Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Olympic Basketball 2012: Kobe Bryant Quiet In Team USA Victory Over Tunisia
By Chris Shellcroft, Lake Show Life
Team USA didn’t need much from Kobe Bryant (or LeBron James for that matter) in order to spank the Tunisian national team in a 110-63 rout. Bryant did score the first bucket of the game so if nothing else at least he gave his country a kick start as the gold medal favorites improved to a 2-0 mark in group play.
That first bucket by Bryant was one of two he dropped in the opening quarter which would be good for his total for the entire contest. Four points on five shots is a slow 10 minutes of hoops for KB24 in an NBA game but in the Olympics that’s just fine for KB10. At least for now it is.
Team USA didn’t need much from Kobe Bryant (or LeBron James for that matter) in order to spank the Tunisian national team in a 110-63 rout. Bryant did score the first bucket of the game so if nothing else at least he gave his country a kick start as the gold medal favorites improved to a 2-0 mark in group play.
That first bucket by Bryant was one of two he dropped in the opening quarter which would be good for his total for the entire contest. Four points on five shots is a slow 10 minutes of hoops for KB24 in an NBA game but in the Olympics that’s just fine for KB10. At least for now it is.
Kobe Bryant signs autograph for Tunisian player
By Royce Young, CBS Sports
You might think scoring 11 points against Team USA would be the highlight of Mohamed Hadidane's day.
But you'd probably be wrong.
After the United States crushed his Tunisian squad 110-63, Hadidane got in line to shake hands. Except he had two things in his: a pen, and a shoe. And when he got to Kobe Bryant, he didn't show any restraint. He geeked out and asked Kobe for an autograph.
You might think scoring 11 points against Team USA would be the highlight of Mohamed Hadidane's day.
But you'd probably be wrong.
After the United States crushed his Tunisian squad 110-63, Hadidane got in line to shake hands. Except he had two things in his: a pen, and a shoe. And when he got to Kobe Bryant, he didn't show any restraint. He geeked out and asked Kobe for an autograph.
KOBE BRYANT ENJOYING HIS LAST OLYMPICS APPEARANCE – NBA NEWS
By Andre Miller, Bettor.com
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was one of the 12 members on the U.S team Olympic roster when they opened their campaign against France on Sunday. And the veteran shooting guard was all smiles after the U.S team won the game in convincing fashion - a 98-71 victory over the French side.
Bryant is nearing the end of an illustrious career and is appearing in his final Olympics. He was a crucial member of the 2008 U.S team that won gold at the Beijing Olympics.
This time around however, he is taking a more laid back approach, enjoying his game and the Olympics as he takes a back seat and allows some of the younger talent in the team to take the helm of affairs. There is certainly no lack of talent in the U.S team, with players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Russell Westbrook.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant was one of the 12 members on the U.S team Olympic roster when they opened their campaign against France on Sunday. And the veteran shooting guard was all smiles after the U.S team won the game in convincing fashion - a 98-71 victory over the French side.
Bryant is nearing the end of an illustrious career and is appearing in his final Olympics. He was a crucial member of the 2008 U.S team that won gold at the Beijing Olympics.
This time around however, he is taking a more laid back approach, enjoying his game and the Olympics as he takes a back seat and allows some of the younger talent in the team to take the helm of affairs. There is certainly no lack of talent in the U.S team, with players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Russell Westbrook.
Kobe And The Lakers Go To Princeton
By John Schuhmann, NBA.com
Kobe Bryant‘s championship window with the Los Angeles Lakers is closing, but it’s not shut yet. Especially not with Steve Nash coming on board next season.
Nash, whose teams led the league in offensive efficiency for nine straight seasons from 2001-02 to 2009-10, will clearly improve the Lakers’ offense, which ranked 10th in efficiency last season. But L.A. isn’t only counting on a new point guard to get them back into title contention.
As Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports writes, the Lakers will be switching to the Princeton offense next season and hiring Eddie Jordan as an assistant coach to run it.
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/07/31/kobe-and-the-lakers-go-to-princeton/
Kobe Bryant‘s championship window with the Los Angeles Lakers is closing, but it’s not shut yet. Especially not with Steve Nash coming on board next season.
Nash, whose teams led the league in offensive efficiency for nine straight seasons from 2001-02 to 2009-10, will clearly improve the Lakers’ offense, which ranked 10th in efficiency last season. But L.A. isn’t only counting on a new point guard to get them back into title contention.
As Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports writes, the Lakers will be switching to the Princeton offense next season and hiring Eddie Jordan as an assistant coach to run it.
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/07/31/kobe-and-the-lakers-go-to-princeton/
Magic Johnson Says Lebron, Kobe Would Make Dream Team: Who Would LeBron Replace?
By Joye Pruitt, Los Angeles Times
Magic Johnson, according to the Los Angeles Times, acknowledges that LeBron James and Kobe Bryant would have made the ’92 Dream Team, even though he added a backdoor comment as to why the 2012 version of Team USA would have no chance to beat them.
Magic Johnson, according to the Los Angeles Times, acknowledges that LeBron James and Kobe Bryant would have made the ’92 Dream Team, even though he added a backdoor comment as to why the 2012 version of Team USA would have no chance to beat them.
"You have to say Kobe would definitely make it," Johnson said. "He's unbelievable. We're so lucky and so fortunate we get a chance to watch Kobe play every single night here in L.A. LeBron is the best all-around player in the game so he would definitely make our team. Kevin Durant would have a shot as well. You have two definitely in with Kobe and LeBron."Johnson goes on to acknowledge that James and Bryant would likely replace Christian Laettner, the only college player selected to the ’92 team, but that is all. Realizing that Bryant would have had to battle the likes of Michael Jordan for playing time on the team, the question stands, “Who else could James eliminate?”
Vanessa Bryant ‘Furious’ Over Photos of Kobe With Women at Olympic Games
By Alexandra Gratereaux, Fox New Latino
Kobe Bryant and his wife are going at it again!
This time its in London after entertainment publication TMZ reported that Bryant and his wife Vanessa are arguing these days after multiple photos of Bryant partying with women surfaced on the Internet.
TMZ says that sources close to Vanessa Bryant say she is “furious” and “embarrassed” after seeing the photos, one of them of her man talking leisurely with two women at an after party in Barcelona. Another photo shows Bryant talking and hanging out with two other women at another party.
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/07/31/vanessa-bryant-furious-over-photos-kobe-with-women-at-olympic-games/
Kobe Bryant and his wife are going at it again!
This time its in London after entertainment publication TMZ reported that Bryant and his wife Vanessa are arguing these days after multiple photos of Bryant partying with women surfaced on the Internet.
TMZ says that sources close to Vanessa Bryant say she is “furious” and “embarrassed” after seeing the photos, one of them of her man talking leisurely with two women at an after party in Barcelona. Another photo shows Bryant talking and hanging out with two other women at another party.
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/07/31/vanessa-bryant-furious-over-photos-kobe-with-women-at-olympic-games/
London Olympics: Ettore Messina likes Kobe Bryant's Team USA role
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
Below is a Q&A with former Lakers assistant coach Ettore Messina. He's serving as an on-air analyst for Sky TV for the 2012 Olympic Games. Messina worked as a consultant with the Lakers last season before returning to CSKA Moscow for a second stint as the Russian club's head coach.
On Team USA's roster: Talent-wise, they have the depth. They have the perimeter players. And they have bigger small forwards. That all helps them overcome the fact that they don't have too much size. Size is not a factor so long as you can compensate it with athleticism and stability. That's exactly what happened against a team like France. They're supposed to be a more than decent team, even if Tony Parker is not at his best or in his best shape. The U.S. plays the game seriously. They always have a very high number of assists and they share the ball.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-la-london-olympics-ettore-messina-likes-kobe-bryants-team-usa-role-20120730,0,4619814.story
Below is a Q&A with former Lakers assistant coach Ettore Messina. He's serving as an on-air analyst for Sky TV for the 2012 Olympic Games. Messina worked as a consultant with the Lakers last season before returning to CSKA Moscow for a second stint as the Russian club's head coach.
