Steve Nash is coming to La La Land

"Breaking News!" This is what I read early morning of July 3 in Yahoo Sports front page. My friends started sending instant messages about the Steve Nash going to Lakers next season. Some even bothered to go to my desk to discuss about the scenario. I didn't absorb it the first time but now I am in awe-excitement. I just tweeted before the news that I think this is an exciting off-season so far and yeah it really is! Since the Lakers acquired Steve Nash for draft picks, I guess this is a good steal for my Lakers. Knowing them, they didn't actually rely on their rookies. Good move for Mitch Kupchak. Kudos! I think the Lakers became older but wiser and better. Still, I doubt if the Lakers will trade Bynum or Gasol for Howard. The starting line-up is already good for me. They just need a supporting cast aside from Steve Blake, MacRoberts, and Matt Barnes. I expect upgrades in the bench of the Lakers. If this happens, then my Lakers has chance to beat OKC in the playoffs then. I'm excited for Steve Nash and Kobe together. 

 

They came from the same draft class of 2006, been rival for so many years in the playoffs, and now teammates chasing for a ring? Amazing. I love NBA!

 P.S. David Stern, don't ruin this excitement please.

Kobe Bryant HD

Being a Kobe fanatic since 2000, this video gave me goosebumps. Tears. Watch it. One of the best Kobe videos ever made.

Lakers 2011-2012

Experts say that the Los Angeles Lakers have just started with their ‘Makeover, Limited Edition’. With all the trade buzz going around the community, I guess it's gonna be up and down for my Lakers. Though many people are doubting the Lakers to make the playoffs this year, with this current roster, I believe that Lakers are deep and can still be in the playoffs. Of course, there are the young and exciting Oklahoma City and Wade with his Superfriends in Miami, which were predicted to be in the Finals but they still shouldn't count the Lakers out. I am not expecting a .700 record from them but I guess that they will lose in close games, not blow-out kind of games. As of the moment, the Lakers are 1-2. I think with the new system of Mike Brown, the Lakers are still adjusting and finding the right kind of chemistry. This is gonna be a very exciting season. I love the Wolves, Clippers, and Bulls too. So good luck to all the teams. NBA fans better brace yourselves for something BIG in NBA season 2011-2012. Who will be on top come June? Let's all wait and see.

Almost, but not quite

The NBA doesn't want to take Chris Paul's talent to Hollywood haha! Oh well. I'm excited for the "Lob City" though. It's a big challenge ahead to my Lakers. Hope to see the improvement of Ebanks, Caracter, and more playing time to Morris. Go for Gold!

Kobe in GQ Italia

No NBA? No problemo.. Kobe gets another GQ cover - in ITALY.

Kobe Bryant: Thrilla in Manila

A DREAM COME TRUE.. not just for me but for every Filipino with the passion of playing basketball.

For the past couple of weeks, it's like chasing the Black Mamba.

Manila truly loves Kobe Bryant. Hearing them chant "MVP! MVP! Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!" was just great.

It was nothing new to me since I've seen him 4 times already. But I don't know I keep taking every opportunity to see him.. it was like a mixture of delight and happiness. As they wrapped up the weekend last Sunday, I just can't let go of the moment. I just sat in my chair waiting for the other people to get out of Araneta Coliseum still feeling shocked. Overacting? Maybe yes. But hell yeah that's what I am feeling after the game. I feel like teary-eyed that it just ended. I am in disbelief that I just saw them played live not just once but twice.

It is one of the best experiences I have ever had and it truly was awesome to see the best players in the world play right here in Manila.

Thank you Kobe for up lifting the filipino spirit and athletes on doing what they love to do.

I hope this is not the last time.

Here are the highlights.. showing the young KOBE.. =)

Kobe Bryant & other NBA Stars Loves Manila

The showcase basketball exhibition held in SMART Araneta Coliseum last July23-24,2011 was more than just a basketball fantasy for hoop lovers, it was a celebration of both the basketball talent in the country and grand display of Philippine hospitality.

Chris Paul:

“I feel like this was a real All Star game.”

Kevin Durant:

“Thank you for giving me a chance to come across the world and experience something different!” posted Durant on his Twitter account, addressing his agent.

“I love the Philippines. Had so much fun hoopin in front of you all."

Derrick Rose:

“I love it here,” expressed Chicago Bulls’ Rose, who got one of the loudest cheers the entire weekend for gamely showcasing his spellbinding athleticism.

Javale McGee:

“So much love in Manila. Hope to comeback soon.”

Derrick Williams:

“Hope y’all had as much fun as we did! Thank you all again! We will be back."

James Harden:

“Game was Amazing! Shouts out to Manila Philippines for allowing us to visit and the hospitality!”

Kobe Bryant:

“It’s been a tremendous honor to play here.”

“Thank your for the love and support that you have in the sport. It was our first time playing here, hopefully this won’t be the last.”

They agreed to play in the country after team owners and players of the NBA failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before the June 30 deadline.

