R.I.P. Don Haskins
September 8, 2008 | 3:50
pm
Wanted to pay quick respects to the passing of Don Haskins, who died Sunday at age 78. The Texas Western coach will always be remembered for the statement he made by being the first to field a starting five of all black players, a unit that eventually went on to beat powerhouse - and all white - Kentucky for the 1966 national title (and become the basis for the movie "Glory Road"). Haskins took a lot of heat for this lineup, but his resolve and fair-mindedness won out, which opened doors for countless athletes of color to come.
AK
blitz,
Thanks for the links. I had seen the videos before and thought Sun Yue came off very well. He has a good grasp of English and seems to understand that he will have to play a different kind of game to make it in the NBA. I love this kid's potential. He could be a bomb but there is something about how he hustles from behind to block all those shots on fast breaks that reminds me of you know who. At 6-9 with his ball handling and passing skills, he has a chance to be the perfect point guard for the Triangle Offense. Of course, Phil may not be around by then.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Long time Laker Fan sez:
"And you would find that Wilt and Kareem had higher PERs
than Shaq."
That's a nice claim and all, but prove it. Til then, SHACK owns the MDE tag among NBA centers.
">>>The Blazers have oden!
At least until his next injury. He and Brandon Roy are
having a contest to see who can show the greatest amount
of potential and play the least number of games.
But I've gotta say, the Blazers' lineup is stacked like pancakes.
Roy, Aldridge, Outlaw, Webster, Frye, Oden, Fernandez.
And good role players like Steve Blake and Joel Przybilla
as well. With a little experience, and some people growing
into their expectations, they're going to have one seriously
good team."
Your synopsis of Oden applies equally to bynumb. Both will have to prove they are worth more than kwame brown, which ain't saying much but that's the level they must reach first before going any further.
The Blazers should scare you. The lakers haven't won a game in Oregon since Clinton left office. Travis Outlaw seems to own kobee every time in Portland, and last season Aldridge gave gasol more than he could handle. Bayless is going to be a stud scorer and Roy overwhelms both Fischer and Farmar.
The Blazers have got the lakers' number, especially now that Nate McMillan has got another kobee-killer in Fernandez.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 09, 2008 at 09:45 AM
AK,
Sorry for the political comment. I will try to restrain myself in the future. I tried to keep the comment general so as not to incite a response but to remind everyone that the issues Haskins fought for are still being fought for today. Anyone who cannot see that is incurably naive, regardless of your political affiliation.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 09, 2008 at 09:50 AM
KL - other bloggers (and AK) have responded in detail and with accuracy. I just want to put my simple two cents in:
I loved Shaq when he was here, always thought he was the man. However, he's been gone for years now, it's water under the bridge. He and Kobe both behaved badly at times during their tenure and admittedly, Kobe behaved like a spoiled brat last summer. He got roasted plenty for it. Since then he's made enormous strides toward redemption, through action, not words. So why keep beating on it?
I was a Lakers fan long before Shaq and Kobe came into the league and I'll be a fan after they're gone. In the meantime, I tend to focus more on the game than the players' words or personalities and this Kobe kid plays some insane hoops. Glad he's on our team.
Posted by: dave m | September 09, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Jon K,
Just wondering: since you've been the honcho over at the Agency, have your R&D nerds developed a pinky-finger implant? You know, like a micro-pulse taser, or some other device that, when activated, scrambles the defender's motor coordination for a split second?
OR
Even better: a Peggle-Shot-Processor. A micro-computer, implanted in Kobe's new bionic pinky, that uses a laser range-finder, a rim-activated collision avoidance algorithm, UHF doppler radar to map the micro-atmospheric fluctuations inside Staples, a magnetic densitometer that reads the air-pressure inside the ball and calculates adjustments based on a billion data-point histogram of shooting forces and rotational oblateness, and, to coordinate the entire system, a hyper-fast, terra-bit CPU that plots the optimal flight path of the ball and then translates the calculation into a physical action by adjusting the ball's rotational velocity and it's moment-of-inertia upon release.
Now that would be way cool. And if there's anyone that could pull it off...
karyanr
Posted by: karyanr | September 09, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Mamba,
It wasn't my fault. I thought we were playing "Hoarse", not "Horse", so I was saving my best shots and never got a chance to use them. Of course, having Keith Olberman screaming at me the entire time didn't make things any easier.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 09, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Just checkin in to see what's what round here.
So let me get this straight...
KL is back?
LGC's is gone?
Dang...I Heart Hollywood!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 09, 2008 at 09:58 AM
If you enjoy a good synopsis of what it takes to get Oden (and bynumb) back from their injuries, take a look at today's basketbawful site. . . there's also a gorgeous pic of magic johnson on the home page.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 09, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Of course, having Keith Olberman screaming at me the entire time didn't make things any
easier. Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 09, 2008 at 09:56 AM
OK Now that I can understand. But as I understand it Olberman will have some extra tIme
on his hands maybe he can help you with your shot selection.
Larry(Mamba24)
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 09, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Jon K, Just wondering: since you've been the honcho over at the Agency, have your
R&D nerds developed a pinky-finger implant? Now that would be way cool. And if
there's anyone that could pull it off... karyanr Posted by: karyanr |
September 09, 2008 at 09:56 AM
D@mnit Jon K! You let your secret identity get out!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 09, 2008 at 10:15 AM
KL is back? LGC's is gone? Dang...I Heart Hollywood!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 09, 2008 at 09:58 AM
CarefuL, careful BANNER HOLDER. Next thing you know you will have Steven
THE TRUTH back talking about dirty Panties again. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 09, 2008 at 10:20 AM
OC Register:
"Now that Andew Bynum's surgically repaired knee is no longer a problem, the focus switches to his contract extension demands.
Bynum's agent, David Lee, is seeking a five-year deal that could be worth up to $80 million extension. Not bad pocket change.
Bynum said last week he would like to get the deal done soon"
Sure he does.
He wants to cash in before the Lakers find out he's damaged goods.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 09, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Jon K,
When the Lakers FO signed Radman I was very puzzled at the move and I was wondering if they only did it to prevent Radman from re joining the Clippers (which was good and bad) because at the time we already had Brian Cook (Thank Mitch that fool is gone) as a 3 point specialist. While I without a doubt agree Radman is way better than that lazy bum Cook I was really also puzzled we spent an entire mid level exception on him when 1) He was complaining to the former Supersonics about not starting even though he was a good 6th man and 2) That he ate a banana during a timeout on the bench while he was playing for the national time (he got kicked out of the team because of this).
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 09, 2008 at 10:21 AM
karyanr,
Your intuition is spot on. The reason why Kobe has been putting off his pinkie surgery is because we've been finalizing his cybernetic replacement and we've had to make some adjustments so that it will work properly.
You see, the previous model disabled the neurological processes of all opponents within a 10 foot radius for a half second, thus giving the wearer a first step on all opponents. However, the previous model was indiscriminant. By that I mean it would also scramble the neurological patterns of nearby teammates as well, so if Kobe dished the ball off the Pau Gasol, it would simply bounce off his face.
So, the Agency has undergone the painstaking processes of modelling the brain wave patterns of all Lakers and intergrating that information into the upgraded cybernetic pinkie so that they will not be effected by the radiowave/microwave bursts which the cyber-pinkie uses to upset the neurological patterns of opponents.
It's taken a lot of work, but we're almost there and Kobe is really excited by the outcome. Expect a season of triple doubles from triple ocho next year!