On Team USA's roster: Talent-wise, they have the depth. They have the perimeter players. And they have bigger small forwards. That all helps them overcome the fact that they don't have too much size. Size is not a factor so long as you can compensate it with athleticism and stability. That's exactly what happened against a team like France. They're supposed to be a more than decent team, even if Tony Parker is not at his best or in his best shape. The U.S. plays the game seriously. They always have a very high number of assists and they share the ball.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-la-london-olympics-ettore-messina-likes-kobe-bryants-team-usa-role-20120730,0,4619814.story
Kobe Bryant, aging but still strong, takes playful dig at Carmelo Anthony, NY Knicks
By Frank Isola, Daily News
Kobe Bryant can’t think of a better way to enjoy Christmas than to be spending it with Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks.
“We actually might win on Christmas Day for the first time ever,” Bryant says.
It was classic Kobe: confident, not cocky, and never passing up the opportunity to take a playful dig at Anthony, his Olympic teammate.
Kobe Bryant can’t think of a better way to enjoy Christmas than to be spending it with Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks.
“We actually might win on Christmas Day for the first time ever,” Bryant says.
It was classic Kobe: confident, not cocky, and never passing up the opportunity to take a playful dig at Anthony, his Olympic teammate.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Newsflash
Welcome! Thanks for reading.
Starting tonight I will be posting a daily original article referencing Kobe Bryant. Also, I will post a "Best of the Day" compilation of articles referencing Bryant.
As readers, topic suggestions are always welcome. In addition, feel free to send me your own insights on how to make this the best blog possible for you, my viewers.
-Jessica Miller
Starting tonight I will be posting a daily original article referencing Kobe Bryant. Also, I will post a "Best of the Day" compilation of articles referencing Bryant.
As readers, topic suggestions are always welcome. In addition, feel free to send me your own insights on how to make this the best blog possible for you, my viewers.
-Jessica Miller
How Steve Nash Will Impact Kobe Bryant's Role in L.A. Lakers Offense
By Jesse Dorsey, Bleacher Report
It's no secret that Steve Nash was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for a few mediocre and pointless draft picks, but the real story behind this is how he is going to coexist alongside Kobe Bryant, a man who has been the unquestioned focal point of the Lakers' offense ever since 2003.
Is Kobe Bryant willing to relinquish control of the ball to Nash? Would he be fine taking three or four fewer shots per game? Is he okay letting other guys on his team be the hero at the end of the game? And most of all, is he willing to share the limelight with another superstar for the first time since playing with Shaquille O'Neal?
For the most part, it seems that Kobe is on board with the idea for now, but will that ring true for the remainder of the season, or will the Kobe of old rear his ugly head?
Assuming that Bryant and Nash are capable of playing alongside each other for the purpose of conversation, let's take a look at how the Lakers offense is going to look with Nash at the helm, specifically based on how Nash impacts Kobe.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1277440-how-steve-nash-will-impact-kobe-bryants-role-in-la-lakers-offense
It's no secret that Steve Nash was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for a few mediocre and pointless draft picks, but the real story behind this is how he is going to coexist alongside Kobe Bryant, a man who has been the unquestioned focal point of the Lakers' offense ever since 2003.
Is Kobe Bryant willing to relinquish control of the ball to Nash? Would he be fine taking three or four fewer shots per game? Is he okay letting other guys on his team be the hero at the end of the game? And most of all, is he willing to share the limelight with another superstar for the first time since playing with Shaquille O'Neal?
For the most part, it seems that Kobe is on board with the idea for now, but will that ring true for the remainder of the season, or will the Kobe of old rear his ugly head?
Assuming that Bryant and Nash are capable of playing alongside each other for the purpose of conversation, let's take a look at how the Lakers offense is going to look with Nash at the helm, specifically based on how Nash impacts Kobe.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1277440-how-steve-nash-will-impact-kobe-bryants-role-in-la-lakers-offense
Kobe Brings His Drive to the Olympics: Fan Reaction
By Todd Pheifer, Yahoo! Sports
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers loves to compete. You would assume that being on Team USA is a bit more relaxing for the accomplished star, but something tells me that Kobe still wants to win and is not going to put up with teammates that slack off on the court. In addition to rings and many individual NBA awards, Bryant already has a gold medal from the 2008 Olympics. Is that enough? Absolutely not. Will he be disappointed if Team does not get a gold medal in 2012? Yes.
A different venue
This is essentially an All-Star team that is taking their talents on the road. Granted, these are not necessarily the very best players in the NBA, but this is a group of guys who are stars in the Association. However, this is a different venue than the NBA All-Star Game, which is essentially an over-produced defense-free exhibition. Here, there is a theme of national identity, and while not all of the players may grasp the importance of representing their country, this is about pride.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/kobe-brings-drive-olympics-fan-reaction-045000857--nba.html
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers loves to compete. You would assume that being on Team USA is a bit more relaxing for the accomplished star, but something tells me that Kobe still wants to win and is not going to put up with teammates that slack off on the court. In addition to rings and many individual NBA awards, Bryant already has a gold medal from the 2008 Olympics. Is that enough? Absolutely not. Will he be disappointed if Team does not get a gold medal in 2012? Yes.
A different venue
This is essentially an All-Star team that is taking their talents on the road. Granted, these are not necessarily the very best players in the NBA, but this is a group of guys who are stars in the Association. However, this is a different venue than the NBA All-Star Game, which is essentially an over-produced defense-free exhibition. Here, there is a theme of national identity, and while not all of the players may grasp the importance of representing their country, this is about pride.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/kobe-brings-drive-olympics-fan-reaction-045000857--nba.html
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Bryant wary of Spain as US looks to emulate 1992 Dream Team
By George Burns, digibit.info
Kobe Bryant believes Spain is the biggest obstacle standing between the US basketball team and its goal of emulating the 1992 US Dream Team′s Barcelona achievements at London 2012.
"Spain. If we make it to the final, that's the team we're expecting to meet there. And we are ready for that," Bryant said Friday, singling out team-mate Pau Gasol as a major threat.
Although the US defeated Spain 100-78 Tuesday in Barcelona to complete a sweep of their five warm-up games before opening the defence of the Olympic title Sunday against France, Spain did use their height advantage to edge the first quarter. Spain also did not use All-Star centre Marc Gasol or backup point guard Sergio Rodriguez on Tuesday.
"We know that the lack of size for us is going to be something to adjust," admitted the Los Angeles Lakers star.
Kobe Bryant believes Spain is the biggest obstacle standing between the US basketball team and its goal of emulating the 1992 US Dream Team′s Barcelona achievements at London 2012.
"Spain. If we make it to the final, that's the team we're expecting to meet there. And we are ready for that," Bryant said Friday, singling out team-mate Pau Gasol as a major threat.
Although the US defeated Spain 100-78 Tuesday in Barcelona to complete a sweep of their five warm-up games before opening the defence of the Olympic title Sunday against France, Spain did use their height advantage to edge the first quarter. Spain also did not use All-Star centre Marc Gasol or backup point guard Sergio Rodriguez on Tuesday.
"We know that the lack of size for us is going to be something to adjust," admitted the Los Angeles Lakers star.
With LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Team USA starring at London Olympics, NBA and David Stern can turn page from last summer’s lockout
New York Daily News
Let the Summer Games begin — and let the NBA brand dominate the scene in London, as it is almost guaranteed to do.
Or to put it another way, the summer of 2012 for the NBA sure beats the summer of 2011.
