Blogamole › Carmelo Anthony

By Michael Lopez

NBA wife LaLa Vazquez definitely knows how to play with the media. While promoting her new VH1 series, LaLa's Full Court Life, Vazquez dropped a few hints that she and hubby Carmelo Anthony may be expecting baby #2!

Anyone who's seen the Full Court promos knows that LaLa has been dealing with quite a few "stomach issues" lately. But is her queasiness due to food poisoning or could she be showing signs of morning sickness? When speaking with a local New York radio show, Vazquez said her "lips were sealed."

LaLa and Melo are happily raising their four-year-old son Kiyan and could be due for another bundle of joy. Plus, following her throughout a pregnancy could mean big ratings for VH1.

But Vazquez wouldn't exploit a baby bump just for media attention, right? Seeing how she's found herself a tabloid-hungry BFF, anything is possible. Let's just hope the cameras don't get too candid when LaLa hits the delivery room.

Do you think LaLa and Carmelo are expecting? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Baby Chisme, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Carmelo Anthony, Celebrity Couples, LaLa Vazquez, LaLa's Full Court Life, Reality shows, Television

By Simone Hilliard

Reality star, TV host, actress, basketball wife and mother: LaLa Vazquez couldn't have more any more on her plate, until now. Our favorite fomer MTV VJ has joined the cast of "Love, Lost and What I Wore" and will be taking her talents to the great white way this Fall.

The play, which opened at the Westside Theater back in 2009, is based on a book of the same name by Ilene Beckerman. The stage version, written by Nora and Delia Ephron, takes on the book's concept of telling women's stories of love and loss by building those stories around their closets, clothes and accessories.

"Love, Loss and What I Wore" is performed by a rotating cast of five all-star actors, who perform in five-week cycles. Members of the rotating cast have included Fran Drescher, Stacy London, Jane Lynch, Tracee Ellis Ross, Sherri Shepherd, Brooke Shields, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. LaLa's run will last from October 5th-30th.

Before her Broadway run, you can catch LaLa and her husband Carmelo Anthony chronicling their lives as newlyweds in LaLa's Full Court Life which premieres on VH1 August 22nd.

Will you see LaLa on Broadway? Let us know below, or @MTV3.

Tags Broadway, Carmelo Anthony, LaLa, LaLa's Full Court Life, Loss and What I Wore, Love

By Sharmaine Jones

We're only three days into the NBA Playoffs but the excitement factor is already at an all-time high! We're psyched to see that first-round games have been highly competitive with some resulting in upsets, but we're extremely proud of the significant roles Latinos have been playing in the series.

Thus far, the Eastern Conference games have been pretty close. The Chicago Bulls, the team with the best record in the 2010-2011 season, took a commanding two games to one lead over the 8th seed Indiana Pacers with a 5.5 point average margin of victory.

The (#2) Miami Heat also won the first two games in convincing fashion against the (#7) Philadelphia 76ers. Argentinean Andres Nocioni hasn't been an impact for his Philadelphia team –0 points in game 1 and DNP in game 2– but if his aggressiveness on the offensive end in the last two games of the season is any indication of what he can bring in the playoffs, he may see more playing time moving forward.

The (#3) Boston Celtics defeated the (#6) New York Knicks 85-87 in a nail-biting game 1. Afro-Latino Carmelo Anthony had a disappointing game, ending with a measly 15 points. The Knicks forward picked up two early fouls and never seemed to get his game on track. In more disturbing news, Knicks veteran point guard Chauncey Billups suffered an injury and will not play in game two tonight. 'Melo will really be tested but we have no doubt that he'll come up big!

Despite (#4) Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard's impressive 46 points and 19 rebounds, the (#5) Atlanta Hawks pulled off a 103-93 upset. Atlanta's top three scorers were Joe Johnson (25 points), Jamal Crawford (23 points) and Dominican forward Al Horford (16 points).

In the West, as expected, (#3) Dallas Mavericks defeated (#6) Portland Trailblazers 81-89. Mavs guard J.J. Barea from Puerto Rico had a rough night with 4 points on 1-7 shooting but Spaniard Rudy Fernandez of the Blazers shot well, hitting 2-3 shots for 6 points.

(#4) Oklahoma City Thunder defeated (#5) Denver Nuggets in a close 107-103 game 1. The Nuggets were led by Brazilian center Nene's 22 points and 8 rebounds but they couldn't withstand OKC forward – and NBA leading scorer – Kevin Durant's 41 point onslaught. If Nene continues to dominate in the paint, OKC is in for a long series.