However, we also shouldn't expect any more moves from the Lakers front office, because once the parameters are set for the cyber-pinkie, they're set, and any new teammates will be negatively effected by the cyber-pinkie zone of neurological disruptment.
For the Agency to upgrade the cyber-pinkie's parameters to accomodate new teammates, this is something that we'd have to do during an offseason. It's not a simple task. We basically have to break into the teammate's home, sedate them, put them into a specialized computerized neuroprocessing unit, erase their memory, and then leave without a trace. It takes some planning and organization, you know.
Anyhow, we're very close to done. We just have to nab Joey Crawford, in case he makes the team, and then we're done.
Kobe is REALLY excited. The Agency has never seen him so happy.
Next year is going to be a tremendous season. I'd expect a 78 win season next year. It'll be great. There are a lot of Lakers fans within The Agency. I'm glad I'm one.
Just trying to do my part to bring the world a brighter tomorrow.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 09, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Was watching some old clips of Kobe as a pup in the league and it made me wonder...
Does anyone else besides me want to see him bring back the mini-fro?
Also, Luke Walton should bring out the full on jew-fro.
Come to think of it - all the Lakers should grow out some kind of fro. Although, Vlad's Euro-fro got ugly for a while there... http://tinyurl.com/5mvwy6
Ok, scratch that idea. Except Kobe. Kobe needs to bring it back for sure.
Posted by: puddle | September 09, 2008 at 10:32 AM
thekobebryantblitz,
I thought that Rad Vlad would shine as a Laker because as a Clipper Rad Vlad played with competitive fire--something I love in a player.
Then he came to the Lakers and has been a bonehead, first with Park City Gate and then with inconsistent play. It's been frustrating to watch.
It's even more frustrating watching that video and hearing him say the most important thing he did all summer was see his family. Great. Thanks a lot, Vlad. Way to keep your eye on a Championship.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 09, 2008 at 10:33 AM
puddle,
The entire team should go for the fro, including Sasha.
Team Fro = Team Victory.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 09, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Again, it's funny how people see ambition as something to be criticized. Kobe wanted to surpass Jordan... What's wrong with that? Isn't that what America's all about, competition? Why not strive for the best? He didn't do it intentionally to break up the team. All the dumb stuff and carry over from the Colorado trial had lots to do with setting the table for the great implosion. Kobe is to blame, but so is Shaq, Phil and Buss. When it comes down to it, the guy who signs the checks, makes the decisions and he went with Kobe.
I think we've all worked at a job where we didn't get along with a particular person, and a decision had to be made, I go or he/she goes. Or maybe you wanted a new challenge, change of scenery, etc. Yes, even pro athletes have these decisions to make. Most of the time money talks and keeps us in our current situation. Kobe came to this crossroads in 2004 and Buss offered him the keys to the franchise. Was it wrong for him to accept it? I'm sure glad he did.
Brian Grant's contract kept the Lakers from signing a big name for 3 seasons. The players that KL mentioned, except Payton and Malone, weren't all that effective in the big scheme of things. (JR Rider maybe but that guy was a cancer) Payton and Malone came AFTER 3 titles, so to me, they were jumping on the Laker bandwagon, not the Shaq bandwagon. Fisher left for MORE MONEY!! Who wants to join the Lakers now? Well, where are they going to fit in on our team? As is, we're definitely a legit contender this year, anyone who says different just doesn't know the game. First off, they have to be willing to take the little money we have to give, next , they should be able to play in the Triangle, and finally know that they may not be getting the PT they could get on another team. Is this all Kobe's fault, no.
Posted by: JSNV | September 09, 2008 at 10:52 AM
tkbb,
Didn't Vlad sign AFTER the Clips signed Tim Thomas?
Posted by: JSNV | September 09, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Wow, Phil and shaq have some things in common.
Both won rings with and without Kobe.
Both at some point in their career didn't like Kobe (shaq still doesn't and who knows Phil probably doesn't neithr)
Both are always crackin jokes to the media ( I believe b/c they have low self esteem).
Both are at the end of their career and not as dominant as before. Yes Phil has 9 rings and shaq has 4, but those things are in their trophy cases and wont be much help for the 09 season.
Players aren't afraid of shaq anymore and coaches aren't afraid of Phil, as a matter of fact I think they welcome the challenge.
and here's the the thing that I think they have the most in common
shaq won't win another championship unless he's playing for the Lakers backing up Bynum.
Phil wont win another ring unless he's coaching ( if thats what you want to call it) Kobe and the Lakers.
Posted by: Magia32 | September 08, 2008 at 05:38 PM
===========================
Great post. Glad more ppl are not worshipping at the PJ zen altar. Glad you have to courage to state your point of view.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 09, 2008 at 11:11 AM
JSNV,
Nope. The Lakers signed Radman on July 1,2006 for $31 Million (The Full Mid level exception) for 5 years. Tim Thomas was signed by the Clippers on July 13, 2006 for $24 Million for 4 years (same price as Radman except for one less year). Radman had originally appeared to sign with the Clippers but jumped ship and instead joined the Lakers. To counter this loss, the Clippers signed Tim Thomas 12 days later from the Phoenix Suns. However, neither player really panned out to become their full potential.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 09, 2008 at 11:11 AM
JustaLakerFan
>>>>>The one thing not mentioned about the interview was what LakerTom and I have
>>>>>been preaching a long time.
>>>>>Sign AB preferably to near max money or lose him to FA or pay a lot more to
>>>>>keep him. Go back and listen to what he said in regards to if he is signed or not.
>>>>>If he is signed then that is something he will not have to focus on.
>>>>>Now the important words! If they don't then the ball is in my court.
>>>>>I'll translaate for you. Then negotiations are in my court and I will be a free agent
>>>>>and choose who I sign with and for how much.
>>>>>Now do you all want to let AB sniff free agency? I think not.
You are absolutely right, JLF. The Lakers will wrap up Drew before his birthday on October 27th. It’s funny, I wrote a post the other day praising Jim Buss for sticking with Drew when the pressure was on to trade him and made the analogy that it was the same type of move that Jerry made in choosing Kobe over Shaq – the kind of big-time franchise-defining moves that great owners made. Not a peep from the blog. Well, Lakersville, consider yourselves lucky that one of the guys who will be making the decision to sign Drew for a near-max extension will be none other than Jim Buss, the guy who may really deserve the credit for the Lakers drafting and then sticking with the Next Great Lakers Center.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 08, 2008 at 08:06 PM
===============================
LakerTom.
Thanks for the sentiment and view. It really makes me scratch my head when so many bloggers want to disparge a young talent franchise player in the making. Even more confusing is attacking you especially for being optomistic about AB. They remain silent when the facts are staring them in their face.(referring to AB's words and your optomism) And defending ways to low ball this talented kid.
I saw your post and agree.
As I see it, for the Laker organization I hope they get the home court avantage and sign for as low as they can w/o disrespecting AB.
For AB I want to see the kid get what he deserves for all his hard work.
As a Laker fan I hope both sides meet at a mutually satisfactory compromised agreement that both sides are happy with.
Thanks LakerTom for your upbeat views and keep up the good work. State your opinions proudly and don't let the negative naysayers tear you down.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 09, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Great posts fellow bloggers. Great job AK/BK of running the show. I'm a long time reader of this blog and occasional contributor. I think I am pretty much addicted to all the Laker talk, NBA talk and everything else that goes on, specially anything basketball related (which most of it is anyways).
Couple of days ago there was quite a bit of debate about who's better between Shaq and Hakeem. Being a Laker fan, I loved Shaq during the three-peat but I still think that Hakeem was the more skilled and a way better all round player than Shaq can ever 'dream' of.