Just a year ago, the NBA was in total lockdown mode, with its players entering the second month of a contentious and costly five-month lockout. The only talk about the NBA was the sleep-inducing arguments over the split of revenues, competitive balance and future luxury-tax levels, along with the possibility of losing a big chunk of the 2011-12 season. Once the two sides reached an agreement on a new labor deal, the latter was realized with the loss of 20 percent of the season, costing owners and players about $400 million.
But this summer couldn't be going any better for David Stern, his 30 owners and the league's 450 players. The NBA logo is ready to dwarf Big Ben for the next two weeks. A record 57 NBA players — 39 current and 18 former — will be playing in London, filling spots on 11 of the 12 Olympic rosters. In all, 20 of the league's 30 teams will be represented.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/lebron-james-kobe-bryant-team-usa-starring-london-olympics-nba-david-stern-turn-page-summer-lockout-article-1.1124330
Let the Summer Games begin — and let the NBA brand dominate the scene in London, as it is almost guaranteed to do.
Or to put it another way, the summer of 2012 for the NBA sure beats the summer of 2011.
Just a year ago, the NBA was in total lockdown mode, with its players entering the second month of a contentious and costly five-month lockout. The only talk about the NBA was the sleep-inducing arguments over the split of revenues, competitive balance and future luxury-tax levels, along with the possibility of losing a big chunk of the 2011-12 season. Once the two sides reached an agreement on a new labor deal, the latter was realized with the loss of 20 percent of the season, costing owners and players about $400 million.
But this summer couldn't be going any better for David Stern, his 30 owners and the league's 450 players. The NBA logo is ready to dwarf Big Ben for the next two weeks. A record 57 NBA players — 39 current and 18 former — will be playing in London, filling spots on 11 of the 12 Olympic rosters. In all, 20 of the league's 30 teams will be represented.
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/lebron-james-kobe-bryant-team-usa-starring-london-olympics-nba-david-stern-turn-page-summer-lockout-article-1.1124330
In First Match, U.S. Basketball Cruises Past France
By Eyder Peralta, NPR
With the help of a generous LeBron James, assisting more than he scored, the United States breezed through France 98 to 71.
It wasn't a flashy win, but it showed U.S. dominance.
During an interview after the game, Kevin Durant was asked how the team chooses which of the All Stars gets to a take a shot.
"We don't care who scores," he said.
With the help of a generous LeBron James, assisting more than he scored, the United States breezed through France 98 to 71.
It wasn't a flashy win, but it showed U.S. dominance.
During an interview after the game, Kevin Durant was asked how the team chooses which of the All Stars gets to a take a shot.
"We don't care who scores," he said.
London Olympics: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol have Kodak moment
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
On the best days, here's how Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol interact. They high-five each other. They rub each other's heads. They express appreciation for their complementary styles.
On the best days, here's how Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol interact. They high-five each other. They rub each other's heads. They express appreciation for their complementary styles.
On the worst days, here's how Bryant and Gasol interact. Bryant questions Gasol's aggressiveness. Gasol laments Bryant's high-volume shooting coming at the expense of crisp ball movement. In their Game 5 loss to Oklahoma City in the Western Conference semifinals, they even argued.
But never had the two interacted this way. Bryant and Gasol posed in a photo Friday night moments before the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics wearing their unique garb. Bryant and Gasol stood side by side in outfits no one would ever see them wear at Staples Center. Bryant wore a controversial made-in-China Ralph Lauren uniform, including a navy blazer, white shirt, navy tie and a beret. Gasol wore a Bosco bright red jacket, white shirt, orange tie and a wide-brimmed hat. Together they made a Kodak moment that was later posted on Bryant's Facebook page.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Pau Gasol thanks Kobe Bryant via Twitter for recent trade comments
By Ryan Ward, Examiner
The one player on the Los Angeles Lakersrumored to be on the trading block during the 2011-12 NBA season that was thought to be traded at some point between the beginning of the year up to the NBA trade deadline was two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol. Once the deadline came and went without a deal being made, no one was more relieved than Gasol.
Unfortunately, Gasol’s name was right back on the trading block once the NBA off-season began for the Lakers with the team looking to bring in a considerable upgrade at point guard. Despite endless trade rumors, Gasol has yet to be dealt by the Lakers with Steve Nash now in the mix in Los Angeles and Kobe Bryant believes he never will be.
Kobe Bryant praises Aussie swim team
Yahoo! Sports
Kobe Bryant has told his 13 million Facebook fans his visit to the Australian Olympic swimming team last week was "a great opportunity and honour".
The American basketball superstar wrote that he happened to be staying in the same hotel as the Aussies in Manchester and "couldn't resist the chance to watch them train".
"I loved the attention to detail they put into their training and the methodical approach they have," Bryant wrote.
He said of Stephanie Rice: "I was lucky ... I had the chance to see the best in the world prepare and she is FOCUSED."
Kobe Bryant the elder statesman is an Olympian worth cheering
By Mike Wise, The Washington Post
Inches from the best basketball player in the world since Michael Jordan, trapped in a scrum by a pushy Italian and some ornery chap from Russia named Slava, there was only one thing to do at the Kobe Bryant Celebrity Interview session.
Ask Mamba everything you’ve been wanting to ask Mamba. And then ask Mamba more, until he can't take the pressure anymore.
“Were you surprised that David Stern didn’t nix the Steve Nash trade and send him to the Clippers?”
Ask Mamba everything you’ve been wanting to ask Mamba. And then ask Mamba more, until he can't take the pressure anymore.
“Were you surprised that David Stern didn’t nix the Steve Nash trade and send him to the Clippers?”
Kobe Bryant on LeBron James: We have more in common now
By Mike Bresnahan, Los Angeles Times
Things have changed for Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
All it took was an NBA championship by the Miami Heat.
"We have more in common now," Bryant said Friday. "We talk about more things now."
It's not that Bryant hated James or anything like that, but the five-time ring-earner sometimes dismisses opponents who don't have one of their own.
Case in point: Last February, Bryant shrugged off young Oklahoma City stars Kevin Durant and James Harden after they engaged him in trash-talking late in a regular-season game.
"Maybe one day they'll be able to sit at my lunch table," Bryant said at the time. "Right now we're at two different lunch tables, man. The conversation's pretty brief."
http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/olympicsnow/la-sp-on-kobe-lebron-20120728,0,5756861.story
Things have changed for Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
All it took was an NBA championship by the Miami Heat.
"We have more in common now," Bryant said Friday. "We talk about more things now."
It's not that Bryant hated James or anything like that, but the five-time ring-earner sometimes dismisses opponents who don't have one of their own.
Case in point: Last February, Bryant shrugged off young Oklahoma City stars Kevin Durant and James Harden after they engaged him in trash-talking late in a regular-season game.
"Maybe one day they'll be able to sit at my lunch table," Bryant said at the time. "Right now we're at two different lunch tables, man. The conversation's pretty brief."
http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/olympicsnow/la-sp-on-kobe-lebron-20120728,0,5756861.story
Friday, July 27, 2012
Kobe Bryant set to wear 'Gold Medal' Nike Zoom Kobe 7 for Olympic finale
By Juan Martinez, Examiner
It is widely assumed that Team USA Basketball will have a relatively easy time getting to the gold medal game against either Spain or Argentina, so Nike is already preparing for that moment by creating special "Gold Medal" versions of their signature shoes. First up is Kobe Bryant with a gold-hued edition of the Nike Zoom Kobe 7 "USA."
The "Gold Medal" retains many of the same features of the "USA," the obsidian blue swoosh has been replaced with metallic gold. The Black Mamba logo on the tongue has also received a gold facelift, the heel counter has gold accents sprayed on the top mixed with the blue and the laces also gets hints of gold as well.
