America's 2011 Most Popular Athletes Named: Kobe Ties With Jordan

Kobe Bryant lost the chance to win the 2011 NBA Championship and all Los Angeles Lakers fan were hurt.

I guess the pain won't stop there because Kobe has again lost another one but this time it's the list of America's Most Popular Athletes. But stay positive Kobe fans because he's still included in the TOP 10. It's better than LeBron James who's no longer in the list. Congratulations to Derrick Rose for making it to the 9th spot this year!

America's Top 10 Most Popular Athletes

Male
1. Derek Jeter
2. Peyton Manning
3. Kobe Bryant -- Tie
3. Michael Jordan -- Tie
5. Tiger Woods
6. Tom Brady
7. Albert Pujols -- Tie
7. Hines Ward -- Tie

9. Derrick Rose
10. Aaron Rodgers

Female
1. Serena Williams
2. Venus Williams
3. Danica Patrick
4. Maria Sharapova
5. Mia Hamm
6. Anna Kournikova
7. Martina  Navratilova -- Tie
7. Sue Bird -- Tie
9. Kerry Walsh -- Tie
9. Michele Wie -- Tie


Source/s:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Kobe-Bryant-is-no-longer-America-8217-s-most-po;_ylt=Aspo5EHAqGTIwwlQjmwBrha8vLYF?urn=nba-wp6485
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/way-to-go---derek-jeter-has-3000-hits-and-is-americas-favorite-sports-star-125552273.html

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2011 NBA All-Stars Roster

It's the mid-season, which only means that the ALL-STARS is near! Here's the roster of the five starters of the East and the West conferences:

2011 Eastern Conference All-Stars

LeBron James [Miami Heat]

Amar'e Stoudemire [New York Knicks]

Dwayne Wade [Miami Heat]

Derrick Rose [Chicago Bulls]

Dwight Howard [Orlando Magic]

Head Coach: TBD

2011 Western Conference All-Stars

Kevin Durant [Oklahoma City Thunder]

Carmelo Anthony [Denver Nuggets]

Kobe Bryant [LA Lakers]

Chris Paul [New Orleans Hornets]

Yao Ming [Houston Rockets]

Gregg Popovich [Head Coach]

And oh, no questions asked, I'm going for the WEST!

My Technorati

Kobe on Laker's Defense

Kobe Bryant wasn’t about to disparage Jerry West for saying the Los Angeles Lakers are “getting long in the tooth.” He just begged to differ.

West, a Hall of Fame player and former Lakers general manager, suggested last week at a speech in Orange County that there’s a connection between the Lakers’ age and their consistency on defense.

Ten of the Lakers are 30 or older, including starters Bryant (32), Derek Fisher (36), Ron Artest (31) and Pau Gasol (30).

“If there’s a loose ball now, how often do they get to it? The reason you can’t play defense is because you can’t,” West was quoted as saying by the Orange County Register.

Asked about West’s comments after the Lakers routed Utah 120-91 on Tuesday night, Bryant said, “We’ve been pretty good on defense all year. The numbers don’t lie.”

The Lakers have given up 100 points or fewer in 15 of their last 18 games.

Coach Phil Jackson resorted to sarcasm, saying, “I went out and bought Omega 3s right away. I knew I needed something youthful.”

The Lakers certainly clamped down on the Jazz, who have lost a season-high five straight games. They held Utah to 42 percent shooting.

“They didn’t look old, they didn’t look tired and they didn’t look like they couldn’t play defense to me,” Utah guard Deron Williams said.

West predicted the age of the two-time defending NBA champions will catch up to them.

“I don’t think the Lakers will be good for much longer. You can keep a car running for a long time by changing the tires, etc. But you can’t change a player’s tires,” he said.

Source/s:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-lakers-west

2011 NBA All-Stars: 2 Heat, 2 Celtics on Pace to Earn All-Star starts

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Heat and Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo of the Celtics are on pace to be voted as starters for the NBA All-Star game.

Garnett and Rondo remained in second place at their positions behind the Heat duo in the third voting returns announced Thursday. Orlando center Dwight Howard is the other leader among Eastern Conference players and has the most votes of any player in the conference.