The main reason I bring this whole thing up again is because I just ran into some highlights in YouTube of Shaq getting schooled by Hakeem in the 1995 Finals. Just look at the moves that Hakeem lays on Shaq - simply unstoppable...the Dream Shake, the up & under, the jump hooks, the drives, the mid-range game - even the Shaq of the 3-peat years could not have stopped the Dream. And of course, Hakeem was a way better defender than Shaq ever was. Here's the Top 10 Dream Moments of the 1995 Finals:
http://tinyurl.com/6klmee
Enjoy!
RG
Posted by: RG | September 09, 2008 at 11:30 AM
>>>Kobe Bryant=Known (Olympics)
>>>Pau Gasol=Known (Olympics)
>>>...
>>>
>>>KWAME BROWN = BAKING CAKES
Smush Parker = waxing the Smushcalade
Brian Cook = (more) matador lessons
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 11:38 AM
BUTLER
>>>Your synopsis of Oden applies equally to bynumb. Both
>>>will have to prove they are worth more than kwame
>>>brown, which ain't saying much but that's the level they
>>> must reach first before going any further.
As it happens, this is an area where you and I agree. Bynum
has already shown more talent than Kwame Brown, but he hasn't
shown enough talent and consistent health to warrant a
max contract yet and I've said so here several times (ask Laker Tom).
I think both Oden and Bynum will turn out to be great
players if they can stay healthy. In fact, I think each of
them has the capability to turn out better than Dwight
Howard if they keep working hard and if they stay healthy.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 11:42 AM
utzworld,
>>>So let me get this straight...
>>>
>>>KL is back?
>>>LGC's is gone?
>>>
>>>Dang...I Heart Hollywood!
You never see them at parties together...
I'm just sayin'
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 11:44 AM
ExHelo,
Well said!
Posted by: Eric M. | September 09, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Luke definitely needs to rock a fro and a headband. Think Will Farrell in that basketball movie. It could be the greatest thing to happen to the Lakers since Kurt Rambis blessed us with his mustache.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 09, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Thanks LakerTom for your upbeat views and keep up the good work. State your opinions
proudly and don't let the negative naysayers tear you down. Posted by: JustaLakerFan
| September 09, 2008 at 11:22 AM
How you doing JustaLakerFan. Good Post!
I second that! Thanks LakerTom. Keep on doing what you do!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 09, 2008 at 11:49 AM
No Surgery for Kobe!!!!!
https://www.kb24.com/news/article/715.html
T-Woody
Posted by: TWoody | September 09, 2008 at 11:56 AM
September 09 :: 2008
KB24.com exclusive :: Update on Kobe's injured pinkie
After seeking numerous opinions from hand specialists, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has decided to forgo surgery on his right pinkie. Fresh off his Olympic Gold Medal performance in Beijing, Bryant expressed that he did not want to miss any time on the court when Lakers training camp opens later this month.
"I have always felt that I can still focus and play at a high level even through various injuries. Thatss really just part of the game. When the doctors told me recovery from a procedure could be 12 weeks, I just decided now was not the time to have surgery. What it really came down to for me is that I just didn't want to miss any time 'punching the clock' for the Lakers, given all we are trying to accomplish as a team this NBA season. I am just really excited and looking forward to being there with the guys when camp opens in a few weeks. That is a real bonding process and if I can avoid being on the sidelines for that, God willing, I will," said Bryant.
:: Choose :: September 2008 ------------------------------ 09.09.08 :: KB24.com exclusive :: Update on Kobe's injured pinkie 09.09.08 :: Kobe and Vanessa at the MTV Video Music Awards 09.08.08 :: The Cao Yan Project 09.08.08 :: Beijing '08: A golden celebration 09.05.08 :: Kobe's upcoming appearances 09.05.08 :: Kobe's Monster Year August 2008 ------------------------------ 08.13.08 :: Behind the scenes at a Vitamin Water commercial shoot 08.13.08 :: Listen: Kobe checks in from Beijing 08.12.08 :: Team USA grinds past Angola; Greece up next 08.11.08 :: Kobe moving to the front court? 08.11.08 :: "I just met Kobe!" 08.08.08 :: "United We Rise" 08.08.08 :: Kobe on cover of LA Times 08.06.08 :: Who made you, Kobe? 08.06.08 :: "Kou-bi-er!, Kou-bi-er!" July 2008 ------------------------------ 07.28.08 :: Team USA/Kobe Fan photos 07.28.08 :: The KB24.com Store has the new Olympic Hyperdunks 07.24.08 :: Olympics Roundup: KB works on defending pick and roll 07.24.08 :: Flywire: game-changing technology 07.22.08 :: Kobe reacts to Lakers offseason moves, preps for Olympics in Las Vegas 07.18.08 :: Learn Kobe's Moves! 07.18.08 :: More of Kobe on Regis & Kelly 07.16.08 :: Behind the Scenes: Kobe and Shepard Fairey 07.15.08 :: Kobe Meets Sean Daniels 07.10.08 :: 2008 Kobe Basketball Academy :: Photos 07.08.08 :: KB24.com Member Meet and Greet :: Photos 07.07.08 :: Shepard Fairey lithographs from Upper Deck 07.07.08 :: Kobe Basketball Academy :: More content 07.07.08 :: Member Meet and Greet 07.03.08 :: Video :: Kobe Basketball Academy 07.02.08 :: Busy day for KB 07.02.08 :: Kobe MVP gear from Upper Deck 07.01.08 :: Teen Choice 2008: Vote for Kobe 07.01.08 :: Kobe, the "Mystery Guest" June 2008 ------------------------------ 06.30.08 :: Listen: Kobe on the Dan Patrick Show 06.27.08 :: Kobe and Team USA arrive in Vegas 06.25.08 :: The MVP speech like you've never seen it before 06.25.08 :: Kobe is B.E.T.'s Male Athlete of the Year 06.20.08 :: Kobe's exit interview 06.19.08 :: Vital information for 24 Store customers 06.19.08 :: If you placed an order on Wednesday or Thursday with the 24 Store, please read 06.18.08 :: Member Contest: Your chance to meet Kobe (updated) 06.18.08 :: The real deal on Kobe and MySpace 06.18.08 :: "I'm proud of my guys" 06.17.08 :: Game 6 tonight in Boston 06.16.08 :: Happy Fathers Day, Kobe 06.16.08 :: Game 5: Lakers send series back to Boston 06.13.08 :: Fan photos from Game 4 06.13.08 :: Kobe's postgame press conference 06.12.08 :: "Go Yankees" 06.11.08 :: Game 3 photos from a superfan 06.11.08 :: Boston paper: Kobe Bryant never more giant 06.11.08 :: Kobe: All-Access 06.10.08 :: Game 3 tonight: Lakers ready to defend home court 06.08.08 :: KB24 is Kobe's only online home 06.06.08 :: Quotes, reaction from Game 1 06.05.08 :: Finals: Game 1 content 06.04.08 :: LD2k: Judgement Day (video) 06.04.08 :: Baron Davis interviews Kobe 06.04.08 :: "I'm not letting my team lose" 06.03.08 :: Lakers fan in Boston has GUTS! 06.03.08 :: Lakers/Celtics: Quotes and links 06.02.08 :: Listen: Kobe on ESPN radio 06.02.08 :: ESPN's Sunday conversation with Kobe May 2008 ------------------------------ 05.30.08 :: Olympics Q&A with KB 05.30.08 :: Hyperdunks 05.30.08 :: Coming Friday night: Kobe sits down with Stephen A. Smith 05.30.08 :: On to the NBA Finals! 