Wednesday, July 21, 2004

The NBA Middle-Eastern Conference With the return of their old center Vlade Divac, the LA Lakers are hoping to fill the gap left by the departing Shaquille O'Neal and regain the form that brought them three NBA championships. This seems unlikely to happen, because of the one key ingredient missing from their lineup.  Although basketball has been globalized in recent decades, with fine players from many countries entering the league, certain nations are still excluded -- which is why you'll never hear the following announcement: "Ladies and Gentlemen . . . now coming in for the Lakers at point guard . . . from Saudi Arabia -- Sudan -- Yemen -- Afghanistan -- Pakistan -- or wherever . . . at 6 feet 5 inches without a turban . . . Osaaaaaama biiiiiiiiin Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaden!!!!!!" 1:31:48 PM