With Kobe fulfilling the old man role that Jason Kidd occupied during the 2008 squad - which Bryant also played on - expect him to not play as much during the preliminary rounds with his minutes increasing as they can smell the gold medal. Similarly, the Nike Zoom Kobe 7 "Gold Medal" - which is set to drop August 11 in Asian markets - might not see release until the actual medal round. Then again, if Team USA is unceremoniously eliminated from the competition, don't expect this to come out at all.
http://www.examiner.com/article/kobe-bryant-set-to-wear-gold-medal-nike-zoom-kobe-7-during-olympic-finale
It is widely assumed that Team USA Basketball will have a relatively easy time getting to the gold medal game against either Spain or Argentina, so Nike is already preparing for that moment by creating special "Gold Medal" versions of their signature shoes. First up is Kobe Bryant with a gold-hued edition of the Nike Zoom Kobe 7 "USA."
The "Gold Medal" retains many of the same features of the "USA," the obsidian blue swoosh has been replaced with metallic gold. The Black Mamba logo on the tongue has also received a gold facelift, the heel counter has gold accents sprayed on the top mixed with the blue and the laces also gets hints of gold as well.
With Kobe fulfilling the old man role that Jason Kidd occupied during the 2008 squad - which Bryant also played on - expect him to not play as much during the preliminary rounds with his minutes increasing as they can smell the gold medal. Similarly, the Nike Zoom Kobe 7 "Gold Medal" - which is set to drop August 11 in Asian markets - might not see release until the actual medal round. Then again, if Team USA is unceremoniously eliminated from the competition, don't expect this to come out at all.
http://www.examiner.com/article/kobe-bryant-set-to-wear-gold-medal-nike-zoom-kobe-7-during-olympic-finale
Place All Metal Objects In The Tray, Please... Oh, Hi Kobe!
By Vickie Walton-James, NPR
We ran into USA Men's basketball at the security sweep today. Yes, even big-time basketball players and coaches must suffer the indignity of the magnetometer. We were all making our way through security into the Main Press Center, where the team was about to meet journalists.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo, coach Mike Krzyzewski and much of the rest of the team seemed to have little trouble getting screened. Assistant coach Nate McMillan may have forgotten to empty his pockets, because he got the pat-down.
Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant posed for pictures with British soldiers, who broke their own rule against photography in the "mag and bag" area.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetorch/2012/07/27/157474882/place-all-metal-objects-in-the-tray-please-oh-hi-kobe
We ran into USA Men's basketball at the security sweep today. Yes, even big-time basketball players and coaches must suffer the indignity of the magnetometer. We were all making our way through security into the Main Press Center, where the team was about to meet journalists.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo, coach Mike Krzyzewski and much of the rest of the team seemed to have little trouble getting screened. Assistant coach Nate McMillan may have forgotten to empty his pockets, because he got the pat-down.
Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant posed for pictures with British soldiers, who broke their own rule against photography in the "mag and bag" area.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetorch/2012/07/27/157474882/place-all-metal-objects-in-the-tray-please-oh-hi-kobe
Most intriguing games of 2012-13
By Paul Forrester, Sports Illustrated
It's time to get back to healthy habits. Last year's lockout-compressed schedule offered a feast of matchups every night during the compacted 66-game season. Now, with labor peace at hand, the NBA released a standard 82-game slate for the 2012-13 season Thursday night. No more back-to-back-to-back games. No more speculation about how fatigue may be causing a cascade of injuries. Just good, healthy basketball from Oct. 30 until April 17. Let's take a peek at some of the best matchups of the season:
Celtics at Heat, Oct. 30
Nothing to see here, really. Just last season's Eastern Conference finalists meeting on Opening Night. With Ray Allen suiting up for the team in South Beach rather than the one visiting in Celtic green. Featuring an Allen-Rajon Rondo rift that reportedly factored into the shooting guard's decision to leave. And renewing the long-simmering rivalry between Paul Pierce and LeBron James. Nope, nothing to see here. Might as well flip the channel.
Knicks at Nets, Nov. 1
The battle for New York begins. Yes, the Knicks generally own New York, but the bad feelings surrounding Jeremy Lin's departure have opened the door for the Nets to gain some fans now that they also call New York home. A win in Brooklyn to start the season would be all the city's media needs to debate which team is better. Debate means buzz. Buzz means ticket sales. And ticket sales mean a chance to chip away at the Knicks' popularity.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/paul_forrester/07/25/nba-best-games/index.html
It's time to get back to healthy habits. Last year's lockout-compressed schedule offered a feast of matchups every night during the compacted 66-game season. Now, with labor peace at hand, the NBA released a standard 82-game slate for the 2012-13 season Thursday night. No more back-to-back-to-back games. No more speculation about how fatigue may be causing a cascade of injuries. Just good, healthy basketball from Oct. 30 until April 17. Let's take a peek at some of the best matchups of the season:
Celtics at Heat, Oct. 30
Nothing to see here, really. Just last season's Eastern Conference finalists meeting on Opening Night. With Ray Allen suiting up for the team in South Beach rather than the one visiting in Celtic green. Featuring an Allen-Rajon Rondo rift that reportedly factored into the shooting guard's decision to leave. And renewing the long-simmering rivalry between Paul Pierce and LeBron James. Nope, nothing to see here. Might as well flip the channel.
Knicks at Nets, Nov. 1
The battle for New York begins. Yes, the Knicks generally own New York, but the bad feelings surrounding Jeremy Lin's departure have opened the door for the Nets to gain some fans now that they also call New York home. A win in Brooklyn to start the season would be all the city's media needs to debate which team is better. Debate means buzz. Buzz means ticket sales. And ticket sales mean a chance to chip away at the Knicks' popularity.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/paul_forrester/07/25/nba-best-games/index.html
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The World According to Kobe
By Scott Cacciola,The Wall Street Journal
Gather around, everybody. Old Man Bryant has something he wants to say. He may want to tell you about Anthony Davis’s tenuous position as the youngest player on the U.S. men’s basketball team: “If he doesn’t listen, we’re going to shave his unibrow.” Or Russell Westbrook’s eclectic wardrobe: “I know he wears a lot of weird s—. It’s a generational thing.” Or maybe the proposed age limit for Olympic basketball players: “I think it’s stupid.”
Kobe Bryant, once a mercurial teenage prodigy, has a new role at the London Olympics: the elder statesman of U.S. basketball. At 33, Bryant is the oldest player on Team USA, which will open its Olympic competition Sunday against France. In fact, Bryant is the only American in his 30s. So it’s understandable if he feels he has earned the right to say whatever he wants to whomever he wants.
No one has been immune from Bryant’s acid wit—and we mean no one. When President Barack Obama and the first lady, Michelle Obama, were shown on the “Kiss Cam” during Team USA’s exhibition against Brazil on July 16 in Washington, D.C.—and initially demurred before smooching the second time they were shown—Bryant offered up some postgame analysis. “PDA isn’t for everybody,” he said. “But he makes the important decisions, so it’s all good.”
It’s important to note that Bryant has been more playful than cantankerous. He softens the sledgehammer’s blow with a smile. And at this (late) stage of his career, he understands the unique dynamics of a team packed with intergalactic superstars. As Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski put it, “We have a bunch of guys who need to touch the ball.”
Gather around, everybody. Old Man Bryant has something he wants to say. He may want to tell you about Anthony Davis’s tenuous position as the youngest player on the U.S. men’s basketball team: “If he doesn’t listen, we’re going to shave his unibrow.” Or Russell Westbrook’s eclectic wardrobe: “I know he wears a lot of weird s—. It’s a generational thing.” Or maybe the proposed age limit for Olympic basketball players: “I think it’s stupid.”
Kobe Bryant, once a mercurial teenage prodigy, has a new role at the London Olympics: the elder statesman of U.S. basketball. At 33, Bryant is the oldest player on Team USA, which will open its Olympic competition Sunday against France. In fact, Bryant is the only American in his 30s. So it’s understandable if he feels he has earned the right to say whatever he wants to whomever he wants.
