Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Earvin "Magic" Johnson


Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, and considered one of the great point guards of all time, is seen here during his time at Michigan State (1977-79) in a match-up against Western Kentucky. Since 1981, over a dozen biographies on hi life have been published including his autobiography, "Magic Johnson: My Life."


The Lakers hold the records for having the most wins (2905,) the highest winning percentage (61.5%,) the most NBA Finals appearances (29,) the second fewest non-playoff season with five (San Antonio Spurs have four,) and the second-most NBA championships with 14, behind the Boston Celtics’ 17.


They also hold the record for compiling the longest consecutive win streak (33) in U. S. professional team sports (also an NBA record) in the 1971-72 season. 14 Hall of Famers have played for the Lakers, while four Hall of Famers (John Kundla, Bill Sharman, Pat Riley and Phil Jackson) have coached the team. Four Lakers (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant) have won the NBA Most Valuable Player award. (Thanks to Wikipedia for these details. To learn more about the Lakers, visit Wikipedia.)

Monday, April 27, 2009

What Are the Odds?

Phil "Zen Master" Jackson in an undated newswire photo circa 1967-1978
from the SPORT Magazine Archive


Phil Jackson, a former professional basketball player (New York Knicks 1967-1978, New Jersey Nets 1978-1980) and the current coach of the Los Angeles Lakers confirmed his reputation as the spiritual and holistic guide of the award-winning Chicago Bulls before coming to Los Angeles in 2000 and guiding the Lakers to three consecutive NBA titles. In total, Jackson has won nine NBA titles, which he may pass this year. Currently he is tied with Arnold 'Red' Auerbach for most NBA titles.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Legacy of Jackie Robinson--Has MLB Really Changed?

The Boys of Summer, 1955
(l. to r., Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Carl Furillo, Carl Erskine, Gil Hodges, Don Newcombe, Duke Snider and Roy Campanella)
Edition size 100, archival pigment inkjet print, image 15" x 12"

This is the quintessential timeless shot of The Boys of Summer, made famous by Roger Kahn's book of the same name. Shot exclusively for SPORT magazine by photographer George Heyer, this authentic image, hand printed from the original slide, captures the camaraderie of the Brooklyn Dodgers at the Ebbets Field batting cage early in the 1955 season.

To read more about Jackie Robinson and his impact on MLB, please read this article in today's Los Angeles Times by Kurt Streeter.

Friday, April 10, 2009

"On the Prowl" Edition of 275
Photo by Stan Lapidus
Tiger Woods with Mark O'Meara at the 18th tee of Augusta National
(Practice round in 2004)

For complete coverage and streaming video visit the Masters website by clicking here.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Angels' Rookie Adenhart Killed in Car Accident

Tragedy struck the Angels last night when rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others were killed in an apparent hit-and-run accident several hours after he pitched a scoreless 6 innings in a game at Angels Stadium against Oakland. Read the NY Times story by clicking here.