By JONATHAN ABRAMS
Scratch one big name from the star-studded 2010 free-agent class. It is not as if many expected Kobe Bryant to lend an ear to potential recruiters, but Bryant made official what had been expected, signing a three-year contract extension with the Lakers on Friday.
The extension is expected to amount to around $90 million and sets up the likelihood that Bryant, 31, will retire as a Laker. It also means that the core of last season’s championship team will be together for the next few years. Since the start of the 2008-9 season, the Lakers have locked in Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Bryant.
“Two of our main goals heading into this season were to sign Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol to contract extensions,” Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “With the signing of Pau earlier this season and the signing of Kobe today, we were able to accomplish those goals, helping to keep the core of this team intact for the foreseeable future and in turn help to ensure the franchise’s continued success over the years to come.”
source: offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com
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Showing posts with label nba news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nba news. Show all posts
Friday, April 2, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
NBA Round Up: Josh Smith buzzer beater
Josh Smith buzzer beater dunk carries Atlanta Hawks past Orlando Magic 86-84
Atlanta Hawks clinched their third straight trip to the playoffs. Thanks to the buzzer beater dunk of Josh Smith. Officialls review it and the dunk went in with 0.01 seconds remaining.
“I knew it was close,” Smith said. “I just crashed it. I looked and the ball was there. Joe’s a good shooter, and I knew it wouldn’t be much off.”
Atlanta snapped a six-game losing streak against the Magic dating back to the opener of the 2008-09 season.
Charlotte Bobcats rout Minesota Timberwolves 108-95
Jackson hit 4 of 6 from the three point line and scored 37 points to help the Bobcats. Jackson revealed that he was being bothered by a bruised ligament in his left index fingers.
Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves, 26 points and they end their road trip this season with a disappointing 5-32 record.
Wizards loss 13th straight
Danny Granger scored 31 points to help the Indiana Pacers hand Washington Wizards its 13th straight game loss. The last time the Wizards won was against New Jersey Nets last Feb 28, 2010.
Coach Flip Saunders response about their consecutive losses.
“I don’t think our guys are looking at that,” he said. “We’re looking at trying to be competitive and look ahead. The reason we’re getting beat right now is because other teams are better than us. We’re not very good right now.”
Utah Jazz beats Toronto Raptors 113-87
The Raptors experienced their second straight game blowout loss at home. Deron Williams helps the Jazz with his 18 points and 16 assists. Raptors missed the service of Hedo Turkoglo in the second half due to stomach virus.
Celtics back in the playoffs
The Boston Celtics beat the Denver Nuggets 113-99 and clinched their playoffs spot. Paul Pierce lead the Boston Celtics with 27 points. Pierce rebounded from the 5 points performance against the Denver last Feb. 21.
“The Paul Pierce you saw out in Denver wasn’t the Paul Pierce that usually shows up to play,” he said. “Right now I’m as healthy as I’ve been all year and this is our time to start playing well.”
New Jersey Nets Win
Lopez helps Nets in their quest to avoid the stigma as the NBA's worst team. Lopez scored 26 points and carried the team, beating the Sacramento Kings 93-79.
Philadelphia 76ers beats Milwaukee Bucks 101-86
Rokie Jrue Holiday scored 15 points and had seven assists as the Sixers stun the Bucks.
Thunder beats Rockets 122-104
James Harden returned in the lineup for the Thunder after two weeks of absence. He help the Thunder with his 23 points, together with Durant who scored 25 points carried the Thunder over the Rockets.
“I just wanted to come out and get my swag back like it was before I left,” said Harden, who had his fourth 20-point game of the season and his first since Dec. 7
Cavs slip past over Hornets 105-92
Behind the good performance of Lebron James, the Cavs beat the Hornest and stays at the top of NBA standing. James scored 38 points on 15 of 22 shooting. He even turned his left ankle in the final seconds of the first half. At the second half, he started and did not show any sign of ill effect.
“LeBron’s 6-8, and if you double team him, he’s going to throw over the defense. He can definitely see over the defense,” Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. “He can burn you either way. LeBron had an outstanding game but the guys around him played extremely well feeding off of the double teams … and the attention that he drew.”
