• 

Marlon Moraes avenged his 2017 split decision loss of Raphael Assuncao with a dominant performance that was capped off with a first round guillotine choke finish.

In the co-main, Jose Aldo showed everyone why he’s still and elite level talent by dispatching a very hot Renato Moicano with a 2nd round TKO finish. Jose Aldo is an all-time great who has said that he has 3 fight left in his career, and wanting to go out as the champ.

3. #8 Demian Maia vs. #9 Leon Edwards

Maia remains a dangerous threat even at the age of 41. He made Lyman Good’d night a horrible one, not letting him get any offense in and just completely dominating him. The former Bellator champion left his neck open which gave Maia the opportunity to grab a hold of it and finish him off with a rear-naked choke at the 2:38 mark in the very first round. Maia let it be known that he’s not going anywhere and wants another shot at the welterweight strap. No better way to do that than get a shot at the #9 ranked Leon Edwards. Coming off a win against Donald Cerrone, he’s matched up against Gunnar Nelson next month, a victory over Nelson should set up a matchup against the legend Maia.

2. #2 Jose Aldo vs #4 Alexander Volkanovski

Jose Aldo proved why he’s an all-time great and above and beyond everyone else in his division. He took care of hot prospect Renato Moicano with strikes in the 2nd round. He said earlier this week that he plans to fight 3 times this year and retire at the end of the year. If that’s true then he truly deserves a title shot by then but there’s someone that’ll be in his way. Alexander Volkanovski is riding a 16 fight winning streak and has an overall record of 19-1. He dispatched Chad Mendes at UFC 232 with a 2nd round TKO. Both have equal reasons why they should be the next title contender, but an elimination match between the two should happen next to set away from the rest and be the one to face the blessed one.

1. (BWCHP) TJ Dillashaw vs #4 Marlon Moraes

Moraes has his sights on the bantamweight champion. He’s riding a 4 fight win streak, with 3 of those victories being 1st round finishes. The complete dominance of Assuncao should a complete difference from the Moraes we saw in their first fight. This was the first time he was finished in 8 years. After the fight Moraes took the mic and criticized Dillashaw’s performance against Cejudo and saying might not be worth fighting him but that was al smoke and mirrors because this has to be the next fight to make barring a rematch that sees Cejudo going up to bantamweight. Still, the next title challenger should be Marlon Moraes.

• 

Klay Thompson had 28 points and Kevin Durant pitched in 21 points and 11 assists as the Warriors defeated the Lakers 115-110 Saturday night.

Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 11 assists, while Brandon Ingram had 20 points on 9-21 shooting. LeBron James sat out the game due to “load management” per Mike Trudell hours before the game.

Warriors get out of this one as the 2nd seed in the west with a 37-15 record, while the Lakers fall to 10th seed with a 27-26 record.

Klay Thompson proved his All-Star selection

Warriors point guard Stephen Curry had an off night through three quarters, scoring just two points. Golden State wasn’t getting it done on defense during that stretch either, as the Lakers went on a run and eventually took the lead and scored 86 points even without James.

The Warriors led by two leading into the fourth, however, thanks largely to Thompson, who has been dominant of late.

The eight-year veteran scored 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting through three quarters. That was quite beneficial on a night where Curry, Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins combined to shoot 12-of-35 from the field.

Thompson fought through a couple slumps this season, but those appear to be long gone alongside the Warriors’ scuffling start. Leading into Saturday, the 28-year-old had averaged 23.9 points on 53.0 percent shooting in his last 14 games.

Fourth Quarter meltdown costs another game

Heading into the 4th quarter, the Lakers were down by only 2 points against the defending champs AND without Lonzo Ball and LeBron James.

Shortly after two Andre Iguodala 3 pointers, they found themselves behind and getting behind quickly. And once Stephen Curry scored back to back threes as well, it was over. The Lakers only assisted in 2 baskets the whole 4th quarter which was a far cry from what they’ve been doing for the first 3 quarters.

