IT IS ALWAYS SO GOOD BEING BACK HOME

Yesterday playing down at Staples Center in LA

we played against the Detroit Pistons out there

on the floor and even though they have a

great defender in Drummond,our own Hibbert

really did a number out there for us to cheer.

His leadership showed through. It was such

fun seeing that. He will yell at teammates

for their defensive lapses, and he'll also

pat them on the back for encouragement.

He will point the finger at himself as well.

He says "you have to measure your talent

and help your younger guys". But then 

he stated that he had to hold himself account-

able as well. Lakers coach Byron Scott 

made the statement that Hibbert seemed pretty

good with the young fellas as far as getting

on them when needs be. One thing noted

is that he always routinely organizes

team dinners so that the young crop

of players feel included. This would

include D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle,

Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance, Jr.

Noticing that some of our youngsters are

but 19 years old, it is certain that it all takes

time to be influenced and feel unification.

The end score yesterday then was: 97-85.

Friday's game was a different story altogether. 

We played against Dallas and we got beat. 

Ending score was 90-82. 

The Mavericks have Dirk on their side

and he has been playing almost as long 

as our own Kobe has. I think Dirk has

been playing for 17 years. Kobe into his 20th.'Julius 

Randle grew up in Plano Texas so was 

able to go and visit with his family

before game time. This was his first NBA

game played in Dallas and he scored

six points shooting 2 for 9. And, almost

needless to say, Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas'

leading scorer going into the game aver-

aging 18.9 points, was held to nine on

4-for-13 shooting.. He was high scorer.

Now tonight (back to back playing) we

will be playing against the Phoenix

Suns and game will air here in California

at 6:00 p.m. Good luck fellas.

BABS WELLS