So here’s how we think
we’ll do this. 

The plan was go an open thread up for you toe-tappers to
comment on, but we’ve had some technical difficulties, and what was supposed to
go up at 2:30 is now very, very late.

How to make up for that? If things are close entering the
second half, and all signs are pointing to a good one, we’ll throw up a live
chat that could last for the third quarter, the whole game, who knows. It’ll be
after the jump.

Either way, enjoy the battle between the NBA’s third-and
fourth-best players.

Chat after the jump …

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=cba4c68a6b" mce_href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=cba4c68a6b" >BDL Cavs/Lakers chat</a>

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A look around the league and the web that covers it. It’s also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren’t always listed in order of importance. That’s for you, dear reader, to figure out.

C: The On Deck Circle. Apparently, Chris Bosh is 16 months away from breaking Toronto hearts.
PF: Ben’s Suns Blog. In spite of the Suns recent struggles, some fans have no problem with Kerr as GM.
SF: Hoops Head North. Dwight Howard does his best Stan Van Gundy impression for Raptors TV.
SG: The Puns Are Starting …. How the Arizona Cardinals and Orlando Magic are somewhat alike.
PG: 3 Shades of Blue. This site talks to Grizzlies’ GM Chris Wallace more than I talk to my mom.
6th: Indy Cornrows. Indonesia never doubted Danny Granger’s rise to All-Star status.
7th: WSHH. Breaking news: Nelly challenges Bow Wow to a $100K seven-game basketball series. Ha.
8th: Bucks Diary. Bummer alert: Where are all the Milwaukee Bucks fans?
9th: The Blowtorch. A MS Paint look at the three main elements that make up a successful hook shot.
10th: Wicked Good Sports. "Pssst. NBA coaches. Listen up. The guards on the Celtics are currently their best weapon — but as long as you don’t know that, it’s okay with Celtics. Because it will be their secret weapon as long as you have your heads in the sand."

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Good luck out-captioning Getty on this one: "Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics tries to look around Sebastian Telfair #3 of Minnesota Timberwolves on February 1, 2009 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts." Yes, "look around." That kills me for some reason. Anyway, best caption wins some Cardinals’ Super Bowl XLIII swag. Rock and roll and caption, folks.

After the jump, Jack tells LBJ to talk to the hand, because the ear’s not listening.

Winner, dweebcake: LeBron: "Traveling? Walking? That was the crab dribble! One step, dribble, step, pivot, step, step, pivot, pivot, jump, hop, step, jump, dunk!"

Runner-up, Bell Curve:
LeBron: What do you mean you don’t like my Tim Duncan impression? I totally captured him!
Ref: OK, that’s a bit more like him.

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Monday to Friday, The Basketball Jones look at the big games and storylines from the night before with a mix of in-depth analysis and irreverent humor. As always, questions and comments are appreciated.

On today’s show, Tas and I get caught up in Crossfire questions. Who will be the next coach to be axed? Has Shaq said enough alrady? And does Reggie deserve to make the Hall Of Fame? All that, plus I begrudgingly hit the live karaoke stage and a quick Q about the Spurs.

Subscribe to the video show on iTunes | Download the .m4v directly
Subscribe to the audio show on iTunes | Download the .mp3 directly

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