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Saturday, August 25, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
INSIDE NBA: Happy 34th birthday to #24 Kobe Bryant!!!
INSIDE NBA: Happy 34th birthday to #24 Kobe Bryant!!!: Happy 34th birthday to #24 Kobe Bryant
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
INSIDE NBA: Kobe scores 68 points in 15 minutes!
INSIDE NBA: Kobe scores 68 points in 15 minutes!: Kobe Bryant played in a charity basketball game over the weekend while visiting Shanghai, China and he managed to rack up 68 poin...
Kobe scores 68 points in 15 minutes!
Kobe Bryant played in a charity basketball game over the weekend while visiting Shanghai, China and he managed to rack up 68 points in just 15 minutes!
This is what Kobe posted to his Facebook page after the game Saturday (Aug 18):
The Sprite China 2nd Annual Charity Basketball game was a ton of fun. We played two 15 min halves with a running clock. I watched from the bench for the first half. We were trailing by 9 when I was notified that fans via text can choose a team to add 20 additional points to their tally!!! We were now down 29!!
I wanted to play it cool but what the heck, the place was packed with fans who’d sang an early happy birthday to me and really wanted to watch me go to work. My teammates were down. They are all singers/actors and do not play ball much AT ALL, but they are very successful at what they do hence they are VERY competitive. They asked if I could bring them back in the second half..
I didn’t want to disappoint them or the fans that had paid their hard earned money for a show so I took the challenge of really using the second half as a training session for my stamina. I ran and ran and ran. I wound up scoring 68 in the 2nd and we won. Like I said, they are not basketball players by any stretch of the imagination. I was just having fun with all of them and loved hearing the crowd enjoy the show we put on.
They performed some of their number 1 hits. We took pics and signed autographs. I believe we raised 2.6MM RMB for underprivileged youth here in China! That is the MOST important number of the night. Sprite, one of my sponsors, hosted the game. They carry a great message of self-expression: Don’t be afraid to be who you are — by doing, so that you will find your own path and your own greatness as you define it.
Here’s my pic with Jay Chou. For those who might not know he is a HUGE star in China and we have done several China based commercials and events together. He is THE beast of his field.
Tomorrow is my last day in China then it’s back home for some much needed rest :-)
Much love. Mamba.
Monday, August 20, 2012
INSIDE NBA: Los Angeles Lakers preseason schedule for the 2012...
INSIDE NBA: Los Angeles Lakers preseason schedule for the 2012...: The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the preseason schedule for the 2012-13 season along with ticket purchase information. The Lake...
Los Angeles Lakers preseason schedule for the 2012-13
The Los Angeles Lakers have announced the preseason schedule for the 2012-13 season along with ticket purchase information. The Lakers will play two home games at STAPLES Center, as well as games in Fresno, Ontario, Anaheim, Las Vegas and San Diego. The Lakers will also play an away game with the Clippers as the home team at STAPLES Center.
| DATE | OPPONENT | LOCATION | TIME | |
| Oct. 7 | Golden State Warriors | Fresno, CA (Save Mart Center) | 7:00pm | |
| Oct. 10 | Portland Trail Blazers | Ontario, CA (Citizens Business Bank Arena) | 7:00pm | |
| Oct. 13 | Utah Jazz | STAPLES Center | 7:30pm | |
| Oct. 16 | Utah Jazz | Anaheim, CA (Honda Center) | 7:00pm | |
| Oct. 19 | Sacramento Kings | Las Vegas, NV (Thomas and Mack Center) | 7:00pm | |
| Oct. 21 | Sacramento Kings | STAPLES Center | 6:30pm | |
| Oct. 24 | at Los Angeles Clippers | STAPLES Center | 7:30pm | |
| Oct. 25 | Sacramento Kings | San Diego, CA (Valley View Casino Center) | 7:00pm |
Saturday, August 18, 2012
INSIDE NBA: Can Gasol and Howard Be The Best PF/C Combo Ever?
INSIDE NBA: Can Gasol and Howard Be The Best PF/C Combo Ever?: Over the weekend, I sat in on a debate about whether the Los Angeles Lakers had the the best power forward and center combination in th...
Can Gasol and Howard Be The Best PF/C Combo Ever?
