Dein erstes Forum » why certain franchises rarely figure it out. 4.

TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong is back to start the week with five quick thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers incomparable Kobe Bryant, the resurgent (and healthy) Oklahoma City Thunder, the Sacramento Kings decision to fire Mike Malone, David West and the struggling Indiana Pacers and December 15, the day when this past summers free agent crop can be traded. 1. KOBE BRYANT (Lakers): Hes #3 on the all-time scoring list. Let me say it right off the bat, Id take Michael Jordan any day over him, yet I have tons of respect for what hes accomplished. Kobes an incredible competitor and scorer and, in his prime, an outstanding defender, who had the flair for the dramatic. Its a shame that his career is winding down on such a lousy team. 2. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: Here they come! The Thunder has won six in a row and are a half-game out of the final playoff spot in the brutal West. Ask yourself this: if youre a top-three seed and youre looking at the standings, arent you dreading the fact that you might have to play this team in the first round? Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are back and theyll be fun to watch these last four months. 3. MIKE MALONE (Kings): In the category of You cant make this nonsense up, he gets fired? What a strange story. This guy is one of the bright young minds in the game and has done a pretty solid job of making a dysfunctional team better. A playoff team? No way. Lots of flaws? You betcha. Fired? Yes. What a wacky business this is. I dont care what you read or hear, this is another example of why certain franchises rarely figure it out. 4. DAVID WEST (Pacers): Watching him on Friday night against the Toronto Raptors, I looked at him and said, He deserves better. Its been a rough year for Indy and hes had to battle back from injury, yet he keeps after it. Hes a no-frills guy, but I respect his game. West is a total pro. 5. DECEMBER 15: Today marks the day that guys who signed free agent contracts last summer can be start to be moved. Theres lots of speculation with Carmelo Anthony and Lance Stephenson already and Im sure other names will surface. At a boring time of year in the season, this sure keeps things interesting. People begin to realize that it isnt working out and its time for change. The reality is, its never particularly fun when youre paying a guy tons of money and hes not making a big enough difference. Randy Johnson Jersey . The Calgary Stampeders running back received the West Division nomination for the CFLs top individual award Thursday in voting by the Football Reporters of Canada and leagues eight head coaches. Seattle Mariners Jerseys . Then youve got to worry about the other up and coming teams in the two weaker divisions in the "Junior Circuit". http://www.marinersrookiestore.com/Marin...no-Kids-Jersey/. The Australian is competing in his final season in Formula One and still looking for his first win this year. He will look to end Vettels run of six straight race wins on Sunday. Webber, who is fifth in the championship, earned his second pole from the past three races and 13th of his career. Alex Colome Jersey .The rookie goalie made 36 saves to help the Calgary Flames blank their Pacific Division rivals 1-0 on Saturday following a 48-hour ordeal that included lost baggage, a cancelled flight and a new pair of contact lenses. Felix Hernandez Jersey . -- The Denver Broncos are shuffling their offensive line this off-season and Orlando Franklin provided some insight into their plans Monday by tweeting that hes moving from right tackle to left guard.Already-relegated Bolton are able to welcome Oscar Threlkeld into their squad for Sky Bet Championship leaders Middlesbroughs visit to the Macron Stadium on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 12pm. The midfielder has returned from a loan spell with Plymouth and, with his Bolton deal up in the summer, Wanderers will get a chance to run the rule over him in the final five games before beginning life in Sky Bet League One.Wellington Silva (groin), Dorian Dervite (ankle) and Gary Madine (hip) could all feature again before the end of the season but Max Clayton (hamstring) has his sights set on next term. Oscar Threlkeld is back in the Bolton squad This match will likely be one of the final ones interim boss Jimmy Phillips takes charge of with the new owners nearing the end of their managerial search. Highlights of Boltons 4-1 defeat at Derby in the Sky Bet Championship last weekend Middlesbroughs Cristhian Stuani will miss the trip through suspension.dddddddddddd.The Uruguayan striker will sit out the second of three games after being found guilty on video evidence of violent conduct in a challenge on Preston defender Greg Cunningham last weekend. Highlights of Middlesbroughs 2-1 win over Reading last time out Head coach Aitor Karanka otherwise has no fresh selection problems as he looks for a sixth successive victory, which would take the club a step closer to the Barclays Premier League.The Spaniard shuffled his pack once again for Tuesday nights dramatic 2-1 win over Reading with Ritchie de Laet, Adam Clayton, Stewart Downing and Jordan Rhodes replacing Stuani, Adam Forshaw, Gaston Ramirez and David Nugent, and he is likely to do so once again.Watch Bolton v Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 12pm on Saturday. ' ' '