Lakers won over Spurs 92-83
Behind Kobe Bryant 24 points, as the Lakers win seven straight. Artest also played a good defense in the second half that triggers the Lakers offense.
Manu Ginobili scored 24 points in a losing cause for the Spurs.
Warriors won over Grizzlies 128-110
Stephen Curry scored 30 points and the Warriors spoils Grizzlies bid of a playoff spot. He also had 11 assists. Grizzlies Zach Randolph scored 16 points but left the ball game in the third quarter with a sore ankle.
source
Atlanta Hawks clinched their third straight trip to the playoffs. Thanks to the buzzer beater dunk of Josh Smith. Officialls review it and the dunk went in with 0.01 seconds remaining.
“I knew it was close,” Smith said. “I just crashed it. I looked and the ball was there. Joe’s a good shooter, and I knew it wouldn’t be much off.”
Atlanta snapped a six-game losing streak against the Magic dating back to the opener of the 2008-09 season.
Charlotte Bobcats rout Minesota Timberwolves 108-95
Jackson hit 4 of 6 from the three point line and scored 37 points to help the Bobcats. Jackson revealed that he was being bothered by a bruised ligament in his left index fingers.
Al Jefferson led the Timberwolves, 26 points and they end their road trip this season with a disappointing 5-32 record.
Wizards loss 13th straight
Danny Granger scored 31 points to help the Indiana Pacers hand Washington Wizards its 13th straight game loss. The last time the Wizards won was against New Jersey Nets last Feb 28, 2010.
Coach Flip Saunders response about their consecutive losses.
“I don’t think our guys are looking at that,” he said. “We’re looking at trying to be competitive and look ahead. The reason we’re getting beat right now is because other teams are better than us. We’re not very good right now.”
Utah Jazz beats Toronto Raptors 113-87
The Raptors experienced their second straight game blowout loss at home. Deron Williams helps the Jazz with his 18 points and 16 assists. Raptors missed the service of Hedo Turkoglo in the second half due to stomach virus.
Celtics back in the playoffs
The Boston Celtics beat the Denver Nuggets 113-99 and clinched their playoffs spot. Paul Pierce lead the Boston Celtics with 27 points. Pierce rebounded from the 5 points performance against the Denver last Feb. 21.
“The Paul Pierce you saw out in Denver wasn’t the Paul Pierce that usually shows up to play,” he said. “Right now I’m as healthy as I’ve been all year and this is our time to start playing well.”
New Jersey Nets Win
Lopez helps Nets in their quest to avoid the stigma as the NBA's worst team. Lopez scored 26 points and carried the team, beating the Sacramento Kings 93-79.
Philadelphia 76ers beats Milwaukee Bucks 101-86
Rokie Jrue Holiday scored 15 points and had seven assists as the Sixers stun the Bucks.
Thunder beats Rockets 122-104
James Harden returned in the lineup for the Thunder after two weeks of absence. He help the Thunder with his 23 points, together with Durant who scored 25 points carried the Thunder over the Rockets.
“I just wanted to come out and get my swag back like it was before I left,” said Harden, who had his fourth 20-point game of the season and his first since Dec. 7
Cavs slip past over Hornets 105-92
Behind the good performance of Lebron James, the Cavs beat the Hornest and stays at the top of NBA standing. James scored 38 points on 15 of 22 shooting. He even turned his left ankle in the final seconds of the first half. At the second half, he started and did not show any sign of ill effect.
“LeBron’s 6-8, and if you double team him, he’s going to throw over the defense. He can definitely see over the defense,” Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. “He can burn you either way. LeBron had an outstanding game but the guys around him played extremely well feeding off of the double teams … and the attention that he drew.”
Lakers won over Spurs 92-83
Behind Kobe Bryant 24 points, as the Lakers win seven straight. Artest also played a good defense in the second half that triggers the Lakers offense.
Manu Ginobili scored 24 points in a losing cause for the Spurs.