Over the weekend, I sat in on a debate about whether the Los Angeles Lakers had the the best power forward and center 
combination in the history of the NBA. While I normally laugh at such knee-jerk debates off, I had to take a minute and truly consider the idea. After lengthy consideration, I determined the idea (while based upon a total hypothetical discussion) isn’t so crazy of a debate.
Some of the older names thrown out were Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld (Washington Bullets), Tom Heinsohn and Bill Russell (Boston Celtics), or Luke Jackson and Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia 76ers). Not, in any way, do I intend to minimize the accomplishments of each of those fantastic duos, but for the sake of this article, I will stick to the 1979-80 season and on. For those wondering, most people consider that the start of the ‘modern era’ of NBA basketball, with the addition of the 3-point line.
In my humble opinion, the debate comes down to David Robinson and Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs) or Robert Parish and Kevin McHale (Boston Celtics). Honorable mention to Rodman/Laimbeer(Detroit Pistons) and Olajuwon/Sampson (Houston Rockets). Championships, versatility, and overall impact upon the league were all taken into consideration. Success means a great deal, but can’t be the only criterion. Duncan and Robinson were truly the perfect fit in the front court.
Robinson was an established center with a face-up game better than many of today’s current guards. Duncan, upon entering the league out of Wake Forest University literally had it all. From post-moves galore to a turnaround or face-up bank-shot that prompted Shaquille O’Neal (a Laker at the time) to grant Duncan the nickname of ‘ The Big Fundamental’.
Duncan was and has been the prototypical power forward most future players at the position will at the very least be compared to. Full disclosure, I believe the 1980′s were the absolute pinnacle of NBA competition. That said, the fact that Robert Parish and Kevin McHale are both in the Basketball Hall of Fame, won 3 championships together, and were in their relative prime at the same time, they would be my choice for best duo in the front court (power positions) for the modern era.
Of course, we haven’t seen Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard play a single minute together, but I believe their numbers could be comparable to some of the more effective power-duos in recent history. While Gasol may not be in his absolute prime, he is still very close to it. Circumstances (Bynum’s emergence, lack of a viable point guard) limited his game last season. Much like Duncan, if featured at either position, Gasol can wreak havoc.
With the best footwork of any current big man, Gasol can also finish with either hand within 8-10 feet of the basket. With the addition of Nash, and the introduction of the Princeton offense during certain offensive sets, Gasol should be utilized in a much more effective and efficient way during the 2012-13 NBA season.
Dwight Howard is on another level, altogether. It isn’t often that the best or most dominant big man in the league gets traded or moved, but (to the dismay of non-Laker fans) it most often results in the Lakers benefiting from the transaction. Question his skill-set or free throw shooting all you’d like, fact is, Howard has been an extremely effective offensive weapon throughout his career, and has not even been playing with players anywhere near the level of Gasol, Bryant, or Nash. Not to disparage Howard’s former teammates, but if Hedo Turkoglu is in contention for the best player you’ve ever played with, then simply playing in the Finals should negate any criticism against Howard. Thing is, while highly effective on the pick-and-roll, Howard’s greatest contributions come on the other side of the ball. Quite frankly, Howard is one of the most dominant defensive players the NBA has ever seen.
The combination of Gasol and Howard, if permitted to play together for a few seasons, could be absolutely devastating. If Laker fans, enjoyed watching the Gasol-to-Bynum lobs and teamwork, then Howard/Gasol will be must-see-TV. Howard’s ability to hop in and out of the lane, vacate space quicker, and pass out of the double-team with regularity should be serious difference makers. Howard’s ability to actually defend and pressure the pick and roll could be the difference between an early exit, and an eventual shot at the title. Prior to ever seeing them play a minute of shared action on the court, I will refrain from making any bold predictions. I will say, if this Lakers roster can remain relatively healthy, I do believe we will witness one of the best power forward and center combinations of the era.
combination in the history of the NBA. While I normally laugh at such knee-jerk debates off, I had to take a minute and truly consider the idea. After lengthy consideration, I determined the idea (while based upon a total hypothetical discussion) isn’t so crazy of a debate.Of course, we haven’t seen Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard play a single minute together, but I believe their numbers could be comparable to some of the more effective power-duos in recent history. While Gasol may not be in his absolute prime, he is still very close to it. Circumstances (Bynum’s emergence, lack of a viable point guard) limited his game last season. Much like Duncan, if featured at either position, Gasol can wreak havoc.Friday, August 17, 2012
INSIDE NBA: INSIDE NBA: Newest Laker Jodie Meeks
INSIDE NBA: INSIDE NBA: Newest Laker Jodie Meeks: INSIDE NBA: Newest Laker Jodie Meeks : Moments after signing his new contract to become a Los Angeles Laker, Jodie Meeks joined Lakers.com a...
