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<description>Stories tagged kobe bryant</description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:24:47 -0400</pubDate>
<item>
<title>A quick update on Carmelo Anthony</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/a-quick-update-on-carmelo-anthony/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ Since we posted about Carmelo Anthony, Stephen Curry, and Pistol Pete, Melo has continued to miss a very large amount of shots at an alarming rate. At the moment, Anthony has taken over 30 field goal attempts (FGA) per 48 minutes played during this year's playoffs. This feat has only been accomplished 14 times, and Melo's performance is the second worst in terms of effective field goal percentage (eFG%):

<a href="http://wagesofwins.com/2013/05/15/a-quick-update-on-carmelo-anthony/">Click here to read more!</a> ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 16:36:26 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/a-quick-update-on-carmelo-anthony/</guid>
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<title>Has Kobe Bryant Become An Uncoachable Player?</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/has-kobe-bryant-become-an-uncoachable-player/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ But after a disappointing season where he essentially got his coach (Mike Brown) fired and continually pushed, challenged, and threw new teammate Dwight Howard under the bus, I have just one question,….has Kobe become an un-coachable player?

Kobe was able to co-exist with fellow future Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal long enough to win 3 consecutive World Titles in the 2000′s and another 2 crowns alongside Pau Gasol, but those were under the tutelage of perhaps the greatest NBA coach in history, Phil Jackson.

Kobe and Dwight Howard claimed everything was good between the two All Star players but then Bryant actually refused to shoot during a few games just to prove a point to Howard that “The Mamba” was still the alpha dog on the roster. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 May 2013 03:46:20 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/has-kobe-bryant-become-an-uncoachable-player/</guid>
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<title>The Curious Case of Kobe’s Achilles</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/the-curious-case-of-kobes-achilles/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ Former NBA player and author Paul Shirley writes about Kobe Bryant's Achilles injury and how NBA trainers could do a better job of tracking their effectiveness. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:39:58 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/the-curious-case-of-kobes-achilles/</guid>
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<item>
<title>THE KOBE SERIES-DEAR KOBE</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/the-kobe-series-dear-kobe/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ An Open Letter To Kobe Bryant.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Dear Kobe. 

This is for you. Thank you. Now I would love to claim to be your biggest fan but then I would be discrediting the love you receive from all sorts of devoted fans all over the globe. I'm an NBA fan who bleeds purple and gold. One who often wonders which M.J. was the greatest of all time when it came to sports like those who swear by the king of pop (R.I.P.). Still, your closer than you think. The story of my love for this game and your game is a special one. Here it goes...

You grew up in Europe. You know how it is! I sit writing this in an internet cafe in my hometown in England, thinking of how you grew up in Italy dribbling with your hands while everyone else was doing it with their feet. I know you love soccer, but like your first love I love basketball and when it comes to sport I havent looked back since. While everyone else in my country was watching the Premier League my heavy, 2 in the morning eyelids where focussed on basketball and again you know how it is. Television coverage, before cable and League Passes (which not everyone including myself can afford) was seldom. Sure it was Michael Jordan who got me into basketball, him and his Chicago Bulls team, but I never really saw them play until I went to the video libary. He was a legend, you where the reality.

Standing their with that 'fro, that smile and those sunglasses, next to that big fella. Complete with a new stadium and uniform set that shined brighter than the Californian sun in Los Angeles, but not your chances. I saw purple and gold ticker tape fall as you leapt into Shaquille O'Neal's arms on my television set a million miles away. The kid from the small seaside town saw a team that ruled the Pacific do it again three times over before he had to get a closer look. That's when I made the trip, halfway through my sebatcle year in Toronto, Canada (shout out to the T-Dot, 81 right?!) in 2006. I had a few weeks left before I returned home for Christmas, I was close, but not that close. Still, it didn't matter I made that flight to LAX. What I thought would be just in time to catch the Lakers/Clippers what we here call a derby at STAPLES...but then lost luggae happened and I missed THE game. Still, I got to meet former player Walt McCarty at the airport and strike up a conversation which six years later led to an interview. America and life is crazy.