No one has been immune from Bryant’s acid wit—and we mean no one. When President Barack Obama and the first lady, Michelle Obama, were shown on the “Kiss Cam” during Team USA’s exhibition against Brazil on July 16 in Washington, D.C.—and initially demurred before smooching the second time they were shown—Bryant offered up some postgame analysis. “PDA isn’t for everybody,” he said. “But he makes the important decisions, so it’s all good.”
It’s important to note that Bryant has been more playful than cantankerous. He softens the sledgehammer’s blow with a smile. And at this (late) stage of his career, he understands the unique dynamics of a team packed with intergalactic superstars. As Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski put it, “We have a bunch of guys who need to touch the ball.”
Kobe Bryant's relationship with front office has improved
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
The phone in Kobe Bryant's pocket trembled at an unexpected time.
He had been in the middle of overseeing his basketball camp in Santa Barbara and had just wrapped a clinic at the local Boys & Girls Club. And he was just days away from beginning practice with Team USA in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics.
But a phone call brought him back from all the non-Lakers-related pursuits. Team General Manager Mitch Kupchak was checking in, alerting him that the front office was in serious pursuit of veteran point guard Steve Nash.
"You think you really have a chance?" Bryant asked.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-la-kobe-bryants-relationship-with-front-office-improved-in-past-year-20120724,0,6748942.story
The phone in Kobe Bryant's pocket trembled at an unexpected time.
He had been in the middle of overseeing his basketball camp in Santa Barbara and had just wrapped a clinic at the local Boys & Girls Club. And he was just days away from beginning practice with Team USA in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics.
But a phone call brought him back from all the non-Lakers-related pursuits. Team General Manager Mitch Kupchak was checking in, alerting him that the front office was in serious pursuit of veteran point guard Steve Nash.
"You think you really have a chance?" Bryant asked.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-la-kobe-bryants-relationship-with-front-office-improved-in-past-year-20120724,0,6748942.story
Antawn Jamison relishes 51-point performance against Kobe Bryant
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
Whenever the moment feels right, Antawn Jamison pops in a tape that highlights a different era, one in which he starred opposite Kobe Bryant.
Jamison may have openly gushed Wednesday at his introductory Lakers press conference about how Bryant's presence will lead to easier looks and a path to an NBA championship. But there was a time nearly a dozen years ago when Jamison wanted nothing more than to beat him.
The Lakers' 125-122 double-overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 6, 2000 featured Bryant and Jamison each scoring 51 points. It marked the first time two players had reached the 50-point plateau since 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain (63 points) and Elgin Baylor (51) provided the offensive fireworks. To this day, Jamison still shows off that tape to his 5-year-old son to show "what the old man used to do back in the day."
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-la-antawn-jamison-relishes-51point-performance-against-kobe-bryant-20120726,0,5881129.story
Whenever the moment feels right, Antawn Jamison pops in a tape that highlights a different era, one in which he starred opposite Kobe Bryant.
Jamison may have openly gushed Wednesday at his introductory Lakers press conference about how Bryant's presence will lead to easier looks and a path to an NBA championship. But there was a time nearly a dozen years ago when Jamison wanted nothing more than to beat him.
The Lakers' 125-122 double-overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 6, 2000 featured Bryant and Jamison each scoring 51 points. It marked the first time two players had reached the 50-point plateau since 1962, when Wilt Chamberlain (63 points) and Elgin Baylor (51) provided the offensive fireworks. To this day, Jamison still shows off that tape to his 5-year-old son to show "what the old man used to do back in the day."
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-la-antawn-jamison-relishes-51point-performance-against-kobe-bryant-20120726,0,5881129.story
Kobe Bryant Is A Loser (Of Weight)
By Andy Hutchins, SB Nation
Kobe Bryant is getting old. At 33, he'll be the third-oldest American men's Olympic basketball player since the "Dream Team" took Barcelona by storm in the 1992 Olympic Games when he suits up for Team USA at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, behind Jason Kidd (35 in 2008) and Larry Bird (34 in 1992).
So, for once, Bryant has chosen to be a loser. He's dropped 16 pounds since the end of his 2011-12 season.
Bryant tells The Guardian that he made the move to stay competitive after the grueling schedule required of the U.S.'s Olympians.
"With summer basketball leading directly into the season – and I'm expecting to play until next June – I have to take some load off my knees. I've got to shave some of this weight."
Of course, it's a smart choice. Kobe's not just almost as old as Kidd and Bird were; he's got many more NBA minutes to his name.
http://www.sbnation.com/london-olympics-2012/2012/7/25/3187755/kobe-bryant-weight-team-usa-2012-olympics
Kobe Bryant is getting old. At 33, he'll be the third-oldest American men's Olympic basketball player since the "Dream Team" took Barcelona by storm in the 1992 Olympic Games when he suits up for Team USA at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, behind Jason Kidd (35 in 2008) and Larry Bird (34 in 1992).
So, for once, Bryant has chosen to be a loser. He's dropped 16 pounds since the end of his 2011-12 season.
Bryant tells The Guardian that he made the move to stay competitive after the grueling schedule required of the U.S.'s Olympians.
"With summer basketball leading directly into the season – and I'm expecting to play until next June – I have to take some load off my knees. I've got to shave some of this weight."
Of course, it's a smart choice. Kobe's not just almost as old as Kidd and Bird were; he's got many more NBA minutes to his name.
http://www.sbnation.com/london-olympics-2012/2012/7/25/3187755/kobe-bryant-weight-team-usa-2012-olympics
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Kobe drops some pounds to preserve knees
By Matthew Shovlin, FanIQ
Team USA shooting guard and all-time Laker great Kobe Bryant has reportedly lost 16 pounds in preparation for the Olympics this summer.
"With summer basketball leading directly into the season - and I'm expecting to play until next June - I have to take some load off my knees," Kobe said. "I've got to shave some of this weight."
It will be interesting to see how the change in weight affects his play. My guess is that he'll be just as spectacular as usual, but it's interesting to consider the times when weight change has backfired. Knicks' forward Amar'e Stoudemire gained 20 pounds last season in an attempt to become more of a menace in the post, but it resulted in a loss of elevation and struggles with his jump shot.
Team USA shooting guard and all-time Laker great Kobe Bryant has reportedly lost 16 pounds in preparation for the Olympics this summer.
"With summer basketball leading directly into the season - and I'm expecting to play until next June - I have to take some load off my knees," Kobe said. "I've got to shave some of this weight."
It will be interesting to see how the change in weight affects his play. My guess is that he'll be just as spectacular as usual, but it's interesting to consider the times when weight change has backfired. Knicks' forward Amar'e Stoudemire gained 20 pounds last season in an attempt to become more of a menace in the post, but it resulted in a loss of elevation and struggles with his jump shot.
Kobe Bryant dropped 16 pounds for the Olympics and beyond
By Eric Freeman, SFGate
Over his 16-season NBA career, Kobe Bryant has stood out for many admirable traits, not the least of which are his skill and innate athleticism. But while Kobe happens to have as much talent as all but a few other players in the history of the sport, he arguably stands out most for his immense drive to get better. At every step of his career, he’s done what’s necessary to stay at the top of the game (as best he can, at least) and keep the Lakers in championship contention. It hasn’t always worked out, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
In 2008, Bryant led Team USA to the gold medal in part by setting an intense tone in practices and games, particularly on the defensive end. For this year’s tournament in London, Bryant has also committed himself to being at his best. To do so, he’s changed his body by dropping 16 pounds.From a long feature by Jeremiah Tittle for The Guardian UK (via PBT):
Over his 16-season NBA career, Kobe Bryant has stood out for many admirable traits, not the least of which are his skill and innate athleticism. But while Kobe happens to have as much talent as all but a few other players in the history of the sport, he arguably stands out most for his immense drive to get better. At every step of his career, he’s done what’s necessary to stay at the top of the game (as best he can, at least) and keep the Lakers in championship contention. It hasn’t always worked out, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
In 2008, Bryant led Team USA to the gold medal in part by setting an intense tone in practices and games, particularly on the defensive end. For this year’s tournament in London, Bryant has also committed himself to being at his best. To do so, he’s changed his body by dropping 16 pounds.From a long feature by Jeremiah Tittle for The Guardian UK (via PBT):
"But it is more than just preparation that allows the 33-year-old, fifth on the all-time NBA scoring list with 29,484 points, to continue to play at such a high level. When asked about the experimental treatment he underwent to remedy his failing knees, he says: “I’ve spoken to other baseball players, other [American] football players about it. It did wonders for me. It’s not just for your knees, but anything arthritic. So, the doctors came up with this [Orthokine] procedure which can act as a replacement of cartilage. For me, the results have been astonishing. I can run. I can train. I can do everything that I wanted to do without limping, my knee getting swollen or anything of that nature.”
