2010 The Year of LeBron

For all of those people that feel LeBron James on court play has justified his exorbitant $90 million contract with Nike, you might want to think again. According to “Sports Business Radio,” as LeBron continues to take his game to the next level on the court, off the court sales of LeBron’s shoe have failed to move at the pace most Nike executives had originally hoped.

This summers Beijing Olympics could go a very long way in expediting the growth of LeBron’s brand. With so many people worldwide tuning in to watch these Olympics, LeBron will have the same opportunity that MJ took full advantage of in ’92.

Regardless if sales of LeBron’s Nike products increase or not, people have already begun to speculate about what might happen in 2010, the year LeBron becomes a free agent and his contract with Nike expires? Will LeBron take his game to a big market – NY, Chicago, LA or will he join his wingman Jay-Z with the Nets, who are set to open in Brooklyn during the same year?

2010 - the year that we will all be witnesses… To read the full report


(Personally, I’m surprised sales of LeBron’s mouthpiece haven’t skyrocketed yet to this point. There’s nothing better than watching LeBron stick his mouthpiece under his headband during timeouts.)

DAMN DIESEL

Someone has to live this life, why not Shaq? AOL just obtained records of Shaq’s monthly budget and it’s as crazy as one would expect. On a per month basis:

Vacations..................................................... $101, 505
Filling up at the gas station............................ $24,300
Music and magazines ................................... $1,620
Maid Service ................................................ $22,190
Dry Cleaning and Laundry ............................ $6,730
Gifts ......................................................... $60,417

You’ve got to love the Big Man!

To read the entire financial affidavit of the divorce papers, click here.

Magic dishes Hillary an Assist

Magic Johnson has officially come out in support of Hillary Clinton, even taking a few ‘shots’ at Barack Obama along the way, calling him a “rookie” and saying:

"We won our first game on a last-second shot. I was so hyped. But the captain of my team said, 'Take it easy rookie, it's a long season, it's a long road to the championship.' He was right.

Whether it's winning championships or a president who can lead us back to greatness, I'll always want the most prepared and experienced person leading my team."

Interestingly enough Magic led the Lakers to the NBA Championship as a rookie, not to mention he took home MVP, but hey who’s judging.

I’m sure most Americans are anxiously waiting to hear which candidate Stephon Marbury is endorsing before making a final decision…

For more on the pair with alot in common Magic/Clinton...

(Assist: TrueHoop)

In Honor of Martin Luther King!

Over the weekend, when Tim Tebow was assigned the task of firing up the College Game Day crew, he delivered a performance that would have made Dr. King very proud:



For anyone that is in the office on this historic day that needed a little extra motivation, this video should do the trick. If watching Hubert Davis’s veins pop out as he leaps from his seat doesn’t fire you up, well than – I got nothing for you.

Lance Stephenson Suspended

Lance Stephenson’s ability on the court could create quite a life for his family someday. It’s the story everyone dreams of ‘From Marcy to Madison Square.’ (Assist: Jay-Z)

There is one HUGE problem. The kid is a baby. It’s the same story with Stephon, Sebastian and now Lance. You get a kid with all of the skills, stick him in Coney Island and everyone wants a piece of him. No matter what he does, he’s praised by everyone. People hope that if Lance makes it, he’ll come back and get them out of the hood. The end result: a shit attitude

Unfortunately, Lance’s emotions have gotten the best of him yet again.

Lance has been suspended for 5 days from Lincoln High School for fighting with teammate Devon McMillan. McMillan was taken to Coney Island Hospital to treat a cut hand, after Lance reportedly threw him through a glass table.

Showing up your teammates, throwing yourself at referees, and getting into altercations hasn’t created the brightest image for Lance. It’s certainly not easy playing with kids that aren’t even close to Lance’s ability, but unfortunately there is nobody currently playing in HS at Lance’s level.

Lance’s future could go in one of a few different directions. Let’s hope he selects a college, with a coach that instills discipline on his players, unlike current Lincoln Coach Tiny Morton.

"I can deal with the incident," Coach Tiny Morton said. "That happens, teammates fight sometimes. It upsets me that they are taking the focus away from basketball.”

What a role model…

For more on Lance, the basketball player: Lance Stephenson

Jason Kidd’s Unlimited Motor

Jason Kidd has a lot going on and it hasn’t been the type of publicity that you hope for. In the past year, Kidd has gone through a very public and nasty split from his wife Joumana(above), he had charges filed against him for grabbing a random girl’s caboose at a NYC nightclub and he’s been very unhappy with the Nets unwillingness to extend his contract.

The man simply doesn’t slow down on the court, or off it. J-Kidd has reportedly sperminated current girlfriend, Hope Dworaczyk. According to the NY Post:

"Hope, Jason and their parents all celebrated her pregnancy announcement at Sabor Latin Bistro in Edgewater Sunday night."

I’m sure Kidd is ecstatic…

The Thin Air in Denver

LeBron isn’t the only NBA baller who went all out for his birthday to ring in the New Year! Kenyon Martin did things a little differently down in Miami and many athletes including running backs Willis McGahee and Edgerrin James, were there to celebrate with the always suited Denver Nugget.



Another random clip:
The Internet is a special thing… Back in the day you’d never get an opportunity to watch pro athletes celebrating a victory by getting slaughtered. Now it's there for the world to see:



“Nene’s back. Nene got rid of porno hunny. Now he’s ballin.” - Melo

Are you familiar with the D-League?

Getting into a club in LA is certainly no small task, but when you’re willing to step up and get a table for only 3 people, you really should never be denied.

Unfortunately for D-Leaguer Rod Benson, after an unsuccessful attempt at partying in LA last year, he was all fired up about his return trip. That is until he buckled under pressure and mentioned his career… Must Read

Lance Stephenson Hitting the Net!

The hype in NY tends to get out of hand and with Lance Stephenson it's no different. Stephenson is already being followed by Cornerstone Productions with every move that he makes. Whether its at home, on the road, games or practices, there is a camera crew always following Lance, with hopes of one day cashing in.

Now its time to add a website to the list, BornReady.tv. The first promotional clip was recently released and its very amusing:






Clearly the two highlights:
- His Cousin 'Bigz' explaining the type of person Lance is off the court. If that's not the kid that played the younger Biggie in the 'Sky's the Limit Video' than I'm seeing things .

-Lance ready to throw haymakers after he was fouled driving to the bucket. Perhaps editing this highlight before the world got to see the type of hot head Lance truly is wouldn't have been the worst idea.

Going Big for '08!

While “From Courtside” was on a little hiatus vacationing in Miami to ring in the New Year, LeBron James was going BIG in Vegas. To celebrate the Kings 23rd birthday, Jay-Z put together an extravaganza at the grand opening of 40-40 Las Vegas for his wing man.

Sorry I couldn’t make it fellas!

Interestingly enough, I happened to bump into Drew Gooden who spotted us first at the Shore Club and then at Club SET, the night before New Years. Now I’m not sure what has Mike Brown so pleased that the Cavs were given a few days off, but last time I checked the standings they were 14 – 17.

How much weight does LBJ have? Silly question, but he’s even getting days off to celebrate his birthday. Get it together Coach.

My other humorous NBA spotting was Jerome James at the Hard Rock, in Hollywood, Florida. James, whom Isiah Thomas has indicated will take over for the suddenly inept Eddy Curry was gambling until 3 am and looked hammered… Not to mention, the Knicks had a game the next day. So much for working hard to get back in shape Big Guy!

-Happy New Year.