Adande: LaMarcus Aldridge's Quest For All-Star Game

I never caught this before, but Aldridge's mother has breast cancer. This article by J.A. Adande explains how LA's quest to become an all-star this year is linked to his desire to give his mother a distraction. It's worth reading the story that is linked in this article too about how pivotal LA's mother has been in his life. A pretty touching story considering the current circumstances.

It would be great to do something to honor LA's mother during a game. It would be an excellent additional way to show our support of him for his all-star bid.

Ed: bumped to front page

over 1 year ago dukedee 29 comments 12 recs |

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article says she was diagnosed in preseason

but wasn’t this the reason Aldridge opted out of the US team last summer?

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by madding on Jan 14, 2011 2:16 PM PST reply actions

I think it was....plus he had another child born this summer too

Harry Bosch: "Everybody counts....or nobody counts."

by 92wastheyear on Jan 14, 2011 2:18 PM PST up reply actions

if I recall he wanted to spend time with his family, mostly his young son who lives in texas throughout the year.

Looks like he has his priorities straight.

#52

by bustabucket on Jan 14, 2011 2:34 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

agreed

Resident Smartass.
and my residency is Blazersedge.com

by Devyn on Jan 14, 2011 2:46 PM PST up reply actions

I remember he got some flack from the local media and us fans for not participating with Team USA this summer.

I also remember him stating during the pre-season media day that he didn’t participate for a “family” reason which he didn’t expand on.
Here’s to his mom beating cancer!

I didn't mean to turn you on

by dukedee on Jan 14, 2011 5:10 PM PST up reply actions

Yikes :(

How is her prognosis?

Also, this is a good story. We oughta keep the voting up!

Blazers fan since '91

REST IN PEACE MAURICE LUCAS 1952-2010 R.I.P #20

"We're family because of this stupid, stinkin' team." - Dave

by rise_stand_resist on Jan 14, 2011 2:30 PM PST reply actions

Thank God LaMarcus is in a position to make sure that his Mom gets the very best care, she deserves it.

May LMA’s mom succeed in beating that terrible disease.

"LA has clearly moved into position where a frontcourt injury or two could get him on the (All-star) roster. Never thought I’d be saying that." - jksnake99 1-5-11

by LaMarvelous on Jan 14, 2011 2:48 PM PST reply actions

Well said!

Also, it would be so awesome if she was healthy enough to appreciate seeing her son play as an all-star!

"Coach said to always be careful around Greg, because Greg costs a lot and even the slightest amount of basketball can damage him." -- The Onion

by RedUniInLA on Jan 14, 2011 3:41 PM PST up reply actions

Agree. But...everyone with cancer - a terrible, scary, destructive disease - deserves the best of care. Not just the rich.

by mjswoosh on Jan 17, 2011 1:14 AM PST up reply actions

Fantastic article

Thanks for alerting us. Glad to see LMA is getting some of the credit he deserves. And I think JA’s assessment of his shot at making the All-Star squad is pretty accurate, unfortunately. There’s some rough competition at the forward spot out West once again this year. Even if LMA manages to produce at the same clip he has been since Roy went down, he’ll only average 22 pts, 9.5 rbs, 1.9 asts, 1.3 blks, and 1stl leading into the All-Star break. Sadly, that’s a far cry from the numbers Love and Griffin are putting up. Of course, the coaches would probably give strong consideration to his recent performance and team’s (hopefully) winning record.

"...it was like he brought his own personal cross-wind to the arena." - Dave

by DC Blazer on Jan 14, 2011 2:51 PM PST reply actions

Another reason to show LA some appreciation at the next home game

Seriously, the RG crowd needs to bring out an Aldridge chant at the next home game. He deserves it!

by jaf1675 on Jan 14, 2011 2:59 PM PST reply actions

Can fan voting make any difference at this point?

I personally am terrible and had not voted yet..:(

www.nba.com/allstar2011/asb/eng/ballot.html

Vote for LA every day

by RoseColoredGlasses on Jan 14, 2011 3:03 PM PST reply actions

Good article by Adande. Here’s hoping LA’s mother beats the disease.

long live the jd.

by jksnake99 on Jan 14, 2011 3:24 PM PST reply actions

I like LMA.