Warriors won over Grizzlies 128-110
Stephen Curry scored 30 points and the Warriors spoils Grizzlies bid of a playoff spot. He also had 11 assists. Grizzlies Zach Randolph scored 16 points but left the ball game in the third quarter with a sore ankle.
source
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Board of Governors approves Michael Jordan's bid for Charlotte Bobcats
Jordan's $275-million offer for the franchise is unanimously approved.
The NBA's Board of Governors on Wednesday unanimously approved Michael Jordan's $275-million bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson. Jordan will immediately take over after serving as a minority investor with the final say on basketball decisions since 2006.
"Purchasing the Bobcats is the culmination of my post-playing-career goal of becoming the majority owner of an NBA franchise," Jordan said in a statement. "I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state."
The six-time NBA champion and five-time league MVP will be trying to turn around the fortunes of the 6-year-old Bobcats, who are on pace to lose about $30 million this season because of sluggish ticket and sponsorship sales.
Jordan, 47, who will assume about $150 million in debt in the deal, becomes the second African American majority owner of a major pro sports team. Johnson, who paid $300 million for the expansion franchise, was the first.
A spokeswoman for Johnson said he will be a minority investor in Jordan's ownership group.
Read More at latimes.com
The NBA's Board of Governors on Wednesday unanimously approved Michael Jordan's $275-million bid to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson. Jordan will immediately take over after serving as a minority investor with the final say on basketball decisions since 2006.
"Purchasing the Bobcats is the culmination of my post-playing-career goal of becoming the majority owner of an NBA franchise," Jordan said in a statement. "I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to build a winning team in my home state."
The six-time NBA champion and five-time league MVP will be trying to turn around the fortunes of the 6-year-old Bobcats, who are on pace to lose about $30 million this season because of sluggish ticket and sponsorship sales.
Jordan, 47, who will assume about $150 million in debt in the deal, becomes the second African American majority owner of a major pro sports team. Johnson, who paid $300 million for the expansion franchise, was the first.
A spokeswoman for Johnson said he will be a minority investor in Jordan's ownership group.
Read More at latimes.com
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Kobe Bryant's hard to embrace, but he's clearly the best clutch player in the game
The Lakers guard can work miracles, but he doesn't make it easy.
By Mark Heisler
Kobe or not Kobe, the mystery, wrapped in an enigma, wearing No. 24, continues....
There was never an icon, or whatever Kobe Bryant is, like Kobe Bryant, who's held at arm's length even by a segment of Lakerdom.
When he broke Jerry West's scoring record a wave of protest arose — among Lakers fans — offended by the suggestion that it made him the greatest Laker.
Kobe takes your breath away, but so did West and Magic Johnson, who also tugged at your heartstrings.
If Kobe realizes you have heartstrings, he doesn't know how to tug at them, although he's gone through enough PR people trying.
What setting a Lakers scoring record lacked in drama, Bryant is making up for with six game-winning shots — thus far — in his Miracles R Us season.
Of course, Kobe being Kobe, even this is arguable.
ESPN's Henry Abbott, who had Bryant as a guy who made big shots "at a pretty good, but not elite, rate," now says he's "open to the idea he could still be the best clutch player in the NBA."
That's good because Bryant is far and away the best clutch player in the NBA.
LeBron James's shooting has improved enough to put him in Bryant's class, but he doesn't have the same body of work.
If anyone seems close to them, it's because you can't measure "clutch."
The Elias Sports Bureau now has a stat called "game-winners," counting shots that put your team ahead to stay in the last 10 seconds.
Not that breaking a tie with 10 seconds left is like bringing your team from two points behind in the last :04 — as Bryant has done three times, against Miami, Sacramento and Memphis.
Two more Kobe jumpers in the last :07 brought them from one point behind in Boston and Milwaukee.
Then, there was last week's relative anti-climax, an 18-footer with 1.9 seconds left, breaking a 107-107 tie with Toronto.
Bryant's six game-winners, the most in a season since 2000, and his 20 for the decade to No. 2 Vince Carter's 13, are officially incomparable — because the NBA didn't archive play-by-plays until 1998.
We don't know how many West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Michael Jordan made, but with or without stats, they were a different species from Carter.
Read More at latimes.com
By Mark Heisler
Kobe or not Kobe, the mystery, wrapped in an enigma, wearing No. 24, continues....
