The big 3-0
August 23, 2008 | 12:40
pm
"AK/BK--How about a happy birthday thread/blog for KOBE BEAN BRYANT!?!?"
Ask and ye shall receive.
Happy 30th birthday to Kobe Bryant. I'm guessing he hopes the gift bounty includes some gold bling to go along with this complimentary column from Yahoo's Adrian Wojnorowski.
AK
To the best basketball player on planet earth:
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | August 24, 2008 at 01:28 AM
Did I tell you I was a Kobe fan?
KOBE!
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 24, 2008 at 01:30 AM
CONGRATS KOBE...
FOR BEING CLUTCH AND GETTING US THAT GOLD MEDAL!!!
Posted by: Korey | August 24, 2008 at 01:33 AM
U-S-A!
U-S-A!
U-S-A!
U-S-A!
U-S-A!
Posted by: Rocky | August 24, 2008 at 01:40 AM
What a fanastic game. Spain played some great basketball. They made some unbelievable shots and had a lot of heart. The competitiveness made the win mean that much more. D Wade kept Spain at bay almost single-handedly in the first half. Kobe's game was a mixed bag. He took some poor shots and gambled too much on defense but he showed up when the team needed him down the stretch. One thing I'm constantly amazed by, when it comes to international players, is how amazing they step up for their national teams. Who here thinks that Rudy Fernandez will even have one game with Portland next year that compares to his performance tonight? Navarro was almost unstoppable. Guys like Scola, Oberto, Nocioni all seem to have that extra gear that they save for international play. It's like Sergio Garcia playing in the Ryder Cup. I like seeing Pau and Marc out there together. Shows how effective Pau can be when he has to share the lane with a big guy. Speaking of...
My fingers are crossed that Bynum comes back even better than he was last season. And that Kobe's hand heals quickly. Because the Lakers will need it. Teams like Portland, NO and Houston are going to be real threats next year. Dallas, Phx and San Antonio aren't going to just go away. But for now, congrats to Team USA.
Posted by: lakers_sth | August 24, 2008 at 01:43 AM
As clutch as it gets...
With the hopes of a country and gold medal on the line, the best players in the NBA and legendary coaching staff turned to Kobe Damn Bryant to bring it home.
End of story.
Posted by: Vman | August 24, 2008 at 01:43 AM
I used to post here but havn't in awhile, but had to post after that US game. KOBE f***n bryant letting everyother fan know how it feels to be a Laker fan. DOMINATING in the 4th Q and winning the gold. Legendary performance.
Posted by: regulate | August 24, 2008 at 01:44 AM
EXTRA EXTRA
KOBE BEAN BRYANT SAVES USA BASKETBALL!
REPEAT
KOBE BEAN BRYANT SAVES USA BASKETBALL!
With the gold medal on the line, there was only one man to turn to.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH aka SASHA | August 24, 2008 at 01:45 AM
GOLD!!!!
First tight game and who comes through huge in the clutch?
Mr. 3-0 or #10, Sr. KBB
Redeem Team?
Redeem Kobe!
USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
Posted by: 805LakerLove | August 24, 2008 at 01:45 AM
How `bout that Gold Medal game?
I was a little worried early when they were calling a lot of
ticky-tack fouls which they have been no-calls all week.
That cut into Kobe and LeBron's playing time, but the second
team came in and held off Spain for long enough.
In the fourth quarter, Kobe came out and showed exactly
what I've been saying for weeks. Without Kobe, it would
have been another year of LeBronze. But after Spain cut
it to two, four consecutive offensive posessions for the US
went like this:
Kobe makes a jumper
Kobe drives and dishes to Deron WIlliams for a 3
Kobe drives and dishes to Dwight Howard for a dunk
Kobe makes a 3-pointer
At that point the lead was back up to 9.
But Spain wasn't done. They got it back down to 5, and
then Kobe made the 3 that sealed it and got fouled by
Rudy Fernandez in the process and made his free throw
for the 4-point play.
