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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WIiCfWb1Vo
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
USA Basketball: Kobe Bryant out, LeBron James a maybe for Rio 2016
ABC
Kobe Bryant and Mike Krzyzewski are finished. LeBron James isn't sure.
After years of stability, the U.S. men's basketball team will have holes to fill before the 2016 Olympics. The Americans will need a new coach and maybe a new core.
The road to Rio starts around the new year.
Kobe Bryant and Mike Krzyzewski are finished. LeBron James isn't sure.
After years of stability, the U.S. men's basketball team will have holes to fill before the 2016 Olympics. The Americans will need a new coach and maybe a new core.
The road to Rio starts around the new year.
Kobe Bryant’s viral photo: Anthony Davis meets unibrow wrestler at Olympics
By Jodi Jill, Examiner
Kobe Bryant’s unibrow photo posted Sunday has gone viral. The NBA basketball player is in London after competing for the gold at the Olympics 2012. After winning the top honor of a gold medal, Bryant posted a few photos for the fans to appreciate on his Facebook pageSunday night. The epic unibrow photo withAnthony Davis and Gadzhimurad Nurmagomedov standing together has gone viral online as the greatest unibrow moment at the London Olympics.
http://www.examiner.com/article/kobe-bryant-s-viral-photo-anthony-davis-meets-unibrow-wrestler-at-olympics
Kobe Bryant’s unibrow photo posted Sunday has gone viral. The NBA basketball player is in London after competing for the gold at the Olympics 2012. After winning the top honor of a gold medal, Bryant posted a few photos for the fans to appreciate on his Facebook pageSunday night. The epic unibrow photo withAnthony Davis and Gadzhimurad Nurmagomedov standing together has gone viral online as the greatest unibrow moment at the London Olympics.
http://www.examiner.com/article/kobe-bryant-s-viral-photo-anthony-davis-meets-unibrow-wrestler-at-olympics
Kobe Bryant's Wife Vanessa Doesn't Want to Be Married to Somebody Who Can't Win Championships
BY CHRIS YUSCAVAGE, Complex Sports
Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa have survived some tough times over the years. And, if you're wondering why she's stuck by him after all this time, look no further than the next issue of New York Magazine. According to one of her quotes that will run in the issue, she admits that she needs to be married to someone who can "win championships."
On Kobe Bryant's last Olympics and the final seasons to come
By Brian Kamenetzky, ESPN
Once again, the United States has a gold medal in Olympic basketball, and the natural order of the roundball world remains intact.
When it was over, Kobe Bryant acknowledged Sunday's game against Spain was his Team USA swan song. "This is it for me," he said. "The other guys are good to go."
It's an exit for Bryant on the international stage (or at least the stage of international competition -- watching his reception in London shows Kobe's career as an international superstar isn't ending anytime soon), where he had a great deal of success. It also foreshadows what's coming, domestically. More than once this summer, Kobe has made reference to playing two or three more years, not necessarily beyond, meaning significant moments like one last gold-medal game are no longer on some distant horizon. His last All-Star Game, his last in the Garden, his last time in front of the home fans, his last playoff game, and so on.
When it was over, Kobe Bryant acknowledged Sunday's game against Spain was his Team USA swan song. "This is it for me," he said. "The other guys are good to go."
It's an exit for Bryant on the international stage (or at least the stage of international competition -- watching his reception in London shows Kobe's career as an international superstar isn't ending anytime soon), where he had a great deal of success. It also foreshadows what's coming, domestically. More than once this summer, Kobe has made reference to playing two or three more years, not necessarily beyond, meaning significant moments like one last gold-medal game are no longer on some distant horizon. His last All-Star Game, his last in the Garden, his last time in front of the home fans, his last playoff game, and so on.
Jodie Meeks recognizes importance in backing up Kobe Bryant
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
While he was enjoying a high school football game in his native Atlanta, Jodie Meeks' cell phone blew up with text messages.