There was never an icon, or whatever Kobe Bryant is, like Kobe Bryant, who's held at arm's length even by a segment of Lakerdom.
When he broke Jerry West's scoring record a wave of protest arose — among Lakers fans — offended by the suggestion that it made him the greatest Laker.
Kobe takes your breath away, but so did West and Magic Johnson, who also tugged at your heartstrings.
If Kobe realizes you have heartstrings, he doesn't know how to tug at them, although he's gone through enough PR people trying.
What setting a Lakers scoring record lacked in drama, Bryant is making up for with six game-winning shots — thus far — in his Miracles R Us season.
Of course, Kobe being Kobe, even this is arguable.
ESPN's Henry Abbott, who had Bryant as a guy who made big shots "at a pretty good, but not elite, rate," now says he's "open to the idea he could still be the best clutch player in the NBA."
That's good because Bryant is far and away the best clutch player in the NBA.
LeBron James's shooting has improved enough to put him in Bryant's class, but he doesn't have the same body of work.
If anyone seems close to them, it's because you can't measure "clutch."
The Elias Sports Bureau now has a stat called "game-winners," counting shots that put your team ahead to stay in the last 10 seconds.
Not that breaking a tie with 10 seconds left is like bringing your team from two points behind in the last :04 — as Bryant has done three times, against Miami, Sacramento and Memphis.
Two more Kobe jumpers in the last :07 brought them from one point behind in Boston and Milwaukee.
Then, there was last week's relative anti-climax, an 18-footer with 1.9 seconds left, breaking a 107-107 tie with Toronto.
Bryant's six game-winners, the most in a season since 2000, and his 20 for the decade to No. 2 Vince Carter's 13, are officially incomparable — because the NBA didn't archive play-by-plays until 1998.
We don't know how many West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Michael Jordan made, but with or without stats, they were a different species from Carter.
Read More at latimes.com
Monday, March 8, 2010
After third straight loss, Lakers trying to stop the tailspin
After third straight loss, Lakers trying to stop the tailspin
They’ve lost four straight road games, and their Western Conference lead over Dallas is now just three games. ‘We have no choice but to keep going,’ says Derek Fisher.
By Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Orlando - The Lakers are reeling.
And they know that.
They lost their third consecutive game, this time a physical, trash-talking, technical-filled defeat to the Orlando Magic on Sunday at Amway Arena.
The Lakers had not lost three consecutive games since they acquired Pau Gasol on Feb. 1, 2008.
They are finding that the road to winning back-to-back championships is filled with potholes.
They are 4-5 in their last nine games.
They have lost four straight road games, and their lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the Western Conference has been whittled down to three games.
"We have to keep believing in the ultimate goal," Derek Fisher said. "That's what helps you stay focused through adversity is realizing that you're still on the path to where you want to go.
"When you're popping that Champagne, these are the times that you remember. This is what brings the tears."
The Lakers just didn't look sharp against the Magic.
The Lakers had three players score in double figures, the Magic had five.
The Lakers didn't get a lot of help from their bench, with a combined 16 points. Read Full Story
source
They’ve lost four straight road games, and their Western Conference lead over Dallas is now just three games. ‘We have no choice but to keep going,’ says Derek Fisher.
By Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Orlando - The Lakers are reeling.
And they know that.
They lost their third consecutive game, this time a physical, trash-talking, technical-filled defeat to the Orlando Magic on Sunday at Amway Arena.
The Lakers had not lost three consecutive games since they acquired Pau Gasol on Feb. 1, 2008.
They are finding that the road to winning back-to-back championships is filled with potholes.
They are 4-5 in their last nine games.
They have lost four straight road games, and their lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the best record in the Western Conference has been whittled down to three games.
"We have to keep believing in the ultimate goal," Derek Fisher said. "That's what helps you stay focused through adversity is realizing that you're still on the path to where you want to go.
"When you're popping that Champagne, these are the times that you remember. This is what brings the tears."
The Lakers just didn't look sharp against the Magic.
The Lakers had three players score in double figures, the Magic had five.