Dwyane Wade also came up HUGE, taking over the scoring
load in the first half when Kobe and LeBron were out
injured.
Who led the team in assists? Kobe
Who led the team in blocked shots? Kobe
Who chased Navarro and Fernandez around whenever
he was on the floor and slowed them more than anyone
else who defender them? Kobe
And who took the team on his shoulders in the nervous
moments in the fourth? Kobe Bean Bryant
Who carried the team on his shoulders when they
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 24, 2008 at 01:46 AM
There is a new Golden Boy in Los Angeles, his name is King Midas Kobe. Everything the birthday boy touched just turned into Gold. Haha yupee hurray! Dwayne was fantastic and the rest of Team USA. Congratulations for bringing back the basketball supremacy to the United States.
PS. Team Spain deserves also a worthy praise for putting up a well played match for Gold. How come Rudy Fernandez and Carlos Navarro never showed those clutch shooting and explosiveness in NBA. Had it not been for the NBA Superstars, they could have retained the Gold medal.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 24, 2008 at 01:48 AM
Kobe is the MAN!
GOLD Renaissance Man!
Congrats USA! Congrats Kobe! Yay us!
Posted by: Faith | August 24, 2008 at 01:55 AM
We Won. 118-107
You got to give it to Kobe…Men oh Men!!! Truly..amazing!
All 13 pts (at the 4th) by him and was all important to that game to give us some cushion. Plus he was the one who was making plays during that majority of 4th qtr. Successive points and assist kept us a breather and 10 pt cushion.
When they needed to have the Man…Kobe provided!!!
You can hear it even from the interview after the game with Wade and Kobe…when the game was close to 2 and during the timeout..everyone ask to show the Mamba…and he delivered that 4 pt play and that also took away Rudy Fernandez.
My hats off still to Spain …that was a very exciting game and closest one during this Olympics.
Good part …also we can have a breather that no one between Pau and Kobe got injured….
Congratulations our Team!!!
Posted by: KiKosDad | August 24, 2008 at 01:58 AM
We love u Kobe!
Posted by: Tsiry | August 24, 2008 at 02:00 AM
I would just like to greet the best basketball player of my generation a happy birthday. He desrves all the accolades and rewrads that he is reaping right now because he worked for it.
Congratulatiuons also for winning the Gold and im sure your fourth NBA ring will come next year.
Stay focus and healthy next year!!!!
Posted by: LeJan | August 24, 2008 at 02:06 AM
Wow, what a game. This is such a special moment, as I sit here watching out team listen to our national anthem, gold medals hanging around their necks and hands over their hearts. I didn't think i'd be this moved, but it's a really amazing feeling to see our team win the Olympic championship. For Kobe to play such a huge role in the clutch, the moment is that much sweeter, Congratulations Team USA! And major kudos to Team Espana...the Gasol boys made us all proud to have them as a part of our organization (even if Marc was just a draftee and never played). Those Spaniards can play!
Posted by: Tully Moxness | August 24, 2008 at 02:12 AM
From what I saw, it might be a while before America wins another Gold Metal in International play. Without Kobe's 4th quarter this team would have lost.
Without Kobe Spain was have eaten the rest of TEAM USA alive. I think International basketball really has caught up. I can't imagine what other NBA player has the determination to do what Kobe did in these Olympics.
Without Kobe you would have witnessed a TEAM USA who would have lost in earlier rounds because of NO DEFENSE!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 24, 2008 at 02:20 AM
Jerry Colangelo got a mission accomplished for this one. But TEAM USA needs to let him go. His style of basketball won't win it again.
Kobe Bryant disturbed Jerry Colangelo's version of basketball with his defense throughout these Olympics. Or else TEAM USA would have been playing with the philosophy of the Phoenix Suns.
That plays right into the hands of International basketball.
