Lakers Owner Jerry Buss should get a statue at Staples Center
So it has been two weeks since Lakers owner Jerry Buss passed away and still there has been little mention of him getting the next statue at the Los Angeles Staples Center. Jerry Bus was eighty when he died and he left behind him a remarkable life story. He was such a brilliant mind that he finished his college degree in just over two years; nearly half the time. Jerry Bus first bought the Los Angeles Lakers and the L.A. Kings in 1979. What transpired next were an incredible run of the Lakers in the 1980′s that led to ten NBA Championship wins. Jerry Buss was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame on April 5, 2010. Amongst the Los Angeles Lakers Jerry Bus took over the Los Angeles Women’s NBA Team, the Los Angeles Sparks. His ingenuity in sports established some of the strongest franchises in Los Angeles. He was a brilliant businessman even before his entry into sports. Jerry Bus had a Masters in Science and a P.H.D. in Chemistry by the time he was twenty-four. He worked for the Bureau of Mines as a chemist and then for the aerospace industry. He event taught at USC in the chemistry department. Following his teaching Jerry Bus made significant money in real estate before investing that his sports endeavors. If any non-athlete icon in sports deserves a statue at the Los Angeles Staples Center, it would be Jerry Bus. He fathered six children, all of whom worked for the Lakers at one point or another. He was fighting cancer since 2012 and passed away of kidney failure on February 18, 2013. This brilliant sports catalyst and philanthropist should definitely be getting his own statue at the Staples Center. He practically founded it! Seeing as how L.A.’s two biggest teams play there because of the decisions of Jerry Buss and he helped downtown Los Angles become what it is, Jerry Buss should have the next Staples Center Statue dedicated to him!
The Clippers showed once again that they are the big bosses in Los Angeles with a dominating win over the Lakers
The Los Angeles Clippers made once again a strong statement. Not only should they be considered as a title contender, but nowthey are for sure the conquerors of the city of Los Angeles. In a Thursday night matchup they rolled past the Lakers with a 24-point outing, 125-101. The usual suspects, Paul and Griffin continued to show their talents and with the help of the 16-yearveteran guard, Chauncey Billups, who just recently returned to action, got a devastating win at the Staples Center.
The Clippers have now won their season series against the Lakers and it’s the first time they achieve this since the 1992-93 season, with one game left between the two teams in April. Not only that, but they have improved their record to 39-17 and theyfind themselves just 2.5 games behind the second seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. For sure they are eligible to chase the Western Conference championship title and they have made it clear to all the fans and the basketball world in LA that they are now the conquerors of the City.
Despite the turnaround effort from the Lakers, led by Kobe with 20 points, the show the Clips put together was way too much for the Lakers to follow; they just couldn’t overcome an early 15-0 deficit. In fact it was Billups who made the difference, shooting an incredible 70% from the field and hit 5 from 7 from beyond the arc, finishing with 21 points. His team was already deadly even without him. Now that he has come back, his presence could put the Clippers into an immediate championship-chasing position.
Who could really imagine at the start of this season that the team from the City of Angels that would be making a run for a ring would be the Clippers and not the Lakers. Now that we are vast approaching the NBA All-Star break it might be a good chance for Mike D’Antoni’s team to regroup and focus on improving the little details that could save the season. It’s clearly shown that some changes have to be done and that there should be no more excuses going forward.
As for the Clippers, the aim should now be overpassing the Thunder, so that they can have an advantage come playoff time. They have proved their dominance and they have also proved that now it’s their time to shine. The great combination of young star power and veteran experience is what may allow them to do great things. For half the City of LA it’s time for skepticism and reformation. For the other part it’s time for controlled enthusiasm and a strong push towards the finish line.
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When Kobe Bryant makes statements, press talks or tweets the world is watching. Are his statements always true and correct? That question is a little tricky. The latest news that Kobe gave us is that according to his point of view the media have actually manufactured the drama over the team.
We’ve seen many times Kobe making comments regarding his teammates and his team, trying to motivate them to play harder or even through pain and even making some suggestions. This time though, he tried to underplay the fact that the general picture the Lakers have shown us up to this point of the season is not convincing. Talking about the comments he made on Dwight Howard and about the need for urgency from his team, he said that his comments about Howard were misinterpreted. Additionally he said that he only tried to motivate his teammate and the rest of the story was in fact manufactured by the media.
Trying to push your teammates so that the team rolls up and finds its pace is one thing. However, to call the Lakers drama manufactured this season might be a little too much. It’s an awkward moment for the franchise and with if they don’t manage to enter the playoffs with this roster, then the drama would become real and for good. Surely this is the last thing the Lakers have to think about. Now it’s time for focus and hard work, so that the team gets some wins. However, handling the media and solving a problem internally is what great teams do. There’s no need to avoid looking failure in the eye and there’s also no need to put the blame on a single player or coach. Teams win as a whole and teams fail as a whole. That’s the way sports work and that’s how the NBA works, too.