Still, when I got my things back and went to the heart of the city, the first thing I did with the new day was visit downtown Los Angeles. There after an hour long coach ride I saw the STAPLES Centre for the first time in it's metal and glass flesh and it was like seeing one of America's greatest landmarks for me. In my mind the Hollywood sign couldnt compare. Nothing could. I made my way to the ticket booth and asked what games where playing this week (I already knew), the attendee told me about the 5 games over the week (I had planned it perefectly). He asked me which ones I wanted. I looked at all my saved up cash..."all of them"!

Then I got to see all the dunks, fade-away's, steals and smiles for real. I couldn't take my eyes off the court...and I'm a big Jack Nicholson fan. It was December. Remember you went down with an injury in the week. I thought 'what luck', but then against the odds you came back to beat the San Antonio Spurs, tongue out with the dunk. Just when I saved the best seats in the house for last. What a trip! What a week! You came back. The I did four years later (it felt like home)...and I know you will, 6 or 9 months later. Is this the end? Nah! I mean I know you, I've grown up with you. Father time never. Face time more like. Time to get those iPhone's and Instagram ready. I just feel sorry for the bear. 

You see I had to put it all down in writing, like I've done time and time about you. Almost to the point where it's become a little strange (but hey, I'm a sportswriter). 'The Kobe Series' followed 'The Jordan Series' as I tried to hash-tag the range of articles I've wrote about you to spread the love, just like you joining Twitter. You can always 'Count On Kobe'. I can't thank you enough, writing about you on your birthday (the article 'Thirtysomething') got me my first gig with SLAM Magazine's online site. How can I thank you for that? Your passion, fuelled mine and turned it into work and success. Then came Dime Magazine's 'Laker Nation' blog and who knows what next. From speaking to the likes of Scoop Jackson (he has his own letter), James Worthy on Christmas, your boys Robert Horry, Rick Fox, Earl Clark and even the likes of Spike Lee, Tyrese and Vin Diesel. This life is crazy, but it all started with you. The love of my life even see's it, and she prefers her sports with four wheels. It's all love.

Don't hate this I'm not writing this article like this is it. This is no goodbye letter. Six to nine months is a long time and I may have wooried that you may never come back but I know the Kareem rocking chair has to wait. Besides you've just overtaken Wilt when no one thought you could. Who's next? Even the King LeBron knows the throne may be his, but it's not his league yet. You retire when you say you do. As those so called better players get wheelchaired off the court with lesser injurys (ouch!), you rip your achilles apart (it's amost a fitting injury for the player closest to 'God'), make two free-throws and walk off like you where just taking a Gatorade break. Maybe you are. 

You've come back from things more flagrant. Won MVP's with a broken nose, become a phantom menace with the mask, showed ESPN this former number 8 is better than 7th place. There's still venom in this Mamba. The Vino is still getting better with age. You shouldn't worry...everyone else should. You're good, matter of fact you're great. That's what makes you legendary. I've got you like Dwight, Pau, Steve and Metta have. I'll see you again, maybe in L.A., and I'll write again and it won't be a history piece. It'll be a piece where you make history. 'The Kobe Series' will still play and you'll still come back with avengance. Besides it's just one more ring you want right? This is no book end. This is the start of the next chapter of your career. The story continues. Now how do you want to write it?

Yours Sincerely,

Tim David Harvey ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:17:07 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/the-kobe-series-dear-kobe/</guid>
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<title>Kobe Bryant Season Over Out 6-9 Months, Live Instagram's Achilles Surgery</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/kobe-bryant-season-over-out-6-9-months-live-instagrams-achilles-surgery/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ The Los Angeles Lakers star joined Instagram prior to his surgery, and since then, he has been giving fans a behind-the-scenes look as he goes under the knife.

