A Phone Call

The phone rang by my hospital bed last night. It was Pau Gasol.

I placed him on the speakerphones so Sergio could hear, then gave Pau the assurances that I was in good health. The doctors state I have a sore neck, a right hip “pointer” and a bruised chest. Pau expressed vast relief; as we chatted, Pau told me that Trevor Ariza’s nom de hoop is “the Cobra.” This derives from Ariza’s ability to strike unexpectedly from behind on defense.

Sergio smiled at this; he knows snakes give me a revulsion! The conversation with Pau concluded:

Pau: Oh, and thank you for the shirt [see previous entry].

Me: You are most welcome, my green friend!

Pau: Trevor is here. He’s wondering if you want to team up with him at next year’s slam dunk competition?

With that quip, I found my neck hurts more when I laugh. As for Sergio, he too has a stiff neck from sleeping in the chair by my bedside last night. A true friend! And many thanks for the kindnesses that my mates, friends, and so many strangers have bestowed upon me.

As to the flagrant foul, I was struck from behind, so I have no firsthand insights. As stated to a reporter, “I think it's two easy points for me and when I received the foul I think, 'Where is the floor, where is the floor?’” When I was hit and pulled from the air, there was a moment of flailing and panic.

At less than 190 pounds, I am not a man of much gravity, But even so, the landing impact was substantial. My winds were knocked from the lungs!

Viewing the video now, if the game's scores were close, I would view a defensive gamble of Ariza’s type sensible. But as the match was vastly in our favor, his act appears reckless to my eyes.

As to Ariza’s apologies, I accept them in the spirit they were offered. And when next the Lakers come to town, I hope my mates and I blow them out again by pouring points down on their faces!