Jerry Colangelo has got to go!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 24, 2008 at 02:24 AM
Happy 30th (Belated) and How is it to have that Redemption Medal???
Posted by: Charles | August 24, 2008 at 02:33 AM
Yup yup. Today will be known as the day that Kobe Bryant saved Team USA from another embarassment in international play.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | August 24, 2008 at 03:01 AM
"SHAQ, HOW MY GOLD MEDAL TASTE????"
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | August 24, 2008 at 03:02 AM
Holy crap that was a great 4th quarter from Kobe. Coming up huge! After that first block, you knew he wasn't going down without a serious fight.
Great job USA! Winnars!!!!!!
Posted by: Benjamin | August 24, 2008 at 04:15 AM
Kobe did his thing and earned a very happy birthday weekend. We shouldn't forget that the Lakers collectively did their thing as well, coming away with gold and silver and both (Kobe and Pau) playing a key role in their team's success and near success.
As for Shaq, this time he snitched on himself with his macho e-mail, revealing how he thinks money can buy him whatever he wants with women, including, in this particular case, humiliating them and ruining their career by blackballing them. Wait a minute, wasn't Shaq a law enforcement officer? Kobe was put in hot water for being essentially naive (remember how the blond lady set things up with his room and bodyguards, etc.?). Shaq shows himself to be a mean vindictive despot with the women he gets involved with and makes threats that are tantamount to blackmail. Or is that just Shaq being his exuberant self?
Kobe ought to call him up and tell him "dude, at your age and with your legal training you should be aware that things you say or write without thinking about who might pick them up and repeat them represent a stupid risk." Imagine the situation next year if this turns into a case that's prosecuted in Atlanta. How many times will the Suns fly Shaq back into town after a morning at court on the east coast and shuttle him into the arena to suck the air out of the opposing team and shoot the lights out?
Is this the end of the Big Jabberwock? Has the beamish boy slain him (or did he slay himself)? For that's what Shaq has become:
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffing through the tugey wood,
And burbled as it came!
Lewis Carroll saw it coming long ago! "O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!"
Posted by: Tsphere | August 24, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Bon anniversaire Shekobe,
Mine's August 31. We're one big family Kobe, you and I.
Bisous à toi
Posted by: Tsphere | August 24, 2008 at 06:07 AM
Let's go C's!,
I just thought I would take the opportunity to CHEER you up a bit (you are going to NEED it soon enough). Looks like your Celtic GOLD has made a turn for the worse. It has suddenly changed from Finals GOLD to OLYMPIC GOLD in 2008. This newfound GOLD now has a new owner. Need I say who that may be?
REPEAT AFTER ME (SAY it with CONVICTION): KB24 is the BEST player in the WORLD, PERIOD (you might want to do this "30" times in honor of his "30th Birthday" for full effect and human decency. Still going STRONG I must add.)! YES! He has won the GOLD, OLYMPIC GOLD baby!
Sadly, you have now OFFICIALLY become a dormant blogger with no hope of breaking the WILL of Laker fans further with your Celtic ONE year wonder arguments! Truthfully, you never have broken MY will when it came to believing in KB24 and the Lakers as a whole.
If YOU are a TRUE fan of a team, let's say the Celts, you should be ABLE to UNDERSTAND the IMPORTANCE of SUPPORTING and BELIEVING in your team through GOOD and BAD times on a YEARLY basis. If anything, you made us Laker fans STRONGER in believing that homeboys/girls like you can be SILENCED EVENTUALLY and ULTIMATELY! We thank you from the bottom of our collective Laker hearts...Cheers mate! Isn't this fun?
I have a BURNING question for you on the topic of BELIEF: Why does a "smart" person like you CONTINUE to question KB24's greatness compared to a ONE HIT WONDER player named Paul Pierce? It just doesn't make logical SENSE. NONSENSE to be exact! The facts have SPOKEN and continue to SPEAK. Rejoice and be GLAD my dear child! Olympic GOLD is KING!