How Kobe Bryant's Role with Team USA Foreshadows L.A. Lakers Plans Next Season
By Stephan Babb, Bleacher Report
The Los Angeles Lakers have seen a few versions of Kobe Bryant over the years, as is to be expected when you're talking about such a multi-talented competitor.
Although he had more help last season than he did back in 2005-06, the 33-year-old superstar was once again the Alpha and Omega of head coach Mike Brown's offense. Though Andrew Bynum saw an increased role and Pau Gasol remained a dangerous third-option, this wasn't the same Kobe who so readily deferred to Shaquille O'Neal.
This was a version of Kobe who understood his team would rise and fall on the basis of his ability to score points and create plays.
Accordingly, it was also a version that had to handle the basketball with stunning frequency, culminating in a usage rate that ranked among the highest in league history.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1272172-how-kobe-bryants-role-with-team-usa-foreshadows-la-lakers-plans-next-season
The Los Angeles Lakers have seen a few versions of Kobe Bryant over the years, as is to be expected when you're talking about such a multi-talented competitor.
Although he had more help last season than he did back in 2005-06, the 33-year-old superstar was once again the Alpha and Omega of head coach Mike Brown's offense. Though Andrew Bynum saw an increased role and Pau Gasol remained a dangerous third-option, this wasn't the same Kobe who so readily deferred to Shaquille O'Neal.
This was a version of Kobe who understood his team would rise and fall on the basis of his ability to score points and create plays.
Accordingly, it was also a version that had to handle the basketball with stunning frequency, culminating in a usage rate that ranked among the highest in league history.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1272172-how-kobe-bryants-role-with-team-usa-foreshadows-la-lakers-plans-next-season
Kobe Bryant: elder statesman is eager for final shot at Olympic gold
By Jeremiah Tittle, The Guardian
Standing alone at the foul line, Kobe Bryant stares at the rim of the hoop 15 feet away, gripping the basketball in his right hand, steadying his aim with his left. He raises the ball to his full height, 1.98m above the rubber floor. He imagines the hush of the crowd in a packed stadium with only a few seconds remaining in the gold medal match, achieving an intense focus unmatched by even the best athletes in sport.
It is not so difficult to imagine. He has been there before. The five-times NBA champion, who has averaged 25.4 points per game over his career, brings an extra dose of gravitas to the formidable USA men's basketball squad training in Las Vegas as they prepare to win gold at the London Olympics.
He stands out. Not only because he is the only guy wearing a white jersey among this gaggle of behemoths wearing blue kits emblazoned with the letters USA across their chests. As the team go through their warm-up routine, it is clear that something is different about the superstar, physically and mentally.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/25/kobe-bryant-olympic-team-usa?newsfeed=true
Standing alone at the foul line, Kobe Bryant stares at the rim of the hoop 15 feet away, gripping the basketball in his right hand, steadying his aim with his left. He raises the ball to his full height, 1.98m above the rubber floor. He imagines the hush of the crowd in a packed stadium with only a few seconds remaining in the gold medal match, achieving an intense focus unmatched by even the best athletes in sport.
It is not so difficult to imagine. He has been there before. The five-times NBA champion, who has averaged 25.4 points per game over his career, brings an extra dose of gravitas to the formidable USA men's basketball squad training in Las Vegas as they prepare to win gold at the London Olympics.
He stands out. Not only because he is the only guy wearing a white jersey among this gaggle of behemoths wearing blue kits emblazoned with the letters USA across their chests. As the team go through their warm-up routine, it is clear that something is different about the superstar, physically and mentally.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/jul/25/kobe-bryant-olympic-team-usa?newsfeed=true
Ding: Team USA's Kobe signals Lakers' future
By Kevin Ding, Orange County Register
The winning began when Phil Jackson de-Kobe'd him.
Jackson stifled Kobe Bryant's overflowing shooting and scoring instincts and made Bryant accept the great disappointment but greater responsibility that he had a primary job before shooting and scoring. Bryant was to set the ball up in deep post position for a slow Diesel truck named Shaquille O'Neal to hold ongoing pole position in the Lakers' lineup.
Bryant didn't often want to and didn't always do so when his own personal growth was at stake. But O'Neal won three NBA Finals MVPs and Bryant collected his first three titles.
In a sense, this is now coming full circle for Bryant.
Time to de-Kobe him again, eh? Step aside and let Steve Nash be the No. 1? Defer more with whoever among Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol can lord over the Lakers' interior in an era when Bryant turns 34 next month?
Actually ... no, no and no.
The winning began when Phil Jackson de-Kobe'd him.
Jackson stifled Kobe Bryant's overflowing shooting and scoring instincts and made Bryant accept the great disappointment but greater responsibility that he had a primary job before shooting and scoring. Bryant was to set the ball up in deep post position for a slow Diesel truck named Shaquille O'Neal to hold ongoing pole position in the Lakers' lineup.
Bryant didn't often want to and didn't always do so when his own personal growth was at stake. But O'Neal won three NBA Finals MVPs and Bryant collected his first three titles.
In a sense, this is now coming full circle for Bryant.
Time to de-Kobe him again, eh? Step aside and let Steve Nash be the No. 1? Defer more with whoever among Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol can lord over the Lakers' interior in an era when Bryant turns 34 next month?
Actually ... no, no and no.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Kobe Bryant Knows Spain Desperately Wants to Win Exhibition vs Team USA
slamonline.com
The Spanish national hoops team has attempted to sell the world on the idea that they’re not taking tonight’s supposedly friendly Olympic tuneup against the American side too seriously. Kobe Bryant, however, isn’t buying any of it. From the AP: “A game against the U.S. – the team that beat them for the Olympic basketball gold medal four years earlier – this time in front of their own crowd? The Spanish players are supposed to be OK with losing, because it’s only an exhibition? ‘There’s not a chance,’ Bryant said Monday. ‘It’s not just practice. It’s impossible.’ Bryant might have come away with a different opinion if he’d listened to Spain’s players talk on the same Palau Sant Jordi floor about an hour earlier. They are excited about the game Tuesday night and will try to win, but not at the expense of their preparations for London. ‘It’s an exhibition game. I think both teams are going to try to (use) different lineups, going to try maybe different stuff, but at the end of the day you know you’re not going to show a lot of things to the other team,’ Spain guard Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors said. ‘You’re not going to have a medal if you win or if you lost tomorrow.’ […] ‘It’ll definitely be a great test,’ Spain star Pau Gasol said. ‘We believe in our chances, but it’s just a friendly game. Obviously we’d rather lose tomorrow and win in London.’ […] Bryant said Gasol is like a little brother, and that big brothers don’t let little brothers win. ‘He doesn’t like to lose against anyone, but I’d like to maybe let him win tomorrow and maybe beat him in London,’ Gasol said. ‘That’ll be ideal.’ Bryant countered that there’s ‘no way Pau is thinking this is just another game.’ And if it’s another tight one like the Beijing battle as they head into the final minutes Tuesday? ‘There’s no way Pau’s sitting down,’ Bryant said.”
