With no end in sight to the lockout, the NBA will most likely lose some—maybe all—of its games this season. Training camps and preseason games have already been canceled. But NBA athletes know the importance of staying game-ready. For some, that means playing basketball overseas, but for Miami’s super trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, it involves hosting an exhibition game at Florida International University on Oct. 8 (tip-off at 7 p.m. EDT).
With its great weather and vibrant nightlife, it’s easy to understand why athletes find South Beach an appealing place to spend a few fall days. Perhaps that’s why the game has attracted so many great players. In addition to the big three, the rosters will include the Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Memphis’ Rudy Gay, Washington’s John Wall and Boston’s Rajon Rondo.
These star players know that they need competition to stay in game shape. And the best way to remain sharp is to play against other pros, even if the contest will be more like an All-Star game than a playoff dogfight.
In the game, Jordan Brand players Wade and Paul will face off against Nike athletes James and Durant. Comedian Kevin Hart is slated to coach the Jordan Brand roster, and Miami-based rapper Rick Ross will lead the Nike squad. All proceeds will go to a charity supporting South Florida’s educational community.
Photo:  adicts.com.au