Thursday, August 16, 2012
INSIDE NBA: Newest Laker Jodie Meeks
INSIDE NBA: Newest Laker Jodie Meeks: Moments after signing his new contract to become a Los Angeles Laker, Jodie Meeks joined Lakers.com at the team’s practice facility for a...
Newest Laker Jodie Meeks
Moments after signing his new contract to become a Los Angeles Laker, Jodie Meeks joined Lakers.com at the team’s practice facility for a Q&A session:
MT: You were a big-time scorer at Kentucky who slipped in the draft to No. 41 overall (Milwaukee), and spent your first year mostly on the bench. You were traded to Philadelphia after 41 games and appeared in 19 for the Sixers before eventually earning a starting role in your second season. Was that how you saw yourself before entering the NBA?
Meeks: Coming out of college I averaged around 25 points per game, so I always thought of myself as one of the best players in my draft class, regardless of where I was taken. When I got drafted I was kind of disappointed even while being happy to be in the league, and was relieved to get traded to Philadelphia after not playing much in Milwaukee. I was happy for a new start, and coach (Doug) Collins gave me a breath of fresh air, an opportunity to play and start in the NBA for almost a year and a half. Now I’m just very excited to be in Los Angeles.
Meeks: Coming out of college I averaged around 25 points per game, so I always thought of myself as one of the best players in my draft class, regardless of where I was taken. When I got drafted I was kind of disappointed even while being happy to be in the league, and was relieved to get traded to Philadelphia after not playing much in Milwaukee. I was happy for a new start, and coach (Doug) Collins gave me a breath of fresh air, an opportunity to play and start in the NBA for almost a year and a half. Now I’m just very excited to be in Los Angeles.
MT: Having had some options, how did you make your decision?
Meeks: It’s been a long summer trying to figure out where I wanted to go. It was different, with the uncertainty, but I got a call a few weeks back from my agent asking me if I’d be interested in playing for the Lakers, and of course I said ‘Yes’ because it’s such a storied organization. There are three Hall of Famers, maybe four that I’m going to be playing with, so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great season and hopefully (we’ll) get a championship.
Meeks: It’s been a long summer trying to figure out where I wanted to go. It was different, with the uncertainty, but I got a call a few weeks back from my agent asking me if I’d be interested in playing for the Lakers, and of course I said ‘Yes’ because it’s such a storied organization. There are three Hall of Famers, maybe four that I’m going to be playing with, so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great season and hopefully (we’ll) get a championship.
MT: What makes you a good fit for the Lakers?
Meeks: I know they have good shooters here, but I felt like my capability of shooting threes and my overall game was the best fit for here. I think this team needs me to come off the bench and be a spark on the defensive end, but at the same time be able to knock down open shots because Dwight (Howard), Kobe (Bryant), Steve Nash and Pau Gasol are going to be drawing double teams. I’m going to be out there all alone waiting to shoot. I have a lot of confidence in myself whether I’m knocking them down in that game or not.
Meeks: I know they have good shooters here, but I felt like my capability of shooting threes and my overall game was the best fit for here. I think this team needs me to come off the bench and be a spark on the defensive end, but at the same time be able to knock down open shots because Dwight (Howard), Kobe (Bryant), Steve Nash and Pau Gasol are going to be drawing double teams. I’m going to be out there all alone waiting to shoot. I have a lot of confidence in myself whether I’m knocking them down in that game or not.
MT: People may recall your hitting 10 threes in one game at Kentucky before setting the scoring record for a single game (54). Guessing you could shoot out of the womb, but have you been able to show your whole game within the role you’ve been assigned?
Meeks: I’ve always been able to shoot. When I was in college, I worked really hard to show people I could shoot, because when I was coming out of high school people said I was athletic, but I couldn’t shoot that well. Now it’s the opposite. People say I can shoot but I’m not as athletic. I’m interested in showing everyone my entire game. My role in my first three seasons in the NBA has been (as) a spot-up shooter, which I’ve been glad to do, but I feel like I can score in many different ways. I can get to the free throw line, I have a mid-range game, I can create off the dribble, but that hasn’t been my role. Coming off the bench on this team, I think I can be that spark.