The Lakers had just finalized a trade that would bring them Dwight Howard. Immediately, Meeks imagined what it would be like to join a star-studded roster featuring an elite defender (Howard), an elite passer (Steve Nash), an elite scorer (Kobe Bryant) and elite post player (Pau Gasol). The thought of receiving countless open three-pointers because his teammates were double-teamed seemed so tantalizing. Later that night, Meeks agreed to join the Lakers with a two-year deal, worth $3 million, which became official Monday when he signed the contract.
"I felt like this was the best situation," Meeks said Monday in a phone interview with The Times. "To have a chance to play for a team like this will make me better. I’m playing with so many good people."
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-la-lakers-jodie-meeks-game-20120813,0,2166061.story
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Steve Nash Says Kobe Bryant ‘Sealed the Deal’ for Trade to Lakers
By Ryan Ward, Lakers Nation
As arguably the most unexpected move of the NBA off-season, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a miracle by making a trade to acquire two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash from the arch division rival Phoenix Suns.
This move was unprecedented with the Suns reluctant to trade the future Hall of Famer to a division rival and the Lakers convincing both Nash and Phoenix to make the move.
Reportedly, Kobe Bryant had a lot to do with Nash signing off on the deal. Nash talked about Kobe’s impact on the trade on a Phoenix radio via Derek Page of Hoopsworld.com:
As arguably the most unexpected move of the NBA off-season, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a miracle by making a trade to acquire two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash from the arch division rival Phoenix Suns.
This move was unprecedented with the Suns reluctant to trade the future Hall of Famer to a division rival and the Lakers convincing both Nash and Phoenix to make the move.
Reportedly, Kobe Bryant had a lot to do with Nash signing off on the deal. Nash talked about Kobe’s impact on the trade on a Phoenix radio via Derek Page of Hoopsworld.com:
Kobe Bryant says he has nothing to learn from Team USA teammates
By Eric Freeman, Yahoo
At 33 years old with 16 NBA seasons under his belt, Kobe Bryant is the elder statesman of the Team USA men's basketball team. It's a position that commands great respect, and not just because Bryant has accomplished more during his career than all but a few players in the history of the sport. In basic terms, Bryant has seen and absorbed more from the sport than anyone else. He knows things that others don't.
Bryant embraces that fact, though he might be going a little overboard with it. In fact, he says there's nothing he can learn from his Team USA teammates right now. From Jeff Zillgitt for USA Today (viaMichael Katz):
At 33 years old with 16 NBA seasons under his belt, Kobe Bryant is the elder statesman of the Team USA men's basketball team. It's a position that commands great respect, and not just because Bryant has accomplished more during his career than all but a few players in the history of the sport. In basic terms, Bryant has seen and absorbed more from the sport than anyone else. He knows things that others don't.
Bryant embraces that fact, though he might be going a little overboard with it. In fact, he says there's nothing he can learn from his Team USA teammates right now. From Jeff Zillgitt for USA Today (viaMichael Katz):
Kobe Bryant solidifies his place in Coach K's heart with Australia performance
Oregonlive.com
It’s no secret that Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski has a soft spot in his heart when it comes toKobe Bryant. The feeling is mutual.
Krzyzewski has known Bryant for almost two decades, after all, and though Bryant blazed a trail by skipping college and going directly to the NBA back in 1996, had he gone to school, it would have been at Duke. And back in 2004, when the Lakers were reeling after the departure of Phil Jackson, it was Bryant who pushed the franchise to make a lucrative offer to Krzyzewski, who ultimately decided to stay in Durham.
Having finally been able to work together under the auspices of Team USA in the 2008 Olympics and again now in ’12, the two have confirmed what they sort of knew all along—they have a lot in common.
It’s no secret that Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski has a soft spot in his heart when it comes toKobe Bryant. The feeling is mutual.
Krzyzewski has known Bryant for almost two decades, after all, and though Bryant blazed a trail by skipping college and going directly to the NBA back in 1996, had he gone to school, it would have been at Duke. And back in 2004, when the Lakers were reeling after the departure of Phil Jackson, it was Bryant who pushed the franchise to make a lucrative offer to Krzyzewski, who ultimately decided to stay in Durham.
