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-One week closer to opening night and lovin it!

- The Sonics resigned forward Reggie Evans last week. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but I personally believe that it will really help the Sonics. Evans is quickly developing into one of the premier hustle players in the league, and his rebounding and defensive abilities are severely underrated.

- That said, this year could very well be a tough one for the team despite bringing back Evans, Ray Allen, Vladimir Radmanovic, and Ronald Murray. A defense of their Northwestern Division Title seems highly unlikely to me, as I believe that opposing teams will begin to take advantage of Seattles inability to score in the low block. Also, count me among one of those folks who thinks the team will regret letting Nate McMillian escape to Portland.

- The Rockets last week dealt Mike James to the Toronto Raptors for Rafer Alston. Im not sure about this move from Houstons perspective. And yes, I know that I said in my season preview last week that Houstons roster was missing a dynamic point guard. I just dont believe that Alston is dynamic -- maybe erratic would be a better word to describe him. However, if Alston has a season similar to the one he had two years ago in Miami, things could get interesting in Houston.

- So Lebron James said last week that he wants to stay in Cleveland long term. Its not that I dont believe him, but people are entitled to change their minds as time passes -- and two more mediocre seasons might cause King James to do just that.

- Im not sure whether picking up Eddy Curry will make the Knicks a significantly better team or not. However, I am sure Isiah Thomas acquiring another mediocre player with controversy surrounding him is not surprising in the least.

- Also, Im not sure why Bulls GM John Paxson is taking so much heat for wanting Curry to take a DNA test to ensure Currys safety. If more GMs around the league -- or people involved with professional or college sports in any capacity for that matter -- had Paxsons mentality, perhaps some of the tragic athletic related deaths that have recently occurred could have been prevented.

- On to trade rumors . . . Last month I wrote that the Denver Nuggets might be interested in making a move for a legitimate big time shooting guard after adding a third very capable point guard to their roster in Earl Watson. I suggested that Paul Pierce could be an intriguing fit. Less than a week later, a report on this very website confirmed that the Nuggets were interested in acquiring Pierce in a deal for Nene, Andre Miller, and others.

Recent reports have now surfaced which stated the deal never happened because a third party could not be coerced into the deal. Dont be surprised if the two teams start talking trade again before the trade deadline -- especially if either, or even both teams get off to a slow start.

- Also, I dont know either Pierce or Celtics coach Doc Rivers personally. However, much has been written about their relationship, and it sounds tumultuous at best. It seems like situations between star player and coach, such as the one in Boston, usually dont end well for the club in turmoil (see Hardaway, Penny or McGrady, Tracy).

- A recent report in the New York Post indicated that the Clippers are fielding potential offers for swingman Corey Maggette. I dont doubt that the Clippers would trade Maggette for the right price. However, I do doubt the reason that was cited for considering such a move -- Maggette not being smart enough to remember the plays. Look, if I played for the Clippers at anytime during the past decade, I probably wouldnt run the plays either. I mean when your team is as bad as the Clippers have been, its not as though blowing off a play every now and then is going to be the difference between being a lottery team or qualifying for the postseason.

- From the some things never change file . . . Michael Olowokandi was late for a Wolves scrimmage that took place at a local high school last week. Upon receiving a phone call from the Kandi man informing the team that he would be late, new Wolves coach Dwane Casey told Kandi to not even bother showing up. Hey Dwane, if that mode of discipline doesnt work, a nightclub bouncer form Indianapolis suggested that a stun gun might prove to be more effective.

- Great to see point guard T.J. Ford back in the saddle again in Milwaukee. I still believe that Ford has the potential to be one of the better true point guards in the game today -- provided of course that he can avoid any further serious injuries.

- The Bucks also have point guard Mo Williams -- who in my humble opinion -- might be the most underrated player in the game. Rest assured, there are more than just a couple of clubs who wouldnt mind having a Ford/Williams combo at the point -- like I dont know, maybe the Lakers.

- Yeah, I know that Phil has been enamored with bigger guards over the years. That said, they will need a smaller guard at some point to defend guys like Steve Nash and Luke Ridnour in the Western Conference.

- And hey, if you dont believe me Laker fans, listen to one of your own who has followed the team for 44 years:

Travis- Welcome to the new gig, your article was clear, concise and interesting. I would like to know what the Lakers are thinking with the roster they have.

I know that Phil likes big guards (Harper and Jordan) and he wants Lamar to initiate the offense (Pippen). But please tell me they have someone who can stop the Bibbys, Parkers and other little quick guards of the world. Dont tell me that it is going to be Smush Parker, Will Conroy, Devean Green or Von Wafer.

Why cant Mitch throw some of his $2.5 mil he has left at Jannero Pargo? (the last quick small defensive guy left)(The Bulls are only offering him 865k). Dont you think the Lakers need someone smaller than 65 on the roster?

We need someone who is shorter than 6 5 and can guard a tree in a petrified forest (ie not Tierre Brown or Chucky Atkins).

Why isnt that person already in training camp?

What is up with Vlade, he tells a newspaper in Serbia he will be a Lakers coach or scout, yet the Lakers still dont seem to know if he will retire or they will buy him out, and have said nothing about Scout or Coach. Please dont let him try to play again, that was painful to watch at the end of last season. Phil said he would like one more big man and Mitch went out and signed Corie Blount (too old, too slow, never could score). Why does Phil want another big guy on a team that is the tallest Laker team ever. Mihm, Bynum and Brown can handle the 5 spot.

Brown, Mihm, Cook, Slava, George and Odom can handle the 4 spot. They have only Kobe at guard (McKie will have to show me he can still move), Walton or Jumaine will have to play some guard this year. Sasha does everything well except scoring and defense and should be sent to the D league.

Please dont let Spree join my team, Im still trying to get over the month Rodman wore the golden armor (can you say Isaih Rider).

I understand that no one is willing to take Slava or George in any kind of deal, oh well at least they know the triangle.

Thanks for reading this far. The Lakers have been my team for 44 years and I cant see how this group is complete yet. -- Steve

- Well done Steve, and let me say that I couldnt agree with you more about the point guard situation. However, while Im not a Sprewell fan, I believe that Spree may give your beloved Lakers a boost. That said, he could also implode and make what has the potential to be a difficult season for the team already, that much more tricky. But hey no worries, hes not a Laker as the roster stands today.

- Well, that's all I got this week. Thanks for reading, and remember -- Life as a rabid NBA fan is only what you make of it.

Have a take about what you just read. Contact Travis at travismheath@msn.com. Travis is a doctoral candidate in psychology, and a freelance writer. He currently resides outside of Denver, Colorado, but he has spent time in Washington, Nebraska, and Both Northern and Southern California. He is also a self admitted sports addict, with his primary vice being the NBA.

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