Fans Look for Alternatives During Lockout

The tone we should all be experiencing in regard to the NBA lockout at this current time is one of pessimism. And as the NBA lockout gets stronger, sucking the life out of every regular-ass NBA fan living in normality, professional basketball players continue to find other ways to entertain, all while earning mad bread.

Recently, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, other players, and thousands of paying fans attended a player-organized exhibition game in Miami. The event attracted a good crowd, what with the lockout depriving those of us who love it from experiencing the beautiful game at its utmost level (David "Bushwhacked" Stern has canceled the first two weeks of the season). Games of a similar blueprint are taking place around the nation, with a good number of rookies hosting talent-filled pick-up games.

Now listen. I'm not saying this isn't America, and that these ballplayers shouldn't be making some cash while stuff's looking grim. I'd love to get a ticket, as long as it's not more than, say, $13. I think it's great, even though it's nowhere near the real fire that burns 82 games long and more. It means nothing compared to a playoff chance at ultimate vindication for that great prize, that which bares the Larry O'Brien namesake.

It takes a real powerhouse to do something that exceeds expectations. Serge Ibaka did it, Michael Redd did it, even Nick Van Exel did it.

And now, it's Donte Greene who pulls a classy stunt like this.

* Aaron Bruski reported Wednesday that Donte Greene has all but finalized a charity game in Sacramento tentatively set for November 13, with the list of invitees including DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Jimmer Fredette, J.J. Hickson, DeAndre Jordan, Hassan Whiteside, Jason Thompson, Isaiah Thomas, and Matt Barnes.

This idea is a little more than 24 hours old and still needs commitment from a venue, but that is on the way. The idea came to fruition when a Kings fan tweeted at Greene, asking for an event, and he decided to take the idea and run with it. Since then, the massive social media network of Kings fans has made one fan's tweet a reality. Greene wants funds from the game to go to breast cancer awareness."

In my eyes, it's just perfect enough to be the tiny silver pick-axe that chips away at the lockout's bank vault of mysteries. Greene and the Kings not only deserve our complete respect and enthusiastic hope to beat all, but we should all see Greene's example and learn from it, try to look in a mirror or something, and see a place within ourselves where we can find a donation for something important.

I ask everyone to join me in a newfound Sacramento Kings fan-zone attitude.

* Source: Aaron Bruski on Twitter.