Having finally been able to work together under the auspices of Team USA in the 2008 Olympics and again now in ’12, the two have confirmed what they sort of knew all along—they have a lot in common.
Kobe Bryant the most interesting man in the world?
By Jeff Zillgitt, USA Today
LeBron James is the best basketball player in the world.
Kevin Durant is trying to take that title.
But the world's most popular NBA player? That belongs toKobe Bryant.
LeBron James is the best basketball player in the world.
Kevin Durant is trying to take that title.
But the world's most popular NBA player? That belongs toKobe Bryant.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
London Olympics: Kobe Bryant is an all-around fan at the Games
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Times
This marks the time of year when Kobe Bryant fine-tunes his body and ensures it's ready for the tough road ahead.
It's impossible to discount his shooting struggles, as he's averaging 9.4 points on a 38.9% clip in the 2012 London Olympics. But his fifth-place standing on Team USA's depth chart behind Kevin Durant (18.6 points), Carmelo Anthony (17.4), Kevin Love (13), LeBron James (11.6) and Russell Westbrook (10.4) also illustrates Bryant's desire to pace himself, both for the 2012-13 NBA season and for any instances that come in crunch time in the quarterfinals Wednesday against Australia and beyond. In those moments, Bryant's presence will become more crucial.
But Bryant is also using these Olympics to keep his mind and spirit fresh in another way. He's constantly watching other sports in London, both to tap his fanhood, to support his country and to seek further knowledge on what makes other American elite athletes so great. It all derives back from a certain lesson a former Lakers coach stressed to him years ago.
This marks the time of year when Kobe Bryant fine-tunes his body and ensures it's ready for the tough road ahead.
It's impossible to discount his shooting struggles, as he's averaging 9.4 points on a 38.9% clip in the 2012 London Olympics. But his fifth-place standing on Team USA's depth chart behind Kevin Durant (18.6 points), Carmelo Anthony (17.4), Kevin Love (13), LeBron James (11.6) and Russell Westbrook (10.4) also illustrates Bryant's desire to pace himself, both for the 2012-13 NBA season and for any instances that come in crunch time in the quarterfinals Wednesday against Australia and beyond. In those moments, Bryant's presence will become more crucial.
But Bryant is also using these Olympics to keep his mind and spirit fresh in another way. He's constantly watching other sports in London, both to tap his fanhood, to support his country and to seek further knowledge on what makes other American elite athletes so great. It all derives back from a certain lesson a former Lakers coach stressed to him years ago.
Kobe Bryant Playing Overseas After NBA Possible, But Could Hurt His Brand
By Lance Madden, Forbes
Kobe Bryant, arguably one of the best players to ever wear a Los Angeles Lakers jersey, has played his entire NBA career for the franchise. He said in mid-July that he’ll likely retire in two years once his contract with the Lakers is over, finishing at age 35 with 18 NBA seasons and two Olympics behind him.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be done playing all together. Just done in the NBA. Well, maybe.
Kobe Bryant, arguably one of the best players to ever wear a Los Angeles Lakers jersey, has played his entire NBA career for the franchise. He said in mid-July that he’ll likely retire in two years once his contract with the Lakers is over, finishing at age 35 with 18 NBA seasons and two Olympics behind him.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be done playing all together. Just done in the NBA. Well, maybe.
KOBE BRYANT AGAIN TALKS ABOUT FINISHING HIS CAREER IN EUROPE
By Andre Miller, Bettor.com
Kobe Bryant seems to be enjoying his time in London as he takes part in the Olympics as a member of the U.S.A Basketball team.
Bryant is playing a limited role in the team, being used sparingly as the younger core of the team takes care of most of the work. He has been seen on the bench talking to teammates and having fun in almost all of the games the U.S team has played so far.
