By Jay Kitchen

Not too long ago a young and upcoming first-base man rolled into Highland to assist with a fundraiser at San Manuel Indian Casino and Bingo at a special event.

Poker was the main course for the night for James Loney, mixing with other athletes and stars as well as other Dodgers on the roster.

Politely taking time to answer questions with this reporter, the up-and-coming infielder was asked what did he want to achieve on the field with one of the most famous teams in Major League Baseball, he answered with just the right words.

By Willie Ellison

Now that the free agent showcase has come to an end, NBA owners and general managers can get back to the real business of basketball and attempt to build championship-caliber teams. The free agent courting process is far from over, but the show and circus aspect of it has thankfully come to an end.

For weeks the media, owners, GM’s, players and fans have been held hostage to the LeBron James free agent fiasco. For many basketball fans as well as many in the media, it was a waste of time, and a gross display of self-indulgence and narcissism. However, for those directly affected it was more like a personal slap in the face for the one who could have been King. For those of us in Southern California, it was nothing more than a bleep on the radar screen.