The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant is the top overall vote-getter for the game in his home Staples Center on Feb. 20. The Hornets’ Chris Paul at the other guard and Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Denver’s Carmelo Anthony at forward are the other West leaders, while Houston’s Yao Ming has a sizable lead at center despite being out for the season with a foot injury.

Boosted by the huge online vote total he receives from fans in his native China, Yao was voted as a starter the first seven years of his career, from 2003-09. He was not on the ballot last season, when he was out for the year with an injury.

If an injured player is voted to start, Commissioner David Stern chooses an injury replacement for the roster and the conference’s coach tabs a reserve to start.

Starters will be announced Jan. 27.

Source/s:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgXSdLfLjiXwj23_b8RfKyG8vLYF?slug=ap-all-starvoting

2010-11 NBA Season: Lakers and Suns Preview

Kobe Bryant knows how to motivate the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers, but coach Phil Jackson still wants to see further improvement.

A visit to the struggling Phoenix Suns could help.

The Lakers look to build on one of their best performances in nearly three weeks when they face the Suns on Wednesday night.

Los Angeles (24-11) is trying to turn around a sluggish 3-4 stretch that has seen its losses come by an average of 17.3 points, including a stunning 104-85 home loss to Memphis on Sunday.

The Lakers bounced back in impressive fashion Tuesday, beating Detroit 108-83 after Bryant gave his teammates some advice in dealing with the growing criticisms of the two-time reigning NBA champions.

“I told the guys, ‘Listen to how everyone is talking about you. You have to use it as fuel for motivation,’” Bryant said. “It’s early, we just continue to play, take our time. The playoffs aren’t tomorrow.”

Jackson feels there’s still more work to do for Los Angeles to turn things around. However, the Lakers’ struggles haven’t done much damage to their lead atop the Pacific Division - 8 1/2 games ahead of second-place Phoenix (14-18).

“We have to really turn it around,” Jackson said. “One game is not the end of this situation.”

Continued success in the defensive end could go a long way in spurring Los Angeles. The team held the Pistons to 3 for 13 shooting from 3-point range while forcing 19 turnovers that led to 25 points - 17 more than Sunday.

Bryant is getting closer to another milestone after his 17 points Tuesday moved him past Dominique Wilkins into 10th on the NBA’s career scoring list with 26,671. The 12-time All-Star is 39 points shy of Oscar Robertson in ninth place.

Bryant has reached 40 points once this season, getting 41 in a loss to Indiana on Nov. 28. He topped that plateau eight times last season, including seven by this stage.

Bryant is averaging 29.9 points in his last seven meetings with Phoenix, and the Lakers have won 10 of the last 14 matchups.

They won 114-106 in their last visit to US Airways Center on Oct. 29 behind 25 points from Bryant.

The Suns have dropped nine of 12 while giving up an average of 105.2 points over that span. That’s actually an improvement from the 108.4 points per game they’re surrendering on the season.

Phoenix has been much better defensively over the last two games, allowing 40.6 percent shooting - 28.1 from 3-point range. However, the Suns have just one win to show for that improvement as they followed Friday’s 92-75 win over Detroit with a 94-89 loss at Sacramento on Sunday.

That defeat came despite a perfect shooting performance from Steve Nash, who was 8 of 8 from the field - including a pair of 3s. He also hit both free throws to finish with 20 points and 12 assists against the Kings.

Nash wasn’t close to being that productive in the most recent home meeting with the Lakers, making 3 of 9 shots for eight points while dishing out nine assists. He was much better at Los Angeles in a 121-116 win on Nov. 14, scoring 21 points with 13 assists.

Vince Carter is averaging 18.0 points over three games since being acquired from Orlando as part of a six-player deal last month. The swingman scored 25 points for the Magic in a win over the Lakers on March 7.

by Nicolino Dibenedetto

Phil on Suns

Now this is the kind of pair I'm looking forward to watch -- LA Lakers v Phoenix Suns. What makes it exciting for me? Firstly, there'll be NO more Amar'e Stoudemire, who's now in the New York Knicks. It's all on Steve Nash. But it's not like Nash is anywhere close to getting the championship ring but for sure getting rid of someone like Stoudemire in the team is better.

