By Matt "Money" Smith
FOX Sports West and PRIME TICKET
MONEY ARCHIVE
In my final column of 2010 on Friday, I listed my personal most memorable moment each team was responsible for from the year prior.
This being the first piece I put up this year, why not offer up some New Year's resolutions for our professional basketball teams, players, owners, coaches and entire organizations following their first game in 2011 on Sunday?
This is just a little "do as I say, not as I do" advice that would help the cause and make this a better sports year than the one prior.
Los Angeles Lakers - Start Winning. They are 0-1 in 2011 with the Memphis Grizzlies trouncing them at home Sunday night, 104-85. They better not lose out and miss the playoffs.
Kobe Bryant - Remember that "I'm gonna bust them up in practice" rant that followed the Christmas Day beating the Heat put on the team? Go ahead and follow through on that promise, the team clearly needs it.
Lamar Odom - More Power Balance bracelets. If one on each wrist is the reason for your improved play, why not put a couple more around your ankles, triceps and forearms? Do they make a necklace? I know it's that energy field hologram that's got you performing near an All-Star level.
Pau Gasol - Grow a giant beard, out of control hair and bring back that unkempt look of yours. Ever since he's cleaned up, he's been less effective. I want the return of the Jim Ignatowski, the crazy eyes and a beard that would make James Harden jealous.
Shannon Brown - No matter how many stupid internet groups are started up to help the cause, you are not allowed to participate in the Dunk Contest this year. Not allowed.
Matt Barnes - More Tweeting. Others will tell you to shut it down, I say keep it going and while you're at it, increase production. http://twitter.com/Matt_Barnes22
Andrew Bynum - Get a Ford F-150. Instead of Ferrari's, BMW's and Bentley's, how about toning down the rides that earned you a speeding ticket a couple months back? Just show up in the most popular vehicle in America and put out a Blue Collar mentality at a Blue Collar position.
Ron Artest - Just a little bit of offense. I'm not asking for much, but the whole "Odom, I won't attack, but defer instead," isn't working. Don't sit in the corner and take the three, it's not falling. Get aggressive and start playing ball.
Derek Fisher - Retire at the end of the season, take over for NBA players union president Billy Hunter and prevent the lockout. You're the only hope.
Phil Jackson - More "I'm old and I don't give a damn what anyone thinks" quotes. He already went after the Miami Heat, the New Orleans Hornets and Christmas day games. How about taking on contraction, David Stern's iron fist ruling style and the complete ineptitude of the players union?
Los Angeles Clippers - Also win a game, they're 0-1 in 2011. December was a nice month for the team, just a game under .500 at 7-8. So far in January, they are 0-1 after the Hawks destroyed them in the second half during the nooner at STAPLES Center on Sunday.
Blake Griffin - Don't let the rim take your head off during one of those ridiculous dunks you're putting on everyone in the league....and when Kevin Garnett tries to get tough with you after you posterize him, just give a two-hand shove to the chest and he'll back down immediately, Oh and PLEASE enter the Dunk Contest. Please.
Baron Davis - Figure it out. We all have the friend that's supremely talented, or ridiculously smart that's just lost. He's working the magazine stand while writing a great American Novel and cranking out New York Times crossword puzzles in 20 minutes. That's B-Diddy. Crazy talent, no focus. Figure it out.
Randy Foye - Stop shooting. You're the rec center dude who can't figure out he's 1-for-20 and everyone loathes to pass him the ball. Hitting just 37% from the field, 25% on your threes. Just pass the ball.
Vinny Del Negro - Open a couple buttons on the shirt and rock a gold medallion necklace, I think the combination of chest hair and old school bling is worth at least five wins.
As a little bonus, since Anschutz Entertainment Group is a part owner of the Lakers, and STAPLES Center itself, how about an AEG/Majestic Realty note here: No more artist renderings, no more press conferences, no more "we're bringing the NFL back to LA celebrations." Looking at this off-season, the Jags have the worst city/stadium situation in the NFL, the Vikings field broke, literally, the Chargers have an out and the 49ers are still waiting for their stadium.
If it doesn't happen this year, it's not happening. Leave us alone.
Matt "Money" Smith can be heard Monday-Friday on The Petros and Money Show on FOX Sports Radio's KLAC-AM 570 from 3 pm to 7 pm (PT).
