News from Lego Land

There is both exciting and disturbing news from Lego Land this morning. First, the exciting news:

• Three new NBA stars have arrived! Allen Iverson and all of his NBA friends are very pleased to welcome three new players -- Jalen Rose, wearing the Chicago Bulls uniform and black top hat; Kevin Garnett, wearing the Minnesota Timberwolves uniform and chef's hat; and Predrag Stojakovic, wearing the Sacramento Kings jersey and white firefighter's helmet. (See photo below)

Now, however, for the disturbing news:

• Jalen Rose, Kevin Garnett, and Predrag Stojakovic brought with them a large box that has photos of all the Lego NBA players. (See photo below)

• A close inspection of the photos on the back of the box revealed that Steve Francis and Tony Parker have been wearing each other's heads. No one knows how long this has been going on, but rest assured, the problem has been corrected.

Above: Steve Francis and Tony Parker, now wearing the correct heads

Below: Another shot of the newly arrived NBA stars

Check back soon, because word has it that more Lego NBA stars are on their way.

Allen Iverson makes a television commercial

In addition to playing professional basketball, Allen Iverson also sometimes stars in television commercials. This summer, he has signed a contract to make commercials for Seven Up, aka the Uncola. Today is the first day of shooting. Here are some exclusive photos:

Above: Allen Iverson checks himself out in the mirror before the start of shooting.

Below: A lot goes on behind the scenes when they are making a television commercial.

Below: It can get very hot under the studio lights.

Below: Allen Iverson's friends Karl Malone and Steve Francis have come along to watch. There is plenty of Seven Up for everyone to drink.

Above: Allen Iverson battles a dragon for the can of Seven Up. This scene took many takes to get it right.

Below: Now that Allen Iverson has conquered the dragon, he climbs on its back and rides away -- all while carrying a battle flag and a can of crisp, refreshing Seven Up.

NBA history #1: Pistons 186 - Nuggets 184

For more information, click here or here. For highlights with commentary in two languages at the same time, watch the video below.

For highlights with commentary in only one language, watch this video:

A list of Lego NBA players that I wish I had

Below is a list of the Lego NBA players that I wish I had. As far as I know, Lego does not make any of these players. The players are listed in reverse order by height. All information about the players' heights comes from Basketball-Reference.com.

• Moses Malone 6'10"
• Robert Horry 6'9"
• Maurice Lucas 6'9" (see photo below)

• Carmelo Anthony 6'8"
• Marvin Barnes 6'8" (see photo below)

• Elton Brand 6'8" (see photo below)

• George Gervin 6'7"
• Alex English 6'7"
• Gilbert Arenas 6'3"
• World B. Free 6'2"

Also, I would like the complete set of the 2004-2005 University of Illinois men's basketball team. If it is not possible to have the complete set, I would like to have Dee Brown, Deron Williams, and Luther Head.

What people are saying about Allen Iverson these days

It's Friday

Today is Friday, and the NBA players are tired from a long week. They are not doing much today -- mostly sitting around and relaxing -- so instead of pictures of their new activities, here are some extra pictures from things they did earlier this week.

Above: The public swimming pool where Steve Francis works as a lifeguard.

Below: Steve Francis (holding bullhorn) makes sure that everyone is safe and having fun. Shaq is about to jump in off the diving board.

Below: Steve Francis talks to his supervisor (the guy with the red shirt and the white hat).

Above and below: Antoine Walker skateboarding

Below:A video of Antoine Walker riding the skateboard

At the swimming pool

Steve Francis has a summer job working as a lifeguard down at the local public swimming pool. Sometimes, in the afternoon, his friends like to come down and hang out and go swimming. Today Allen Iverson, Shaq, Tony Parker, and Eva Longoria Parker have dropped by.

If none of his bosses are around, Steve Francis can usually sneak his friends in for free. Today, however, Steve Francis' supervisor (pictured above, in the white hat and red shirt) is there, so everybody had to pay the $3.75 to get in.

Above: Shaq likes to just float around on his back in the cool, refreshing water.

Below: Tony Parker and Eva Longoria Parker hang out by the pool.

Below: Steve Francis has to use his bullhorn to enforce the safety rules. Meanwhile, Allen Iverson waits to jump off the diving board.