Kobe Bryant, on the other hand, wouldn't mind the changes. It was the Lakers anyway who got rid of the Suns during last season's playoffs. "The combination with Stoudemire and Nash has been great in the last few years, so that will need a little timing. But this will be a good team, Phoenix will still be a real good team," said Lakers coach Phil Jackson.

2010 NBA Playoffs: The Finals, a Retribution

I thought the Phoenix Suns had it, but soon fell short against the LA Lakers. And now, Kobe Bryant faces the one team that he probably wishes most to meet in the Finals - the Boston Celtics.

It has been two years, but the memory of the '08 NBA Finals is still clear. The Celtics won and Bryant was left wanting a championship without his chum, Shaquille O'Neal. Everybody was rooting for the Lakers but no one can deny that 2008 was a great year for Boston.

KB24's greatness couldn't be compared to the Big Three. The Celtics have Paul Pierce, with the addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Lakers only got Bryant and a team seemingly unreliable for a playoff showdown. And then last year, the Lakers won but it appears that there was no sense of fulfillment and left everybody thinking what if it was the Celtics?

The Finals. It's all about winning now. And with the Celtics standing in the way, Bryant is sure to find retribution from the team who's beaten them two years ago.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Is it his time?

Firstly, I can't believe I missed a lot of details in this season's NBA playoffs. Guess my friend was right, I've been too busy with some other stuff. But going back to the topic, the season is officially done and the playoffs is almost there - April 17, 2010. Here are the matchups, got it from Wiki:


I know, the fonts are too small -- just click on the image. I'm pretty much confused on who to root for this coming playoffs season. Of course, I'll always be rooting for my San Antonio Spurs but I know it's anybody's game right now. Remember last season? Everybody's all over Lebron James winning the playoffs but after all that's been said, Kobe and the LA Lakers won.

So, is it his season? Who knows.

Spurs in BIG Trouble

Try to imagine someone writing from a computer with keys almost popping out from the keyboard. That's definitely how I'm typing as I write this entry. I'm disappointed, sad, frustrated, and everything negative that a fan could feel whenever his/her favorite team loses. Good news to all Lakers fans though, Kobe and his squad just crushed the Spurs to a 93-91 win at the Alamodome, getting the lead to 3-1. Kobe Bryant finished the game with 28 points and 10 boards. Lamar Odom sits next to KB24 as the second best scorer of the game adding 16 points and nine rebounds. Pau Gasol, who came to the Lakers to seek for a championship, contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds. Good job for the Lakers.

The series was almost done for the Spurs as the last seconds winded down during the fourth quarter of Game 4. The Spurs have done their best and I know that they're feeling more frustrated and pressured more than ever. Imagine trying to win three straight games and two of those has to come from the Staples Center. Tim Duncan with 29 points also had 17 rebounds, while Tony Parker and Brent Barry added 23 points each. Barry's 3-point shot could've made the difference but the shot didn't came and the buzzer sounded and Game 4 was over for the Spurs. Manu Ginobili clearly wasn't himself with seven points and six assists. The Spurs are now down to 1-3 against the Lakers. The Spurs are on the verge of extinction, which slowly takes all the hope in me. I wonder how the Staples Center would look like in Game 5. What I do know right now is that the Spurs are in BIG trouble when they visit Hollywood.

How Good is He?

How good is KB24 in playing basketball? If only I have a measuring device to determine how good he is, I wouldn't have a hard time figuring it out. But What I do know is Kobe is so good that basketball becomes so easy when he's playing. I am definitely not a fan of Kobe Bryant, I just can't help but be amazed with the way he's played basketball and I think he's changed a lot. He's not the Kobe that has a glue on hand, where the ball just sticks with him throughout the game and him scoring more than half of his team's score. It simply seemed to me that the Kobe who won MVP this regular season was the one I've always wanted to watch. I hate saying this, but I'm starting to like the way he's carried his team and the way his teammates have improved despite his persistence of having a trade earlier this season.