Wow! Olympic GOLD. Must be a GREAT feeling. Our KB24 turned out to be a true WORLD Champion today! Pay close attention homey to the following REALITY update: 3-1 KB24 in NBA Rings and 1-0 in Olympic GOLD (the game played today is the TRUE WORLD Championship of course) over YOUR boy Paul ""one hit wonder" Pierce. NO comparison...NO comparison....just ENVY!
Furthermore, let's put this WHOLE THING into perspective for the sake of being lighthearted: Kobe has a TOTAL of 4 Gold pieces to PP's ONE Gold piece and ONE Silver piece. What's the silver you may ask? It's the handle bar portion of the moldy (representing the Celtic green) and rusty (representing two months of sitting on his BACKSIDE) WHEELCHAIR he ONCE used to win DRAMA queen status in the new hit TV show called PAULA FAKEFUL of INJURYVILLE. A comedy at it's finest. Check it out!
On a serious note, Paul Pierce played great in the Finals. Like I've said before on many occasions, PP and his Celtics played great and deserved to win! Congratulations to them! However, they must now LEARN to DEFEND their title. No time for "top of the world" mumbo jumbo! It's time for them to get off their HIGH horses and prepare to DO IT AGAIN! The pressure is squarely on them and NO ONE else. We shall see...We shall see...
Why the perspective? I just thought it would be good for you to experience the OTHER SIDE of the FENCE you usually LOOK through when insulting passionate Laker fans for months. Remember, it's a GIVE and TAKE when it comes to one taking their own BITTER pill! If my memory serves correct, I recall you making such a statement recently (in so many words that is) when faced with the possibility of being wiped out as a blogger on this Laker site. BTW, please don't forget to add salt to TASTE!
The bottom line: 2008 BEIJING OLYMPIC GOLD for KOBE BEAN BRYANT. In the end, he proved to be the inspirational and emotional leader of TEAM USA DEFENSIVELY in the face of ADVERSITY! I can proudly add LeBron and DWade to the mix as well. They won as a TEAM. KB24 wouldn't have it any other way. What fence are you looking through NOW?
When the pressure was on and uncertainty crept, he DELIVERED on the WORLD stage for TEAM USA! Heck! He's done it in the NBA Finals as well. That my dear homey is what a great player is all about. A great player does not only do it ONCE! Get my drift? Instead, they perform MANY times on the greatest of stages over MANY years. He's done that in both the Finals for YEARS and NOW the World stage. Sounds like a COMPLETE winner to me.
Getting back to the Celtics, let's see if PP and gang can deliver ONCE more this upcoming season. Based on what I see thus far in the offseason, they're going to NEED more than a 2008 Celtic good luck charm to make it happen. The X is squarely on their BACK, especially PP's! That's a TOUGH proposition to handle at any level! It will be interesting to WATCH how they react to FIRST-TIME SUCCESS! Hmmm...Like I said earier, we shall see...we shall see...
Speaking of delivering, he just might NEED yet ANOTHER wheelchair to get the job done. Honestly...Seriously... ROLLING on two oversized wheels never looked so good for your Finals MVP PP! Listen carefully KG and RA...NEWS FLASH!!!...get ready to PUSH him AGAIN! Lord, help us all! Lord, HELP us ALL! Now THAT'S something worth LAUGHING about......or is it?
Laker and Olympic pride through ADVERSITY baby! Peace!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | August 24, 2008 at 06:55 AM
Happy birthday to Kobe!
And, congratulations to the USA Men's and Women's basketball team!
Pre-season is just around the corner, wake me up when it's October!
Go Kobe!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Happy Gilmore | August 24, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Yeah, Shaq is losing it. Now, I'm really concerned about him. He's becoming more and more unstable.
Posted by: troy | August 24, 2008 at 07:51 AM
thekobebryantblitz,
I personally don't understand why people hate on Phil Jackson. This man has forgot more about basketball than we on this blog will collectively ever know.