05.29.08 :: Kobe radio interview tonight 05.29.08 :: Buying A Ticket 05.27.08 :: Update: Member contest winner game pics 05.22.08 :: KB24 Member Contest :: We have a winner! 05.22.08 :: Kobe fuels Game 1 comeback vs. Spurs 05.20.08 :: Photos from team dinner and Kobe's gift 05.19.08 :: Kobe and Artest: Friday on Best Damn Sports Show Period 05.19.08 :: Team dinner tonight 05.16.08 :: Prepping for Game 6 05.16.08 :: Lucky fan gets autographed shoes from 24 Store 05.15.08 :: Kobe Receives United States Sports Academy's Athlete of the Month 05.15.08 :: Ultimate Trust 05.14.08 :: A Day in the life of Kobe Bryant 05.13.08 :: Fan Artwork Keeps On Coming 05.13.08 :: Playing Through The Pain 05.13.08 :: Snoop and Kurupt Have Purple & Gold Fever 05.13.08 :: Jazz expect Kobe to come strong Wednesday 05.13.08 :: Elie Seckbach tracks down Kobe 05.12.08 :: Making history 05.12.08 :: Despite bad back, Kobe says 'I'm playing Wednesday' 05.12.08 :: KB headlines All-Defensive Team 05.09.08 :: Video: "We all share in our individual triumphs as a unit" 05.09.08 :: Interview Friday on Channel 9 05.08.08 :: Listen to Kobe on the PMS Show 05.08.08 :: Kobe Makes All-NBA First Team 05.08.08 :: Your MVP Content 05.08.08 :: Jack shows off his MVP shirt (and how you can get one) 05.08.08 :: Video: FSN tribute to Kobe 05.07.08 :: Video: Elie Seckbach on Kobe's MVP 05.07.08 :: MVP ads in the L.A. Times 05.07.08 :: Video: Michael Wilbon interviews Kobe (part 1) 05.06.08 :: MVP Day Round-Up 05.06.08 :: Kobe Bryant Is Your 2008 MVP 05.06.08 :: Is That MVP We Hear? 05.05.08 :: All in the Bryant family 05.05.08 :: Game 1 roundup: Lakers 109, Jazz 98 05.02.08 :: Video: Kobe on Jim Rome is Burning 05.02.08 :: Video: Kobe meets with Joe Spears III 05.01.08 :: 24 Store updated with new ZKIII colorway 05.01.08 :: Take Your Pick 05.01.08 :: "I'd drop 80 on 'em." 05.01.08 :: Kobe on Jim Rome is Burning April 2008 ------------------------------ 04.30.08 :: Larry Bird: Kobe's tops in my book 04.29.08 :: Fan Content Galore 04.29.08 :: A Clean Sweep 04.25.08 :: Comparing 49 to 81 04.24.08 :: Kobe calling in to Loose Cannons 04.24.08 :: "You shake the tree, a leopard's gonna fall out." 04.24.08 :: Best game Kobe has ever played? 04.24.08 :: Kobe makes another Wish come true 04.24.08 :: Video: Kobe and Kenny Smith 04.23.08 :: Game 2 notebook 04.23.08 :: KB holds court with reporters 04.22.08 :: Kobe: This team is special 04.21.08 :: "Gold Rush" by LD2k 04.17.08 :: Daddy for MVP 04.17.08 :: Team unity propels Kobe in MVP race 04.17.08 :: Lakers and Nuggets head into postseason clash 04.16.08 :: Kobe on cover of Sports Illustrated 04.16.08 :: Lakers are best in the west 04.16.08 :: Kobe on Ryan Seacrest :: Updated with audio 04.15.08 :: The Culmination 04.15.08 :: Spike Follows Kobe 04.10.08 :: Kobe Interviews With Stephen A. Smith & Cheryl Miller 04.10.08 :: Kobe Gets Love From SI, Beckham & Jerry West 04.09.08 :: Video: Kobe jumps over a moving Aston Martin?!? 04.09.08 :: Hyperdunk update 04.08.08 :: New LD2K Video: Fate 04.08.08 :: Kobe busts out the umbrella-ella 04.08.08 :: Kobe's Work Ethic Doesn't Wilt 04.08.08 :: Video: Kobe at Nike Summit 04.08.08 :: Listen: Kobe on Jim Rome Show 04.07.08 :: "They had so many fans here. Today was all Lakers (fans)." 04.07.08 :: NBA taps KB as Western Conference Player of the Week 04.04.08 :: Kobe on Jim Rome: Rescheduled for April 7 04.04.08 :: Three new Kobe commercials 04.04.08 :: Game night: Lakers host Mavs 04.04.08 :: Kobe has 'family night' at Galaxy game 04.03.08 :: Kobe/Gasol '08 bumper stickers 04.03.08 :: The 1-2 punch is back in effect 04.02.08 :: The shoes Duke never wore 04.02.08 :: Kobe to wear new Nike "Hyperdunk" 04.02.08 :: "Hopefully, he doesn't eat you up" 04.01.08 :: Customize your desktop with Kobe walls March 2008 ------------------------------ 03.31.08 :: "A real good dude on and off the court" 03.28.08 :: Kobe and Justin: All smiles 03.28.08 :: Shaq: "Kobester" is the MVP 03.26.08 :: 24 Store is open with the latest Kobe gear 03.25.08 :: Cabbie and Kobe: one on one 03.23.08 :: Listen Monday @ 9:35: Kobe on Jim Rome Show 03.21.08 :: Listen: Kobe on Mike Tirico Show 03.21.08 :: Reaction from Utah 03.21.08 :: Watch it now: LD2k's "Rise of the Empire", a KB24 exclusive 03.21.08 :: Duke's ZKIIIs 03.20.08 :: Genius: Behind the scenes 03.20.08 :: How will Utah guard Two4? 03.20.08 :: Kobe on Dime Mag cover 03.19.08 :: Listen: Kobe on the Steve Mason Show 03.19.08 :: "Welcome to Kobe Island" 03.19.08 :: Quotes and highlights from Dallas 03.19.08 :: Say It Loud! 03.19.08 :: Kobe for President? 03.18.08 :: Now hear this... 03.18.08 :: Avery Johnson: We can't let Kobe get to the line 03.18.08 :: Video: Athletes as activists 03.14.08 :: Listen Monday: Kobe on Mike Tirico Show 03.14.08 :: Preview: Four-game road trip 03.13.08 :: Kobe: 'D Fish competes just like I do' 03.11.08 :: Revisiting 81 03.11.08 :: 'Ya heard? 03.11.08 :: Have you seen these ZKIIIs? 