Kobe has posted two pictures so far, one before his MRI and one as he was receiving anesthesia. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:36:08 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/kobe-bryant-season-over-out-6-9-months-live-instagrams-achilles-surgery/</guid>
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<title>Kobe Bryant Takes To Facebook to Discuss Achilles Injury. "Maybe this is how my book ends"</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/kobe-bryant-takes-to-facebook-to-discuss-achilles-injury-maybe-this-is-how-my-book-ends/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ Kobe 'Bean Bryant took to facebook to vent his personal frustrations on the season ending Achilles heel injury.

S/O for social media! Take it way Mr. Bean Bryant. 

This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! 

The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??

I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that
was. Maybe this is how my book ends. 

Maybe Father Time has defeated me...Then again maybe not! It's 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I'm wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what's the purpose of social media if I won't bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out.

To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. 

There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn Achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.

One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day.

"If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear". Ive always loved that quote. Thats "mamba mentality" we don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run. We endure and conquer.

I know it's a long post but I'm Facebook Venting LOL. 

Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge.

Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. Much Love Always.

Mamba Out ]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:48:15 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/kobe-bryant-takes-to-facebook-to-discuss-achilles-injury-maybe-this-is-how-my-book-ends/</guid>
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<title>What Kobe Bryant's probable Achilles tear means for his NBA future</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/what-kobe-bryants-probable-achilles-tear-means-for-his-nba-future/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ According to Dr. Asheesh Bedi on the web site, SportsMD.com, the typical return from an Achilles tear and surgery is between six and nine months. Bryant mentioned during his postgame discussion with reporters that he'll be doing homework on athletes who have suffered an Achilles tear and, one can assume, proceed to push his way back faster than every man and woman on that list. His goal going forward should be to channel his inner Dominique Wilkins.

As documented in this comprehensive study of Achilles injuries in the NBA by analyst Kevin Pelton (who's now with ESPN), the Atlanta Hawks star tore his Achilles at the age of 32, then returned to play his way onto two more All-Star teams before retiring at the age of 39. The what-not-to-do blueprint comes courtesy of Detroit Pistons great Isiah Thomas, who was forced into early retirement at the age of 32 after tearing his Achilles. More recently, Los Angeles Clippers guard Chauncey Billups, who was 35 at the time, returned 10 months after tearing his Achilles on Feb. 8, 2012. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 04:48:55 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/what-kobe-bryants-probable-achilles-tear-means-for-his-nba-future/</guid>
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<title>Lakers Superstar Kobe Bryant Season Likely Done With Probable Torn Achilles, Post Game (VIDEO)</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/lakers-superstar-kobe-bryant-season-likely-done-with-probable-torn-achilles-post-game-video/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ <object width="560" height="315"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8J_GWa1XyNk?hl=en_US&amp;amp;version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" /></object>

The road the 2013 NBA Playoffs has just gotten a lot  tougher for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The immortal Kobe Bryant has gone down!

In a must win game against the young gunners from Golden State, Kobe gave his maximum effort as he gingerly walked back onto the court with 1:30 left in to calmly drain two curial free-throws for his 33rd and 34rd points in a must win game before immediately being helped to Lakers locker.

17-year NBA veteran and now 34-year old Lakers superstar looks to finally have sustained his first major career injury as the Lakeshow continues to chase the eight and final playoff seed in the 2013 NBA playoffs

Stephen Curry nearly single handily closed the curtains in what was billed as NBA championship team by pouring 47 points in front a loud and active Staples center crowd.

The MRI awaits tomorrow and likely off-season surgery, but the season must go on, the Lakers currently hold a full one-game lead over the Utah Jazz for the final playoff spot and will likely have to win their two remaining games the Spurs and Houston Rockets to avoid a season riddled with injuries, and one which the Buss family will want to quickly forget. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 2013 03:33:20 -0400</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/lakers-superstar-kobe-bryant-season-likely-done-with-probable-torn-achilles-post-game-video/</guid>
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<title>JERRY-A TRIBUTE TO JERRY BUSS</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/jerry-a-tribute-to-jerry-buss/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ In Loving Memory.

by TIM DAVID HARVEY

'Rest In Peace Dr. Jerry Buss. Your Laker legacy lives on'. That was my Twitter tribute to the legendary, late owner of the Los Angeles Lakers who sadly died this week aged 80 years old. The Twitter feeds have been running with tributes for days from everyone from ex-Lakers to sportswriters and celebrities and fans alike. Still, a man who built a team for the decades ages before hash tags, top trends and social media dominated every world, (even the sports one) deserves more than 160 characters in his honor. This is for Jerry.

Today it doesn't matter that the Lakers are fighting a losing battle. It doesn't matter that the dream Dwight Howard trade is turning into an uncertain nightmare. It doesn't matter that Steve Nash is getting older before our eyes. Today it doesn't matter that Pau Gasol is on crutches, weeks away from giving this team hope. It doesn't matter about D'Antoni, or Phil Jackson. Today it doesn't even matter that Kobe Bryant is still on the best form of his career, no matter how great that is. Today is in remembrance. Today is for a man as legendary in Laker legacy lore as the Magic's, Kareem's, Shaq's, Wilt's, Baylor's, Worthy's and first namesake West's. Today is for Jerry Buss.

We're sure he's up there talking in purple and gold colors with the voice of the Lakers Chick Hearn and the word of Los Angeles basketball Jim Murray. Watching down as his proud daughter and Buss family continue his vision for the future of the Lakers. A future this man built time and time again. Bringing his mustache and long hair to Hollywood and buying the Lakers off the Lakers Red Auerbach (complete with cigar) of the time Jack Kent Cooke. A man who came into Los Angeles in a Mercedes, with a playboy lifestyle perfect for this city and a hard work dedication paramount for this style and substance franchise. A man who left this town and sport as one of the greatest owners in basketball or any professional sport...ever.

A man who brought the slick Pat Riley and Showtime to the movie city, making Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the big blockbuster everyone wanted to see. A man who convinced Jack Nicholson and all the stars of stars that this game and team was something they'd want to pay a lot over and over again to see every night. A man who brought Shaq and Kobe, Phil Jackson and three more championships in when everyone thought Riley, Magic and 'Cap where as good as it would get. A man that swung a trade for Pau Gasol when everyone thought it was over and another one for Dwight Howard when they thought it was all done and dusted. A man who even ignited the Sparks and the WNBA with Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker. When it's all said and done, in the history of this team you could never count them out thanks to Jerry. Sure it's players and coaches that win championships thanks to general managers, but it's men like like Jerry who owned all the success too. That's why he richly deserved to hoist every gold trophy he held. A man who was always there to help and guide. 

A man who was more than the money that brought him the Hollywood lifestyle. He earned everything he made. Coming from poverty to perfection and showing he had more heart and soul then the straight business world basketball is turning into now. This is the same Doctor who earned his doctorate before his 24th birthday...on the side. His 10 championships was his real estate but like Earvin Johnson he was a man of may hats, maybe that inspiration of Jerry's trick of the trade rubbed off on Magic. A poker player that donated 7.5 million to USC, an all round guy. A man who took his $67.5 mill investment into an influence and inspiration that can't be quantified.

A man who deserves his place in the Hall Of Fame without ever wearing a jersey. A man who needs his own dedicated banner raised to the STAPLES rafters with the retired jerseys. A man who even deserves his own bronze sculpture with the rest of the immortalized Lakers statues outside the back of STAPLES. Give him a street name, nearby, a banner on Hotel Figureou even. A man who from the Forum to downtown L.A., the white and purple Mitchell and Ness trim to the new era jerseys was still here. No throwback, even now in his tragic passing all he's done will last generations like his famous family. This man is the Los Angeles Lakers. Let's hear it for him. This is for you Gerald Hatten Buss. Thank you. Rest peacefully. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 07:12:37 -0500</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/jerry-a-tribute-to-jerry-buss/</guid>
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<title>THE KOBE SERIES-VINO</title>
<link>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/the-kobe-series-vino/</link>
<description><![CDATA[ Better With Age.