After the game emotions were high. Vets of the team (McGee, Beasley, Stephenson) challenged Luke Walton, so much so that Beasley had to get held back before it got physical. Although it sounds bad, who wouldn’t be emotional after a game you should’ve won but didn’t.

What’s Next?

The Lakers continue their road trip and will visit Indiana to face off against the Victor Oladipo less Pacers. While the Warriors will stay at home and host the San Antonio Spurs.

• 

The King came back just in time for The Lakers.

The Clippers fall to 28-24, while The Lakers improve to 27-25 with the return of LeBron James. He was very crucial in the pivotal game against the 8th seeded Clippers, whom are ahead of The Lakers in the standings. In his first game since December 25th against The Warriors, he posted a stat line of 24 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal. Lance Stephenson had 20 points, with 15 coming from behind the arc, and Brandon Ingram had 19 points respectively as well. Seven Clippers were in double digits by the end of the night, but Lou Williams led them with 24 points and Tobias Harris had 15 points 8 rebounds and 8 assists. He also had the game tying 3 pointer to send the game to overtime.

This Game will weigh more in the long run

It is easy to get carried away in an 82-game schedule, but some wins and losses carry increased importance. The Lakers earned one of those victories Thursday.

The two Los Angeles teams will likely battle for the last Western Conference playoff spot for the remaining 30 contests, and this head-to-head clash represented a two-game swing—with either one or three games separating them at the final buzzer. That is a drastic difference as the schedule shortens, especially given the surrounding teams.

LeBron James return couldn’t have come at a better time

When James went down The Lakers were 20-14 and looked to be in a contender for a top seed in the west, but unfortunately they fell to 6-11 with the absence of LeBron and fell from the 4th seed to the 9th seed.

The young core look at times awful and confused against some of the top teams in the league (and some of the worst too). Always looking for someone to turn to so they could get bailed out but nobody showed up most of the time. If anything, the youngsters gained experience and most likely grew with each game without LeBron and got more confident as the games went on but still looked lost at times without The King. With him they know they got the best player in the league and can rely on him to get a crucial basket like he did many times Thursday night. With him on the floor, he takes pressure off the young team and they can flourish alongside him and prove their potential.

Both teams are on the road Saturday with The Lakers visiting the back to back champs Warriors and The Clippers headed east to visit Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons.

• 

 Joel Embiid had 28 points, 11 rebounds and six assists as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 121-105 on Tuesday at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Philadelphia had 15 steals, with Jimmy Butler leading the 76ers with five.

Brandon Ingram had 36 points on 16-of-20 shooting for the 26-25 Lakers, who have lost four of their last five. The 33-18 76ers have won six of their last eight.

Los Angeles played without LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball, who were all sidelined with injuries.

Terrible showings prove Lakers need to do everything they can to land Anthony Davis

Be that as it may, now, the Lakers need to haul out all stops to get New Orleans Pelicans big man Anthony Davis, who has asked for a trade earlier this week.

L.A. was wasteful on offense. Ingram shot 80 percent from the field on Tuesday, however whatever is left of the group went only 27-of-71 (38 percent). Likewise, the Lakers took poor care of the ball, with 21 turnovers on the night.

To begin with, LeBron James isn’t getting any more younger. He’s 34 years of age with 16 seasons (and 13 postseasons) added to his repertoire. James has brought home the bacon refuting individuals, so perhaps we’ll see him bringing names into his 40s. In any case, that remaining parts to be seen, and the Lakers can’t bear to lose much time amid his window with the team.

At the end of the day, the Lakers can hardly wait for the more youthful players to grow further when one of the 5 best players in the league is on the block.

Second, these are Davis’ averages: 28.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.4 blocks. For good measure, he’s shot 32.2 percent from three-point line. He’s a proven superstar who can without any help wreck any defense in the league.

The Lakers’ youth core of Ball, Ingram and Kuzma have each had a lot of struggles, yet they’ve additionally have had their successes. They all can possibly turn out to be All-Stars in the future.