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2012/07/kobe-bryant-knows-spain-desperately-wants-to-win-exhibition-vs-team-usa/
The Spanish national hoops team has attempted to sell the world on the idea that they’re not taking tonight’s supposedly friendly Olympic tuneup against the American side too seriously. Kobe Bryant, however, isn’t buying any of it. From the AP: “A game against the U.S. – the team that beat them for the Olympic basketball gold medal four years earlier – this time in front of their own crowd? The Spanish players are supposed to be OK with losing, because it’s only an exhibition? ‘There’s not a chance,’ Bryant said Monday. ‘It’s not just practice. It’s impossible.’ Bryant might have come away with a different opinion if he’d listened to Spain’s players talk on the same Palau Sant Jordi floor about an hour earlier. They are excited about the game Tuesday night and will try to win, but not at the expense of their preparations for London. ‘It’s an exhibition game. I think both teams are going to try to (use) different lineups, going to try maybe different stuff, but at the end of the day you know you’re not going to show a lot of things to the other team,’ Spain guard Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors said. ‘You’re not going to have a medal if you win or if you lost tomorrow.’ […] ‘It’ll definitely be a great test,’ Spain star Pau Gasol said. ‘We believe in our chances, but it’s just a friendly game. Obviously we’d rather lose tomorrow and win in London.’ […] Bryant said Gasol is like a little brother, and that big brothers don’t let little brothers win. ‘He doesn’t like to lose against anyone, but I’d like to maybe let him win tomorrow and maybe beat him in London,’ Gasol said. ‘That’ll be ideal.’ Bryant countered that there’s ‘no way Pau is thinking this is just another game.’ And if it’s another tight one like the Beijing battle as they head into the final minutes Tuesday? ‘There’s no way Pau’s sitting down,’ Bryant said.”
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2012/07/kobe-bryant-knows-spain-desperately-wants-to-win-exhibition-vs-team-usa/
Can Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol rebuild chemistry for next season?
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
The high-fives soon turned into cold shoulders. The pats on the head suddenly stopped. The encouraging words turned argumentative.
Although there were several issues plaguing last year's Lakers teams, perhaps the most disturbing one involved the dynamic between Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. As the Lakers' season came to a close in their Game 5 loss against Oklahoma City, the two were visibly frustrated and constantly argued with each other. It provided yet another reminder that things have changed since Gasol became the complementing force Bryant needed to ensure three consecutive NBA Finals appearances and two championships after the departure of Shaquille O'Neal. The image served as a possible reminder that this once fruitful relationship could end during a busy and uncertain offseason.
Gasol conceded two weeks ago in an email to The Times that there are "no guarantees" on whether he will remain a Laker. But with the Steve Nash acquisition, the Lakers don't need to dangle Gasol to upgrade at point guard. The Lakers' ongoing talks with Dwight Howard involve Andrew Bynum as the trade's centerpiece. So there's a strong possiblity Gasol will still stay in Los Angeles.
Kobe Bryant could top Michael Jordan in a significant way, were he to retire for good in a few years
By Kelly Dwyer, Yahoo! Sports
When Kobe Bryant tells Yahoo! Sports' Graham Bensinger that it's "probably accurate" that he'll follow through on Bryant's rookie year suggestion that he'll retire at age 35, you at once think that it's probably not accurate. Kobe would have been 18 or possibly even 17 (the age in which he was drafted) when he said this, working in an NBA with Michael Jordan alternating as both the best player in the game and a step away from retirement at the same time, at age 33. Bryant's contract ends in two years just a month before he turns 36, and though you get the feeling he hadn't considered the possibility of following through on the thoughts of his 18-year-old self, you can never dismiss anything with Kobe. He's that calculating, that smart.
What if he pulled it off, though? What if he decided that 18 seasons were enough, and that he was going to walk away? What if he signed on for one more season, in order to play through Steve Nash's final year, and retire just a few months before turning 37? What if he and his Los Angeles Lakerssecured another ring, along the way?
You know what? He'd be topping MJ.
NBA stars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant:'Messi is the best in the world'
By Gareth McKnight, Yahoo! Sports
NBA stars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have praised Barcelonaforward Lionel Messi, calling him the best footballer in the world.
The United States basketball stars are in Europe for the London Olympic Games, and were full of superlatives when asked to describe the Argentina international.
"Messi is the best player in the world. And, if he is not already, he will be the best player of all time,” James said in an interview withEFE.
"Messi is the best ... the best!” Bryant agreed. “Once I had the opportunity to see a Barcelona training session and I really enjoyed it.”
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award three times in a row, and is widely expected to be a front-runner again for 2012.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-stars-lebron-james-kobe-120210919--sow.html
NBA stars LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have praised Barcelonaforward Lionel Messi, calling him the best footballer in the world.
The United States basketball stars are in Europe for the London Olympic Games, and were full of superlatives when asked to describe the Argentina international.
"Messi is the best player in the world. And, if he is not already, he will be the best player of all time,” James said in an interview withEFE.
"Messi is the best ... the best!” Bryant agreed. “Once I had the opportunity to see a Barcelona training session and I really enjoyed it.”
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award three times in a row, and is widely expected to be a front-runner again for 2012.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-stars-lebron-james-kobe-120210919--sow.html
Kobe Bryant Opens Up on Retirement, Phil Jackson, Dismissed Sexual Assault Charges and Shaquille O'Neal
By Graham Bensinger, Huffington Post
I recently sat down with five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant. The interview is for a new episode of In Depth. In his only extensive interview leading up to the 2012 London Olympics, the Los Angeles Lakers' All-Star opens up about the likelihood he will retire soon. Bryant speaks extensively about how his dismissed 2003 sexual assault charges impacted him personally. The former Most Valuable Player also talks about his feud with Shaquille O'Neal and his relationship with former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
Highlights:
Kobe Bryant discusses the possibility of retiring after the 2013-14 season: "I've been playing for 17 years now, so next year will be my 17th and then, when I'm 35, it will be my 18th year in the league. I mean that's a long time to be playing. It will be the last year in my contract, so I don't know. I don't know if I'll play any longer than that."
I recently sat down with five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant. The interview is for a new episode of In Depth. In his only extensive interview leading up to the 2012 London Olympics, the Los Angeles Lakers' All-Star opens up about the likelihood he will retire soon. Bryant speaks extensively about how his dismissed 2003 sexual assault charges impacted him personally. The former Most Valuable Player also talks about his feud with Shaquille O'Neal and his relationship with former Lakers coach Phil Jackson.
Highlights:
Kobe Bryant discusses the possibility of retiring after the 2013-14 season: "I've been playing for 17 years now, so next year will be my 17th and then, when I'm 35, it will be my 18th year in the league. I mean that's a long time to be playing. It will be the last year in my contract, so I don't know. I don't know if I'll play any longer than that."
Watch clip:
Kobe Bryant News: Bryant Calls David Stern's Proposal 'A Stupid' Idea'
By Cory Doyle, International Business Times
NBA commissioner David Stern's has recently brought up a proposal to restrict NBA's Olympic involvement to players aged 23 and under. Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant described the proposal to the media as "stupid."
"It's a stupid idea," Bryant told reporters. "It should be a (player's) choice." Bryant said his statement is also shared by other Team USA members who arrived in Manchester after an overnight flight from Washington, D.C.
"Our discussion is this: Basically, it's just a dumb idea and we discuss it that way. ... We just discuss it like that and kind of voice our opinions through you media guys," Bryant added.
NBA commissioner David Stern's has recently brought up a proposal to restrict NBA's Olympic involvement to players aged 23 and under. Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant described the proposal to the media as "stupid."
"It's a stupid idea," Bryant told reporters. "It should be a (player's) choice." Bryant said his statement is also shared by other Team USA members who arrived in Manchester after an overnight flight from Washington, D.C.