03.07.08 :: Kobe MVP Talks Pick Up Steam 03.05.08 :: ZKIII/Genius: Pure Genius (5th of 5) 03.03.08 :: Kobe garners Player of Week and Player of Month honors 03.03.08 :: "And then it happened..." February 2008 ------------------------------ 02.28.08 :: Zen Master: Kobe is having an MVP season 02.27.08 :: ZKIII/Genius: Kobe as Carver (4th of 5) 02.26.08 :: Truth: Kobe on Gasol, the Oscars and more 02.25.08 :: Is Kobe a black belt? 02.25.08 :: Quotes from the weekend 02.25.08 :: Power Rankings: Lakers are No. 1 02.21.08 :: Kobe spoils Shaq's debut with Phoenix 02.20.08 :: ZKIII/Genius: Kobe as Einstein (3rd of 5) 02.20.08 :: Lakers impressive in Pau's home debut; Suns up tonight 02.19.08 :: Kobe: Every day is like Christmas 02.18.08 :: Kobe contributes in "other" ways 02.15.08 :: L.A. Times: Kobe will play Sunday, but... 02.13.08 :: ZKIII/Genius: Kobe as Mozart (2nd of 5) 02.12.08 :: Kobe PSA on Darfur 02.11.08 :: Miami ASAS welcomes KB 02.08.08 :: All-Star Nike Zoom Kobe III - SOLD OUT 02.08.08 :: Black Nike Zoom Kobe III - GET YOURS NOW 02.08.08 :: Kobe: Untaped 02.06.08 :: ZKIII/Genius: Kobe as Leonardo da Vinci (1st of 5) 02.06.08 :: ZKIII: This shoe is Genius 02.06.08 :: Quotes from Gasol's debut 02.05.08 :: Exclusive World Premiere: Zoom Kobe III Campaign coming Wednesday 02.04.08 :: Kobe on BET 02.04.08 :: RAYRAY gets Kobe's sneaks 02.04.08 :: Weekend highlights (video) 02.01.08 :: Kobe on trade: "It's exactly what we were looking for" (audio) 02.01.08 :: Lakers acquire Gasol from Grizzlies 02.01.08 :: Notes, quotes from Detroit 02.01.08 :: Michael Wilbon: Thanks, Kob January 2008 ------------------------------ 01.31.08 :: Mamba on nine-game road trip: "I'm not too concerned" 01.28.08 :: Photos, video from Lakers/Cavs 01.28.08 :: Hoopsworld gets up close with Kobe (video) 01.25.08 :: KB on Philly Sports Radio (audio) 01.25.08 :: Kobe on teammates: We're brothers (video) 01.24.08 :: NBA announces All-Star starters: Kobe top vote-getter in West 01.24.08 :: Kobe and Stephen A. Smith 01.24.08 :: Notes and quotes from San Antonio 01.23.08 :: Inside Kobe's head 01.23.08 :: Listen: Kobe and the 'passion bucket' on Dan Patrick 01.22.08 :: Listen: Kobe on Nike Basketball's HOOPSTALK 01.17.08 :: D'Antoni on KB 01.17.08 :: Kobe to be honored by LA Sports Council 01.17.08 :: Slumber party at Kobe's house? 01.17.08 :: Get inside the coaches' heads 01.17.08 :: First place on the line tonight 01.16.08 :: The "old" Kobe 01.15.08 :: "We're a championship-caliber team when he's in the lineup." 01.15.08 :: "I wanted to be a lot more assertive." 01.14.08 :: Kobe is the Western Conference Player of the Week 01.14.08 :: Kobe shares a moment with season ticket holders 01.14.08 :: Lakers claim No. 1 spot in NBA.com Power Rankings 01.11.08 :: Kobe black and white 01.11.08 :: Send questions for Nike's HoopsTalk with Kobe 01.10.08 :: Latest All-Star returns 01.10.08 :: Check the highlights 01.09.08 :: Kobe and Make-A-Wish 01.09.08 :: Kobe as statistician 01.08.08 :: All Star update 01.08.08 :: Linking Kobe with Julius "The Doctor" Erving 01.08.08 :: Have you seen Kobe's new Nike Asia TV commercial? 01.07.08 :: Nike's HoopsTalk: Your chance to talk to Kobe 01.07.08 :: 'Lotta love for Bynum 01.02.08 :: Gettysburg College b-ball team meets KB 01.02.08 :: Who wears short shorts? December 2007 ------------------------------ 12.26.07 :: Kobe in NYC 12.24.07 :: Kobe on MNF 12.21.07 :: Did you see Kobe's new ZKIII? 12.20.07 :: Lower Merion follows Kobe... 12.20.07 :: If you tune in early tonight... 12.20.07 :: Kobe on matchup with LeBron: Overhyped 12.20.07 :: Kobe: We're good now, but can "get much, much better" 12.19.07 :: Sam Smith goes one-on-one with KB 12.19.07 :: Kobe: "We are playing extremely well" 12.18.07 :: KB's busy weekend 12.18.07 :: How will the Bulls try to stop Kobe? 12.18.07 :: Motivating the next wave of players 12.17.07 :: KB plays through the pain 12.14.07 :: Lakers clip Spurs, KB 'happy' 12.13.07 :: All mic'd up 12.13.07 :: Kobe's upcoming media apperances 12.13.07 :: 2008 All-Star voting: First returns are in 12.12.07 :: Chance to help someone in the Kobe community 12.12.07 :: Nike Asia shoot at The Point 12.10.07 :: If Kobe gets 80... 12.06.07 :: KB brushes off "owie", leads Lakers to 2nd straight road win 12.05.07 :: "It's just Kobe-ish" 12.03.07 :: Magic 104, Lakers 97: Video highlights November 2007 ------------------------------ 11.30.07 :: Doc Rivers: I wish more people would celebrate Kobe 11.30.07 :: Kobe: 'Young fellas' leading the way 11.29.07 :: Photos from After-School All-Star event 11.29.07 :: Kobe counsels Vasquez 11.29.07 :: Kobe's an ambassador now 11.28.07 :: KB passes Bernard King on NBA's all-time scoring list 11.26.07 :: Getting defensive 11.26.07 :: Kidd knows what drives Kobe 11.21.07 :: Kobe leads, cheers team to win in Indy 11.20.07 :: O'Brien: Kobe is 'best in the world' 11.16.07 :: Get out the All-Star vote! 11.15.07 :: Kobe sparks teammates to big win at Houston 11.14.07 :: Spurs outlast Lakers, Rockets up next 11.14.07 :: Coach Jackson praises Kobe's leadership 11.13.07 :: Doing the Texas two-step 11.09.07 :: Players agree: Kobe is tops 11.05.07 :: Better than advertised 11.01.07 :: Kobe previews Friday night matchup vs. Phoenix October 2007 ------------------------------ 10.31.07 :: Battier on guarding Kobe 10.31.07 :: Kobe scores 45 but Lakers fall in season opener 10.30.07 :: Some new Kobe artwork 10.30.07 :: Kobe ready to go tonight? 10.30.07 :: Boozer on Kobe 10.29.07 :: Kobe's Nike Asia photo shoot 10.26.07 :: Mamba will sit tonight vs. Sacramento 10.25.07 :: KB battles a right wrist injury 10.24.07 :: GM poll: Kobe forces you to adjust, plus other notes 10.19.07 :: New Kobe walls 10.19.07 :: Kobe leads Lakers to 126-106 win vs. Seattle 10.16.07 :: Kobe interview outside practice facility 10.16.07 :: Kobe talks to Big Game James 10.12.07 :: Preseason game 2: Warriors 119, Lakers 106 10.11.07 :: LD2k video: Flight 24 10.11.07 :: In case you missed it... 10.10.07 :: Lakers show off new-look offense 10.09.07 :: Can you believe it's game night? 10.08.07 :: Kobe fan in Italy 10.02.07 :: Kobe and Matt "Money" Smith 10.01.07 :: Lakers 2007-08 media day September 2007 ------------------------------ 09.28.07 :: The countdown to tipoff is on... 09.14.07 :: A day with Kobe in Manila 09.12.07 :: Leftover swag 09.10.07 :: The "King of Beijing" 09.07.07 :: Kobe swings through Hong Kong 09.06.07 :: Remember us? 09.06.07 :: Supernatural Tour '07: Taiwan 09.05.07 :: Exclusive Kobe photos from Supernatural Tour '07 09.05.07 :: Kobe arrives in Manila 09.04.07 :: Supernatural walls 09.04.07 :: Kobe doing his "Supernatural" tour August 2007 ------------------------------ 08.31.07 :: Kobe leads Team USA past Argentina 08.30.07 :: Krzyzewski has Bryant's back 08.29.07 :: Kobe, Team USA clinch FIBA semifinal berth 08.28.07 :: Kobe: 'we were a little stiff tonight' 08.27.07 :: Kobe hounds Barbosa in Team USA rout 08.24.07 :: Kobe supports After-School All-Stars in Vegas 08.24.07 :: Kobe, Team USA roll past Virgin Islands 08.23.07 :: Team USA in action tonight... 