The Black Mamba seems to be enjoying so much that he is even considering playing in Europe after retiring from the NBA.
http://blogs.bettor.com/Kobe-Bryant-again-talks-about-finishing-his-career-in-Europe-NBA-News-a178082
Kobe Bryant seems to be enjoying his time in London as he takes part in the Olympics as a member of the U.S.A Basketball team.
Bryant is playing a limited role in the team, being used sparingly as the younger core of the team takes care of most of the work. He has been seen on the bench talking to teammates and having fun in almost all of the games the U.S team has played so far.
The Black Mamba seems to be enjoying so much that he is even considering playing in Europe after retiring from the NBA.
http://blogs.bettor.com/Kobe-Bryant-again-talks-about-finishing-his-career-in-Europe-NBA-News-a178082
Kobe Bryant: Bullish on Facebook
By Ben Cohen, The Wall Street Journal
Only one member of the U.S. men’s basketball team doesn’t use Twitter or Instagram. Kobe Bryant doesn’t need Twitter or Instagram. He already has 13.6 million fans on Facebook, by far the most of any Olympian.
And he has spent his time in London sharing details of everyday life in the Olympic Village. Among his Facebook scoops: Kobe has eaten a bowl of strawberries and kiwis for a pre-game dessert, asked Australian swimmers to watch them train (and received “some Speedos” in return) and took in Michael Phelps’s last Olympic race with his kids. “It’s one thing to hear it from ‘Dad,’” he wrote, “but another to see others enjoy the success of hard work.” He has documented meetings with American swimmer Rebecca Soni, retired Ukrainian pole-vaulter Sergey Bubka (twice) andU.S. pole-vaulter Jenn Suhr, plus her husband. He also hung an American flagin his hotel room.
Only one member of the U.S. men’s basketball team doesn’t use Twitter or Instagram. Kobe Bryant doesn’t need Twitter or Instagram. He already has 13.6 million fans on Facebook, by far the most of any Olympian.
And he has spent his time in London sharing details of everyday life in the Olympic Village. Among his Facebook scoops: Kobe has eaten a bowl of strawberries and kiwis for a pre-game dessert, asked Australian swimmers to watch them train (and received “some Speedos” in return) and took in Michael Phelps’s last Olympic race with his kids. “It’s one thing to hear it from ‘Dad,’” he wrote, “but another to see others enjoy the success of hard work.” He has documented meetings with American swimmer Rebecca Soni, retired Ukrainian pole-vaulter Sergey Bubka (twice) andU.S. pole-vaulter Jenn Suhr, plus her husband. He also hung an American flagin his hotel room.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Panini to release a Kobe Bryant Anthology set within all 2012-13 products
By Juan Martinez, Examiner
Revealed during the still on-going 2012 National Sports Collectors Convention, Panini is be creating a special set of trading cardsdevoted to spokesman Kobe Bryant. The five-time NBA champion will be featured in what is being called the "Kobe Anthology." The set will span all upcoming 2012-13 Panini NBA Basketball products as each box will contain a five-card "Kobe Anthology" pack.
The 200-card career retrospective set will span the entirety of Byrant's on-court achievements, from his debut as a rookie out of Lower Merion to the ups and downs of his relationship with Shaquille O'Neal and Phil Jackson to his 81-point masterpiece to his chase to be the greatest of all-time. No word on whether Kobe's "6 for 24" game will be included in the set.
Kobe and Vanessa Bryant put fighting rumours to rest and have a blast at London Olympics swimming match with daughter
By Cassie Carpenter, Daily Mail
Last week, she was said to be 'embarrassed' and 'furious' at her husband for being photographed talking to two women while shirtless in a night club.
But today, on/off married couple Kobe and Vanessa Bryant looked like they were having a very fun time watching the final Olympic swimming match in London with their six-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2183806/Kobe-Vanessa-Bryant-blast-London-Olympics-swimming-match-daughter.html
Last week, she was said to be 'embarrassed' and 'furious' at her husband for being photographed talking to two women while shirtless in a night club.