KB24 has definitely matured and that has driven him and the rest of the LA Lakers to be better. Look where they are now. They are in the Conference Finals and battling it out against the defending champions, the San Antonio Spurs. The series is going to be more exciting with Manu Ginobili back on top form and Kobe just thrilled watching someone who showed as much determination as he does when playing basketball. As for the question about how good Kobe is? No one can really tell exactly how good he is. Kobe is simply good.

--
“He hit a lot of big shots, he hit one shot that just made me laugh. It was right in Sasha’s face. It was just great defense,” said Kobe on Manu's face off against Lakers' Sasha Vujacic.

Spurs, Manu Helps Win Over the Lakers

The San Antonio Spurs were down 0-2 against the LA Lakers. But with their playoff routine, the Spurs bounced back with a 103-84 against the Lakers on Game 3. But hey that was just Game 3 and the Lakers still lead the series to 2-1. So, I guess I really shouldn't be overconfident about the Spurs. But who wouldn't be very confident if the Manu Ginobili that we've always known has just returned to the AT&T Center and buried 30 points for the Spurs? After two games of poor shooting, Ginobili was back and hitting every crucial shot for his team. Tim Duncan finished with another double-double with 22 points and 21 rebounds. Tony Parker also had an outstanding Game 3 performance and added 20 points. The rest of the Spurs played well but they have to step up their games more and with much pressure at hand because I'm pretty sure Kobe Bryant and the entire squad of Phil Jackson will recover from that loss and will be determined to try win at the AT&T Center.

Speaking of the Lakers, Kobe topped their scoreboards with 30 points and was followed by his mate Pau Gasol with 15 points. Lamar Odom wasn't quite himself with only seven points and 11 boards. I've got to put that behind me and get ready for the next one," Odom said.
What's the one thing the Spurs are trying to avoid when playing against KB24? The answer is to prevent him from getting to the freethrow line, which he loved doing during the Lakers' second round series against the Utah Jazz. "It's something we try to do. Sometimes, you just can't, but if you give Kobe -- besides all those shots that he takes -- 20 free-throw opportunities, then it becomes really difficult," said Spurs G Ginobili. And indeed, Kobe only only had one freethrow and missed it. The Lakers' defense were also stretched with the presence of Robert Horry But PJ will certainly make some adjustments with Gregg Popovich's strategy during the previous game and we'll definitely see those changes on Game 4.

Lakers Victorious Over the Spurs

The LA Lakers dominated in the Staples Center with a 101-71 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. "The building was electric and we just kept it going,” said Jordan Farmar. Kobe Bryant was definitely himself with 22 points. Lamar Odom, who said he didn't played well in Game 1, had a superb game finished with 20 points and 12 boards. "I just try to fit a role and find my niche and find my lane," said Odom. The Lakers' bench were productive, too, with Farmar contributing 14 points along with Sasha Vujacic and Luke Walton with seven points apiece. "The past, maybe, week and a half, I've been feeling really good about my game," said Farmar.

On the Spurs' side, well, no one was actually feeling Game 2. Tony Parker had 13 points, Tim Duncan with 12 points, and Manu Ginobili [back to being the 6th Man] only scored seven points. Honestly, I really have no idea what happened to my Spurs. They were literally outscored by the Lakers in three quarters and again they were in the exact spot they were in during the series against the Hornets, which is to be down by 0-2. “We are going to go home and one of two things are going to happen. We are either going to make this a series, or not,” said Duncan.

“I think they might have had some tired legs,” said Lakers' coach Phil Jackson. They probably had tired legs but they can't make any excuses now, it's the conference finals. “We knew (fatigue) would catch up this game, not last game. We thought our last game was our best shot to get something here, to just dig down and go after it. Obviously, we didn't get that done,” said Popovich.

After losing two straight games to the Lakers, the Spurs are heading back to AlamoCity to try and win Games 3 & 4, which I really hope they get. Again, Games 3 & 4 are make-or-break games.