08.23.07 :: Fans wish KB a Happy Birthday 08.23.07 :: Happy Birthday, Mamba 08.22.07 :: Kobe, Team USA debut tonight 08.22.07 :: It's Kobe's show 08.20.07 :: Update: Limited edition Kobe figurine is sold out 08.20.07 :: Kobe: Coach K would be great in the NBA 08.20.07 :: Kobe's Sunday Conversation 08.16.07 :: Photos from Team USA training camp 08.15.07 :: Kobe arrives in Vegas 08.14.07 :: Clyde the Glide: Kobe is tops in the game 08.09.07 :: Kobe visits Edison Middle School 08.09.07 :: Nike ID: Sold out on today, but come back tomorrow... 08.09.07 :: Video: Kobe on Jimmy Kimmel 08.06.07 :: Kobe to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live 08.06.07 :: "Who are you most looking forward to playing against?" 08.02.07 :: Lakers 2007-08 schedule released July 2007 ------------------------------ 07.30.07 :: Project 24 07.24.07 :: NIKEiD Kobe II preview 07.24.07 :: Kobe Team USA desktop wallpaper 07.23.07 :: New-look Kobe scores 26 for Team USA 07.20.07 :: Going for gold 07.20.07 :: Who's Now? Kobe vs. A-Rod 07.11.07 :: Kobe's autograph session 07.10.07 :: Update: Who's Now? 07.09.07 :: Who's Now? 07.09.07 :: Tyson Beck's latest desktop wallpaper 07.09.07 :: Kobe's interview with Jim Hill 07.05.07 :: Kobe's VIVO kids 07.05.07 :: Notes from around the Web 07.02.07 :: Kobe Basketball Academy is underway June 2007 ------------------------------ 06.29.07 :: Lakers top draft pick: "I watch a lot of Kobe..." 06.28.07 :: Kobe's Skills Academy: Hear from Jellybean Bryant 06.28.07 :: Draft night 06.21.07 :: Your Kobe creations 06.21.07 :: "All you can do is grin." 06.18.07 :: Truth: Fans speak out 06.14.07 :: Update: Kobe makes a surprise visit... 06.13.07 :: Remembering the 8 06.12.07 :: Steph on Kobe 06.11.07 :: Best Damn Sports Show Period honors KB24 06.11.07 :: Kobe's jersey No. 1 seller in 2007 06.08.07 :: LD2k: Bringing back the good memories 06.07.07 :: All Laced up 06.07.07 :: Supernatural in Asia 06.06.07 :: "What we're going to do today is have a good time with each other playing the game of basketball" May 2007 ------------------------------ 05.31.07 :: Kobe's early-morning workout 05.30.07 :: Audio roundup: Hear from Kobe 05.30.07 :: Shaq: I believe Kobe 100% 05.29.07 :: Audio: Kobe on AM 570 05.29.07 :: The Truth: Lakers "insider" all wrong 05.28.07 :: The Truth: I haven't asked for a trade 05.23.07 :: Draft predictions 05.23.07 :: The West just got a whole lot tougher 05.22.07 :: NBA draft lottery tonight 05.22.07 :: Passing the torch 05.21.07 :: Zoom Kobe II: Asia exclusive sneak peek 05.21.07 :: Kobe and family attend "Pirates" premiere 05.21.07 :: hZm: "Supernatural" 24-hour exclusive 05.18.07 :: There's no offseason on kb24.com 05.15.07 :: MVP ballots are in... 05.11.07 :: Kobe texts D. Fish, says "Go at them" 05.10.07 :: Kobe named First-Team All NBA for 5th time 05.07.07 :: Kobe: "Now is the time" 05.04.07 :: Exit interviews continue... 05.03.07 :: That's a wrap: Lakers' season ends in Phoenix 05.02.07 :: Game 5 is looming 05.01.07 :: Kobe: This team is resilient April 2007 ------------------------------ 04.30.07 :: Kobe earns NBA All-Defensive First Team honors 04.30.07 :: Game 4: Suns outlast L.A. 04.27.07 :: Game 3: Lakers win with hustle, effort 04.26.07 :: Get ready for the Kobe Show 04.25.07 :: Big margin? Big deal 04.24.07 :: New wallpaper: Kobe throws it down 04.24.07 :: KB's shoe schedule 04.24.07 :: Prepping for Game 2 04.24.07 :: Kobe: 'Warriors respecting warriors' 04.24.07 :: Kobe All-Star Vinyls - SOLD OUT 04.23.07 :: Post-practice quotes from KB 04.23.07 :: Game 1 reaction 04.22.07 :: New LD2k playoff video: Eclipse Of The Sun 04.22.07 :: Kobe's footwear schedule 04.20.07 :: New Zoom Kobe II colorways 04.20.07 :: Lakers/Suns: Series keys 04.20.07 :: Straight Bangin' comes around 04.20.07 :: The book on the Lakers 04.19.07 :: Kobe wins second consecutive scoring title 04.19.07 :: Represent 04.19.07 :: LeBron: Kobe is my MVP 04.19.07 :: Lakers clinch 7th seed, will play Suns on Sunday 04.18.07 :: Playoff scenarios: Who will Lakers play? 04.17.07 :: The latest from hZm Designs 04.17.07 :: Phil Jackson: Kobe gets my MVP nod 04.16.07 :: LD2k & oDoM7 present "Rise To The Top" 04.16.07 :: The 24 Experience 04.16.07 :: KB's 50 puts Lakers in postseason 04.13.07 :: The Warrior Within 04.12.07 :: Kobe on Nike's HOOPSTALK 04.12.07 :: Game night: Lakers' magic number is 2 04.11.07 :: Video: An international flavor 04.11.07 :: Video recap: A day with Kobe 04.11.07 :: Kobe tells Coach K, "I'm ready to go" 04.11.07 :: Kobe live on the Adam Carolla show 04.10.07 :: Kobe Basketball Academy registration begins Wed., April 11 @ 9am 04.09.07 :: Game night in Denver 04.09.07 :: Kobe answers fan questions on HOOPSTALK 04.06.07 :: Kobe Basketball Academy 04.06.07 :: Lakers/Sonics tonight 04.05.07 :: Kobe answers your questions 04.05.07 :: Playoff race is heating up 04.03.07 :: Got questions for Kobe? 04.03.07 :: KB reaches out to 'Melo 04.02.07 :: 24 for 24, hosted by #24 04.02.07 :: Kobe's 13 assists lead Lakers to victory March 2007 ------------------------------ 03.30.07 :: The creative "Kobeheads" 03.30.07 :: More fan pics of Zoom Kobe IIs 03.30.07 :: Who'll guard Kobe tonight? 03.29.07 :: Fans show off their Zoom Kobe IIs 03.29.07 :: "This is what a leader does." 03.28.07 :: Zoom Kobe II update 03.28.07 :: "You can never be satisfied" 03.28.07 :: Mashburn: Kobe is the MVP 03.28.07 :: Kobe: 'flush it' 03.28.07 :: Zoom Kobe II: A sneak peek 03.27.07 :: Kobe attends world premiere of "Grindhouse" 03.27.07 :: Chris Webber: Kobe's the best, by far 03.27.07 :: "I couldn't stop smiling" 03.26.07 :: "We held him to 43, by God," 03.24.07 :: Kobe and Wilt 03.23.07 :: Flea sums it up perfectly 03.23.07 :: Witnessing greatness 03.22.07 :: The greatest scorer ever? 03.22.07 :: Stu Lantz on KB's drive 03.22.07 :: Game night in Memphis 03.22.07 :: "...just completely false" 03.20.07 :: LD2k: Vengeance 03.20.07 :: More records fall 03.20.07 :: Kobe's jersey sales top China, too 03.19.07 :: Kobe: Player of the Week 03.19.07 :: We have a new scoring leader 03.16.07 :: Kobe gets nomination 03.16.07 :: Did you know... 03.15.07 :: Pregame in Denver 03.12.07 :: NBA targets Kobe again 03.12.07 :: Kobe goes back to school 03.09.07 :: Pep talk 03.09.07 :: Kobe returns to Philly tonight 03.08.07 :: Fan content of the week 03.08.07 :: Fans in Wisconsin react 03.08.07 :: Kobe's side of the story 03.07.07 :: Kobe reacts to suspension 03.07.07 :: Breaking news: Kobe suspended tonight 03.07.07 :: No rest: Road trip continues 03.06.07 :: Game night in Minnesota 03.05.07 :: The glass is half full 03.02.07 :: Weekend notebook 03.01.07 :: MVP debate February 2007 ------------------------------ 02.28.07 :: If the playoffs started today... 