The biggest surprises thus far are the series between the two best and the two worst playoff teams in the West. (#1) San Antonio Spurs lost to (#8) Memphis Grizzlies 101-98. Argentinean Manu Ginobili (elbow injury) and Brazilian Tiagi Splitter of the Spurs did not play. The Spurs will undoubtedly miss Manu's 17 points per game and will benefit from incorporating size of the 7 foot Splitter against Grizzlies center Marc Gasol in game 2. Gasol, brother to fellow Spaniard Pau Gasol, had his way against the front line of the Spurs scoring 22 points, on 9-10 shooting, and grabbing 9 rebounds.

(#7) New Orleans Hornets gave the defending champion (#2) Los Angeles Lakers all they could handle, and then some. Hornets point guard Chris Paul filled up the stat column and was only 3 rebounds short of a triple-double (33 points, 14 assists, 7 rebounds). Lakers guard Kobe Bryant contributed 34 points but his supporting cast wasn't much help. Lakers center Pau Gasol scored only 8 points on 2-9 shooting. If the Lakers are hoping to repeat, Gasol needs to be a dominant inside presence.

Here's a look at the upcoming NBA Playoffs Schedule:

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics (game 2) tonight 7PM
Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic (game 2) tonight 7:30PM
Portland Trailblazers vs Dallas Mavericks (game 2) tonight 9:30PM

Denver Nuggets vs Oklahoma City Thunder (game 2) Wednesday (4/20) 8PM
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs (game 2) Wednesday (4/20) 8:30PM
New Orleans Hornets vs Los Angeles Lakers (game 2) Wednesday (4/20) 10:30PM

Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers (game 3) Thursday (4/21) 7PM
Miami Heat vs Philadelphia 76ers (game 3) Thursday (4/21) 8PM

Tags 76ers, Al Horford, Andres Nocioni, basketball, Carmelo Anthony, Celtics, Grizzlies, Hawks, J.J. Barea, Knicks, Lakers, Latino Players, Manu Ginobili, Marc Gasol, Mavericks, NBA, Nene, Nuggets, Pau Gasol, Playoffs, Rudy Fernandez, Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Trailblazers

By Michael Lopez

Kim Kardashian and LaLa Vasquez have a lot more in common than NBA steadies. The basketball besties are reportedly looking to become neighbors as well, particularly in a posh high-rise apartment complex in New Jersey.

TMZ is claiming that Kim and LaLa are purposely trying to find homes in close proximity to each other. Their latest excavation has led them to the trendy community of Alpine. Located in the outskirts of New York, it offers an easy commute to the jet-setting action of Manhattan, yet also a casual suburban home life.

For LaLa and her husband, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, that seems to be a perfect balance, particularly since they are raising a 3-year-old son together. But Kim and her squeeze Kris Humphries (who plays for the New Jersey Nets) are not even married yet and seeing them in a quiet community is raising a lot of eyebrows.

Could America’s favorite reality socialite be looking to settle down and start a family of her own? It’s all speculative at this point, but between a potential Kim and Kris baby, Carmelo and LaLa’s son, and a possible cousin from Khloe Kardashian and the Lakers’ Lamar Odom, you could have a very athletic family of little ones on your hands.

Do you think Kim Kardashian is ready to settle down? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Carmelo Anthony, Celebrity Couples, Hot Stuff, Kim Kardashian, Kris Humphries, LaLa Vasquez, New Jersey

By Sharmaine Jones

The Carmelo Anthony saga came to an end Monday, as the All-Star forward struck agreed to exchange his blue and white jersey for a blue and orange one.

According to ESPN, the Denver Nuggets traded Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman to the New York Knicks in exchange for Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mozgov, a 2014 first-round draft pick and cash. The Knicks also included the Minnesota Timberwolves in the trade to clear up salary-cap space. The Timberwolves will get Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and $3 million for sending Corey Brewer to the Knicks.

'Melo is ultimately where he wanted be, in New York with a $65 million, three-year contract extension; the Knicks get the All-Star they wanted; and the Nuggets get some first-round picks plus a plethora of young talent.

New York's possible starting lineup: Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Landry Fields and Ronny Turiaf. While this is a great offensive crew, the Knicks — whose 28-26 record is largely due to lackluster defense — gave up four starters in the trade, including 7-foot-1 center Mozgov and two tough defenders in Chandler and Felton.

Sure, Carmelo will put up impressive numbers — he's averaging 25.2 points per game this season — but it's no secret that he's not a solid defender.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets lose the face of their franchise and veteran point guard Billups, who was an NBA Champion and Finals MVP while with the Detroit Pistons and who elevated the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals the same year he joined the team.

The Knicks will undoubtedly go through some growing pains — much like the "Big 3" in Miami — but this blockbuster trade will pay off in the long run, especially when the team tries to land such big names as Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Dwight Howard next season.

