NOW that they have failed to lure Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans--in the process apparently damaging the team’s dynamics, what’s next for this storied franchise?

The Davis fiasco was really unfortunate. Known for having a tradition of talented big men playing for them--from Wilt Chamberlain to Kareem Abdul Jabbar to Shaquile O’Neal and even Dwight Howard--the acquisition of Davis was even thought of as providential.

Regrettably this blew up embarrassingly in their faces as Magic Johnson was even quoted publicly stating that they will no longer negotiate with New Orleans after the Pelicans wouldn’t bite even after receiving numerous trade packages.

Apparently, almost everyone on the roster was being offered in various combinations, save for Lebron James and Tyson Chandler. You could sense the morale of the team was low and they consequently got drubbed by the Indiana Pacers by almost 40 points in their next game.

CELTICS. But suddenly, just when everyone was about to write them off, they defeated archrival B

oston Celtics by one point courtesy of Rajon Rondo’s last second shot.

This has rekindled the team’s spirit and hopefully they can muster enough momentum for that playoff push.

TOOLS. If you analyze this team’s performance, they apparently have enough tools already to beat the best teams on the league. Remember that they blew out the Golden State Warriors on Christmas day and soundly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder last month.

In the Celtics victory, Brandon Ingram’s excellent defense on Kyrie Irving was crucial.

Irving went six of 21 , and when guarded by Ingram turned over the ball twice in nine possession. Ingram’s defensive abilities should be utilized by putting him in against the opposing team’s best player more often.

Another ray of hope is Kyle Kuzma. He has been very consistent with his numbers.

Bottom line for me? If James was able to drag that motley crew of Cleveland Cavaliers players last year kicking and screaming into the NBA Finals, there’s no reason he will do poorly with this crew who are younger, taller and more talented.

Lebron has to prove--and not merely proclaim--that he is the best player of all time. This is his chance. The stage is set King James.

LAST ROUND. It’s on Dara Espina who recently celebrated her birthday. Cheers!