Meeks: I’ve always been able to shoot. When I was in college, I worked really hard to show people I could shoot, because when I was coming out of high school people said I was athletic, but I couldn’t shoot that well. Now it’s the opposite. People say I can shoot but I’m not as athletic. I’m interested in showing everyone my entire game. My role in my first three seasons in the NBA has been (as) a spot-up shooter, which I’ve been glad to do, but I feel like I can score in many different ways. I can get to the free throw line, I have a mid-range game, I can create off the dribble, but that hasn’t been my role. Coming off the bench on this team, I think I can be that spark.
MT: With players like Andre Iguodala and Jrue Holiday in Philly that played more off the dribble, it makes sense that you’d be asked to spot up…
Meeks: It wouldn’t be intelligent for me to do something (other) than what the team needed. The role for me was to spot up, and I think I did a pretty good job; the team made the playoffs in both my years as a starter. I worked really hard in that regard, because when you’re spotting up, you don’t get that many shots to make the most out of.
Meeks: It wouldn’t be intelligent for me to do something (other) than what the team needed. The role for me was to spot up, and I think I did a pretty good job; the team made the playoffs in both my years as a starter. I worked really hard in that regard, because when you’re spotting up, you don’t get that many shots to make the most out of.
MT: And you’ll most likely be doing plenty of spotting up for Mike Brown as well. Can it be difficult to find a rhythm when you only get a few shots a game?
Meeks: Sometimes, but you have to make the most out of it. I don’t really use excuses. I expect myself to make the shot. However many I get – one, two, 10 – I’m just going to try and make the most out of them.
Meeks: Sometimes, but you have to make the most out of it. I don’t really use excuses. I expect myself to make the shot. However many I get – one, two, 10 – I’m just going to try and make the most out of them.
MT: Do you have a percentage in mind that you shoot for?
Meeks: I want to hit all of them, but that’s not realistic. I try to make more than I miss. A good game for me would be to make four of eight, 50 percent. You’ll have off nights, but I want to have consistent shot-making ability of half my shots.
Meeks: I want to hit all of them, but that’s not realistic. I try to make more than I miss. A good game for me would be to make four of eight, 50 percent. You’ll have off nights, but I want to have consistent shot-making ability of half my shots.
MT: What do you make of playing behind Kobe Bryant?
Meeks: It’s a great opportunity. He’s a guy I’ve looked up to since I was a little kid. He has a lot of experience and can definitely be a mentor towards me as a young player, just going into my fourth year.
Meeks: It’s a great opportunity. He’s a guy I’ve looked up to since I was a little kid. He has a lot of experience and can definitely be a mentor towards me as a young player, just going into my fourth year.
MT: Kobe has a few tricks, and especially in recent years has taken young players (Trevor Ariza, Shannon Brown, etc.) under his wing.
Meeks: Oh yeah, just a few. I can only get better going against him every day in practice, and at shootarounds and film sessions. I’m going to try to be a sponge, soak up everything that he has to offer. I always listen to people that have more experience and are older than me.
Meeks: Oh yeah, just a few. I can only get better going against him every day in practice, and at shootarounds and film sessions. I’m going to try to be a sponge, soak up everything that he has to offer. I always listen to people that have more experience and are older than me.
MT: Bryant played a loooot of minutes last season for a 16-year veteran. Do you think you can earn the trust from the coaching staff to allow him more time resting his legs on the bench?
Meeks: I’m a good fit because I’ve started in the NBA for a while, started (114 of the 200) games I’ve played, and been to the playoffs twice. I think Coach Collins trusted me and want to be someone that Coach Brown and Mitch Kupchak can trust on a regular basis.
Meeks: I’m a good fit because I’ve started in the NBA for a while, started (114 of the 200) games I’ve played, and been to the playoffs twice. I think Coach Collins trusted me and want to be someone that Coach Brown and Mitch Kupchak can trust on a regular basis.
MT: How would you describe your ability on D?
Meeks: I don’t think I get enough credit for my defense. A lot of people saw me as a scorer in college and a spot shooter in the NBA, but what they don’t see is I take a lot of pride in my defense. I’ve guarded all the best players in the world: Kobe, Dwyane Wade and those kind of players. I think I’ve done a pretty decent job, but I think I can get better. I have a lot to learn, I’m only 24 and have experience to gain, but I play hard every night. That’s the main thing I pride myself upon.