Be that as it may, Los Angeles is coming up short on time. On the off chance that the Lakers can’t pull off a move before the February 7 due date, at that point one needs to occur before the 2019-20 season starts.

Patience on Jimmy Butler Finally Paying Off

The swingman’s defense was in top form on Tuesday because of his five steals, and he additionally went 7-of-9 from the field as the Sixers drifted to a success. The win put the 76ers into a virtual tie for third seed in the Eastern Conference with the Indiana Pacers and only four games behind first place.

There’s something essential to recollect amidst any announced Butler-76ers show: The group is 20-9 with Butler on the court and 13-9 otherwise. Philadelphia is a superior group with him on the floor, paying little respect to any apparent issues. Butler is an incredible two-way player who ought to be a significant issue in the playoffs. He can lock down any player on any given night or go off for 30 or more points and come through in the clutch.

At last, there’s no reason to stress over how Butler is acclimatizing yet, as the profits look for the most part positive so far. Stars don’t generally work well to start another time (even the James-led 2010-11 Miami Heat were 9-8), yet the 76ers are a group to be bullish on for a long playoff run.

What’s Next?

The Lakers will be on a long road trip, with 8 or their next 9 will be on the road. Before that starts, they will host The Clippers Thursday night. While the 76ers will be headed to Oracle to matchup against the defending champs The Warriors.

A well balanced attack Sunday night, helped the purple and gold end a 3 game losing streak, improving their record to 26-24 but still in the 9th seed. A big performance by Ivica Zubac help lead the way for this victory. 21 points by Devin Booker wasn’t enough as The Suns fall to 11-40.

Efficient offense much needed when stars are down

When the new of Kuzma’s injury went down earlier today, many speculated who will rise on the offense end to make up for his 20pts game. Early on Ingram showed he was going to take the load on the offensive end. But, overall it was a great team performance with three of the starters with at least 20 points. Brandon Ingram 22 points (9-11), KCP 24 (9-17), and a huge performance by the 3rd year center Zubac with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and most importantly 4 blocks. Also, a big 17 points by Lance Stephenson whom had 3 huge triples to blow open the game. The defense was great, doubling up on Devin Booker when needed, held him to 9-18 and 21 points which is 3 points below his average. 12-18 from the line really helped as well, the team overall is improving from the free throw line which is needed for a run in the playoffs.

Suns in need of big man

The Lakers outscored The Suns 46-70 in the paint, which is unacceptable for any team in this league. Without DeAndre Ayton, it was hard for The Suns to contest someone like McGee and Zubac down low when many of the defenders couldn’t matchup with them. Trading Tyson Chandler earlier in the season has come back to bite them, dropping them to 11-41. Hopefully, they can get a generational type talent in the 2019 NBA Draft.

What’s Next?

The Lakers are in a middle of a homestead and will host the 4th seed 76ers Tuesday night at 7:30pm PST. While The Suns will also play Tuesday, visiting the 6th seed San Antonio Spurs at 5:30pm PST.

• 

That one was hard to watch. Going in to the 2nd half, the Lakers were down by only 10 but the man, the myth, the living legend Klay Thompson could not miss and ended the night 10-11 from the 3 point line.

The Warriors have now won 8 in a row, and have been 2-0 since DeMarcus Cousin’s return from injury. While the Lakers have dropped their last 2 and fall to 5-9 since LeBron’s injury, but hopefully he’ll be back by next week.

Klay Thompson is secret key for Warriors 3 peat

It feels like Klay Thompson is a cheat code the Warriors want to use when they feel like it. Thompson had a near perfect game, 17-20 from the field and 10-11 from the 3 point line, while being an elite defender. The most lethal player the Warriors got isn’t Curry or Durant it’s Klay Thompson. The way he can just go off so easily and make it seem like it’s nothing is ridiculous. Doesn’t matter if you’re double teaming him, he’ll find a way to get his shot and sink it. A full strength Warrior team with Klay playing like this, c’mon it’s just not fair for the rest of the league.

