Martin C. Sumners

HOOPLA
There is a running gag on a New York based ESPN radio show hosted by New York Yankees play-by-play broadcaster Michael Kay that their show has been around since 1947. Maybe you to have to be in your car commuting home through New Jersey Turnpike traffic to appreciate the buoyant nature of the surreal commentary. But, the Lakers have been around since 1947.

The franchise, while in Minneapolis, joined the NBA in 1947 and moved to Los Angeles in 1960. As the NBA celebrates Heritage Week, the Conference Call highlights the rich tradition of the Lakers celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Let me also reveal that the Lakers are my favorite team. I go back to the pre-Magic days so cease with the thoughts that here lies a front running Shaq-Kobe fan who jumped on the band wagon. But, I do have fond memories of the team that Lakers.com celebrates this week that was the back end of the back-to-back titles in the 1980s.

On a less nostalgic note, the site within its Practice Notes Blog addresses the recent flu and injury bug that has befallen Kwame Brown and the team. And you can also find in the First Quarterly Report (yes, almost a quarter of the season has taken place), the break down of the team and individual players performance at this juncture in the season.

EJ from TNT
Mike Trudell of Timberwolves.com checks in with TNT broadcaster Ernie Johnson.

Jazzbot Pol
Utah Governor Jon Huntsman becomes a Jazzbot and drops a note on the Jazz fan blog.

Hornets on the NBA
The Hornets take a look around the league and deliver to you what’s going on.

ManiAACs
See what all the fuss is about with the Mavs crazed fans who make up the Mavs ManiAACs.

Plastic Man Lives On
Former NBA player Stacey Augmon joins Nuggets staff as player development coach.

The Bench Warmers
Damien Pierce, Rockets.com staff writer asks if there is more in reserve from the bench to help the team.

Playa, Playa
Suns.com introduces its new player pages with bios, photos, video and more.

Still a Rookie
On Kings.com, Andrew Nicholson talks to rookie Spencer Hawes about his first month in the NBA.

Santa Stoudamire
Damon Stoudamire is giving back by taking 100 kids from Memphis Athletic Ministries (MAM) on a shopping spree.

LaMarcus is LaOut
Mike Barrett provides the skinny on LaMarcus Aldridge's ’s injury that may keep him out more than a week.

The Nice Brody
Last week, Jeff Brody of Spurs.com, brought you the players you love to hate and now this week he discusses his top three-man tandems.

The Way We Were
In honor of Heritage Week, the Warriors remember the 1974-75 NBA Champs.