Westside Crusin': Breaking Down the LA Sports Scene, Winter Movies Edition

While I'm deciding to pour my broccoli and cheese soup down my shirt so I can stay warm...

...One advantage of the winter season is being able to relax and catch up on all the latest movies even if I have to watch them all on bootleg (oops, forgot the public service disclaimer: stealing is wrong kids).

Anyway, the recent events out on the warmer side of the country over the past couple of months got me to thinking how often (cinema) art imitates life. So just like with our previous summer review, we're going to take a quick trip to the movies and see the relation between the winter movie scene and what's been going on out West...

LA Lakers (Not Easily Broken)- If you're in a relationship chances are you've seen this already (and if not it'll help you through one, trust me). It's the recent movie from Bishop TD Jakes on how a marriage can survive in spite of obstacles that threaten to break it apart.

Despite the recent setback against the San Antonio Spurs, in which the referees decided to get into early playoff mode by giving the Spurs a hometown call on the final seconds of the game (no, I'm not bitter much) the Lakers are still the team to beat in the West. 

All we've been hearing is how Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets have regained their groove back faster than Stella, and how Chauncey Billups has given the Denver Nuggets fans a reason to forget the Iverson-Carmelo era. 

I know this is good drama to keep the West seem competitive during the long drawn out NBA season, but remember this: Kobe is still the league MVP, Phil Jackson is still a master manipulator (remember how he called out Sasha Vucovich for not having a "brain"), and the Andrew Bynum-Pau Gasol combo will threaten to be a solid frontcourt when the calendar turns to May.  In spite of what challengers appear to be on the Lakers' radar, their chances of finally hoisting the O'Brien trophy will not be easily broken.

LA Clippers (Taken)- The suspense film about how a CIA operative must endure the longest 96 hours of his life after his daughter is taken.

Clippers fans (all three of you) are still wondering how the heart of this woe-be-gone franchise has been taken before the season even began. Now there are rumors that the Clippers' owner Donald Sterling is going into dumping mode and looking to trade offseason acquisition Marcus Camby and maybe center Chris Kaman, who was just signed to an extension a few years ago. 

Wonder if newly acquired PG Baron Davis is still wishing he was throwing up bricks for Don Nelson in Oakland?

Also, can someone confiscate the pictures that Coach Mike Dunleavy has of Sterling so that he can finally lose his job?

LA Dodgers (Push)- Apparently someone picked up the script from Jumper and decided to put their own twist on it, thus creating this film.  It's the story of paranormal operatives and their ability to move objects with their minds.

It seems that the on-going drama between Dodgers GM Ned Colletti and Scott Boras, the agent for free agent LF Manny Ramirez will need someone to push first before they can finally come to an agreement.  The issue at hand is the standstill over the number of years (Dodgers are looking for only a two-year deal, while Ramirez wants four) and the money. 

Colletti recently went on MLB Network to state his case and how they would like to have Ramirez back, but are waiting for Boras to return his phone calls.  The best solution may be to lock these two in a room and just have a staring contest until the other one blinks.  Once the Manny issue unfolds, free agents such as Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu will be able to find out where their future lies for 2009 and beyond.

LA Angels (Curious Case of Benjamin Button)- In this epic film it unveils the story of a man born in his eighties and begins to age backward. It seems the Angels are beginning to do the same thing in their future plans.

Having lost out on the Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia sweepstakes, as well as letting go longtime Angels RF Garrett Anderson, it appears that GM Tony Reagins is going to stick with their much-publicized farm system products such as Brandon Wood. 

I'm not sure if this will help them repeat in the AL West, but the key issue for this team is when 30-year-old ace pitcher John Lackey and his free agency status at the end of the year. 

Time will tell if the Angels' decision to go backward in age will also result in going backward in the standings.

USC Trojans football (He's Just Not That Into You)- Every Valentine's Day movie has to have some level of heartbreak, and based on what occurred recently over at USC, it appears Coach Pete Carroll is experiencing some heartbreak of his own, even if he's not willing to admit it.

QB Mark Sanchez declared that he is no longer going to audition to become Nick Lachey's BFF on campus and instead seek the millions (and millions) of the NFL's dollars during the draft.  Carroll stated during the conference that Sanchez was going "against the grain" and that he was not in total agreement with this decision.

Some say that Carroll felt that Sanchez wasn't ready, I think it was because he wasn't too happy about having junior Mitch Mustain, a transfer from Arkansas, become his starter come next August.  However, throwing Sanchez under the bus was not the wise thing to do and Carroll comes off looking spoiled and like someone stole his favorite hair gel.

So as always, no matter the time of year, count on LA to bring the drama.  Time to warm up with some more movies.  Anyone knows where I can get a copy of My Bloody Valentine?