Seriously, it's silly and kind of embarassing that people are so quick to criticize Phil.
Is the guy perfect? No. Did he make a lot of mistakes towards the end of the Kobe-Shaq Era? Yes.
Still, so many criticisms of Phil are so petty. It's ridiculous.
By the way, people who argue that we should have played Ira Newble a lot more are crazy. I'm presently stuck here in Cleveland, Ohio surrounded by Cavilliars fans (who are generally delusional, as Clevelanders are as a whole). However, they're not without intelligence on certain matters. I've spoken to a lot of them about Ira Newble and I've been universally told that he's not a very good player. He's the kind of guy you throw in to absorb a few fouls, that's about it.
All things considered, it's impressive we made the Finals last year, considering how young a team we are. Youth is what beat us in the Finals. Not poor coaching.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 24, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Kobe = Gold.
GO USA!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 24, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Edwin,
Rudy Fernandez hasn't shown clutch ability in the NBA, because he has yet to play in the NBA.
Posted by: Xodus | August 24, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Redeem Team? Nah. It's Team Kobe.
Imagine where the Redeem Team would have been if Kobe played for Spain. Larry Bird is so right when he said only Kobe could have played on the Dream Team.
Posted by: p ang | August 24, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Not to diminish the team aspect of last night's victory, but it was great to see that familiar determination in Kobe's eye midway through 4th when he essentially willed our team back into the game- without his fire at that pivotal moment I'm betting they would be wearing silver medals today instead of gold.
Team USA has come a long way, and deserves high fives all around for a job well done. Bravo guys!
And congrats to Pau & his teammates for pushing it to such a close contest- they showed why they are such a power on the international stage.
All I can say is, wow, can't wait for this NBA season!
Posted by: watching from home | August 24, 2008 at 09:53 AM
"How come Rudy Fernandez and Carlos Navarro never showed those clutch shooting and explosiveness in NBA."
Because International and NBA play different styles of basketball.
When TEAM USA beat Spain by 37 points the other week they did it by playing NBA style basketball. In this GOLD metal game TEAM USA went away from that style and played International style. In other words: NO DEFENSE!
That's what D'Antonio brought to the Phoenix Suns over the last few years. He brought the International style of basketball to the NBA. EXCITING! But he never got to the finals, now did he?
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 24, 2008 at 09:55 AM
So Kobe's working on a gold medal while Shaq is stalking an
ex-girlfriend. I think Kobe can answer that question now...
Shaq's ass tastes like stoooooopid
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 24, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I tell everyone this about KOBE.
The NBA, the USA and basketball in this country will miss this guy more than they think when he stops playing.
The NBA needs KOBE Bryant.
He puts an extra sizzle in this league. He is much needed.
It don't matter about comparing to when Jordan left the game.
When Kobe leaves this game it's gonna hurt too for sure.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 24, 2008 at 10:24 AM
One more piece (of Gold) for the legacy.
One more monkey off Kobe's back.
So, what does this mean? It means that Kobe's game is going to be THAT much more relaxed next year and he is going to trust his teammates THAT much more.
Congratulations to Kobe, especially on his birthday.
A great day for Kobe, for Lakers fans, for lovers of basketball, and for patriotic Americans.
Thanks, Kobe.
GO USA!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 24, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Awesome win, bringing home the gold for USA. I liked all that camaraderie between the team members. They now have a common bond of the highest level in their profession.
Kobe, what’s left to say? Kobe slayed so many dragons in the fourth quarter alone. Unbelievable how quickly the worm can turn.
Posted by: Doublehaul | August 24, 2008 at 10:46 AM
It really make you proud. Puts a warm feeling in one's chest.
http://tinyurl.com/6ouv3g
The only issue that concerns me is that based upon Kobe's language, him going to Europe just went from an impossibility to extreme improbability.