02.27.07 :: Win boosts Lakers' confidence 02.26.07 :: Back on the winning track 02.23.07 :: 'A bump in the road' 02.22.07 :: Kobe on Kidd and more 02.22.07 :: Video: Kobe Celebrates Black History Month 02.22.07 :: Trade deadline today 02.21.07 :: Game night: Portland in town 02.20.07 :: Kobe roundup 02.18.07 :: Kobe wins 2nd all-star MVP award 02.18.07 :: Kobe's new shoe and All-Star Saturday 02.15.07 :: Watch Kobe sign 02.14.07 :: Who's the MVP? 02.14.07 :: Knicked by the Knicks 02.13.07 :: Knicks in town tonight 02.12.07 :: Like father, like son 02.12.07 :: One positive about the road trip 02.11.07 :: Road trip ends today in Cleveland 02.09.07 :: Kobe, Lakers look to rebound tonight 02.08.07 :: Lakers anxious to see Detroit's zone "D" 02.07.07 :: "We had to put on a show for Kobe" 02.06.07 :: Kobe, meet Cobe 02.06.07 :: Kobe heats up late; Lakers win in Atlanta 02.05.07 :: Judge Bryant 02.05.07 :: Game night in the ATL 02.02.07 :: Life on the road 02.02.07 :: Walking the right path 02.02.07 :: Mamba from half court... 02.01.07 :: Kobe: "Animal Planet" inspires Nike Zoom Kobe II Strength January 2007 ------------------------------ 01.31.07 :: Kobe returns with a vengeance 01.31.07 :: Bynum, Farmar will join Kobe in Vegas 01.31.07 :: Game night in Boston 01.31.07 :: Final mention of "the" play 01.30.07 :: Update: Kobe's appeal denied 01.30.07 :: Kobe fights back 01.30.07 :: Kobe, Wade and more in Skills Challenge 01.30.07 :: Kobe reacts 01.30.07 :: Breaking news: Kobe out tonight vs. New York 01.29.07 :: Good cop/bad cop 01.26.07 :: Lakers as darkhorse 01.26.07 :: Game night vs. Charlotte 01.25.07 :: All-star starters announced 01.25.07 :: All the way from Australia 01.25.07 :: "You shop?" 01.25.07 :: Lamar likely to start Friday 01.24.07 :: Vital information for 24 Store customers 01.24.07 :: Kobe: Odom looks "really, really good" 01.23.07 :: The Second Coming interview 01.23.07 :: 81: one year later 01.22.07 :: "The second coming" 01.22.07 :: Happy Anniversary 01.19.07 :: Tough loss in Dallas, but... 01.19.07 :: Jackson praises Kobe's transformation 01.18.07 :: Your Kobe collections 01.18.07 :: Flash back to January 22, 2006: Kobe scores 81 01.18.07 :: Lakers make a statement 01.17.07 :: Game night in San Antonio 01.16.07 :: On the scene... 01.16.07 :: Greg Anthony on Kobe vs. Wade 01.16.07 :: Lakers get OT win vs. Miami 01.15.07 :: Happy MLK Day 01.15.07 :: WHY81 01.15.07 :: Rivalry resumes tonight 01.13.07 :: Kobe, Parker fuel victory 01.12.07 :: Game night vs. Orlando 01.11.07 :: All-Star update 01.11.07 :: Fan video of the week 01.11.07 :: Houston 102, Lakers 77 01.10.07 :: Kobe's "24" tops NBA jersey sales 01.10.07 :: Third quarter dooms Lakers 01.07.07 :: Streakbusters 01.07.07 :: Best in the West? 01.05.07 :: Good to be back 01.05.07 :: Kobe as "elder statesman" 01.05.07 :: Lakers 132, Kings 128 (OT) 01.04.07 :: Kobe: Balance is key 01.03.07 :: Movin' on up 01.02.07 :: Kobe named WC Player of the Month 01.02.07 :: Look who's coming back 01.01.07 :: A win to close out the year December 2006 ------------------------------ 12.30.06 :: Kobe scores 58 before record crowd in Charlotte 12.29.06 :: Road trip ends tonight in Charlotte 12.28.06 :: Lakers 106, Magic 93 12.26.06 :: Heat 101, Lakers 85 12.25.06 :: Merry Christmas 12.22.06 :: Busy "off day" 12.22.06 :: Game night vs. New Jersey 12.21.06 :: Another LD2k *exclusive* 12.21.06 :: Huge 4th leads Lakers to 111-94 win 12.20.06 :: Chicago 'D' slows Lakers 12.19.06 :: Road trip kicks off in Chicago 12.17.06 :: Kobe scores 45; Wizards take 147-141 OT win 12.16.06 :: Lakers win double OT thriller 12.15.06 :: Game night vs. Rockets 12.14.06 :: All-star voting update 12.14.06 :: Mavericks 110, Lakers 101 12.13.06 :: "The Kobe Rules" 12.13.06 :: Lakers 102, Rockets 94 12.12.06 :: Game night in Houston 12.11.06 :: "Real-life superheros" 12.11.06 :: 2007 Kobe Bryant Basketball Academy 12.11.06 :: Whole 'lotta love 12.11.06 :: Third quarter's a charm 12.09.06 :: A career night 12.08.06 :: LD2k's exclusive video release 12.08.06 :: Game night vs. Atlanta 12.07.06 :: Kobe on Rome is Burning 12.07.06 :: Hornets surprise Lakers in Staples 12.06.06 :: Ankle update 12.06.06 :: Best quarter ever? 12.06.06 :: Game night: Hornets in town 12.05.06 :: Kobe 12.05.06 :: Show us what you've got 12.05.06 :: Kobe injured in Lakers win 12.04.06 :: Game night vs. Pacers 12.01.06 :: New videos 12.01.06 :: 52 pickup November 2006 ------------------------------ 11.30.06 :: Payback time? 11.29.06 :: Shaw compares Kobe, Bird 11.29.06 :: Bucks win a stunner 11.28.06 :: Can't ignore him any longer 11.28.06 :: Game night vs. Bucks 11.27.06 :: Happy Birthday, Chick 11.27.06 :: Lakers 99, Nets 93: Pick your poison 11.25.06 :: Utah rally sinks Lakers 11.23.06 :: Happy Thanksgiving 11.22.06 :: "The inventor" 11.21.06 :: Battle of L.A. 11.20.06 :: Rosen: Kobe sets the tone 11.20.06 :: "It's a beautiful relationship" 11.20.06 :: Phil gets his hands dirty 11.18.06 :: 17k 11.17.06 :: Oh, Canada 11.16.06 :: Top 50 players 11.16.06 :: Kobe responds; Mihm on the shelf 11.15.06 :: The running game is back 11.15.06 :: Flea on the "two-headed monster" 11.15.06 :: Taking advantage of the break 11.14.06 :: Get out the vote 11.14.06 :: Last 8 wrapup 11.13.06 :: The poetry of Flea 11.13.06 :: 1-2 punch 11.12.06 :: Game night vs. Memphis 11.10.06 :: Kwame's back 11.09.06 :: Portland jinx 11.08.06 :: Young gun 11.07.06 :: The Last 8 11.07.06 :: The time is now 11.06.06 :: Kobe's top-25 11.06.06 :: Sonics get their revenge 11.03.06 :: Lakers win in No. 24's debut 11.03.06 :: Game night 11.02.06 :: 2-0 11.01.06 :: Lights Out October 2006 ------------------------------ 10.31.06 :: Kobe feeling "really, really good" 10.29.06 :: Old school vs. new school
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | September 09, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Twoody,
Thanks for the link. That was an unexpected turn of events.
