Kamenetzky: The Cali Report – Heading down the home stretch

Howard clarified after Wednesday’s comeback victory over the Hornets, saying he was referencing how several of his teammates had been traded around (Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Matt Barnes), and yet the Magic reached the 2009 Finals and 2010 Eastern Conference finals. However awkwardly phrased, his comments were meant to reflect how he proudly led an underdog team to success.

Of course, that Howard was forced to explain himself underscores the far more important point raised by Nelson: Why on Earth does Howard put himself in this position in the first place? What’s the point of seeking an interview to rehash the same talking points for the umpteenth time? If there’s no need to defend any smiles (and there really isn’t, by the way), stop climbing a soapbox on behalf of those grins. The only purpose to talking about Orlando and his image at this point would be to change the narrative by taking ownership on some level for what’s gone wrong. (Personally, I’d have done this in August, but that’s just me.)

Or in lieu of that approach, just stop worrying about what the masses think. Or at the very least, change their opinions by being the catalyst for propelling the Lakers into the playoffs. (His performance against New Orleans, including 20 points, 15 rebounds and a game-saving block of Robin Lopez in the final minute, certainly left fans satisfied.) For the time being, nothing would do a greater service to Howard’s image.

— Andy Kamenetzky

SACRAMENTO KINGS (21-42)

Maybe it’s because I grew up in a city (St. Louis) whose NFL team moved, or because I currently live in a city (Los Angeles) orphaned twice over and currently angling to land another city’s NFL squad. But for whatever reason, I’ve been quite intrigued by the drama surrounding the Kings’ potential relocation. Not necessarily the intricacies of those plans presented by the Seattle or Sacramento groups, as those details tend to be confusing, but rather the emotional context for the fans involved. No matter how this thing shakes out, a city will face crushing disappointment.

Especially the folks in California’s capital, who’d lose the only team in town, however crappy it’s been the last seven years.

I grew up a die-hard fan of the now-Arizona Cardinals, and they were every bit as dysfunctional and depressing as the desert version. Picture the Kings, except with worse drafts, far fewer playoff appearances and an owner (Bill Bidwill) who, unlike the Maloof Brothers, never wore out a welcome because he was despised from damn near day one. Year in and year out, Cardinals squads either frustratingly underperformed or appropriately sucked. Rooting “Big Red” was like waterboarding myself, but less pleasant. Logically speaking, I should have welcomed being put out of my misery with their exit, especially as someone with a front row seat to the baseball Cardinals, whose 1980s run was about as joyful and entertaining as sports can be.

Except logic and fandom rarely go hand-in-hand. Once true emotional investment is made with a team, it’s difficult to let go, no matter how brazenly you’re dared. The Cardinals’ departure will always leave a part of me sad, and I know Kings fans will feel the same if Seattle ends up the franchise’s fate. I feel for the faithful right now.

–AK

Brian and Andy Kamenetzky are sportswriters and radio hosts who have worked in sports media for over a decade. They have covered the Lakers and the NBA for eight seasons, for both the LATimes.com and ESPN.com, as well as ESPN The Magazine. Follow them on Twitter at @KamBrothers.