Tag Archives: NBA_History

Kobe issues a challenge to Bynum

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The Sky HookLegendary all star center Kareem Abdul Jabbar was well known for his unique hook shot during his years as a professional basketball player. The “Skyhook” as it was affectionately named, eventually became his trademark shot and was one of the most feared offensive weapons of his generation. After Kareem retired in 1989, the shot retired with him and we haven’t seen it used since.

This may all change with the challenge issued by Kobe Bryant to Laker’s center Andrew Bynum after their latest win against the Miami Heat. Bynum who is currently injured, has been under the tutorlidge of Kareem since he was drafted 10th overall in 2005 by the Los Angeles Lakers.

This is what Bryant had to say after making a left handed hook shot in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat.

I hope Bynum was watching,” Bryant said, smiling. I challenged him to throw the sky hook in the game and he hasn’t. So I hope he was watching.” Source:PE.COM

I’d love to see the skyhook used again in Lakerland. It will truly bring the days of “Showtime” back to Los Angeles. With Shaq in the wild west now, it will surely be one of the most memorable moments in NBA history, if we see Bynum throw the “skyhook” over the Big Aristotle during this years NBA playoffs.

The Celtics land the Big Ticket

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garnettingreenKevin Garnett had originally shot down a deal that would have sent him to the Boston Celtics during the NBA draft day on June 28th.

But with the addition of Ray Allen from the Sonics to the Celtics, alot has changed in Garnett’s mind over the past month.

“I am excited to become a Celtic,” Garnett said. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to play with players the quality of Paul and Ray. The Celtics have had a proud tradition and now I hope that we can add to the legacy.”

With the Trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and now Kevin Garnett, the Celtics have risen from the depths of mediocracy and have become the instant favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the finals.

This has become the NBA’s biggest trade for a single player. In the deal for Garnett, the Celtics gave up forwards Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green, guard Sebastian Telfair and center Theo Ratliff, two first-round draft picks and cash considerations. They basically sold their future to win now.

I think this dynamic trio who seem to be willing to put ego’s aside to win will have a small window of opportunity to win a couple championships. They remind me of the Miami Heat who brought in aging talent for a shot at a title. Ray Allen is 32, Paul Pierce is 29, and the Big Ticket is 31. All currently in or just passing their prime years.

In order for the Celtics to have a shot at the title, this group of three need to gel quickly and more importantly, remain injury free. Both Pierce and Allen have a history of injuries and it remains to be seen whether or not Allen’s ankle will hold up.

Garnett is my one of my favorite players coming second only to Kobe Bryant. I’m very happy for him and that he has welcome the opportunity to put himself in a better situation. I had really hoped that he would have opted out and joined my Laker team or been traded to the Lakers for Lamar, Bynum, and Brown. I guess we can’t win them all.

Let the Boston bandwagon begin!

Laker Fan First. Kobe Fan Second…

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bryantbackI’ve been noticing a ton of articles about Bryant and his requests to be traded since the Lakers first round exit in the 2007 NBA playoffs. I’m a big fan of Kobe, and I respect his game and work ethic very much, but his character off the court has always been a subject of discussion.

Although some people have labeled him as a cheat selfish ball hog, I prefer not to place judgement on Kobe solely on what the newspapers and media write. In my eyes, he’s the best basketball player in the game right now, and as huge fan of the sport in general, what I’ve seen from Kobe on court is unreal. The man has the skill set, athleticism, and drive to win that we haven’t seen since the days of MJ and his Bulls. But enough about all that. This post was written from a concerned Laker fan who wants to know whats really going on with his beloved Laker organization.

I really want to know are what Kobe’s intentions are. Does Kobe really want to go or is he just trying to shake up the team? We had chances at guys like Boozer, Kidd, and Davis but the Lakers refused to part with players or pay luxury taxes so trades fell through the floor. Kobe’s frustration with the Laker management is very evident in the interviews I’ve listened to and on his blog he has posted on his site. Are things really going this bad behind the scenes? What are the Buss’s plans for the future?

I’ve always considered myself a Laker fan first and a “player” fan second. If Kobe is traded, I’d definitely still follow and cheer for the team he is on, but if he was up against the Lakers, I’d choose the Purple and Gold to beat him every time. I’d hate to do it, but I’ve been a Laker fan for so long, cheering for anyone to beat my Lakers would be a betrayal.

I guess this is what it all boils down to. We Laker fans want to know the truth. We have the right to know what’s really going on. We fill the seats, we pay the salaries, we support the team. I’m so tired of reading rumors and trade scenarios and I simply want to know the truth. Will Kobe be with the Lakers next season? Will Buss make the moves needed to make our team a championship contender again? What did Buss promise Kobe that he did not fulfill?