more years of experience. Those players would include LaDamian Tomlinson, Willie Parker, Leon Washington, and Chester Taylor. Lions fans would love to see an experienced back enter the fray in the Lions backfield, but players like Tomlinson, Parker and Taylor don't make much sense for the Lions. The Lions aren't a player or two away from being competitive. They are five or six players away, and that could take two or three more years. By that time, those backs will be facing retirement. The Lions should make a play for one of the veteran restricted free agents running backs. But if the price proves too high, the Lions will be smart and continue to build through the draft.

The New NFL

NFL will change for the 2010 off-season. Last fall, the 32 team owners exercised their option to opt out of the current CBA, which has moved to the players' favor as a result of changes won by the players union in the last extension of the agreement in 2006. The CBA has built-in provisions to govern the league in the event of the salary cap being abolished. Then union believes the owners will lock out the players in 2011 and force them to agree to a new bargaining agreement more favorable to the owners. If the players don't fold, everyone expects the league to shut down until a new agreement is reached. There would be no "replacement games" as in 1987 because it would be unlawful for the owners to do so. In '87, the players went on strike. For the upcoming season, there is no salary cap and no minimum, also. Teams can pay as much or as little as they want.

Sorry Folks

Ok so first off, I would like to apologize for not being able to blog because of classes. I will try my best to do what I can but the life of an student-athlete can be busy.

All-Time Scorer (Lakers)

was appreciative after passing Jerry West to become the Lakers' all-time scoring leader, calling it a "great honor". Bryant scored 44 points to become the all-time leading scorer for the Lakers. What next for Kobe Bryant? He considers Abdul-Jabbar's NBA record is within reach if he plays long enough. Time will be the final judge, as always, but Bryant said he would "probably" be able to do it. Abdul-Jabbar had 38,387 in 20 seasons before retiring a few months before his 42nd birthday. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson thought Bryant was distracted by trying to break the record. Jackson said the record was "not important" and that the win would have been more important. He was going to get that record regardless. Which is very true but congrats to Kobe.

Starter

Last year we were talking about whether Michael Vick would ever get a chance to resurrect his career. After spending time in jail, there were many who felt Vick did not deserve a second chance. But he got one and the talk would progress to what role he could play for the Philadelphia Eagles. And now the talk is where he can find a starting job. The most recent rumor has him going to Buffalo and the loving arms of wide receiver Terrell Owens. ESPN's Len Pasquarelli is reporting that they have gave thought to adding the Vick to the offense and that it will only cost the team a conditional draft pick. Vick believes he is still one of the "top 10" in the game. A 10-part Vick documentary starts tonight on BET (10 p.m.)

Biggest Game Ever

Reggie Bush has mastered the Three R’s of football. Running (390 yards, a 5.6-yard average and five touchdowns). Receiving (47 catches, three touchdowns). Returning. (four career touchdowns, plus one in the 2009 playoffs). It took a while for Bush to fulfill the potential the Saints saw in him when they selected him second overall. He didn’t have the bulk to be an every-down running back. He didn’t have the size to be a full-time wide receiver. And no one has the luxury of spending a first-round pick on a kick returner. Yet he has been doing all three for the Saints. His only problem is that he tries to force big plays instead of allowing the big play to come to him. It's my decisiveness that has hurt him. Now Bush has raised his game in the playoffs and has helped the Saints reach their first Super Bowl. Now, he wants to help them win it.

CJ Wants to be Paid like the Best

Only into his second year of his contract and Chris Johnson is asking for another one. He thinks he deserve to be the highest paid running back in the league or at least the highest paid offensive player besides the quarterback. Currently Stephen Jackson is the highest paid running back and the two prior to him was Jones-Drew and Clinton Ports. Clearly, Johnson outperformed all three backs this past season. Johnson’s agent didn’t want to discuss contract numbers or the possibility of an extension, and neither did the Titans. Johnson may consider holding out if the Titans seem disinterested. He’s already said he won’t attend offseason workouts in Nashville but plans to be there for offseason practices. He's not going to create a stir about renegotiating his contract.

Marshall Retire a Bronco?

Brandon Marshall said he is no longer disgruntled during Sunday's Pro Bowl. Marshall expressed his desire to stay with the Broncos, even though his actions during the regular season suggest otherwise. "I love the city of Denver," Marshall told ESPN. "I started there and would love to finish there." The Broncos, though, are expected to trade Marshall, according to a recent report in the Denver Post. No matter what he says though, you can never be sure with the Broncos. The team traded away Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler last year. It won't hesitate to deal its Pro Bowl receiver this year. Especially that now that Josh McDaniels has been given all but free rein of the Broncos' franchise, a greater emphasis has been placed on systems and team-before-self players.

NYK Still Goes to Get All-Star

Despite a published report indicating the Knicks are showing renewed interest in Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, a representative for Rubio's agency in Spain says he isn't likely to land at Madison Square Garden anytime soon. I think Minnesota knows what they have so I don't see his rights getting traded so easily. Knicks are not any better off in getting him than anyone else in the league. Rubio has been on record saying he wanted to remain in Spain for two seasons before coming to the NBA. Rubio has also "publicly said that he wants to win some championships in Europe before he goes over." So better luck NY on trying to get your All-Star team set up.

Preparations for 2010

Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor on preparing for next year, being a role model

Granted Extra Year

Robert Griffin says his surgically repaired right knee is "feeling good" and that he's running again. Griffin had surgery on his right knee in mid-October to repair a torn ACL. He said Monday that he expects to be ready for the start of the 2010 season, but plans to wear a brace as a precaution. He will be limited in spring practice and likely won't participate in contact drills. After a standout freshman season, Griffin was injured in the third game of his sophomore season last September. He has been granted a hardship waiver by the Big 12, which means he still has three seasons of eligibility left. He comes back he may contend Jerrod Johnson as the most athletic QB in the conference. To me, Griffin is more a Dennis Dixon who can be threat if he gets weapons and his line protects him.

Bronzed Saban

Work has begun on a statue of Alabama football coach Nick Saban and his wife will have a say in how it looks. The Tuscaloosa News reports that the completion goal for the statue to commemorate the Crimson Tide’s fifth national championship coach is April 17, the date of the annual A-Day spring game. MTM Recognition, the company that did the statue of the four previous 'Bama national title coaches along the Walk of Champions plaza outside Bryant-Denny Stadium is also doing the bronze replica of Saban. Project manager Corey Beltz says Saban’s wife, Terry, is one of several people who gets to give input. They’ve been told to emphasize Saban’s love of student-athletes and of teaching. 'Bama athletic facilities director says the cost is estimated at about $50,000.

Sooner Than Later?

Great news out of the U. After Graig Cooper's knee injury in the bowl game, talk was that he would sit out next season, get a medical redshirt and return to UM in 2011. But Cooper's father said the surgically repaired injury was less serious than feared, doctors are optimistic, and Cooper believes he will be ready to start the 2010 season. Cooper was told he had a partial ACL tear and no MCL tear and after surgery, can take as long to heal as a full year. That means if he returns in September, it might take another month for him to feel where he was before the injury. But he would need to regain his old form to earn a lot of playing time. They are stacked with Damien Berry will be the favorite to start, and teammates rave about Lamar Miller (who is the fastest back). No matter though who he is competing against, if Cooper is healthy enough to play, it doesn't seem likely he would agree to sit out 2010 and return to UM in 2011, delaying an NFL career.