The Lakers didn't get a lot of help from their bench, with a combined 16 points. Read Full Story
source
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
James files papers to switch from No. 23 to No. 6
by (AP)
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The number on LeBron James' back will be different next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can only hope the logo on the front of his jersey remains the same.
James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed Tuesday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan.
Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season.
"All it does is back up LeBron's beliefs," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He's a loyalty guy. When he believes in something, he sticks to his guns and he believes wholeheartedly in what he's doing."
James can become a free agent this summer. He would only need the league's approval to change numbers if he remains in Cleveland. Should he sign with another team, James would be allowed to choose any available number without needing approval.
He dismissed a question about his future shortly after the Cavaliers beat the Knicks 124-93 Monday night.
"I stopped answering free agent questions a long time ago," he said.
James, who declined interview requests on Tuesday, is going from one famous number to another. Julius Erving and Bill Russell both wore No. 6.
"The first thing I think of is Dr. J," Brown said.
James wore No. 6 with the U.S. Olympic team and wears it every day in practice. He isn't the first superstar to change numbers mid-career. Among others, Jordan briefly wore No. 45 after coming out of retirement with the Bulls, and Kobe Bryant more recently switched from No. 8 to No. 24.
"We remember the 8 on Kobe, but we also know the 24," Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams said. "After a year or two, people will look past the old number and let it rest with Jordan."
source: google.com/hostednews
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — The number on LeBron James' back will be different next season. The Cleveland Cavaliers can only hope the logo on the front of his jersey remains the same.
James has filed paperwork with the NBA to change his uniform number next season to No. 6 from No. 23, the league confirmed Tuesday. James said earlier this season he would be willing to give up No. 23 in an effort to have the NBA retire it in honor of Michael Jordan.
Paperwork had to be filed this week to request a number change for next season.
"All it does is back up LeBron's beliefs," Cavs coach Mike Brown said. "He's a loyalty guy. When he believes in something, he sticks to his guns and he believes wholeheartedly in what he's doing."
James can become a free agent this summer. He would only need the league's approval to change numbers if he remains in Cleveland. Should he sign with another team, James would be allowed to choose any available number without needing approval.
He dismissed a question about his future shortly after the Cavaliers beat the Knicks 124-93 Monday night.
"I stopped answering free agent questions a long time ago," he said.
James, who declined interview requests on Tuesday, is going from one famous number to another. Julius Erving and Bill Russell both wore No. 6.
"The first thing I think of is Dr. J," Brown said.
James wore No. 6 with the U.S. Olympic team and wears it every day in practice. He isn't the first superstar to change numbers mid-career. Among others, Jordan briefly wore No. 45 after coming out of retirement with the Bulls, and Kobe Bryant more recently switched from No. 8 to No. 24.
"We remember the 8 on Kobe, but we also know the 24," Cavaliers point guard Mo Williams said. "After a year or two, people will look past the old number and let it rest with Jordan."
source: google.com/hostednews
Lakers try not to dial it down; Bryant looks to dial it up
Coming off big win over Denver, Lakers face a decidedly lesser foe, the Indiana Pacers. Meanwhile, Bryant hopes to relocate his jumper after three sub-par shooting games.
by Broderick Turner
The Lakers are coming off a high, an intense win against Western Conference rival Denver.
Their elation stems partly from Ron Artest's tenacious defense Sunday against Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, plus Lamar Odom's stellar fourth quarter in which he scored nine of his game-high 20 points and collected eight of his 12 rebounds.
Now the Lakers have to zero in on a far lesser opponent.
They play the struggling Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Pacers are 20-39 and have lost seven of their last 10 games.
"I know we're going to go out there and play hard. I know that for a fact," Artest said after practice Monday. "We've been playing hard lately. We haven't been able to get the wins that we want to. Sometimes we play and we lose. But the main thing is to come out tomorrow and we play hard and it'll work itself out."
Bryant searches for his jumper
So, Kobe Bryant, what's going on with your jump shot these days?
"Well, three for 17, I'd say it's a little [messed] up," Bryant said, laughing.
He was referring to his performance Sunday against the Nuggets.
One reason for the concern is that Bryant sat out 18 days — and five games — recovering from a sprained left ankle. Then he came back against the Memphis Grizzlies last week and looked as if he hadn't missed a game.
Bryant was 13 for 19 from the field, including the game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. He also made a three-pointer with 54 seconds left to tie the score.
But since that game, Bryant has shot 19 for 56 (33.9%) from the field. He has missed all six of his three-point attempts.
"I had a lot of time off where I wasn't able to shoot the basketball, so that's why it's inconsistent," Bryant said. "Now I've got a chance to get in and kind of work on it a little bit. I did a little bit today and I'll do a little more tomorrow and get it back to that level of consistency that it needs to."
After practice Monday, Bryant played one-on-one against two kids.
On one play, he demonstrated why he is such a competitor, swatting the little kid's shot away and then smiling while talking trash.
"No mercy," Bryant said, laughing. "There's nothing wrong with posting up a little kid. He wants to play one-on-one, he knows full well what he was getting into. Naw, it was fun."
Injury update
Sasha Vujacic, who has been out because of a sprained right shoulder, has been unable to practice, but said he hopes to be available next Monday after the Lakers return home from a three-game trip.
Luke Walton, who has been out because of a pinched nerve in his back, worked out on an exercise machine Monday and said his back felt good, but that "good is a relative term right now."
Etc.
Bryant was asked what his reaction was to Denver Coach George Karl's saying the Lakers turned the game into a wrestling match.
"That's encouraging for us," said Bryant, knowing that his team has been labeled soft. "We've always been the cupcake team. I'm happy to hear that."
source:latimes.com
by Broderick Turner
The Lakers are coming off a high, an intense win against Western Conference rival Denver.
Their elation stems partly from Ron Artest's tenacious defense Sunday against Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, plus Lamar Odom's stellar fourth quarter in which he scored nine of his game-high 20 points and collected eight of his 12 rebounds.
Now the Lakers have to zero in on a far lesser opponent.
They play the struggling Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at Staples Center. The Pacers are 20-39 and have lost seven of their last 10 games.
"I know we're going to go out there and play hard. I know that for a fact," Artest said after practice Monday. "We've been playing hard lately. We haven't been able to get the wins that we want to. Sometimes we play and we lose. But the main thing is to come out tomorrow and we play hard and it'll work itself out."
Bryant searches for his jumper
So, Kobe Bryant, what's going on with your jump shot these days?
"Well, three for 17, I'd say it's a little [messed] up," Bryant said, laughing.
He was referring to his performance Sunday against the Nuggets.
One reason for the concern is that Bryant sat out 18 days — and five games — recovering from a sprained left ankle. Then he came back against the Memphis Grizzlies last week and looked as if he hadn't missed a game.
Bryant was 13 for 19 from the field, including the game-winning three-pointer with 4.3 seconds left. He also made a three-pointer with 54 seconds left to tie the score.
But since that game, Bryant has shot 19 for 56 (33.9%) from the field. He has missed all six of his three-point attempts.
"I had a lot of time off where I wasn't able to shoot the basketball, so that's why it's inconsistent," Bryant said. "Now I've got a chance to get in and kind of work on it a little bit. I did a little bit today and I'll do a little more tomorrow and get it back to that level of consistency that it needs to."
After practice Monday, Bryant played one-on-one against two kids.
On one play, he demonstrated why he is such a competitor, swatting the little kid's shot away and then smiling while talking trash.
"No mercy," Bryant said, laughing. "There's nothing wrong with posting up a little kid. He wants to play one-on-one, he knows full well what he was getting into. Naw, it was fun."
Injury update
Sasha Vujacic, who has been out because of a sprained right shoulder, has been unable to practice, but said he hopes to be available next Monday after the Lakers return home from a three-game trip.
Luke Walton, who has been out because of a pinched nerve in his back, worked out on an exercise machine Monday and said his back felt good, but that "good is a relative term right now."
Etc.
Bryant was asked what his reaction was to Denver Coach George Karl's saying the Lakers turned the game into a wrestling match.
"That's encouraging for us," said Bryant, knowing that his team has been labeled soft. "We've always been the cupcake team. I'm happy to hear that."
source:latimes.com
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Kobe returns and sinks Grizzlies, 99-98
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)—Hitting a game-winning shot never gets old for Kobe Bryant.