But today, on/off married couple Kobe and Vanessa Bryant looked like they were having a very fun time watching the final Olympic swimming match in London with their six-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2183806/Kobe-Vanessa-Bryant-blast-London-Olympics-swimming-match-daughter.html
Kobe Bryant and his family cheer on Team USA at the Olympics
By Joanna Mazewski, Celebrity
Talk about a patriotic family! NBA star Kobe Bryant was spotted at the Aquatic Center in London cheering on Team USA in the swimming pool in London on Saturday afternoon. The Olympian was joined by his wife Vanessa along with their two daughters, Natalia and Gianna.
http://blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/2012/08/05/kobe-bryant-and-his-family-cheer-on-team-usa-at-the-olympics-photos/
Talk about a patriotic family! NBA star Kobe Bryant was spotted at the Aquatic Center in London cheering on Team USA in the swimming pool in London on Saturday afternoon. The Olympian was joined by his wife Vanessa along with their two daughters, Natalia and Gianna.
http://blogs.babble.com/famecrawler/2012/08/05/kobe-bryant-and-his-family-cheer-on-team-usa-at-the-olympics-photos/
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Team USA Vs. Nigeria, Olympics 2012: Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant Lead Offensive Onslaught In 1st Half
By Brendan Porath, SB Nation
While it wasn't quite as remarkable as their incredible 49-point first quarter, Team USA kept up the pressure in the second 10 minutes against Nigeria on Thursday to take a 78-45 lead into halftime. In just 20 minutes, Team USA has already tied their record for 3-pointers made in an Olympic game (14). As a team, they are shooting 58.3 percent from behind the arc and 67.4 percent from the floor.
While it wasn't quite as remarkable as their incredible 49-point first quarter, Team USA kept up the pressure in the second 10 minutes against Nigeria on Thursday to take a 78-45 lead into halftime. In just 20 minutes, Team USA has already tied their record for 3-pointers made in an Olympic game (14). As a team, they are shooting 58.3 percent from behind the arc and 67.4 percent from the floor.
Team USA: Kobe Bryant Set The Stage For A Record Breaking Performance
By Joshua Casey, Rant Sports
If you missed the Team USA Men’s Basketball game against Nigeria today you didn’t miss much. The USA men’s team won 156-73, yes that is not a typo, a record breaking winning margin of 83 points, and the highest scoring game in Olympic history. So after viewing a game like this there is no real way to pinpoint one player and state that he was the main reason his team won. The US could have played with 4 guys today and they still probably would have won.
But one player, who only played eleven minutes, did send a very loud message early. Kobe Bryant, of the Los Angeles Lakers, came out early and set the tone for what would be a dominant performance for the best men’s basketball team in the world. Midway through the first quarter Kobe had 14 points, meanwhile the entire Nigerian team had 10. Outscoring an entire team for about eight minutes is not too bad.
http://www.rantsports.com/courtcrusades/2012/08/02/team-usa-kobe-bryant-set-the-stage-for-a-record-breaking-performance/
If you missed the Team USA Men’s Basketball game against Nigeria today you didn’t miss much. The USA men’s team won 156-73, yes that is not a typo, a record breaking winning margin of 83 points, and the highest scoring game in Olympic history. So after viewing a game like this there is no real way to pinpoint one player and state that he was the main reason his team won. The US could have played with 4 guys today and they still probably would have won.
But one player, who only played eleven minutes, did send a very loud message early. Kobe Bryant, of the Los Angeles Lakers, came out early and set the tone for what would be a dominant performance for the best men’s basketball team in the world. Midway through the first quarter Kobe had 14 points, meanwhile the entire Nigerian team had 10. Outscoring an entire team for about eight minutes is not too bad.
http://www.rantsports.com/courtcrusades/2012/08/02/team-usa-kobe-bryant-set-the-stage-for-a-record-breaking-performance/
Team USA Basketball: Kobe Bryant Taking In Sights At 2012 London Olympics
By Matt Conner, SB Nation
As the most experienced and decorated player on the Team USA men's basketball roster, Kobe Bryant has definitely been here before. He's not earning the lion's share of playing time or scoring, but Bryant says he is enjoying another time around the Summer Olympics with Team USA and he's planning on using this trip to London to take in some sights he's missed out on before.