It’s going to be very difficult adjusting without Lonzo

Lonzo Ball brings something to the court that the others don’t quite have. He pushes the pace or slows it down when need be, plays defense like no other, and always hustles in every play. Without him they’re missing a huge gap in the offensive and defensive end. Christmas day, Lonzo who was mostly guarding Klay and Steph held both to just 20 points, Curry (5-17) 15 points and Klay (2-7) 5 points. That lack of defensive intensity and always on their man is what eventually caused a blowout for the Lakers. A good piece of news is that Rajon Rondo who’s missed the last 14 games is expected to return Thursday against the Timberwolves.

What’s Next?

Both teams will be in action Thursday. Warriors will be visiting Washington to face off against the Wizards. The Lakers will be hosting Karl Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves.

The UFC on ESPN era started Saturday night in the Barclays Center and it was a very interesting card with many exciting fights. While the co-main and main event didn’t deliver as much as the fans wanted to, the overall consensus believes it was a grand success. Greg Hardy proved many doubters wrong as he showed he’s vastly improved from his first 3 fights, but an illegal knee to Allen Crowder just added fuel to the hate Hardy already receives. In the main event of the prelims, Donald Cerrone proved why with age, he still better than most in the world, and deserves a big time matchup next. Also in the main event of the night, Henry Cejudo shocked the world with a quick knockout of TJ Dillashaw and proved why he should be considered one of the best in the world. Whats next for these guys? Find out !

5. (#15) Gregor Gillespie vs. (#12) Francisco Trinaldo

The New York native Gregor Gillespie put in a wrestling heavy dominant performance Saturday night against Yancy Medeiros that eventually led to a 2nd round TKO finish. That victory moved Gillespie up to 13-0 and can easily call out anyone in the top 10 but will likely have ti slowly climb his way up. Francisco Trinaldo (#12 ranked lightweight) whom was suppose to fight Alexander Hernandez, but was replace by Donald Cerrone hasn’t fought since late September issues a step up in competition that Gillespie needs to solidify himself as a lightweight to be reckoned with.

4. (#12) Glover Teixeira vs. (#13) Mauricio “Shogun” Rua

The way UFC are using Glover nowadays, is as a stepping stone for young and upcoming fighters. Teixeria obviously is not going to let that happen, he finished Karl Robertson with an Arm Triangle in the 1st round. Although getting rocked early on, his veteran instincts and amazing grappling helped him get the finish and set up a matchup many fans are excited to see. Rua (#13 Light Heavyweight) hasn’t fought since December when he finished Tyson Pedro in the 3rd round at UFC Fight Night 142. A matchup with two Brazilian icons of the sport makes all the sense. A win from either part catapults then to the top 10 in the light heavyweight division.

3. (BW CHP) TJ Dillashaw vs. (FW CHP) Henry Cejudo 2, for Bantamweight Champion

If Saturday night was any indication of anything, it was that Henry Cejudo is here. A quick dominant performance of the bantamweight champ TJ Dillashaw showed that Henry Cejudo is one of the greatest fighters of all time. Although the referee stoppage was controversial, it was the correct decision in my and many others eyes. Dillashaw quick argued the call and wants an instant rematch in either Flyweight or Bantamweight. Cejudo does have leverage now, he saved the Flyweights and now can get what the really wants, a shot to become the 4th two division champion. He’s proved time and time again that he deserves more recognition, the best way to do that is to become champ champ.

2. TJ Dillashaw vs (#3)Raphael (#4) Assuncao/ Marlon Moraes

Although TJ wants an immediate rematch against the Flyweight king, he has to go back up and defend that belt against a top contender. UFC Fight Night 144 will be headlined with a title eliminator that pits the #3 and #4 bantamweights against each other. This is a rematch of UFC 212 where Assuncao defeated Moraes by split decision. Since then Moraes has been riding a 3 fight win streak with two sub 2 minute knockouts, it’s safe to say, this is the best Marlon Moraes we have ever seen. While Assuncao has a 4 fight win streak himself, and the last man to defeat him was TJ Dillashaw, whom he defeated before that so the rubber match has to happen sometime in the near future. The winner of this fight gets TJ, and a chance to become the new Bantamweight champion of the world .