By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Somewhere in past times in the heart of Italy a young mix of European flair and the things American dreams are made of is growing and fermenting between good food and soccer skills. Decades later after ageing for 16 years, through championships and father time, a death of a dynasty and a whirlwind of Hall Of Fame personnel, the one thing that stands the test of time in all its potency and purity is Vino. Vino being Kobe Bryant's new nickname, lapped up by him pouring through his new Twitter feeds to find a fan who understands the final chapter of his career just as well as he does.

Getting even better with age, the former eight wonder of the world, wearing the number 24 still has venom in those Black Mamba fangs. It's venom tinted with vino for a deadly but tempting taste. Cold blood red seeping out of the Celtic green bottle to purple and gold coronation. Sure these days it's LeBron's bubbly stung tear winning league and Jordan comparisons, but the only one who could ever even come close to the 'money'-ball ballpark of the greatest is Kobe 'Vino' Bryant. Still crushing opponents like grapes, still always going down smoothly like Burgundy scotch. Even if his Hall Of Fame, dream team turned nightmare teammates are playing like champagne pretenders instead of contenders.

Shaq and Kobe part two but with just the arguments. World Peace in a world war. Gasol on the bench and Steve Nash on the last quarters of his career. No Phil Jackson. No Derek Fisher. No hope against Oklahoma. No playoffs even? We'd love to say no problem but Laker family Kobe has 99 problems right now, but at least a bitch of a downside of a career 'aint one for the Jay-Z of the league. Even if this hero is watching the throne from a Hawkeye Avenger distance. The dark knight will rise again. Age won't water this guys talent down. He's playing like he's been kept in a cellar for years now just waiting to be uncorked to get it popping. Now left to breathe through the bad times he's ready to take his team from the cellars and the basements of the Western conference to the royal box and high-rises his franchise is used to. 

To Kobe. Until Vino is drinking champagne from a glass again. There's a quart of diesel and some Zen blessed in this wine, passed down through the ages. Like the Magic/Mike hybrid way he's played of late, able to switch it up like he's able to fill any statistical category when needed. Making new moments, memories like classic moments of spirited NBA's past. There's memories of 81, that was a good year, like the trifecta of championships, when Kobe, Shaquille and Coach Phil really where the holy trinity of professional basketball. These days the 'afro may be gone, but the hops aren't. Rising like yeast through all the sobering problems Kobe's passion is still a dark red. No rose here, or mild white wine. The Black Mamba will still drink from the reservoir of his talents until his career see's the toast or the roses.

You don't need to hear it from the grapevine that the Lakers are in deep trouble. Elimination trouble. This could be the worst 'best' team ever of things don't change. This isn't like Shaq, Kobe, Payton and Malone. They played through all their troubles...and brilliantly too. Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace must have the bottle to follow their aged and experienced leader through the vines. Times are hard, this is no secret...but Kobe is the truth. 100 proof like vodka, but just a little more classy. Red wine certified. The stuff of prestige. Prestige belongs with NBA royalty not lottery balls.

The American dreams, cultivated in Italy didn't come this far to lose. So as Laker fans are drowning their sorrows at night to all sorts of intoxicants, Kobe remains alive and well through it all, playing some of the best ways in his career during the hardest times. Raising a glass to the memory of the recent dearly departed Dr. Jim Buss (rest peacefully), giving his legacy, the voice of Chick Hearn and the words of Jim Murray hope as they look down with pride. Kobe won't rest until the critics labels wear off and the blood red passion he's given this game results in glasses clicking with celebration. It's not about the past, it's not about the future. It's about right now and right now Vino is still tried and tested, pouring and scoring. Time to let it breathe. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 07:11:26 -0500</pubDate>
<guid>http://basketballbuzz.ca/nba/the-kobe-series-vino/</guid>
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