Posted by: Xodus | September 09, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Wow. He's not getting the surgery. I'm both impressed by his desire to bond with his teammates and concerned about how this could affect his game long-term.
Wow.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 09, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Umm either the dude is faking the injury or he's just plain crazy. I dont really care so long as there's little to no chance that this will lead to surgery in the middle of the season.
Like I seriously hope this aint a case of "holy cr*p", the fingers been made worse by not getting surgery initially so now what would have taken 1 month to recover (as initially reported) will now take 3 months (as his website claims) and therefore I will just not own up to my stupidity and continue along the same road until the finger drops off, after all I am kobe, I can do it all.
And this is why he gets bad press, like seriously who is the pr dummy that handled this whole situation. You dont have the world thinking you're about to announce a date only to tell us you wont get it now. Nobody likes surprises, anywho I just hope he's really healthy. That finger aint his, the lakers pay good money for it and he should take better care of it. All in favor of cutting of his remaining fingers if this decision means he gets seriously hurt and F's up our dynasty say ... Yay.
Posted by: Taliq | September 09, 2008 at 12:21 PM
blitz,
Thanks for the clarification. Regardless, he's still a disappointment. I really knew it when he came out with the funky braids in Seattle. Going to the Clippers didn't help me like him either. I'd like to stay positive with this guy, but he is who he is and he only "plays hard" when his shot is falling.
Posted by: JSNV | September 09, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Long Time sez:
"I think both Oden and Bynum will turn out to be great
players if they can stay healthy. In fact, I think each of
them has the capability to turn out better than Dwight
Howard if they keep working hard and if they stay healthy."
That's a big if - but every playa has to face that I suppose.
What it comes down to is the playas' respective maturity and willingness to go through the demoralizing pain of rehab in order to strengthen the injuries and thus regain the ability to play aggressively without fear.
Check out the site basketbawful dot com, and there's an interesting story about Oden's rehab compared to Amare's. And then you might want to take a look at azcentral dot com for the new Amare article. He explains his decision to withdraw from the Olympics (rest and health).
I'm glad Amare did abstain from Beijing. A gold is nice, but not at the expense of a shortened career or more wear and tear on a surgically repaired knee right before the NBA season. We can ask spurs fans about that one.
Best of luck to bynumb, it'd be great to see him suit up. SHACK vs. bynumb will be great theater.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 09, 2008 at 12:37 PM
A question for any blogger out there:
It's a big what if...
If The Almighty gave you a choice: either the Lakers go for 75 wins, sweep the playoffs, take home the title, AND your preferred candidate loses the upcoming election in a landslide
OR
Your preferred candidate runs the table, your party gains seats in both houses, BUT the Lakers are riddled by injuries, and limp home at 40-42 and miss the playoffs
What would you choose?
Hmmmm...
karyanr
Posted by: karyanr | September 09, 2008 at 12:37 PM
JSNV,
>>>Didn't Vlad sign AFTER the Clips signed Tim Thomas?
Nope. The Lakers called Vlad at 12:01 on the first day they
could make contract offers and offered him the full MLE and
told him that he'd probably get to start.
Thomas was a reaction move by the Clippers to back-fill
Rad's position.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Karyanr,
That's easy. Country before self. Gotta take the election.
Posted by: Eric M. | September 09, 2008 at 01:09 PM
>>>Your preferred candidate runs the table, your party
>>>gains seats in both houses, BUT the Lakers are riddled
>>>by injuries, and limp home at 40-42 and miss the
>>>playoffs
I'll take the elections. The Lakers can recover from their
injuries and try again next year. If the election is lost, then
the country is screwed for four more years.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 09, 2008 at 01:27 PM
too all who responded: thanks for the posts. i suppose we have to agree to disagree.
simple question on salary cap: can a team go over the cap?
that's how you make 2+2=5, or put another way, one can say, i want the answer to be 5, how do i get there?
back to work.
Posted by: KL | September 09, 2008 at 01:37 PM
KL,
"simple question on salary cap: can a team go over the cap? that's how you make 2+2=5, or put another way, one can say, i want the answer to be 5, how do i get there?"
Unless it's a case of resigning your OWN free agents to an unlimited amount of money, or using the Mid-Level exception, Bi-Annual exception (1.8 Mil) or the vet's minimum (and the VM, BAE and MLE CANNOT be combined into one lump sum) to sign another team's FA, or signing your rookies, you cannot, under any circumstances, go over the salary cap. Period. It's against league rules.
If you can figure out a "2+2=5" situation out of those circumstances, you're apparently smarter than every GM in the league. Not to mention David Stern, since you'll have gotten him to approve a trade that's likely illegal.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 09, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Thanks LakerTom for your upbeat views and keep up the good work. State your opinions
proudly and don't let the negative naysayers tear you down. Posted by: JustaLakerFan
| September 09, 2008 at 11:22 AM
How you doing JustaLakerFan. Good Post!
I second that! Thanks LakerTom. Keep on doing what you do!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 09, 2008 at 11:49 AM
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Thanks for the props Mamba24.
I am ok and expect you are as well but mainly keep up your humor as most all love your attitude and humor. Post wisely my friend as you always do.
GHeck I even borrowed one one your lines in a debate and it worked perfectly to keep tension down.
You are the best along with LakerTom and others too numerous to mention.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 09, 2008 at 04:23 PM
AK, i think you have successfully convinced me. bravo.
Posted by: KL | September 09, 2008 at 04:42 PM