MVP Sports Foundation executive director Chot Reyes, however, is uncertain if the spectacle that thrilled hoop junkies throughout the country could be back for a repeat performance.

It was reported that Bryant himself received more than $400,000 for his weekend in the Philippines.

For the fans like me that caught the show, it must have been PRICELESS.

Manny Pacquiao Rocks!

While many Filipinos were eager to get a picture with the NBA All-Stars last weekend, the NBA visitors surrounded the pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao when he stepped onto the game floor. Truly amazing scene! Proud to be a Filipino.

Watch as Hornets point guard Chris Paul try to challenge Pac-Man to a fight:

NBA Ultimate All-Star Weekend in Manila

This is it!

All NBA fanatics.. See you tonight!

Kobe in 2 days!

This was last July 2, 2011..

An estimate of 2,000 Kobe fanatics line-up to get the tickets of Kobe Bryant show in Araneta..

After 3 hoours.. whew Kobe! This is like an annual thing already!

Kobe Bryant returning to Manila on July 13, 2011

Confeeeermed!!!

July 13 is Half-day leave it is.

I'm not excited since I already saw him twice already but still.. this experience is gonna be priceless.

Here's more info:

June 2011 – Nike Philippines announced today that Kobe Bryant will return to Manila for the third time on July 13, 2011 to kick off his five-city tour. Manila will be his first stop before moving on to Seoul and various cities in China.

“Nike is proud to bring Kobe Bryant back to Manila. In his last two visits, Kobe was able to connect with a lot of young Filipino athletes, encouraging them to fulfill their dreams through sport like he did,” said Nike Philippines Country Marketing Manager, Mae Dichupa. “As part of our commitment to basketball and young Filipino athletes, Nike continuously develops campaigns that will encourage them to reach for their sports dreams. Kobe’s visit is a testament to this. Though very brief, his one-day visit will definitely inspire Filipino athletes who look up to him.”

As early as three, Kobe Bryant already knew that he wanted to become a basketball player. He grew up continually honing his skills and practicing drills which helped in his rise as a basketball superstar. In 1996, he was drafted in the professional league and has since gotten five championship rings with his team, an MVP Award and received 4 All-Star MVP Awards. Kobe unabashedly seizes every opportunity to improve his game – and grabs every single reward that comes with them. Taking inspiration from Kobe’s passion and dedication, his tour is designed to lead young hoopsters down the path to greatness.

Kobe’s one-day visit will begin with a short show at Nike Park, The Fort at 3:00 PM. The main event will be at Araneta Coliseum at 5:00 PM featuring players from Nike-sponsored FEU Tamaraws, DLSU Green Archers, ADMU Blue Eagles and Smart Gilas Pilipinas. Kobe will teach these young athletes on how to better improve their skills for the coming basketball season.

Take every advantage and see Kobe live on July 13, 2011. Tickets will be distributed at Nike Park The Fort and Titan The Fort for one day only at 12NN on July 2, 2011. Tickets are free of charge and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Only two tickets will be given per person. Additionally, people can tune into Magic 89.9 and Wave 89.1 to win tickets to the show.

Fans can also like Facebook.com/Nikebasketball.phils where 50 lucky community members can get a chance to win 2 free tickets each to see the Black Mamba.

For tour updates, follow Nike on Twitter @NikePH.

Lakers done?

Today I saw my Lakers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the Game 3 of the best of 7 NBA West Semis Playoffs. I am so hopeful that the Lakers will win this game but still they didn’t. Looking at NBA history, no team has ever comeback from a 3-0 deficit. It will only take a miracle for the Lakers to win this series. But despite losing, I am still proud to be a Laker fan. This has been their greatest challenge in their run for the 3-peat championship. Are they just tired mentally and physically? Whatever reason it is, being in the finals for the last 3 years is such an achievement already and winning 2 of them is a gift. They might lose this series, but hey it’s just a ball game. Life goes on. I am still proud of my team. Thank you Lakers – It’s been a great basketball era. Kobe being down and able to climb up to the top of the mountain again is remarkable. My congratulations to Dirk and Dallas Team. They really deserved this win. To my Lakers, I will see you next year!

Last 3 Games

What's wrong with my Lakers?

Nothing.

All the people are buzzing about the possible upset in the playoffs..

I don't think so.

This Laker Team ain't going anywhere!

Just wait and see for the "mamba" look in the playoffs.

No more pictures like this:


But with all teams in the West looking like a Contender (except for NOLA and MEM), I guess it will be a rumble. Game 7 each round. Gonna be a basketball battle to remember!

14-1

That's the Lakers' record since Kobe & Pau represented them in the All-Star.

Not bad.

I'm sure the Lakers will go far in the playoffs if they play like this.. you know.. Lamar being sensational, Ron-Ron showing his biceps, Pau shooting well, Drew blocking shots, Fish making the usual flop.. and of course.. Kobe Bryant doing Kobe Bryant kind of things- mamba mode on.