1.Henry Cejudo vs. (#1) Joseph Benavidez 2

As much as it makes sense for Henry Cejudo to move up and take a chance and become champ champ, he should defend the title in the division he saved. This match Saturday night was for all the Flyweights, and Cejudo delivered and saved the division from being shutdown. The best way to solidify himself as one of the greats is to defend the title against the 3rd greatest Flyweight of all time Joseph Benavidez. Benavidez fought in the same card, and came out with a unanimous decision victory against Dustin Ortiz. Benavidez has only lost to all-time greats Demetrious Johnson and Dominick Cruz. With a razor close split decision loss to Sergio Pettis. The last man to hold a victory against Henry Cejudo is Benavidez, at some point he has to get his revenge. The greatness of Demertious Johnson prevented Benavidez of becoming world champion, now that he’s gone, there’s nothing stopping him from grabbing that brass ring. This rematch if promoted properly, can become the greatest Flyweight bout of all time.

Lakers fall to 25-22 and fall to the 9th seed after last nights depleting defeat to the Houston Rockets whom are 26-19 and the 5th seed in the West. James Harden unsurprisingly lead all scorers with 48 points (14-30 fg) (8-19 3pt) and Kuzma also had solid game with 32 points himself. The Lakers led by as much as 20 points but an injury to Lonzo Ball and subsequent ejection of Luke Walton saw the Lakers eventually lose the led and go into overtime with a Rockets team led by MVP candidate James Harden who was not about to lose to a Lakers team without LeBron James.

Rockets desperately need a efficient rim protector

At many points in the game, 7’1 Ivica Zubac or 7’0 Tyson Chandler were being guarded by guards or forwards 6’6 or shorter which caused easy baskets for Zubac and Chandler, Zubac especially who finished with 17 points and going 9-9 from the charity strike. The points in the low-post for the Lakers as compared to the Rockets are night and day, the Lakers outscored them 68-34. Same can be said about the rebound department, the Lakers out rebounded them 56-39. With Clint Capela out at least 4 more weeks, the reports of Kenneth Faried couldn’t have come in a better time. He’s been shown as a great rim protector and rebounder, someone they need and have to get ASAP so they can avoid these problems.

Mistakes, not talent cost Lakers to win

Overall the Lakers played a great efficient game of basketball. They denied James Harden the ball in the first half, bullied the Rockets down low with their bigs, made 80% of their free throws, and played team basketball. A 22-36 third quarter turned the tides and eventually costs the game. James Harden and Eric Gordon went on runs that the Lakers couldn’t efficiently defend. The injury or Ball and ejection of Luke Walton were also big blows. Out of all that, this shows that this Lakers team can compete with the best in the West. Kyle Kuzma with 32 points, Lonzo who had 8 points and 11 assists before his injury was playing phenomenal defense against his opposing guard. Zubac showed us that he needs more minutes after his performance, he was 9-9 from the line and showed he wasn’t afraid of the moment. Although he had offense struggles in the game, during OT Brandon Ingram showed us why he was chosen #2 overall when he scored 11 of the Lakers 14 overtime points. The il-advised shot by KCP and the turnover by Kyle Kuzma costs them the game. Brandon Ingram had the hot hand and should’ve taken those shots, but with this team they’ll grow as they grow and best believe they’ll learn from this game and come hard Monday against the defending champions.

Whats’s Next?

Both teams play next on Monday. The Lakers start a four-game homestand against the Golden State Warriors (32-14), and the Rockets head east for a two-game road trip that starts in Philadelphia (30-17).

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton