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All Stars Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant - NBA Loud

Happy Festivus from NBALOUD! Also, Kobe Bryant Makes History.

December 24th 2007 06:05

Kobe Bryant once again hogged the NBA spotlight, but thankfully it was for something positive. The Bean scored 39 points today as his Lakers laid another beating on the crap Knicks, 95-90.

The 39 that Bryant dropped was historical because he became the youngest player ever to reach the 20, 000 point total for his career. To make his night even sweeter he added 11

Kobe Bryant making history in style. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

rebounds and eight assists, all the while doing it in Madison Square Garden – the spiritual home of basketball.

What cannot be doubted once again, as if anyone dared to for starters, is that Kobe’s flair for the dramatic is unsurpassed in pro-hoops. From having animated conversations to Spike Lee and Chris Rock, along with the post-game press conference, showing off his daughters, Bryant loves to be the centre of attention.

"I always like playing here, period," Bryant said. "Last year I didn't have an opportunity to play and I was upset about it. This is my favourite arena to play in so I'm just happy and relieved that I was able to play tonight." (Mahoney, AP, 2007)

In reaching the 20, 000 point mark, Kobe pipped Wilt Chamberlain at 29 years, 134 days, and Michael Jordan at 29 years, 326 days, becoming the third player to reach the milestone before the age of 30. For the record, Kobe scored the historic points at 29 years, 122 days. Huzzah!

Los Angeles have had a handy road trip as well, going 3-1 with today’s win and returning home in good spirits.

New York on the other hand played ugly basketball, with the scoreline flattering the hopeless Knicks. The team representing Gotham was without Stephon Marbury for the second straight game, and they stunk. The lowest ebb for the Knicks was during the second quarter when they managed the quite unbelievable distinction of making no assists. That is no one helping out with the scoring effort! Ouch.

It got real ugly though when New York’s Quentin Richardson threw the ball over the head of a wide open, Jamal Crawford earning the wrath of the judgemental Knicks crowd. That should have been at least ONE assist for the quarter, but no.

Anyway, enough about the Knicks, because the real story is Bryant and his wonderful efforts. All hail the Bean!

Finally, we here at NBALOUD like to wish all our wonderful readers a Happy Festivus!

Today’s video is of Baron Davis discussing what he wants for Christmas.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant

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Reasons Why Kobe Bryant is Still with the Lakers.

November 10th 2007 00:20

At the end of the second week of a new NBA season, one big question still remains: Why is Kobe Bryant still with the Los Angeles Lakers? Well, there are a myriad of reasons as to why the Bean is still in the Lake Show, and, you, my ever so inquisitive reader will get some of the answers to that probing question.

It is quite perplexing to realise that the so-called ‘best player in the league’ still can’t find a solid suitor outside of Chi-Town, but with some deeper digging, we can give some explanation as to why that is the case.

Let’s begin with our analysis of Kobe being the best player in the league. Yes, his skill set is remarkable, showing absolutely no signs of weakness in his game. From defence, passing, and of course, scoring, the man is a basketball machine. No, one catches fire like, Kobe, and if he is intent on having a big night, look out.

However, Bryant isn’t a very efficient basketball player in the sense when we combine his stats, with say, the percentage of baskets made a night in comparison to the amount of shots taken.

Not convinced? How about Chad Ford’s argument as to why, Kobe may not be the best. Of course this question has been getting a lot of mileage lately in the NBA universe, with ESPN.com writer, Ford, eloquently stating his case as to why the Bean isn’t the greatest by

Number 24 wants to replace number 23 as the greatest. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

comparing him to, Dirk Nowitzki, especially in the case of postseason performance.

“How does Bryant's postseason prowess compare to Nowitzki's? In the playoffs, Dirk has more points per game, more rebounds per game, more blocked shots per game, a higher field-goal percentage, a higher 3-point field-goal percentage and a higher free-throw percentage. In the past three seasons, Nowitzki has led his team to the NBA Finals, while Bryant hasn't won a single playoff series.” (Ford, ESPN.com, 2007)

Ouch. That has got to hurt some of the Kobe fans out there.

