Jerry West, who died at the age of 86 on June 12, 2024, was more than just great NBA player. He was arguably the most influential person in the game of basketball. Few in the history of the game could match West’s accolades as a player and as an executive. He was a collegiate standout … [Read more…]
On a date aligning with Kobe Bryant’s iconic jersey numbers — 8 and 24 — and his daughter Gianna’s No. 2, the Los Angeles Lakers unveiled a statue at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena to honor one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, introduced the statue during an emotional dedication … [Read more…]
The NBA honored its 75 greatest players — 76 to be exact because of a tie — on Feb. 20, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. LeBron James was one of 45 members of the all-time 75 team who came in person and participated in the festivities. For LeBron, being a part of an event to honor … [Read more…]
Remember when Kobe Bean Bryant announced he was entering the 1996 NBA draft straight out of high school? He had his shades flipped above his forehead, looking sharp in his tailored suit. Let’s be honest. He looked like a cocky teenager who feared nothing and no one. Many thought Kobe would fall flat on his … [Read more…]
Anthony Davis yelled “Kobe” after hitting the biggest shot of his young NBA career. He sprinted down the sideline and jumped into a swarm of teammates who were eager to mob him. Davis’ special shoutout was an obvious homage to the late great Kobe Bryant — the legendary Los Angeles Laker who had a habit … [Read more…]
Tim Duncan was one of the most unique superstars in basketball. He did everything low key. You never heard him publicly complain about his contract. You never heard him say anything bad about a coach or player. And on his final NBA game in 2016, he briefly pointed a finger to the ceiling before walking … [Read more…]
Parents should be our role models without a doubt. Our superheroes, on the other hand, could be fictional comic book characters or Hollywood-inspired saviors. Kobe Bean Bryant was a hero to many people. He had the ability to bring people together with his incredible skills and unrelenting drive. He brought so much joy in our … [Read more…]
When Jeanie Buss needed to press the reset button on the Los Angeles Lakers, she went full Khaleesi mode. She ousted her brother, Jim, as the team’s executive vice president of basketball operations and fired longtime general manager Mitch Kupchak. Then she hired her father’s favorite player of all-time, Magic Johnson, to be the president … [Read more…]
Kobe Bryant played his last NBA game on April 13, 2016. It was the conclusion of a 20-year career — all with the Los Angeles Lakers — that included five championships, two Finals MVPs, two Olympic gold medals, 18 All-Star Game appearances, and one 81-point game. The Black Mamba may have said goodbye to basketball, but … [Read more…]
Basketball players have been referred to as the greatest athletes in the world. In the NBA, you see superbly conditioned athletes soar to the basket and throw down rim-rattling dunks or muscle past two or three defenders. Sometimes we marvel so much at these super beings that we, as fans, wonder how pro basketball players … [Read more…]