Simple Math: Phil Jackson > Oprah

Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times sums up the annual unofficial Laker Book Club:

Jackson handed out a book of individual significance to each player, something he does annually before a long trip. Unlike recent years, though, Jackson was secretive when asked which book he gave to each player.

Some of the Lakers willingly volunteered what books they received, although Kwame Brown declined to comment and Kobe Bryant said he couldn't remember.

"What book did he give me? I don't know," Bryant said. "That's on the back burner for me. I'm still reading my 'Harry Potter' series from first to seven. It kind of gets pushed to the back. 'Chamber of Secrets' comes first."

Lamar Odom was given "Cinnamon Kiss," Derek Fisher got "The Wedding," and Walton received "We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young."

Jordan Farmar was given a book called "Shortcomings."

Geez, I hope Kobe is joking here. Kids, this is why you should go to college.

35 Before 25: Read 3 Books For Fun

For someone who happens to have a bachelor's degree in english, it might seem lame to only have 3 books on here as a goal. The truth is since starting law school, I've probably only read a single book for fun, and a few collections of essays. Well, no more. The first one on my list should be Catch-22. Not because I've still got summer reading from 1998 to catch up on, but mainly because Josh was kind enough to lend me his copy and I should really give it back to him someday.

The nice thing about this goal is the sense of satisfaction I get from completing a book. I miss that feeling. I don't get the same feeling after reading my 100th divorce case or case about a kid getting run over by a tractor. That's reality. I'm tired of reality. Besides, my brain could use a non-legal vocabulary tune up. Just because you're a judge doesn't mean you can write your way out of a paper bag, and many can't.