GO KOBE!
GO USA!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 24, 2008 at 10:56 AM
From the ‘WTH?’ Dept:
USA entered the Olympics as the FIBA Number One ranked team.
After winning the Gold, going undefeated, and beating everyone soundly, Team USA was dropped to the #2 position behind Bronze Medal winner Argentina.
Can someone explain that to me? Anyone, anyone?
Posted by: Fatty | August 24, 2008 at 11:09 AM
WHAT A GAME!!!!!!!
I was proud of Pau too - I'm so glad he's a Laker!
As for team USA - D-Wade was the most spectacular, LeBron the most versatile and the strongest, Bosh the biggest positive surprise, etc . But when the game was tight and on the line, who got the ball and pulled us out in the clutch???
MAMBA baby. Olympics MVP!!
God if Bynum comes back even close to his last years level we are gonna be friggin unstopable!
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 24, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Aloha
2 things jumped out at me last night after watching the game. Kobe is still the most cold blooded player in the league.
And after watching Pau play heavy power forward minutes last night I am very happy that he is a Laker. He was one of the few guys on the court that could even approach Kobes intensity.
MH
Posted by: michael h | August 24, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Well,. you have to hand it to Spain - they almost deserved the gold medal with their gutsy performance - and without Calderon, too. They executed a great strategy and were within a Jimenez wide open 3 of being only one possession away with a minute left! A terrific fight.
But alas, with D'ANTONI coaching USA, it was a disadvantage for the spaniards they simply could not overcome.
D-Wade saved the game for USA - 18 points in the 1st half when kobee and LJ went out with fouls. D-Wade is the most dynamic offensive playa in the world.
And, I'll have to hand it to kobee - he finally made shots and even passed the ball a few times instead of taking ill-advised shots in the 4th. He came through when he needed to, so you have to give him credit. But, what was up with that finger on his mouth following the 4-point play? That looked stupid.
My vote for the play of the olympics goes to Rudy Fernandez for that sick dunk on D-How! What a play with the and-1! He'll be great with Brandon Roy and Oden and LeMarcus.
"Think Terry Phorter is going to lead the SUNS to a championship? Better go to the desert and look at a mirage, it ain't happening. Leandro, Amare, GNASH, nor SHACK can't play any decent defend and Phorter wants them to defend? Pfeh. Phorter sucked with the Bucks and he'll be crushed against by the Go Spurs Go team in the Playoff leading to another Whining barrage. That my friend is no mirage."
Actually, Porter did very well with his abbreviated stint as Bucks coach. He took them to the playoffs for the first time in years, and he pressed the management to acquire Chris Paul but was overruled in favor of Darko Milicic. Porter has a stellar rep in the NBA, and will implement D in the SUNS.
For evidence, look at the offseason acquisitions: Robin Lopez, a defensive specialist; Matt Barnes, a lanky perimeter defender and 3-pt bomber; Goran Dragic, a Ricky Rubio-type PG whose specialty is shutting down PGs; and Louis Amundson, the NBADL rookie of the year who at 6'9" will be asked to shut down any position on the court.
Yes, the SUNS are now defensive minded! But I know you don't believe me, so we'll let them show you...he he...heh heh...HAR HAR HAR!!!
Kudos to D'ANTONI for bringing home the gold, and to kobee for coming thru finally. Now I can go back to despising him!
Posted by: BUTLER | August 24, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Jon K.
I agree with you, it's very easy to point the figure when we lose. For some people like JustaLakerFan he blamed PJ, even though PJ won 9 rings and brought more results with the team. He got the Kobe and Shaq duo 3 rings when they couldn't before and he helped get the squad to the Finals when they weren't even projected in the playoffs. For some like Paulie they blame Kobe even with being the MVP and leading this team to the Finals and got 2 wins shy of the Larry O'Brien trophy. And to still others like Mike T. they may blame people like Pau Gasol and even Kobe (for not passing the ball to Kwa-may) even though we were going to have another average record with no Bynum and no Pau and not even make the playoffs. Are they perfect? Of course not, but they are damn good players/coaches.