Do you think the Knicks mortgaged their future to acquire Carmelo? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Amare Stoudemire, Anthony Carter, basketball, Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, New York Knicks, Raymond Felton, Renaldo Balkman, Shelden Williams, Timofey Mozgov, Wilson Chandler

By Sharmaine Jones

Following a stellar 50-point, 11-rebound game on Monday, Carmelo Anthony has become the hottest commodity in the NBA. And with the Feb. 24 trade deadline looming and numerous teams interested, the ball is now bouncing in the All-Star forward's court.

The New York native wants out of Denver, preferably to play back home in the Big Apple.

"That's like the ultimate dream at the end of the day," Anthony told ESPN. "Who wouldn't want to go back home to play?"

While the obvious transaction would involve a trade between the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers are making their bid in the 'Melo sweepstakes. The Knicks offered a package deal that would send forward Wilson Chandler to Denver, but, according to ESPN, the Lakers mustered up a package that would include center Andrew Bynum.

"There have been discussions between the two teams," one source said. "The Lakers are definitely an option."

To bring Anthony to Los Angeles, the Lakers would almost have to pull a rabbit out of their hat. With the Nuggets insisting on first-round picks, the Lakers would have to involve a third team in the deal. But if they can satisfy the Nuggets' terms, we may see Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant in the Lakers backcourt, Pau Gasol at center and Carmelo and Lamar Odom at the forward positions. The Miami Heat's “Big 3” would pale in comparison.

As for Anthony's dream of playing in New York, the fact that he and his wife La La bought a house in L.A. valued at nearly $2 million last summer could mean that he's just as cool with living in Cali.

With his fate still undetermined for a few more weeks, we have to wonder about the timing of the Lakers' offer. Is it merely coincidence that their offer became public so soon after the Knicks' bid, or are the Nuggets employing scare tactics to get more out of the deal?

Where would you rather see Carmelo Anthony play, with the Knicks or the Lakers? Tell us what you think in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Andrew Bynum, basketball, Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, New York Knicks, Wilson Chandler

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe it's already February, a month dedicated to celebrating love, Lincoln's birthday and African-American achievement. In honor of Black History Month, we wanted to recognize a few of our favorite Afro-Latinos.

Carmelo Anthony: We're actually giving double points to Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony. Not only is he Afro-Latino, but so is his wife La La Vazquez! Born to a Puerto Rican father and an African-American mother, Carmelo's a superstar on and off the court. We already know how much Denver fans love him, but his contributions stretch way beyond that city. In his hometown of Baltimore, Anthony has donated millions of dollars to help build youth centers for underprivileged children.

Alex Cuba: Born Alex Puentes on the island of Cuba, this is one artist you want on your radar. Whether he’s engaging us with insightful interviews, wailing on the electric guitar or picking up Latin Grammys, Alex is destined for musical stardom. His 2009 Alex Cuba album is a must for any fan of Latin, jazz, funk or African rhythms.

Christina Milian: Milian was actually born Christina Flores to Afro-Cuban parents. A talented singer, actress, dancer and model, Christina has been a Tr3s fave for years. This year she's expected to bring her fourth studio album, which may include some emotional lyrics about her breakup with The-Dream. But aside from all of that, Milian is a great role model for young Afro-Latinas, lending her time and name to such causes as Children Uniting Nations.

Tatyana Ali: Many people were surprised to find out that Tatyana was half Panamanian. For six seasons she played African-American Ashley Banks on Will Smith's The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air show, before branching out into a successful R & B career. She’s also a Harvard grad and a recurring lead on The Young and the Restless.

Who are your favorite Afro-Latinos? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alex Cuba, Black History Month, Carmelo Anthony, Christina Milian, Cultura, Música, Sports, Tatyana Ali

By Sharmaine Jones

Your votes are in! The NBA announced the starting lineups Thursday, Jan. 27, for the 2011 NBA All-Star game.

The most entertaining game of the NBA season will be held Feb. 20 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, so its befitting that Lakers guard Kobe Bryant earned the most votes, with more than 2.3 million. Bryant is no stranger to the All-Star game — he's won the All-Star MVP twice and this will make his thirteenth consecutive appearance.

New Orleans guard Chris Paul will join the vet in the Western Conference back-court; the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony and last year's scoring champion Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who is appearing in his first All-Star game, will man the forward positions; and the Houston Rockets' Yao Ming made the cut at center, but will miss the game because of an injury. NBA commissioner David Stern will announce Ming's replacement, but we're rooting for Minnesota Timberwolves' forward/center Kevin Love. He's well deserving after an impressive first half averaging 21.6 points and 15.7 rebounds.