Spurs' 0-2 Deficit Repeat

Do we [Spurs' fans] have to endure that same feeling when the New Orleans Hornets buried the San Antonio Spurs to a 0-2 deficit again? I understand if the Spurs are still weary after that strenuous job of eliminating the Hornets. But it's the conference finals and it's the Lakers that they're battling against. Okay, inhale-exhale. Breathe Halley, just relax.

Tell me, is there any reason for the Spurs to panic? Definitely. In fact, the Spurs have all the reasons to panic. The Game 1 loss was a bit easier to take in because they had a superb 1st half. But then again, it was the Lakers who won and showing the Spurs who rules in the Staples Center. And then came Game 2. Without any practice the Spurs allowed Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Lakers to finish them off with a 30-point lead. The Lakers won 101-71 against the weary defending champs and getting a 2-0 lead in the series. I am not feeling good about this series but I won't falter, I'm still going for the Spurs no matter what. Cheer up my fellow Spurs fans!.. =)

Game 1 Goes to the Lakers

Yes, I know the LA Lakers won 89-85 against the San Antonio Spurs. And I also know that KB24 is this season's MVP, so, I'm don't wonder why he got 27 points and nine assists for the Game 1 win. "I knew I could make a push and once I made that push, it felt like it energized us a little bit, get the game back under control, get it under 10 where we knew we could be in striking distance," said Lakers' G Bryant. Next to Kobe Bryant on scoring is Pau Gasol with 19 points and seven boards. Derek Fisher only had four points and was cursed with five personal fouls, the reason for his 29-minute playing time. On the side of the silver and black jersey, it was Tim Duncan who dominated the scoreboards with 30 points and 18 rebounds. Tony Parker who only had 18 points had 10 rebounds to pull it off for his team. But I think it wasn't enough to steal one game from the Staples Center. Manu Ginobili, obviously, wasn't in perfect rhythm scoring only 10 points and four turnovers. Was he one of the Spurs who slept on the plane? The Spurs lost but I'm sure they'll definitely get back in Game 2. “We had a great opportunity and didn’t take advantage of it,” Gregg Popovich said. Game 1 was close and it will get even closer as the series continues.

The road to the Western Conference finals for the Lakers was easy. First, Kobe has to eliminate the combo named Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. The series was way to easy for the Lakers, imagine sweeping the Denver Nuggets 4-0. It wasn't really a shocker. Round 2, KB24 faced a more challenging opponent - the Utah Jazz. But even with the combination Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Mehmet Okur, the Jazz fell short against the Lakers. This win gave the Lakers the ticket to the Western Conference finals. But during that time, the Spurs were still battling a make-or-break series against the stinging New Orleans Hornets. In the end, it was the pride of AlamoCity who ended up victorious.

If the Lakers had the easiest road to the Western Conference finals, for the Spurs it was the opposite. First round and the Spurs have to eliminate one of their toughest rivals, the Phoenix Suns. We all what happened to these two teams last seasons. And I think up to now, the Suns' fans aren't over yet with Robert Horry's hipcheck on Steve Nash. But the series was tougher for the Suns after being ousted by the Spurs to 4-1. Then, on the second round the problem for the Spurs continued with CP3 and the Hornets very eager to get into the Finals. It was definitely one of the toughest series I've watched which went to a grueling Game 7. Despite the homecourt advantage of the Hornets on Game 7, the Spurs still won 91-82. And what awaits the Spurs in the conference finals is another trouble with a leader named MVP this season.

Game 1 was a proof on how exciting the Lakers-Spurs series is going to be. The game was pretty close and it's going to continue that way until Game 7. Go Spurs!

Spurs Advances to the Western Conference Finals

I told myself yesterday thay before I write something about Game 7 of the San Antonio Spurs and the New Orleans Hornets series, I am going to watch it. And yes, I've watched the game and again it was an outstanding performance from the Spurs' 6th Man extraordinaire Manu Ginobili. Ginobili led the Spurs to a 91-82 win against the crowd favorites the Hornets. The Argentinean poured in 26 points for the win, along with the 17 points and 16 points from Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, respectively. Fab Oberto also played brilliantly with four points and nine critical rebounds. Everybody from the Spurs simply played their part, even the bench players played a vital part for the victorious Game 7 win. “I’m sure glad that’s over," said Spurs coach, Gregg Popovich.