"Our discussion is this: Basically, it's just a dumb idea and we discuss it that way. ... We just discuss it like that and kind of voice our opinions through you media guys," Bryant added.
Kobe Bryant-Antawn Jamison squared off in shootout in 2000
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
The scoring. The clutch shots. The desire to take command. All such qualities define both Kobe Bryantand Antawn Jamison.
For Bryant, it's cemented him among the NBA greats. The Lakers star has five league championships and a fifth-place standing on the NBA's all-time scoring list to show for it. For Jamison, it's ensured relevance in his 15-year NBA career as he's played varying starting and reserve roles for four other teams.
That bond could come together in miraculous ways for the Lakers in the 2012-13 season. Bryant should have an easier time scoring in the post and elbows with elite veteran Steve Nash running the point guard spot. Jamison, who agreed to terms Wednesday with the Lakers on a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum, will fill a key role in ensuring that the team's bench climbs out of the league cellar in point production.
But although it's understandable for the Lakers to feel giddy about the upcoming season, it also raises nostalgia about the past. Nearly a dozen years ago, Bryant and Jamison went head-to-head in a matchup that made the late Chick Hearn gush, "What a treat for the fans. What a treat for everyone."
Monday, July 23, 2012
Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash share competitive bond
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
The agitation stayed with Kobe Bryant.
He's years removed from it all. Yet, the Lakers’ star still harbors resentment toward the Phoenix Suns after falling to them in the first round of two consecutive postseasons. So much so that he admits last season, “I don’t like them.”
The frustration lingered with Steve Nash.
Two regular-season MVP awards and remaining one of the game’s best-ever passers aside, Nash acknowledges his thirst for an NBA championship. Why that hasn’t happened yet partly involves the Lakers, who halted the Suns’ momentum in the 2010 Western Conference semifinals. So as Nash mulled his free-agent options, he conceded a few weeks ago, “It would be hard to put on a Lakers jersey.”
That all changed within the past week.
Kobe Bryant on Pau Gasol in L.A.: ‘As long as I'm there, he's going to be there'
By Ryan Ward, The Examiner
Over the past few weeks or so, the Los Angeles Lakers have been surrounded by trade rumors involving the storied NBA franchise acquiring superstar center Dwight Howard. With the Lakers and Orlando Magic working on a blockbuster trade that would send All-Star center Andrew Bynum elsewhere, two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol has no longer been at the center of trade rumors in Los Angeles.
Even though it appears that Bynum is the next Laker to be traded, Gasol isn’t convinced he won’t be dealt before next season. Despite that being the case, Kobe Bryant has tried to set his teammate’s mind at ease by saying the following courtesy of Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press via Twitter:
Kobe, answering a question from a Spanish reporter about Pau's status with the Lakers: "As long as I'm there, he's going to be there."
http://www.examiner.com/article/kobe-bryant-on-pau-gasol-l-a-as-long-as-i-m-there-he-s-going-to-be-there
Over the past few weeks or so, the Los Angeles Lakers have been surrounded by trade rumors involving the storied NBA franchise acquiring superstar center Dwight Howard. With the Lakers and Orlando Magic working on a blockbuster trade that would send All-Star center Andrew Bynum elsewhere, two-time NBA champion Pau Gasol has no longer been at the center of trade rumors in Los Angeles.
Even though it appears that Bynum is the next Laker to be traded, Gasol isn’t convinced he won’t be dealt before next season. Despite that being the case, Kobe Bryant has tried to set his teammate’s mind at ease by saying the following courtesy of Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press via Twitter:
Kobe, answering a question from a Spanish reporter about Pau's status with the Lakers: "As long as I'm there, he's going to be there."
http://www.examiner.com/article/kobe-bryant-on-pau-gasol-l-a-as-long-as-i-m-there-he-s-going-to-be-there
Kobe or Kyrie? Who wins one-on-one?
By Ryan Feldman, ESPN
Who would win a one-on-one matchup? Kobe Bryant or Kyrie Irving?
Irving challenged Bryant to a one-on-one game with the loser donating $50,000 to charity.
In order to analyze this hypothetical matchup, let's take a look at how each player performed last season on various play types that represent pure one-on-one situations using Synergy Sports Technology.
Who would win a one-on-one matchup? Kobe Bryant or Kyrie Irving?
Irving challenged Bryant to a one-on-one game with the loser donating $50,000 to charity.
In order to analyze this hypothetical matchup, let's take a look at how each player performed last season on various play types that represent pure one-on-one situations using Synergy Sports Technology.
Kobe Assists Himself
"I should get an assist for that. It's an intentional pass to oneself, so it's an assist. That way people can't say all I do is shoot." - Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant the star when Team USA goes abroad
By The Associated Press, AOL
They carry cameras and microphones, sprinting toward Kobe Bryant like Christmas shoppers who just spotted the "it" gift sitting on shelves.
Their questions come quickly, some in English, many in Spanish, and Bryant gives the perfect answer every time.
Yes, Spain is an incredible team that can pose problems for the U.S.
No, Pau Gasol isn't getting traded from the Lakers as long as he is there.
The only thing Bryant can't seem to explain to reporters is why he's so much more popular than his teammates on the Olympic basketball team.
"I don't know. I don't know where it comes from or how that happens," he said Saturday with a laugh. "It all started with the Dream Team in terms of basketball becoming so global. When I came into the NBA, I kind of inherited kind of the globalization of the game, and then having grown up overseas they really kind of laid claim to me because this is where I learned how to play the game, is overseas."
Kobe Bryant: U.S. men's Olympic basketball exhibition against Spain 'not just practice'
By Bryan Mahoney, masslive.com
Maybe Spain can convince its home fans that the game doesn't matter.
No way Kobe Bryant is buying it.
A game against the U.S. — the team that beat them for the Olympic basketball gold medal four years earlier — this time in front of their own crowd? The Spanish players are supposed to be OK with losing, because it's only an exhibition?
"There's not a chance," Bryant said Monday. "It's not just practice. It's impossible."
Bryant might have come away with a different opinion if he'd listened to Spain's players talk on the same Palau Sant Jordi floor about an hour earlier. They are excited about the game Tuesday night and will try to win, but not at the expense of their preparations for London.
"It's an exhibition game. I think both teams are going to try to (use) different lineups, going to try maybe different stuff, but at the end of the day you know you're not going to show a lot of things to the other team," Spain guard Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors said. "You're not going to have a medal if you win or if you lost tomorrow."
After years of achievement, Bryant continuing to strive for next peak
By Ian Thomsen, Sports Illustrated
Larry Bird was hanging on 20 years ago. He was 35 years old when he played for the original Dream Team, his back was torturing him and he knew he was going to retire after he received his 1992 Olympic gold medal.
Kobe Bryant is going to turn 34 next month. As of next season he will have spent half of his life playing for the Lakers. He has played at least 300 NBA games and almost 10,000 minutes more than Bird, and after he has won his second Olympic gold medal -- for that is the plan -- he will join with Steve Nash to seek his sixth NBA championship.
Larry Bird was hanging on 20 years ago. He was 35 years old when he played for the original Dream Team, his back was torturing him and he knew he was going to retire after he received his 1992 Olympic gold medal.
Kobe Bryant is going to turn 34 next month. As of next season he will have spent half of his life playing for the Lakers. He has played at least 300 NBA games and almost 10,000 minutes more than Bird, and after he has won his second Olympic gold medal -- for that is the plan -- he will join with Steve Nash to seek his sixth NBA championship.
He is not focused on retirement. What he is managing to do is the opposite of hanging on. It is remarkable.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/olympics/2012/writers/ian_thomsen/07/09/kobe-bryant-team-usa/index.html#ixzz21V5fexxQ
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/olympics/2012/writers/ian_thomsen/07/09/kobe-bryant-team-usa/index.html#ixzz21V5fexxQ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)