Miami Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and LeBron James will represent the Eastern Conference at the guard and forward positions respectively, Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose will fill the other guard slot and Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard will play in the center position. New York Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire beat out Boston Celtics ' Kevin Garnett to claim the remaining forward position. Stoudemire was sure to tweet credit where credit is due:

“Thanks to all my Amazing fans, you guys have made this a special year in NY. All-Star isn't possible w/o my teammates. Thanks 2 my TEAMMATES”

Although we're excited to see the West avenge their 139-141 loss to the East last year, we're even more excited for this years Sprite Slam Dunk contest. Powerhouse dunker and rookie phenom Blake Griffin is set to contend, with the league's most popular player, Kobe Bryant, taking notice. Kobe tweeted:

“Got to say congrats on a break out game for @BlakeGriffin I'm watching big fella”

If Griffin dunks anything like does during actual games, basketball fans are in for a real treat!

Who did you vote for? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags All-Star Game, Amare Stoudemire, basketball, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, NBA, Yao Ming

By Michael Lopez

It’s not unusual for a wife to have a say in her husband’s affairs. It's also not unusual for bloggers to misdirect their anger.

Sports bloggers are accusing former MTV VJ La La Vazquez of secretly pulling the strings of hubby Carmelo Anthony’s NBA career after he turned down a three-year contract extension with the Denver Nuggets. Although some have claimed that La La told him to hold out for a possible trade to the New Jersey Nets, Carmelo quickly jumped to his wife's defense.

“La La has nothing to do with anything," Anthony told Yahoo News. "Whatever is my decision, she is going to support me. She has nothing to do with me staying or leaving. ... This my career. This is my decision. Of course, I got to consult her with everything. It wasn’t one conversation I had with her where she said, ‘Let’s get out of Denver.’”

While Denver fans may be unhappy with his contract extension rejection, it's important to remember that Carmelo Anthony was born and raised in New York and may want to return home. Of course, this writer would love to see the Anthonys stay on the West Coast. Have you seen how good La La looks in a bikini?!

Do you think La La’s secretly calling the shots? Comment below or @MTV3.

Tags basketball, Carmelo Anthony, Chisme, Denver Nuggets, La La Vazquez, NBA, Sports

By Sharmaine Jones

Would you like the biceps of rapper Nelly, the abs of Cincinnati Bengal's notorious Chad Ochocinco or the calf muscles of Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony? Now, with the release of a series of new workout videos, those seemingly unattainable vanities can become your reality.

photo via Google Images

Nelly is the first of many celebrities and athletes who will be part of a new line of fitness DVDs titled Celebrity Sweat. We know you're thinking celebrities starring in fitness DVDs isn’t exactly unchartered territory but Nelly seems to think that "Celebrity Sweat" will rise above the rest:

"I know there are a lot of exercise videos out there, but this one is different because it's celebrities and athletes in their prime," Nelly told ESPN. "We will have music and behind-the-scenes looks for people to get into shape."

Nelly may be on to something here. Rappers encouraging their fans to stay in top shape is a plus, being able to tailor your workout based on a particular athlete's physique is definitely a plus and the fact that you get to sweat, getting down-and-dirty with your favorite celebrity adds to the appeal. Survey says: Winner!

For those skeptics who still believe that "Celebrity Sweat" is just another publicity stunt designed to sell "more of the same" fitness DVDs, all while exploiting the love you have for your favorite rappers and athletes, Nelly tweeted a little something special just for you:

"Instores Sept 28th > Check this video out -- Nelly - Celebrity Sweat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKPw9vIZYXI via @youtube" rtrtrt "

After viewing the link to the preview of his workout, we're sure you'll be convinced. Homeboy is definitely working hard and admits that his action figure frame wasn't defined overnight:

"People think I just woke up all of a sudden and I was this big, but they haven't been paying attention…if you look at the pictures from '04 to now, you can see the change. You can see me go from 160 to 170, 170 to 175, 175 to 180 to 190. You put in all this hard work, and people want to discredit you. But you can transform your body in six to eight months. In two years, you can create a whole new person."

Nelly is the real deal and we're excited to see Carmelo Anthony and Chad Ochocinco's workout regiment next. We're wondering if Nelly's boo Ashanti will be the next artist to show up in the series to teach us how to look amazing in Apple Bottom Jeans. Just saying.

Nelly's "Celebrity Sweat" DVD hits stores September 28.  Would you purchase a "Celebrity Sweat" DVD?  Tell us in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags "Celebrity Sweat", Ashanti, Carmelo Anthony, Chad Ochocinco, Nelly, Workout DVD