Fans are talking. Looks like Carmelo ’bout to go walking. Denver Nuggets offered an extension. Carmelo says no thanks, don’t mention. Might he be headed to the Knicks? That would be true kicks. Kobe not in the race. Lakers plan to keep his face. Sure looks like he’ll retire in place. In real good grace.

Coming straight out of high school. Soon others thought that was cool. After living off the US mainland. Lakers put some money in his hand. Quickly billed as the new Jordan. In Jamaica we’d say he’s like a “Don Gorgon.” Teaming up with Shaq. As a tag-team scoring attack. Adding points in packs.

Back then came shocking news. Bryant might have left assault clues. Nothing to do with the court. But under a hot chick’s skirt. A career breakdown? More like a personal letdown. In a matter of days coming clean. It could have been a worst scene. Things didn’t end there. Kobe came back as MVP of the year.

Then it seemed like his career was on fire. His performance numbers kept getting higher. Winning back-to-back rings. Re-signed to whopping contract that spells bling. No more love between Shaq and Bryant? Maybe a little, when they’re not defiant. It’s now Kobe’s team. Achieving big, a player’s dream.

A setback need not have the last word. Comebacks in life are not unheard. Look at Michael Vick. Pulling plays out his bag-a-tricks. Being down doesn’t have to mean out. The screaming fans wanna give a shout. After a breakdown comes a breakthrough. Victory is about turning failure into follow-thru.

Tip: Life after a disappointment means going from breakdown to breakthrough or turning failure into follow-thru.

Talkback: What does Kobe’s ups and downs say about not being deterred by setbacks or failure?

 Shaq is on the loose. With his 300 pound caboose. Taking it to the court. Trying not to play hurt. The Celtics signed him for a year. Shaq wants to play, that’s clear. Does he still have game? Eventhough his performance is not the same. It’s a matter of having fun. Doing what it takes to have won.

In his 19th season of pro ball. A career that stands tall. Winning it all with two teams. Achieving his wildest dreams. Doesn’t have the best shot. How he scores makes him hot. With high-percentage dunks. Puts defenses in a funk. Who would have thunk? That at his age he still had spunk.  

Playing less in minutes. But still has the passion to win it. Coach Doc Rivers seemed surprised. That Shaq showed baller’s pride.  Finding a way to fit. On a team of high-end spirits. He knows at this stage it’s not about you. Or even what you do. But about how you “do you.” To be a role player tried and true.

He’s got this thing figured out. Using his celebrity and clout. To sometimes serve the needy. Or live in ways that doesn’t look greedy. Channeling his affable appeal. Into a Shaq Vs. reality TV deal. Where he takes on pros. In the sport that each knows. And puts on a show. With broad appeal like bingo.

How much left in the tank? Before his butt gets spanked? Success for him is how he competes. Once a Laker then a Heat. Dropping tracks with a hip-hop beat. Shaq finds a way to shine. Whether in the studio or on the pine. And that is what makes him keep at his grind.

Tip: The lottery says “you got to be in it to win it.” Success says “you got to bring it to have it!”

Talkback: What does Shaq’s pro career say about reinventing yourself and achieving success?

 The heat is on. For the next sighting of Lebron. As the NBA season moves into full swing. After another Lakers championship ring. Will fans show-up when the Heat play the Cavs? Or will they boo when they play the Mavs? Too soon to know. If the trade puts him in the flow. Or if it was a dog and pony show.

Once described as the chosen one. As a baller from Akron. Skipping college to go pro. Making millions with a cool ego. Achieving feats at a young age. Poised to command the world stage. Winning Olympic gold as he played. Building strong ties with Bosh and D-Wade. Hoping to reach legacy grade.

After a day in the locker room. James finds himself in the boardroom. Running his own biz. With friends that make him a marketing whiz. Pitching products for Madison Ave execs. In ways that make him look flex. Now in his mid-twenties and NBA season eight. The future for James looks really great.

What’s the difference between his business and brand? They both put money in his hand.  Well, business is how you make it “do what it do.” Brand is why the people keep on loving you. Business keeps you in the public eye. Brand makes you the apple of their eye. If you’re willing to do or die.

Maybe that’s a reason why. James made some fans cry. When he announced his national TV good-bye. He still shows he can fly. As passion makes you shoot for the sky. And reach the level of a new high. This will keep them coming back for more. Even on days after a lower than usual score.

Tip: Business is to brand as money is to hand. You gotta make it “do what it do.”

Talkback: Can Lebron’s playing days make good for Miami or make him the best ever to have played the game?