“Every time it feels like the first time,” he said.
Bryant returned to lineup after missing five games with an ankle injury and made a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to 99-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday night.
Bryant led the Lakers with 32 points, including his team’s final nine points. His 3-pointer with 54 seconds left tied the game at 96-all. His game-winner came off an inbounds play 4 seconds after his layup attempt was blocked by Rudy Gay.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant(notes), right, shoots over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol(notes) (33) of Spain in the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 in Memphis, Tenn. The Lakers beat the Grizzlies 99-98.
“He kept making plays at the end of the game,” Memphis coach Lionel Hollins said of Bryant. “Great players make great plays. You’ve got to give him his due (but) it hurts.”
Bryant’s late scoring spree came after the Lakers had missed five straight free throws and trailed, 95-90, with 2:59 left. He began his nine-point run with a jumper from the left wing with 2:23 to go to trim the Memphis lead to 95-92.
After Gay’s free throw, Bryant dropped in a technical free throw to make it 96-93. Gay scored again with 40 seconds left to up the Grizzlies lead to 98-93 before Bryant’s back-to-back 3-pointers won it for the Lakers.
“Only in Hollywood, I guess,” Bryant said. “It’s fun. It’s my responsibility to make plays down the stretch. I enjoy it.”
Pau Gasol added 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who won for the seventh time in their last eight road games.
“Nobody in the world is shocked anymore by what Kobe Bryant does and what he brings to the team,” Gasol said. “He really stepped up at the end. It feels good to have him back.” Read More
source: sports.yahoo.com/nba
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Dwight Howard powers Orlando Magic to 101-95 win over Cavaliers, Shaq
Cleveland's skid comes on the heels of a 13-game win streak.
Howard was 8-for-13 shooting and added four blocks, and Vince Carter had eight of his 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Magic beat Cleveland for the first time this season.
O'Neal made his first eight shots and finished with 20 points, and LeBron James had 33 points and nine rebounds for the Cavaliers, who were eliminated by Orlando in last year's Eastern Conference finals.
The hoopla surrounding the Howard-Shaq squabble over the Superman nickname finally lived up to the billing, even though the drama in the end came on the perimeter.
Carter made a two-handed dunk over heavy traffic, and followed that with a layup over Antawn Jamison, pumping his fist to the crowd in celebration. Jameer Nelson came back with a 3-pointer to put the Magic ahead 96-88 with about 2 minutes to play.
O'Neal tipped in a missed shot, and Anthony Parker made a 3-pointer to trim the deficit to three. But after James missed a 3-pointer on Cleveland's next possession, Rashard Lewis made a 3 - from the same spot where he sent the Game 6 clincher into overtime last year - with 20.1 seconds remaining to seal the Magic's win.
Until the last few minutes, though, it was Superman vs. Superman.
O'Neal has been known as the comic book superhero for most of his 17-year NBA career, and he had taken exception with Howard getting the same nickname. It didn't help that Howard has erased much of O'Neal's shadow in Orlando - where he spent four years in the mid-90s - and has restored the Magic to prominence.
The two put on quite a show.
O'Neal grabbed a rebound and caught Howard under the basket, hammering a powerful one-handed dunk over the young centre in the opening quarter. Shaq added a put-back dunk, an alley-oop tip and a three-point play over Howard all before the half in the first time this season that fouls didn't sideline the big men for significant time.
At the other end of the floor, Howard used his youth and agility to wiggle around O'Neal almost at will, slicing through the paint for layups and hook shots and making the elder centre sprint down the court. Howard also banked a jumpshot from the wing and his defensive presence helped Orlando go ahead 46-35 late in the second quarter.
Then James took over, scoring Cleveland's final 10 points of the half - the last coming on a three-point play over Matt Barnes with 1.1 seconds left - to trim the Magic's lead to six.
After starting his Cleveland career 0 for 12 from the field, Jamison made his first shot of the game, a layup with 7:29 remaining in the first quarter. He also made the first four baskets of the second half and finished with 19 points.
But he still doesn't know what it feels like to win with his new team.
source:canadian press
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