Sucks living in the Mistake by the Lake though (Cleveland).
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 24, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Does anybody else think Marc Gasol looks like a taller, skinnier Jack Black?
Posted by: Marty | August 24, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Who were these 2 stupid commentators during the game? Are the Lebronze's personal publicists or something? They did a disgusting job. Luckily KB24 showed them who the man is at the end of the game.
They were on a mission to take credit from Kobe and hype lebronze.
Posted by: LAKERDAWG | August 24, 2008 at 12:47 PM
LAKERDAWG,
One of the stupid commentators was Mike Breen. During the broadcast (and I didn't have any idea before), it was mentioned that he used to be a ref.
No wonder Breen doesn't like Kobe! Kobe seems to see the refs as a barrier to actually playing the game. An unnecessary obstacle.
Doug Collins, a former coach, is much more able to appreciate him. Listen to him. He knows what he's talking about though he sees the game with a coach's bias. He always sounds stressed out like he's the coach himself.
Rudy Fernandez looked pretty awesome. The whole Spanish team put up one hell of a fight that it wasn't clear they possessed when we faced them earlier in the tournament.
Kind of funny to see the Mamba be unleashed like some secret weapon like he was with the Lakers.
If you read the right article ( http://tinyurl.com/5efzxq ), you'll find 5 players have already committed to playing in 2012:
D-will, CP3, D-12, Bosh, and Kobe. Sweet!
Posted by: Benjamin | August 24, 2008 at 02:24 PM
As for us winning...
The thing I liked best? The genuine joy and excitement on everyone's faces on the USA team after they won.
As a Kobe fan, it's nice to see him appreciated. He got some mad appreciation after he came out in the 4th after imposing his will on a close game.
Much more special that I expected it to be.
Posted by: Benjamin | August 24, 2008 at 02:28 PM
I also say he's Lebronze no more.
Posted by: Benjamin | August 24, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Butler,
glad you gave Kobe is due.
But now lets get back to business har har.
Terry PHORTER's record with the Bucks
1) 41-41 Entered playoffs as 8th seed. Beaten by DETROIT Pistons Basketball 4-1.
2) 30-52 MISSED Playoffs.
43.3% Winning FG% LOL!
And you got "BUCKS" mixed up with "PISTONS" Phorter never got Darko and the only time Darko ever tot to see the Bucks when the DETROIT Pistons basketball whooped on the Bucks.
Steve GNASH is "the worst defensive player I have ever seen" according to Santa Clara University Head Coach Dick Davey, not to mention Rajon Rondo breaking Steve GNASH's ankles courtesy of Let's go C's! .
http://tinyurl.com/5e6r7j
The energetic Lopez is not as good as the Brook one.
Weaknesses of Dragic:
• Poor perimeter shooter
• Ugly shooting mechanics
• Pull-up mid-range jumper
• Improvable ball-handling skills
• Lacks creativity offensively
• Struggles to improvise when offense breaks down
• Limited offensively
• Questionable decision maker
• Turnover prone
• Stuck between 1 and 2
LOL, neither are the players capable defensively as Bowen or Duncan. Plus they are rooks! And GNASH can't play D anyways. Good bye Phoenix, when GNASH's contract runs out, so much for that mirage in the desert. At least another Whining barrage from StoudeWHINER will happen.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 24, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Kobe - Thanks for bringing home the Gold!! All of your true fans here in LA waited up to see you get your Gold medal! We were so happy to see you and Team USA win and we celebrated your victory and your birthday with you!! Also, congrats to Pau. Laker fans are so proud right now. We salute you....our reigning MVP and Olympic Gold medal winner!! GO KOBE! GO TEAM USA! GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: TMbball | August 24, 2008 at 03:01 PM