The Lakers need Kobe to be the leader. He has to stand up for his team now that it’s a difficult time. It’s great to see him not giving up – that’s certainly not the way he is- and try to force his teammates and especially Howard, Gasol and Nash to show some urgency. That’s how Kobe has used to be during his 17 years in LA. However, finding the appropriate way to fire up the rest of the team is important. Controversies and mutual press statements are not the solution to the problem.
Barry’s Ticket Service
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The star point guard Chris Paul is reportedly set to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. After rejecting the team’s extension contract worth almost $60 million for three last summer, sources around the situation say that Paul has a 99,5% chance to resign with the Clippers during this summer. The All Star guard most likely rejected this contract offer to sign a five year deal that the team is supposed to offer him this time.
Despite having lots of suitors that may seem to be interested for him when he becomes available, Chris Paul has really linked his name with the Clips. He has become a true leader for our team and has performed outstanding during his stay here. Apart from his numbers, which have been great, his presence is what makes the difference. He is a true commander when he steps into the court and he has the way to orchestrate his team and make his teammates better. Also, the bonding between him and the fellow star Blake Griffin is terrific as well as the general chemistry of the whole team is. Up to now, it has been the most successful season for the franchise in its history and it’s expected to become even better as we approach the playoffs. This might be a unique chance for us to chase a ring and Chris Paul has a great share on that success.
So in reality there is no good reason for him to think about leaving. He really has everything. A great team and also a great coach, a leading role in one of the best teams in the West, a chance to win a Championship and as predicted, a generous contract that will make sure he is happy salary-wise. He’s also enjoying to live in one of the top destinations for all athletes and celebrities in the United States.
Of course the team really needs him. Despite having the young and promiscuous Eric Bledsoe in the roster, the Clippers are expected to search for a trade for him because he has great market value. The player we could get in return for Bledsoe could mean that we would almost be unstoppable.
Paul’s importance to the team was made obvious during his recent injuries. The team lost 6 of the last 12 games with Paul sidelined. As a matter of fact, the 27-year old guard has all the potential to combine his name with one of the resurrection the Clippers. After his arrival the Clips have become a power in the West instead of just another weak team that happened to be in Los Angeles. Hopefully the deal is sealed and we will all enjoy more from Chris Paul and his magic.
Barry’s Ticket Service
1020 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90015
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If you’re heading down to the Staples Center for an event, there are a number of incredible restaurants that you can choose to eat from beforehand. If you happen to have a preference towards Gluten-free foods, you’re in luck because Los Angeles is proud to have a number of restaurants that specialize in Gluten-free food. The following three restaurants are examples of restaurants who offer a Gluten-free menu, so check them out today!
The Shojin Restaurant Downtown
1. Shojin
333 S. Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 617-0305 www.theshojin.com
The Shojin is about 10 minutes from the Staples Center Nokia Theater Get Directions
Shojin is located on the third floor of the Little Tokyo Shopping Center in Downtown Los Angeles. The mall is located on Alameda St. between 3rd and 4th street. The restaurant offers 3 hours of free parking, so enjoy your time at the meal. Shojin’s mission is to “provide the most flavorful and naturally preserved meals using organic and natural foods with NO chemical seasonings and harmful additives.” As you can see, they take pride in providing patrons with the most natural food possible. They specialize in vegan, macrobiotic, Gluten free, organic and natural foods. For one of the best Los Angeles Gluten-free restaurants, Shojin organic and natural sushi is a fine choice.
Lucifers – Damned Good Pizza
2. Lucifers – Damned Good Pizza
1958 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323)906-8603 www.luciferspizza.com
Lucifers Pizza is about 15 minutes Staples Center Nokia Theater Get Directions
Lucifers’ Damned Good Pizza is one of the few pizza joints around town that offer gluten-free crusts on all of their pies. With extremely reasonable prices for the high quality pizza, Lucifers is a must stop for bread loving Celiacs. They deliver Monday to Thursday from 5pm-10pm and Friday to Sunday from 12pm-10pm. Join the RIP club and receive free pizzas as well as a member swipe card after your buy your first 10 circles. Lucifers has been rated one of the top pizza places in Los Angeles by LAWeekly as well as a number of other publications, so come see what the fuss is about and enjoy some of the best Los Angeles Gluten-free pizza!