The other question that surrounds discussion of trading for Kobe is this: Does Bryant actually win? Well, yes, the man has three championship rings to show, but wasn’t this with Shaquille O’Neal? Yes, would be the short answer.

Here is the more longwinded one.

For a sobering analysis in regards to the question of Kobe as a winner, consider this – Bryant hasn’t won a playoff series since Shaq left the bright lights of Hollywood! Also, in case you have forgotten, the Daddy has collected another championship ring since he changed Robins.

Look, there is no doubting, Kobe’s desire to win. His will to overcome is probably without peer, but he wants to do it on his own terms – all the shots, accolades, numbers, it has always been about, Kobe. He criticises teammates far too easily and actually has Phil Jackson on the sidelines!

Let’s also not forget that he chased, Shaq out of town on the belief that he could win titles on his own. O’Neal may have been once the most dominating player ever, and if, Kobe really cared about winning at all costs, he would have tried to keep the tandem going.

Finally, straight cash, homey! Kobe’s contract is huge and to make an actual deal would potentially involve a number of players for Bryant. It is also more difficult to trade during the season when league rules mandate a specific number of players on an NBA roster.

Kobe is set to make around $19 million this season alone, which league rules requiring that any trades fall within a certain percentile, in this case 25%. This would mean that potential suitors would have to give up around $15 million of talent. Furthermore, the Lakers have shown that they want young players as well, which doesn’t make things easier when you consider, Kobe’s age and the mileage on his motor.

Well, there you have it. Reasons why the best player in the league hasn’t found a happy home yet.

Today's video is of yesterday's G-State Warriors/Dallas Mavericks game where Baron Davis makes a play that has to be seen to be believed!

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant

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Bulls and Lakers Attempt to Reach a Deal For Kobe.

October 29th 2007 10:00

There are many things that could be said about Kobe Bryant, what isn’t in dispute is the fact that he knows how to create drama. Anyone who doesn’t think that the Bean should be in Hollywood should, stop, and take notice to the soap opera that surrounds the world of Kobe. No, one does suspenseful drama like, Bryant.

Los Angeles and Kobe still want to part ways, with the most serious suitor this moment being the Chicago Bulls. In fact, rumour has it that the two franchises have been doing a merry dance for awhile now in trying to hammer out a workable deal.

Talks have been happening on a daily basis but Kobe’s unique ‘no trade clause’ is throwing a spanner in the works. Basically, the Bean can void any trade that doesn’t meet his satisfaction and guess what? He is the only player in the NBA that has such a clause!

The Lakers are asking for a package which includes Bulls young guns, Luol Deng, Ben

Kobe Bryant is always spectacular. (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. For the uninitiated, that is a lot of talent for one player, even if Kobe is the best player in the NBA. Naturally, the Bulls are balking at such a deal, whilst Bryant wouldn’t want to go to a team that has been gutted in such a manner – he may as well stay in La-La Land if that was the case.

Making things even more complicated is the Laker front office seems to have been split into two factions: one that wants to keep Kobe, whilst the other wanting to give Bryant the shaft.

Coach Phil Jackson amidst all of this chaos is questioning the commitment of his star player. “Obviously he hasn't thrown his heart and soul into performing on the floor," Jackson told reporters after practice Saturday. "That hurts me a little bit. … He was going to work at this thing and [would] put his full being into this. Right now, he's having a hard time doing that.” (ESPN.com, 2007)

So, what is Bryant’s response to Moonbeam’s comments? Displaying both the arrogance, and unbelievable ability to harness his skills no matter what the circumstance that has made him both loved and loathed in equal measure, Kobe said the following: “That [should be] the least of his concerns or anybody's concerns…You don't have to worry about that. … I'm ready to play. Period. You don't have to worry about me.” (ESPN.com, 2007)

Kobe is definitely correct in that assessment – you don’t have to worry about him bringing his ‘A’ game every night.

Watch this space for more on the Kobe saga.

Today’s video is of the Bean’s top 10 career dunks. Nasty.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant

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The Lakers are Willing to Trade Kobe Bryant.