The great thing is that he does have a chance at making the team, assuming Melo’s traded. Hopefully this article helps raise the profile of his campaign.

by Cablinasian on Jan 14, 2011 3:27 PM PST reply actions

The 2nd Banana is now the top dog

Harry Bosch: "Everybody counts....or nobody counts."

by 92wastheyear on Jan 14, 2011 3:43 PM PST up reply actions

yay for LaMama

hope she gets better

Jeff Pendergraph:
FGM - 3
FGA - 111
Min - 30
Reb - 10

by Tofu Anonymous on Jan 14, 2011 3:32 PM PST reply actions

It's too bad he isn't just considered a center.

because I can’t think of a WC center that has played better. If Duncan and Pau are going to call themselves PFs, let them have it.

by superfly05 on Jan 14, 2011 4:02 PM PST reply actions

Does anyone remember from last year...

A thread that must of been in a game recap, perhaps following an ugly loss, and some posters were ranting about how disappointing and soft LaMarcus was? The accusation was that Aldridge was, at best, a second fiddle. Following one of these posts, I think his mom (or uncle) posted in his defense something to the effect that “My son is in no way a second banana, etc.” Well, I guess momma really knows best!

by Stryder9 on Jan 14, 2011 4:12 PM PST reply actions

Yeah....that was what I was referring to in my above comment

Harry Bosch: "Everybody counts....or nobody counts."

by 92wastheyear on Jan 14, 2011 4:20 PM PST up reply actions

haha whoa...

Do you remember where the post was? Could I get a URL

Blazers basketball? Just basketball you say? More like a way of life

by dyshooter182 on Jan 14, 2011 4:29 PM PST up reply actions

Sorry buddy, I don't know or remember the specifics.

I just remembered thank God I didn’t trash him (though I kinda agreed with the sentiment). It may very well have been right after losing the first round series to Phoenix.

by Stryder9 on Jan 14, 2011 4:53 PM PST up reply actions

Wow, I'd forgotten about that...

Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!

by HailOden! on Jan 14, 2011 4:58 PM PST up reply actions

I'm glad that Aldridge is getting love from national media

I have to watch all the games on league pass cause comcast is not in my area. Because of this broadcasts are usually the other teams and I can tell you that all the other announcers cry praise for this guy and proclaim him an all star, the houston guy calling the game with Clyde said he should be the all star starter, hands down. Most our local reports are either saying about time or seemed pissed of they were all wrong about him. Keep it up LA

No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).

by svlittle on Jan 14, 2011 5:12 PM PST reply actions

Best wishes to LMA and his mom....

I am proud of him and the way he handles himself. Glad he’s a Blazer!

#20

IIbdII

by clinchmobb on Jan 14, 2011 10:32 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

yes!

by IloveourLA on Jan 14, 2011 11:04 PM PST up reply actions

My mom died age 54 breast cancer in 04

Best wishes lma

OSU '06
Trade for Gerald Wallace!!

by TyboOSU on Jan 15, 2011 2:34 AM PST via mobile reply actions

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. You have my deepest and sincerest sympathies. I'm sure that even 6 yrs later the sting of losing your mama is fresh. You have my best wishes.

On a related note, my dad is battling metastatic/recurrent kidney cancer as we speak. It’s a very scary experience. We are lucky in that he has the best insurance and wonderful oncologists. He is so far fighting it off well and signs are good. Even with one as rare and resistant to systemic treatment as is kidney cancer, there is hope.

by mjswoosh on Jan 17, 2011 1:18 AM PST up reply actions

LMA is a player who should make us proud

not sure he is destined for the ASG, however

let’s face it, the ASG is all about hype and flash - I would much rather see LMA take some time off with his family, and come back refreshed to do battle for our team

Win the day!

by Blzr fan on Jan 15, 2011 1:21 PM PST reply actions

Does anyone know of any way that fans can get in touch with the Aldridge family through the Blazer organization to wish LaMama well?

If this has not already been done, perhaps some of us on here should take the initiative and make it known that the fans care about the well-being of his family, not just his play on the court. If done correctly, it could only help strengthen the bond/loyalty Aldridge feels towards Portland.

by mjswoosh on Jan 17, 2011 1:21 AM PST reply actions