http://kansascity.sbnation.com/oklahoma-city-thunder/2012/8/2/3215023/team-usa-basketball-kobe-bryant-2012-london-olympics
As the most experienced and decorated player on the Team USA men's basketball roster, Kobe Bryant has definitely been here before. He's not earning the lion's share of playing time or scoring, but Bryant says he is enjoying another time around the Summer Olympics with Team USA and he's planning on using this trip to London to take in some sights he's missed out on before.
http://kansascity.sbnation.com/oklahoma-city-thunder/2012/8/2/3215023/team-usa-basketball-kobe-bryant-2012-london-olympics
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Kobe Bryant signs Nike Zoom Kobe 7 'USA' shoe worn by Tunisia's Mohamed Hadidane
By Juan Martinez, Examiner
After a slow start, Team USA Basketball blew out Tunisia by nearly 50 points in their second preliminary round game. As has been the case in their previous outings, Kobe Bryant has not had to do much, allowing the likes of Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony to handle the scoring duties. If anything, it does seem like Kobe has taken on the role that Jason Kidd had during 2008 Olympics, where he only gets brought back in if it's really necessary. Expect Bryant to play more once the medal round hits, but before that, he will be the happy guy on the sidelines watching the young kids like Anthony Davis dunk at every opportunity.
http://www.examiner.com/article/kobe-bryant-signs-nike-zoom-kobe-7-usa-shoe-worn-by-tunisia-s-mohamed-hadidane
After a slow start, Team USA Basketball blew out Tunisia by nearly 50 points in their second preliminary round game. As has been the case in their previous outings, Kobe Bryant has not had to do much, allowing the likes of Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony to handle the scoring duties. If anything, it does seem like Kobe has taken on the role that Jason Kidd had during 2008 Olympics, where he only gets brought back in if it's really necessary. Expect Bryant to play more once the medal round hits, but before that, he will be the happy guy on the sidelines watching the young kids like Anthony Davis dunk at every opportunity.
http://www.examiner.com/article/kobe-bryant-signs-nike-zoom-kobe-7-usa-shoe-worn-by-tunisia-s-mohamed-hadidane
Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash-Led Lakers Should Nab High Seed in West With or Without Dwight Howard
By Ben Watanabe, nesn.com
The Lakers are interested in getting Dwight Howard, because every NBA team's lead executive is contractually obligated to be interested in getting the best center in the game. Also, the Lakers are required to be mentioned in any story involving the biggest stars in the league. The owners snuck that stipulation into the collective bargaining agreement at the last minute.
The Lakers are interested in getting Dwight Howard, because every NBA team's lead executive is contractually obligated to be interested in getting the best center in the game. Also, the Lakers are required to be mentioned in any story involving the biggest stars in the league. The owners snuck that stipulation into the collective bargaining agreement at the last minute.
Whether the Lakers do land Howard, a possibility that vacillates between extremely likely and extremely unlikely depending on what day it is, could be of huge consequence in their quest of winning a 17th NBA championship. The All-Star backcourt of Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash is also an all-defensive liability, and while Andrew Bynum is a good enough defensive center, the Lakers probably need a rim-protector of Howard's stature to be a championship-level team defensively.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol: A Rebirth of the Lakers' Deadliest Duo
By William Van Noll, Los Angeles Times
The pairing of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in Los Angeles has been a five-year tale of championship glory and bitter frustration.
But a trade for future Hall of Famer Steve Nash has immediately resurrected one of the deadliest duos in basketball, and Bryant knows it.
Rewind to the 2012 NBA Playoffs for a moment.
The pairing of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in Los Angeles has been a five-year tale of championship glory and bitter frustration.
But a trade for future Hall of Famer Steve Nash has immediately resurrected one of the deadliest duos in basketball, and Bryant knows it.
Rewind to the 2012 NBA Playoffs for a moment.
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