The Los Angeles Times Takes a Page Out Of The New York Media Playbook

Brian Windhorst writes. "On Sunday, the Los Angeles Times quoted an unnamed source saying the NBA had intentions of blocking Ilgauskas' potential return to the Cavs. The league could only do this if it could prove there was a pre-arranged deal with Ilgauskas before the trade was made."

This unnamed source is obviously Phil Jackson and the Lakers trying to start something in the media and cause an outrage to force David Sterns hand in blocking a return to the Cavs for their All Star center who has spent 14 years in a Cavilers jersey.

For the past two years the New York media has quoted Lebron "insiders" and everyone from Isiah Thomas to C.C Sabatiha who they try to portray as a close friend when Windhorst who has covered Lebron since grade school has stated that they are not close, as  inside information into Lebron leaving for NY.

Well now it seems LA is taking a page from their book with misleading information with no credible source to back it up.

GM Danny Ferry and the entire Cavs organization have understood this and have taken all the necessary steps and dotted their Is and crossed the Ts.

At the Jamison press confrence when bumbarded with questions about Z Ferry stated that "Zydrunas is a Wizard" and "We wish him and his family the best."

Z when asked on his way to Washington stated that "I don't know how a buyout works" and "I'm mad but not mad enough not to come back."

For the NBA to block a return to the Cavs for Z there would have to be proof that a buyout was discussed before hand and from Danny Ferry's comments to owner Dan Gilbert it seems they have made sure to play this situation by the book.

Anybody who has watched the two games between LA and Cleveland has seen how important Z is playing the Power Forward against Gasol. They 7'3 length of Z has given Pau fits and will be needed if the Cavs are to meet the Lakers in the Finals and win a title.

While some have been insistant on putting the Lakers in a class of their own in the leauge, Phil Jacksons comments on the trade of Jamison and the ineviable return of Zydrunas in 30 days shows that Phil expects a long road ahead and trouble for LA if they are to meet Cleveland in the Finals.