Echo's From the Past

As I sit here and watch the L.A. Lakers play the Boston Celtics in game 7 of the world championship series, I am aware of all the echo's from my past. Lakers, Celtics, fans screaming, physical play, the referee's missing calls - the only missing element is Chick Hearn. Oh how I loved it when he put games in his infamous refrigerator. "The door is closed. The lights are out. The butter's getting hard. And the Jello's Jiggling!"

It's half time and the Lakers are down. Jerry West would bring them back. So would Magic Johnson. Now it is up to Kobe Bryant. Hey I got bit a long time ago. Not at the Burn Ward. I have been a fan ever since Wilt Chamberlain played. Wilt the Stilt was my favorite, then Kareem - originally Lew Alcindor, now it is Kobe Bryant.

I've taken a lot of flak from people for liking a suposed rapist and a man they see as arrogant. People can hate success. Let's face it, this guy excells at what he does - as does Lebron James and hundreds of others in the NBA. I like seeing somebody, so confident, taking care of business.

This is the great American past time - as is World Cup Soccer which is going on now. The kitchen staff at the facility I work at was going nuts today with Mexico beating France. You would have thought it was Cinco De Mayo around here!

Basketball - actually Laker basketball reminds me of my youth. The sky hook, underhand free throw shots, no three point line. Three free throw attempts to make two in the bonus. My oh my has the game changed - for the better. Now we have high flying acrobats from Shannon Brown. Derek Fisher - old in the leagues terms - playing like a teenager.

Obviously I am chomping at the bit, waiting for the second half to begin.

I'll leave with a story about my all time favorite Magic Johnson.

I went to Hawaii after the Lakers beat Detroit in seven games. Wouldn't you know it while I was waiting for the elevator the doors opened and there stood a smiling Magic Johnson. He was staying at my same hotel. Excited I shadowed my hero and followed him into the pool for a friendly game of volleyball with the other vacationers. When I came face to face with Magic from the other side of the net I said, "Hey Magic, I am going to block your spike," with a grin. Magic smiled and nodded and said "Bring it on." Well it took a few moments and my opportunity came. They set the ball to him perfectly and while laughing I leaped out of the water and was looking down on my hero. Magic simply tipped the ball over my outstretched hands and in slow motion I watched the ball sadly drop onto the water beneath me. All were laughing including Magic and myself.

Have a great evening. GO LAKERS!!!