The Yard House
3. YARD HOUSE LOS ANGELES
800 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213)745-9273 The Yard House
The Yard House is seconds away from the Staples Center Get Directions
The Yard House Los Angeles is one of the prime places to hit before any Staples Center event. They have a “Gluten-sensative” menu that includes a variety of delicious dishes from Grilled Artichoke and Spicy Tuna roll to Seared Ahi Steak and a Cuban Roast Pork Dip. Truly a treat for those of without the ability to process flour, the Yard House Los Angeles is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, and it will set the night of right for diners with any special dietary needs!
Los Angeles Staples Center Gluten-free Restaurants do exist, just check out the great venues above and put your food concerns to rest!
Barry’s Ticket Service
1020 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(across from the Staples Center inside the Luxe City Center)
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Eric Bledsoe to participate in Dunk Contest during the All Star weekend
Los Angeles will have another representative during the All Star weekend. Eric Bledsoe will travel alongside with his teammates Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest. The league has officially announced the names of the participants for the 2013 Slam Dunk Contest and the young guard from Kentucky will try to impress the crowd with his dunking skills and his athletic abilities.
The other contestants will be Gerald Green from the Golden State Warriors, Terrence Ross from the Toronto Raptors, James White from the New York Knicks, Jeremy Evans from the Utah Jazz and Kenneth Faried from the Denver Nuggets. From a first glimpse at the names on the table one could say that it should be a really spectacular and powerful contest. We’ve seen some great in-game slams from all of these players during this season.
Regarding Bledsoe, apart from winning his NBA All-Rookie Second Team back in 2011, it will be his first chance to win an individual title and also a chance to feel some of the pace of the NBA All Star game. He surely deserves to be there and in fact he has been one of the most enjoying players to watch this season, not only because of his dunks, but also because of the continuing improvement of his game. Many have stated that Bledsoe is a young star rising and the truth is that during Chris Paul’s absence he’s playing like one. Entering the Slam Dunk Contest will be a great experience for him and despite the great opponents he’ll face, let’s all that he brings home a trophy.
Bledsoe is the shortest amongst all the 6 competitors and this might actually be an advantage because both judges and the crowd really like it when short players can lift and deliver amazing dunks, equal or even better than the taller ones. What Bledsoe lacks in height he certainly gains in athleticism and jumping ability and he has all the potential to win it all.
By Chris Cabrera
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Barry’s Ticket Service
1020 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90015
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(213)749-0057
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Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Address for the Los Angeles STAPLES Center is 1111 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015.
The Positive: With the STAPLES Center address being located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles it makes its extremley easy to get to from all directions.
The Negative: Driving to Downtown Los Angeles on a Weekday can be a practice in patience for anyone. Traffic on the 101 and 110 can sometimes cause up to 30+ minutes of extra delay.
If you have any questions about the STAPLES Center address, directions, seating or any questions in general about the Staples Center please feel free to email me. I am happy to answer any questions.
Chris Michaels I live in Los Angeles, CA and work as an Chief Info Officer
at Barry’s Ticket Servicewww.barrystickets.com.
Barry’s Ticket Service
1020 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(across from the inside the Luxe City Center next to the Staples Center)
Open 7 days a week, 10am – 9pm, for pickups.
(213)749-0057
You can also visit now on Google+
Is Dwight Howard ready to compete for a championship?
The latest news that came from the Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is that the team is not intended to seek for a trade for big man superstar Dwight Howard. Despite his injuries and his below expectations performance, Howard is still a longshot for the Lakers. He is believed to be the next star to supersede Kobe Bryant, when his career is over and the Lakers are very confident that the 6-11” center will resign with them this summer.
It’s no secret that Howard will have a bunch of teams that are going to give a go to land him, like Houston, Dallas Mavericks and perhaps even the Brooklyn through a trade. Those teams have chased Howard last summer, too, when he decided to take his talents to LA to join Kobe and Nash. Although he has kept his mouth closed and diplomatically avoided any true answer regarding his intentions this off-season, it’s widely believed in Lakers circles that he his remain with the team and they have some strong facts that support their beliefs.
First of all, the team can offer him more money than any other team can. It might sound odd, but the new CBA gives a huge advantage to the Lakers in the aspects of keeping Howard. That’s because they are able to offer him 5-year deal with a maximum salary of about $23.5 million and in the same time a 7.5 yearly increase rate. That means that each other team could totally offer him $30 million less, so a big a plus for LA in this point.
Also, having Kobe Bryant on your roster can only push another start to sign with you and in this case it will be to remain with the team. Despite the difficulties, chemistry and bonding will eventually come for the team and that’s when Dwight will be more willing to stay. Up to now, this season might have been an unsuccessful one for the Lakers, but when things turn around and Howard gets to see that they are capable of chasing a championship, he will be urged to remain to LA. There’s nothing more convincing for an NBA player than a ring, at least for most of them. Howard has clearly shown that he desperately wants to play for a contender and the Lakers are that team. After all it’s one of the reasons he left the Orlando Magic.