October 13th 2007 02:10

Has the world gone topsy-turvy? The owner for the Los Angeles Lakers, Jerry Buss has now conceded that he’d listen to trade offers involving Kobe Bryant. To say this is a mild shock is an understatement, because Buss got rid of Shaquille O’Neal to keep Kobe.

Now, everything that we have considered normal until now has been thrown off kilter, up is now down. We better start getting used to walking backwards and living by night because Jerry Buss uttering trade sentiments in regards to Kobe was, once, unimaginable.

Let’s get some perspective at how much love Kobe had from Buss and the Lakers. Not only did he trade Shaq to appease the Bean, but he also shipped off coach Phil Jackson, too to appease Bryant! Want to know the reason why Moonbeam Jackson is back? Kobe, duh!

Upon hearing that Buss was willing to part with Kobe, even Shaq was shocked: “I guess it's business before loyalty. But, wow. He said that?” (AP, 2007) If the Big Aristotle was surprised, we should be all looking like ‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch.

In a conversation with three Los Angeles journalists, Buss for the first time addressed the issue of the Bryant trade demands personally, stating that he would listen to any reasonable offers.

"At any time, I think you have to do that with anybody," Buss said, discussing Bryant publicly

Can't imagine Kobe in another uniform? You might have to soon. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia)

for the first time since the often-frustrated Lakers' star asked to be traded at the end of last season. "It's just part of the game, to listen to somebody who has a dissatisfied player that you think is going to fit.

"You can't keep too many loyalties. You've got to look at it as a business. He looks at it the same way I look at it." (AP, 2007)

Again, let us reiterate how much Buss was willing to keep Kobe as a lifelong Laker. He told the most dominant player, ever in NBA history to pack his bags! During, Kobe’s last contract negotiations he expressed nothing but love for the player and his desire to see him finish off his career in Hollywood!

This is unprecedented people.

The final straw that broke the camels back for Buss is arguably during his recruitment of Kevin Garnett. KG flat out said he didn’t want to play for the Lakers due to their front office issues.

Is it any surprise that all summer long, Bryant has been whining about the Laker front office? Superstar ballers talk, and the damage being done to the Laker brand was perhaps too much for Buss.

Or, another reason for Buss’ change of heart was due in part to an audio tape surfacing where the Bean referred to his boss as “idiot”. (Plashcke, latimes.com, 2007)

Finally, Buss probably has come to the realisation of how poisonous a disgruntled superstar could be for a team, even one as great as Kobe. Buss has been the lone holdout because he knew that Bryant put asses on seat. It didn’t matter that the Lakers weren’t winning titles because Kobe was the most exciting player in the game.

For so long the Laker faithful have shown nothing but love: Shaq, rape accusations, contract renegotiations, through it all, Los Angeles fans still adored Kobe.

Now, there is no more love, but “business”.

Today’s video is of the greatest plays from the last season. Enjoy.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant

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Kobe Bryant has Another Electricfying 50 Point Scoring Night.

March 24th 2007 13:45

This is Kobe’s world, the rest of us are just living in it. Bryant did it again by scoring at least 50 points for the fourth consecutive game joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only two players in NBA history to accomplish such a milestone. Kobe scored an even 50 against the Hornets who lost to the Lakers, 111-105.

Most importantly during Kobe’s ultra-hot streak the Lakers have won all those games and it has been an exhilarating ride for NBA fans the world over watching Bryant do his thing.

The primary motivation for Kobe’s big numbers of late was talk surrounding his thuggery rather than his balling. After serving a one game suspension for his ‘crazy’ elbows that popped an opponent in the face Kobe has gone buck wild and that he was offended that the suspensions were what critics focused on when talking about Bryant; “For me, that was insulting. To have people talking about something else is a much better thing.” (Sheridan,

Yes, Kobe you are the man of the moment. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

ESPN.com)

Let’s not forget the other Lakers who have been feeding him the balls and setting the screens that have freed Kobe up to shoot the daylights out, but the man also should take plenty of credit as well. Anyone, who has seen highlights of Kobe’s game during this purple patch would have seen a player possessed, hitting off balanced shots, tough fadeaway baskets all the while being hounded by the opposing team.

