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Today marks the second day of the knock-out stage in the FIBA World Championship. The opening match was between Australia and Slovenia, and the second match included Turkey and France. Both games were blowouts, as Slovenia won by 29 and Turkey won by 16. With that being said, the next round will feature Turkey and Slovenia going head to head. Turkey is led by Hedo Turkoglu and Ersan Ilyasova, while Slovenia is led by Sasha Vujacic’s rival, Goran Dragic.
As for team USA, they will play on Monday against Angola.
Great set of matches in the FIBA tournament: FIBA.com
The Latest on the Lakers:
The Lakers added many great players this off season, but let’s face it, without Pau Gasol we will never win a championship. From the moment he became a Laker, Gasol changed the franchise forever. Gasol is returning to the Lakers, and is looking to win his third straight title. [ESPN Los Angeles]
Kobe Bryant became the Lakers all-time leading scorer last season, surpassing the logo, Jerry West. Many people consider Kobe to be a better player than West, but Bryant cannot compare to the off-court achievements of West. Jerry West has done many great things while working in a front office. He is the reason why Kobe Bryant was traded to the Lakers; the NBA should be lucky to have Jerry West as their logo. [Forum Blue and Gold]
Kobe Bryant cannot stay away from a basketball court for too long. During the season, Kobe never wanted to take a game off due to injuries. He is rehabbing his knee this off season, and his “itching” to get back on the courts. [Slam Mag]
What can I say about Derek Fisher, he is a consummate professional, one of the greatest men in the NBA and most importantly, he has ice water in his veins. All throughout his career, Fisher has been hitting clutch shots and making big plays when the game matter the most. Here is a tribute to the five-time champion, Derek Fisher. [Forum Blue and Gold]
The Latest on the NBA.
Chauncey Billups wants to see the Nuggets re-sign Carmelo Anthony, and he is also making an effort to change Melo’s mind. [Pro Basketball Talk]
The Sacramento Kings have signed guard Luther Head; he is $992,000 for the 2010-11 season. [Slam Mag]
Isiah Thomas respects LeBron’s decision but said he should have chosen the… New York Knicks. [Pro Basketball Talk]
The Dallas Mavericks invite former college star, Dee Brown, to their training camp. [Slam Mag]
Chase Budinger suffered a sprained left ankle on Wednesday, and is expected to miss the start of training camp. [Sporting News]