There are also secondary reasons that strengthen the team’s belief that Howard will stay and those might be the big market that Los Angeles is, with the star shine of Hollywood and the glamorous lifestyle and also the chance to work and with the Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul Jabbar. These only add up to the already strong motives that Howard has in order to stay for the team. So not seeking a trade for Howard is definitely the best choice for the team right now.
Chris Michaels I live in Los Angeles, CA and work as an Chief Wisdom Officer
at Barry’s Ticket Servicewww.barrystickets.com.
Barry’s Ticket Service
1020 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(across from the inside the Luxe City Center next to the Staples Center)
Open 7 days a week, 10am – 9pm, for pickups.
(213)749-0057
You can also visit now on Google+
It all begun on 6 May 2011, in London at the Hammersmith Apollo. Angus Young officially announced that the band was planning to release a new album before the end of 2013. And a tour to support the new album. Malcolm Young, in an interview with Australian radio Triple M, confirmed that the band will release a new album by the end of the year 2013. These were his words:
“the company that AC/DC have been signed to for almost 40 years, Alberts, confirmed that AC/DC will be touring behind a brand new album the next year”. Not to mention that 2013 will be the year of the 40th anniversary of the formation of the band.
So, what should fans expect from a band that has broken all the records, making his last tour the third highest grossing tour of all time? Black Ice World Tour, from 2008 to 2010, lasted more than 20 months during which the AC/DC have played for more than 5 million people worldwide, including 108 cities and 20 countries. The tour was widely celebrated. It was favorably received by critics and audiences, the Chicago Tribune described it as “a celebration of all that is great in rock ‘n’ roll”, and defined the band’s music “Rock ‘n’ roll that survives the time.” Black Ice, the album that preceded it was acclaimed by critics and ranking number 1 in 29 countries.
So it is normal that there is certain electricity in the air, when it comes to the argument of a new world tour. At this time, fans can only wait in trepidation the announcement of something official.
AC/DC will be destroying your ear drums when they come to Los Angeles Staples Center for their 40th anniversary tour. We will have all the ACDC Los Angeles Concert dates very soon.
I am very glad to hear they are touring again, its one of the bands that I have always wanted to see and haven’t been able to yet.
Chris Michaels I live in Los Angeles, CA and work as an Chief Wisdom Officer
at Barry’s Ticket Servicewww.barrystickets.com.
Barry’s Ticket Service
1020 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(across from the inside the Luxe City Center next to the Staples Center)
Open 7 days a week, 10am – 9pm, for pickups.
(213)749-0057
You can also visit now on Google+
Is Dwight Howard ready to compete for a championship?
How serious is Dwight Howard about fighting for a championship? How much does he want it? These might be a tricky question to answer but it might hide some of the team’s problems this season. After a fiasco ejection at Sunday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, many critics started again to talk about Dwight Howard and his commitment to making this team run for another title. In fact many of them stated that the 7-time All-Star might just not be ready yet to compete for a ring at the highest level. He might lack focus. You see, with so much talent in the NBA and so many teams really playing at their best, it takes more than just talent and star power to be a champion. It also takes sacrifices, method and commitment. That’s where Howard might not be 100% focused.
Well, even if his second technical that led to his ejection at the game against the Raptors was underserving, it surely is embarrassing and misleading for the whole team to lose its starting center with just 17 minutes in the game, for any reason. It just breaks the consistency of the team and the momentum of the game. It just doesn’t feel right. Plus Howard really seems like having fun now that he is in LA. All the flashing lights are on him, he lives next to Hollywood and is being watched every home game from Jack Nicholson, Adam Sandler and other movie starts. Of course he has every right to enjoy that and pride himself for his success, but he has to make success come to him. You could say that even Lebron and Wade have stopped being so playful and showoffs after their first year in Miami –when they lost the NBA finals to the Dallas Mavericks- and have become stricter and focused on their goal, another ring. Can Howard do the same?
He surely has the physical abilities and the skills to take the Lakers to another level. But I am sure we would all want him to concentrate on helping us win games and at least get to the playoffs. I don’t know if it will take a catastrophe season for us to understand that we won’t be gifted any playoff spot or any wins just because we are the Lakers. We might not even have so many stars in our roster next season. One thing is for sure. To be successful in the NBA, you need to give your heart and soul to the game. You need to love the game. And Dwight needs to understand this and make it an everyday lesson.
Barry’s Ticket Service
1020 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90015
(across from the inside the Luxe City Center)
Open 7 days a week, 10am – 9pm, for pickups.
(213)749-0057
You can also visit now on Google+
