Lamar Odom's new record label should sign the '87 Lakers

Occasionally, we like to get our jock on by delving into the world of sports, though we always try to justify these indulgences by at least some connection - however tenuous - to music.

Well, we just did it again! Turns out Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom will be starting his own record label this summer. Named Rich Soil Entertainment (a wink wink nudge nudge to his past perhaps?), the LA-based imprint’s first signing will be Ali Vegas, a talent Odom described by saying, "I mean I think he could take off right where Jay-Z and Nas left off. I think he's that talented."

That may be the case Lamar, but may we suggest another signing for your label roster? You may be unaware, but your own team has a rich history of musical talent. Witness the above anti-drug rap message delivered by the 1987 championship team for proof. Bonus credit if you can spot current NBA Coach of the Year Byron Scott (it’s actually easy, he introduces himself before his verse).

The '87 team had moves both on and off the court, unseating the Boston Celtics (bias alert: my hometown team) in 6 games in the NBA Finals that season. Guess what? The 2008 NBA playoffs rage on as we speak with 8 teams battling it out for the championship, including both the Lakers and the Celtics. Could an '87 Finals rematch await?

The Lakers play Game 2 of their series with the Utah Jazz (whose franchise name is the most oxymoronic in all of professional sports) tomorrow while the Celtics begin their series with the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight in Boston. Of course, before the Celtics made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs they faced a surprisingly tough opponent in these guys:



Now if we could only find a Celtics team video that featured Larry Bird lip-synching to "Jump Around"...