For CP3 & Co. I definitely applaud them for being a good sport. The Spurs played better this time and they [Hornets] were simply not making shots especially on the third quarter. David West, as expected, was great with 20 points and nine rebounds. Chris Paul scored 18 points and provided his team with 14 assists and Tyson Chandler, who guarded Duncan the entire series, added 13 points and 15 rebounds. The Hornets really caused a lot of trouble for the Spurs, offensively and defensively. The few days of rest, I guess helped the Spurs recover and mull over about how to win against these Hornets in their home, where the Spurs lost with double-digit margins.

Popovich isn't the type of coach, who causes hype because he's is not very pleased with the way his players played. He talks little but with a lot of sense and humor that is why he is considered to be one of best coaches in the association today. He made good decisions in the past and is now reaping the end result. Take a look at Parker. When Parker joined the Spurs in 2001, he was this stubborn teenager with little idea on how to satisfy Pop. They've probably had arguments but that paidoff with Parker as one of the best point guards of today. What's nice about the relationship between these two is that Pop trusts Parker. During a timeout in the first quarter, instead of Pop holding the magic board for some coaching I saw TP holding it and instructing something to Duncan, who simply nodded and nodded. And when Pop went to their side, the game was about to start again. It was just amazing how Pop trusts his players. TP isn't the only one whom Pop trusts and is confident about. I'm talking about Ginobili. Just putting Manu as the 6th man and hearing nothing from him, made Pop to put a lot of trust to his Argentinean player. Of all the Spurs, Manu is the one who showed a lot patience. He just doesn't stop shooting and when he gets his rhythm the game is truly on for the Spurs. With the win against the Hornets, the Spurs are off to Hollywood to face KB24 and the rest of the LA Lakers. What I know is that this series is going to be a lot more exciting than the one with the Hornets and the Phoenix Suns. I wish to write more, but I still have work to do. So, I guess that's all for now. Have a great day!.. =)

KB24 Named MVP

Congratulations to Kobe Bryant, of the Los Angeles Lakers, for achieving the 2007-2008 NBA Most Valuable Player Award. I am not a Kobe fan but I admit that he is great and he truly deserves this award. And he looks very happy. Again, congratulations to him!.. [clap clap clap]

“I can’t thank these guys enough. These are my guys, these are my brothers. Let’s get ready for tomorrow,” said KB24.

KB24 Brushes Off the Nuggets

Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, and the rest of the Denver Nuggets are off to an early vacation after being swept by the LA Lakers 4-0. Even if the Nuggets lost 101-107, they've definitely put up a good fight against the Lakers. As usual, Kobe Bryant dominated the scoreboard with 31 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Lamar Odom finished with a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. And Pau Gasol helped by adding 21 points. For the Nuggets, it was the usual Allen Iverson-Carmelo Anthony combo. This combo didn't work with KB24, who is as determined as ever to take his team to the Finals. But this I'm sure of, the Nuggets didn't quit.

The Regular Season is Coming To an End

>>I love this photo! loL!!

The playoffs is a few days away and the crowded West is teeming with great teams. Among the teams that'll surely make it to the playoffs are the New Orleans Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, LA Lakers, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets, and the Phoenix Suns. The Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors are still vying for the 7th and 8th seed on the Western Conference.

Of all the teams I've mentioned, the Spurs is closest to my heart. [ain't it obvious?] Some people don't understand the Spurs and they call them dirrty players, which I don't they are and all Spurs fans would definitely agree with me. Of course, I'm a fan. I defend the Spurs whenever their haters keep hatin' on them. But hey, a fan is not just a f-a-n. A fan is someone who shares the same passion with the team he roots for. Whether you're a Spurs fan, a Suns fan, or whatever type of fan, you'll definitely say that "hey, I love my team and win or lose i'll back them up!" So, as much as possible I try to respect other people's opinion about their teams. But sometimes, there are fans that are fond of the blame-it-on-them type of mindset, which I don't really understand. I'm pin-pointing other team fans here. What I'm saying is true because fans of different teams often exchange hurtful words. Very childish. I admit, I was once this childish fan. But not anymore. I do write about KB24 and telling you, my readers, that I don't like him. But that's about it. It stops right there. Are you digesting what I'm saying? Well, anyways, that's all I want to talk about right now.