Lakers Update

Saw the fragrant foul on Beasley.

Dumb foul Drew.



I'm not surprised if you will be suspended.

I just hope this won't affect your next games because you have been a monster after the All-Star break.

As of today standings:


So far so good. Number 2 is safe.

I think San Antonio is a sure lock on the number 1 spot already.

Playoffs is near.

My relaxed days won't be the same again.


And for all the Laker Haters, I leave this to you..

“ There are certain kinds of people that are purely driven. I can tell who they are simply by looking at them. I have faced so much criticism for my drive that at times it has alienated me from the majority: the people who are comfortable with second place, the people who hate against me because I am not. You know these kinds of people; they are the ones who fear winning, the jealous ones who envy and try to sabotage. They are the people who have been telling me I couldn’t win all my life. Many times my drive to succeed has put me on an island all by myself because no one understood me, or they chose to misunderstand me. They chose to portray me as being something that I was not. I have learned that it is OK for me to be me, and what being me entails. It means that I will not rest; I will not sleep, relax, relent or be satisfied until my goals have been met, the challenges answered and my doubters silenced. I will not give in to my foes; I won’t let down my teammates. I won’t stop inspiring those who look up to me or stop giving motivation to those who motivate me. I will not back off until I’m back on top, back in the place where they say I could never be again.

— Kobe Bryant

NBA All-Star Weekend 2011

The 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend has come to an end, but not without any highlights.

Justin Bieber won the Celebrity shootaround contest MVP.. such a kid! (haha!) Sorry I'm a Bieber fan but this is funny..



John Wall should have shared the MVP trophy with Cousins.

I always enjoyed watching the All-Star Weekend especially the Dunk Contest. There are so much hype with Griffin joining the event. But I think the REAL winner should be McGee. If Griffin jumped over the roof of the car then that's amazing. Well, maybe McGee should try again next year.


Ibaka's free throw line dunk should be 50 but I think the judges are looking for the "hangtime".. DD's behind the legs dunk off the backboard was nice too.


Well, anyhow, the Clippers rookie dazzled the crowd - thanks to his coach, Kenny Smith and the nice car!


Unfortunately, I didn't had the chance to watch the All-Star game (as usual!) but I saw the highlights. The West overcame the East with a final score of 148-143. From the very start of the game, I know that Kobe wanted to win the MVP by scoring as many as he can and showing his "young" knee in the game by dunking baseline and by posterizing Lebron.


Kobe Bryant took home his fourth MVP award for the game. Thanks to clutch shooting from Durant.

Overall, this year's event, in Los Angeles, did deliver some entertainment.

I'll end with this quote:

"This will be my last All-Star playing in front of my home fans so it feels good."

—Kobe on winning the All-Star MVP award

Lakeshow

Today's win against the Knicks had just about everything a Laker fan looks for: Kobe being Kobe, lighting up the scoreboard and sitting in the 4th, Shannon Brown with multiple runaway dunks and alley-oops, Pau Gasol working in the post and of course.. a W.


We are now on a 4-game winning streak.. and all on the road. Good job Lakers!

With all the rumors surrounding the Lakers now, and despite their mediocre play throughout the season, I still think they can win the title - if and only if they play like this - you know.. the "Mamba mode" and the strong performance by Gasol, Drew, and Lamar.

BTW, I loved the throwback jersey!


Next up for the Lakers are the Orlando Magic on Monday.

This is gonna be one heck of a ballgame!

Pau Gasol is the Swan Queen

“It’s against his [Pau’s] nature.Even when he was in Memphis and he was the go-to guy, he was always very nice. He’s very white swan. I need him to be more black swan.” -Kobe Bryant imploring Pau Gasol to play more aggressively

Oh C'mon Lakers!

My Lakers right now is 2nd in the West, 33-14 behind the surging Spurs this NBA season.

The Lakers just lost to the Kings in their home court today. I'm not surprised. Good news though is that Kobe passed Hakeem the Dream for 8th All-Time on the NBA scoring list. There are so many winnable games this season that the Lakers actually wasted including the blow-out game to the Milwaukee Bucks. There are sooo many good teams this season and as expected this is by far the most exciting season to watch. But still I think that the Lakers are just fine. They just need a little motivation. Maybe the Zen Master need to do something like a movie night again just like last season. Haha.

LezGo Lakers! Boston and Spurs are next.. Will it be the Laker Team we've in the Finals? I hope so.

1.22.06

Five years ago, my dad called my mobile and said, "You should see Kobe's points right now.." and I was like "Are the Lakers winning?" and he said, "Just check the scores.."

Then I checked in my office mate's internet and my gosh.. 71 points.. then 73.. 76.. 78.. 81!!!

I remembered Jack Nicholson missed this historical game when he had all the season tickets, he was very regretful for missing that night.

Kobe said that what is really special about that night is that it is the only game his grandmother ever has attended. It was on the birthday of his grandfather, who had died in 2001.

Perhaps the finest performance on a basketball court ever.. Will it ever happen again?