In today’s game against New Orleans even the crowd tried to rattle him off his game by being a constant nuisance every time he stepped on the free throw line – the result? Try a perfect 16-for-16 from the charity line.

Think Kobe has been jacking up way too many shots as well during this four game stretch? You’d be wrong in that assumption, my dear, yet cynical reader – Bryant has been hitting better than half his field goal and 3-point attempts, whilst shooting an outlandish 93% from the free throw line. There is nothing he can’t do offensively right now.

Naturally, in Kobe’s recent history setting performances talk abounds about other possible scoring milestones that Bryant could break including Wilt Chamberlain’s mythical 10, 000 women bedded by one NBA player. Oops, my bad, the other mythical number of 100 points in a game.

It’s a given that the majority of athletic records set are made to be broken but 100 points in an NBA contest is as close to an untouchable sporting achievement as you can get. Back in the day when Wilt was doing his thing on and off the basketball court there were more shot attempts available, while the defences were nowhere near as effective as they are today. Both Kobe and Lakers coach Phil Jackson have acknowledged as much.

One thing though is for certain – all eyes are now firmly fixed on the player wearing the number 24 for the Lakers.

You don’t have to be Nostradamus to predict that today’s clip is another one of Kobe Bryant. This video is a highlights package of Bryant’s 65, 50 and 60 point scoring nights. Enjoy.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant

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Kobe Bryant Makes History with Another Massive Scoring Night.

March 23rd 2007 12:50

(Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

There are other news stories and games that transpired in the NBA today, but nothing in the NBA-sphere comes remotely close to the biggest news item in the ‘L’ at this moment – Kobe Bryant.

For the third straight game Bryant scored at least 50 points becoming the fourth player in NBA history to achieve such a feat. Kobe joins fellow Laker legends Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain to score at least 50 in three consecutive games. The fourth player? Michael Jordan.

“It just feels great," Bryant said of joining Baylor, Jordan and Chamberlain. "Growing up I idolized all of them, from Wilt, to M.J. to Elgin. It's a tremendous honour to be in that same class with those guys and in the history books.”(AP, 2007)

Kobe’s electric scoring night marked the fourth time in his career that he scored at least 60 tying MJ for second on the list of players who have scored at least 60 in a game. Wilt

Kobe Bryant is unstoppable. (AP Photo/Alan Spearman)

Chamberlain holds the record with 32 games scoring 60 or more.

The latest victims of the Kobe juggernaut were the Memphis Grizzlies who got torched by Bryant and put on the grill for some tasty eating. Sorry, readers for the Hannibal the Cannibal imagery. However, we digress because perhaps most importantly the Lakers beat the Grizz, 121-119.

In the three game stretch were Kobe has gone bananas the Lakers have not lost since their seven game slide before Bryant had enough and took over; “It's special because it's coming off three straight wins," Bryant said. "This is a stretch where we really need to make up some ground.” (AP, 2007)

Bryant wasn’t forcing the issue but Memphis was helpless in trying to stop Kobe from scoring his points. The man cannot be contained during this moment in his career because he is a superfreak. After the first half Kobe had 24 points and 43 by the third quarter – need anymore proof that the man is on fire?

Fuelling the flame of Kobe’s outburst in the last three games has been the massive backlash Bryant has been getting from journalists and the public in regards to the perceived dirty tactics that he employs in games and the more recent development of being chastised in his communication with Kevin Durant.

Kobe is pissed and it shows.

Furthermore, Bryant was mad at his team for falling behind in the playoff race and a man that is as competitive as Kobe this was more than he can bare. Carrying his team on his shoulders Bryant has been as phenomenal as any player in history right now.

NBALOUD is just going to sit back and enjoy this show regardless of the feelings people might have for Kobe. One thing is for certain – you can’t ignore the man right now.

Today’s video is of course of Kobe Bryant which sums up the man quite appropriately. Check it out.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant

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