The "L.A. in my Game," with Craig Smith

[mkwest]

AK: So what is the move or part of your game that was specifically nurtured in L.A.? The "L.A. in your game?"

CS: I would definitely have to say, what everybody in my crew calls the "old curl." Around age 13 or 14. Even though we were at that age, we were around six-feet, six-two, and so we still had to go against bigger players. It was kind of like a floater, but at the same time, like a hook. In between a floater and a hook. I did a shot, and one of my friends said, "Man, that was like an old curl!" And everybody (sings), "Old curl! Old curl!" Every time we'd shoot that, you had to say "old curl" before it. I've been doing the old curl ever since. If you catch somebody off guard, nobody can really react to it. Even if you're a shot blocker, it's like a quick push shot.

Q: Where was the old curl invented?

CS: Where was I when that happened? Middle school, I think. It was John Burroughs Middle School. Man, John Burroughs! I'm glad that they cleaned it up. When we were younger, it was more gang-infested, but I think since they put those uniforms and stuff on (the students), it definitely changed. It's definitely better for kids. After school, they used to have gangs who would come up to the schools and try to jack people and try to jump people. It was crazy.

AK: How much does it mean to you to have your professional career here?

CS: Oh, man, it means a lot. The last time I played at home, as far as college and the start of the league. I was east coast and Midwest. Getting a chance to play in front of my family and friends as a professional? It's a totally different perspective. Very humbling, too.


Adam Kamenetzky, ESPN Los Angeles

[Palma Dutch]

I ove the Rhino. I hope we resign him.

[PerkinsFor3]

Rhino and Diogu are very useful backups. Too bad theyre a bit too much alike.

[mkwest]

Rhino and Diogu are very useful backups. Too bad theyre a bit too much alike.

I'm big fan of Craig, but I like that Ike has more size and is capable of playing the 5 if necessary. We went with Rhino down the stretch when he returned from injury, but Ike will be cheaper this offseason.

I guess it all depends what other moves are made that's going to determine which one we bring back if not both.

[thanumba2clippersfan]

Rhino and Diogu are very useful backups. Too bad theyre a bit too much alike.

I'm big fan of Craig, but I like that Ike has more size and is capable of playing the 5 if necessary. We went with Rhino down the stretch when he returned from injury, but Ike will be cheaper this offseason.

I guess it all depends what other moves are made that's going to determine which one we bring back if not both.

I'd like to bring back both if we can. If we wind up trading Kaman we will need to depend on Ike as a backup.

[Palma Dutch]

I think Diogu had some great games this season. He's a beast on the glass. Sadly, I think he's better then the Rhino.