Meeks: I don’t think I get enough credit for my defense. A lot of people saw me as a scorer in college and a spot shooter in the NBA, but what they don’t see is I take a lot of pride in my defense. I’ve guarded all the best players in the world: Kobe, Dwyane Wade and those kind of players. I think I’ve done a pretty decent job, but I think I can get better. I have a lot to learn, I’m only 24 and have experience to gain, but I play hard every night. That’s the main thing I pride myself upon.
MT: As a shooter/scorer, how appealing is it to play with a passer like Steve Nash?
Meeks: That was definitely appealing to me even before Dwight said he was coming here. Steve Nash is a great passer and one of the best players to ever play, so when I’m on the court sometimes with him I think I’ll get open shots. Kobe is definitely a willing passer as well, and I’ve seen that he trusts his teammates, so with the guys on this team I think I’ll get a lot of open looks.
Meeks: That was definitely appealing to me even before Dwight said he was coming here. Steve Nash is a great passer and one of the best players to ever play, so when I’m on the court sometimes with him I think I’ll get open shots. Kobe is definitely a willing passer as well, and I’ve seen that he trusts his teammates, so with the guys on this team I think I’ll get a lot of open looks.
MT: Word is you like to lock yourself in the gym? To what degree is that the case?
Meeks: Always. That’s the key to myself. If I don’t spend a lot of time in the gym, I start to feel like something’s wrong. I feel guilty, like I’m not working hard enough. So in the summer time, I’m in the gym all the time, and during the season it’s full out working every day. I always have my mind on basketball.
Meeks: Always. That’s the key to myself. If I don’t spend a lot of time in the gym, I start to feel like something’s wrong. I feel guilty, like I’m not working hard enough. So in the summer time, I’m in the gym all the time, and during the season it’s full out working every day. I always have my mind on basketball.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
INSIDE NBA: Lakers sign Meeks and re-sign Ebanks
INSIDE NBA: Lakers sign Meeks and re-sign Ebanks: The Lakers have signed free agent guard Jodie Meeks, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Meeks, a three-year NBA ...
Monday, August 13, 2012
INSIDE NBA: Lakers sign Meeks and re-sign Ebanks
INSIDE NBA: Lakers sign Meeks and re-sign Ebanks: The Lakers have signed free agent guard Jodie Meeks, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Meeks, a three-year NBA ...
Lakers sign Meeks and re-sign Ebanks
The Lakers have signed free agent guard Jodie Meeks, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Meeks, a three-year NBA veteran, appeared in 66 games (50 starts) last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 24.9 minutes. In addition, the team has also re-signed forward Devin Ebanks.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
INSIDE NBA: USA Basketball wins Gold
INSIDE NBA: USA Basketball wins Gold: USA Basketball wins Gold, defeating Spain 107-100 on Kevin Durant 's 30 points & 9 rebounds, LeBron Jame...
USA Basketball wins Gold
USA Basketball wins Gold, defeating Spain 107-100 on Kevin Durant's 30 points & 9 rebounds, LeBron James' 19 points & 7 rebounds and Kobe Bryant's 17 points. Pau Gasol lead Spain with 24 points, 8 rebounds & 7 assists.
INSIDE NBA: INSIDE NBA: Welcome Superman!!!
INSIDE NBA: INSIDE NBA: Welcome Superman!!!: INSIDE NBA: Welcome Superman!!! : The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard from the Orland...
Saturday, August 11, 2012
INSIDE NBA: Welcome Superman!!!
INSIDE NBA: Welcome Superman!!!: The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic in a four-...
Welcome Superman!!!
The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired three-time Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic in a four-team trade, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. In addition to Howard, the Lakers will receive Chris Duhon and Earl Clark from the Magic while sending Josh McRoberts, Christian Eyenga and a future protected first round and 2015 protected second round draft pick to Orlando. Andrew Bynum will be sent to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Howard, the first player in NBA history to earn three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year Awards (2009, 2010, 2011), has been named First Team All-NBA in each of the past five seasons (Third Team in 2006-07), First Team All-Defense in each of the past four seasons (Second Team in 2007-08) and has made six consecutive All-Star appearances for the Eastern Conference (five straight starts).
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