Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A

Measuring Stick - The big, bad Lakers roll into town to take on the new-look Suns Thursday. The storylines are everywhere, and they start with the on again/off again relationship between Kobe and Shaq - and O’Neal’s recent denial that he wants to return to LA. Ash thinks the Lakers are good for 65+ wins this season. They discussed the significance of the match-up and how the teams will go about stopping the other team’s best players. We took calls.

The guys caught up with Matt Barnes. The new Suns’ forward and recent father of twin boys discussed his first season in Phoenix and previewed tonight’s match-up with the 8-1 Lakers at U.S. Airways Center. Barnes is averaging 12 points and nearly 6 rebounds a game.

Rhode Trip - Florida State star safety Myron Rolle is in an interesting position. The ‘Noles have a big game this weekend at Maryland, but Rolle has something much bigger ahead of his in the “game of life.” Rolle is a finalist for the prestigious Rhodes scholarship and the interview is Saturday…in Alabama, and likely won’t make it to the game even though there is a private jet waiting just in case. G&A applaud what Rolle is doing on and off the field. Ash thinks you’re a scholar before you’re an athlete so the decision is quite simple. Gambo thinks other student-athletes should follow Rolle’s lead and get more out of their scholarship/education, because most don’t.

Former Diamondback and good friend of the program Luis Gonzalez updated us on his playing status for the 2009 season and shared information on his Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon tomorrow which benefits Arizona Quest for Kids.

Our ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler shared his thoughts on Thursday’s Lakers-Suns game and everything else making headlines around the league. Legler thinks Phil Jackson’s team has the depth and talent to finish what they couldn’t last summer-win another NBA title.

Former NBA head coach, now TNT analyst commonly referred to as the “Czar of the Telestrator,” Mike Fratello joined G&A to break down Thursday’s Lakers-Suns game. He will be calling the game with Marv Albert and Reggie Miller.

Friday we’ll be joined by Giants o-lineman Grey Ruegamer, Cards’ Pro-Bowler Darnell Dockett, ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth, Memphis assistant coach Josh Pastner and sports handicapper Brandon Lang.

 

 Matt Barnes [12:50m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (132)

 

 Luis Gonzalez [9:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (136)

 

 Tim Legler [13:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (131)

 

 Mike Fratello [14:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (151)