The playoffs is about to start soon. The teams are slowing gearing up for the real battle. On the crowded Western Conference, expect that the 1st round will seem like the Finals. Hopefully, the San Antonio Spurs make it on the way to the Finals despite the hurdles posed by their rivals.

>>>POWER RANKINGS

Here are some of the NBA photos that I really like. >> Since when did Dirk learn to ballet???

His Airness Tops the List

Too bad for me, I haven't watched a single Bulls game during the Michael Jordan era. But I heard he's really good and I think he is good! No, he's more than good. He's is great! And the Special Edition of ESPN's Daily Dime proved to me how great His Airness is by presenting the "Greatest Shooting Guards EVER."

1. His Airness, Michael Jordan, sits at the top spot. He has 6 NBA titles [1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998], 5-time MVP [1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998], 6-time Finals MVP, 14-time All-Star, Defensive Player [1988], & Rookie of the Year [1985]. He played for the Chicago Bulls, if my calculations are correct, for 12 years and for the Washington Wizards for 2 years. A clutch player, a 3-point shooter, a defensive player, & a lot more. I mean, what more can he not do? Anyone who's seen him play can stand witness to his greatness. It's like he's mastered every aspect of the game. Everything about him is just great! Next time I come across a Jordan game, I'll watch it!..

2. Honestly, I don't how to start this. The second spot of the Greatest Shooting Guards goes to KB24. Yes, Kobe Bryant is second to His Airness. He's won 3 titles [2000, 2001, 2002] and been a 10-time All-Star. What's nerve-racking about KB24 is that he's just 29. Meaning, there is more to be written about this guy. At his age, he's already got a staggering 20,000 points which includes his 81-point game. I know he's good but......... Omg, forgive me. I can't continue on. I might say something awful. But don't worry my blog is open for your POVs.

3. Jerry who? Jerry West! Yea, before His Airness came there was Jerry West. Jerry West who played for the LA Lakers for his entire NBA career [1960-74] is the third placer. He's has 1 title, a Finals MVP award [1969], a 14-time All-Star, & a Hall of Famer. He's known to be very competitive, a great defensive stopper, and a clutch player, which is why he's called "Mr. Clutch." Even if the Lakers lost in the Finals of '69, Mr. Clutch still won his well-deserved Finals MVP award.

Having won NBA titles and awards are bonus points for greatness. But the real key to greatness is to learn the game by heart and playing with passion. There are a lot more players listed on the Daily Dime's Greatest Shooting Guards, check them out.

2nd Straight Loss for the Spurs

So, it's 17-5 for the San Antonio Spurs. The starters for the San Antonio Spurs included Jacque Vaughn, Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto, Bruce Bowen, & Matt Bonner. For the LA Lakers, the starters were Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, & Andrew Bynum. The Lakers won 102-97, with Bryant having 30 pts, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, & 3 assists. As for the Spurs, the leading scorer was the underrated and tough defender Bruce Bowen. Fabricio Oberto topped the Spurs' lineup in rebounds having a total of 16 rebounds [season high]. Manu Ginobili got 14 pts, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 7 turnovers. Robery Horry had 3 blocks. Four of the Spurs are in double figures but still the Lakers have outscored the Spurs during the 2nd and 4th quarter. Tony Parker as I have expected was out of the game because of a sprained left ankle. I guess losing Tony Parker was too much a burden for the Spurs to get a win against KB24, who's got a whopping 30 pts and 3 assists. And oh! Kobe said he's happy he was not traded. I'm happy for him and to the teams that didn't lost their minds to make a trade for him.


The San Antonio Spurs record is now 17-5. The next game of the San Antonio Spurs will be against the Denver Nuggets. I think both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker will be ready to play against the Nuggets. I'm hoping for the best. Go Spurs!

Anyone Interested On Kobe Trade?