Kobe Bryant shares some advice with Blake Griffin for the dunk contest
Leading up to the 1997 NBA slam dunk competition, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant insisted he dreaded the experience.
He says he felt too nervous, too analytical on what he should do and at one point wondered if he could back out of the contest. So, Bryant was speaking from experience when he approached Clippers forward Blake Griffin during the NBA All-Star practice at the L.A. Convention center and offered advice on Saturday's competition.
"I talked to him a little bit today," Bryant said. "I just told him to have fun, enjoy it and rest up."
At least in body language, Griffin displayed the vibe Bryant conveyed as packs of reporters and camera operators surrounded him. Griffin has thrown his fair share of highlight reels so far this season and has earned the reputation for having the ability to steal "SportsCenter's" Top 10 segment every night.
But those wondering if Griffin took any pointers from Bryant's between-the-legs dunk will be disappointed. When informed that Bryant won the dunk contest in 1997, Griffin laughed and revealed his young age.
"I was 7 years old at the time," Griffin said with a smile.
-- Mark Medina
Twitter.com/latmedina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
http://bit.ly/h1SNae
Happy all-star weekend to all - my personal fave of the year!
I'll be rooting for Blake, hope he does great.
justa, hope you enjoy the ASG pass MM got you for turning in your profile. Oh, that's right, nevermind...
AS ALWAYS - AND FOREVER - GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | February 19, 2011 at 05:03 PM
We can count on two main things...
1. Blake Griffin is the future face of the NBA.
2. Donald Sterling is going to somehow screw this up.
The Lakers better be there to collect the pieces when Sterling mucks things up.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2011 at 05:29 PM
justanothermambafan,
When is Mark Medina picking you up for the All-Star game?
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2011 at 05:31 PM
Jon K - he's not. He bailed on me. I'm not amused.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | February 19, 2011 at 05:58 PM
justanothermambafan,
Wow. That's cold, girl.
Cold as ice.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2011 at 07:23 PM