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| Issue 21/January 2, 2000 |
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The reigning slam-dunk champion has confirmed that he will defend his title in this years return of the competition. Kobe won his rookie year in '97, but the competition was dropped in '98. Then last year, due to the lockout shortened season, their was no All-Star weekend.
"I don't even care (who else is participating); I'm just going out there and dunking," Kobe said. "It doesn't matter to me." Word in Toronto is that Vince Carter will not be participating in the contest, however Kobe says he'll still be ready for him. "Vince has got wings, man," Kobe said. "I've seen him do stuff that's just crazy. But it's not how high you jump, though." The slam-dunk competition will take place on February 12.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 22/January 17, 2000 |
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SS: Were you cussing at the Tv while you watched?
KB: Absolutely. I could let them have it and become more of a fan. My sense of composure just went out the window...
SS: Did you beat Travis Knight shooting free throws left handed?
KB: I kicked his butt.
SS: But it's Travis Knight!
KB: I know, but you still shouldn't let me beat you with my left. He's got strong enough hands to shoot free throws...
SS: Did Shaquille come to your birthday party?
KB: He came and took up about half the dance floor. Getting his groove on. Jiggin'...
SS: Who can guard you but you have no idea why?
KB: I think Eddie Jones does a good job on me. He knows everything I'm going to do. I think Gary Payton does an excellent job because of his knack of defensive positioning.
As most of you know Kobe was left off the 2000 Olympic team, which has some people wondering why. Here are a few parts of an article ran recently in The LA Times:
So, when are we going to stop messing around and start taking this Olympic basketball thing seriously and come up with a better system so we can finally send our best players and not the junior varsity to the Summer Games?... In fact, let's match them up right now.
Team USA 2000:
F--Tim Duncan.
F--Grant Hill.
C--Alonzo Mourning.
G--Jason Kidd.
G--Ray Allen.
Not Team USA 2000:
F--Chris Webber.
F--Vince Carter.
C--Shaquille O'Neal.
G--Allen Iverson.
G--Kobe Bryant.
Who would you like in such a head-to-head encounter? With Jason Williams, Eddie Jones and Karl Malone coming off the bench for the Stay-At-Homes?... Pick the Olympic team after the NBA season. It's a win-win: USA Basketball gets more time to deliberate on the wild young bucks, the wild young bucks get more time to "grow up" and the 1999-2000 NBA champions--did someone say the Lakers?--might actually get a representative on Team USA. USA Basketball has made its choices: solid consistency over flash, predictability over the great unknown. Which is fine, provided you keep spanking the rest of the world every four years. But let Canada come within 25 points come September and Kobe's front yard will be crawling with TV reporters seeking comment."
Kobe and Tyra Banks will team up for a musical performance when they debut Kobe's upcoming single, "K-O-B-E," at this year's NBA TeamUp Celebration 2000. This premier song will be released on Bryant's first album, "Visions," due to hit stores in March. The television special, an event to honor teen volunteerism efforts, on Saturday, February 12, 12:00 noon (ET), will mark the first time Kobe and Tyra perform in front of a live audience. Rapper Q-Tip will also take center stage as he performs "It's a TeamUp Thing," a rendition of his hit single "Vivrant Thing." Other celebrities expected to participate in the Celebration include actor/rapper LL Cool J and 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year Vince Carter.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 23/January 31, 2000 |
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As many of you already know the participants for this years Slam Dunk Competition during All-Star Saturday were released this week, and Kobe was not one of them. Kobe recently wrote an entry in his journal, which is on his website, about this:
"We have a real good chance to bring the championship home this year. That is goal number one for me, no doubt about it! So I sat down and discussed the Slam Dunk Contest with the important people in my life. I looked at the pros and cons and decided to skip the contest this year. And as much as I'd love to defend my slam dunk title, my basketball priorities put the Lakers first, period. To all my fans, not to worry. You'll get plenty of opportunity to see me dunking during the course of the season."
Kobe has also many other entries in his journal, including his thoughts on the Utah Jazz and the difference between losing and winning. To read these and other entries in Kobe's journal visit his website. While Kobe will not be participating in the slam-dunk competition, he will be participating in the 2-ball competition. 6 teams will compete, with 2 members on each team. Kobe and WNBA star Lisa Leslie will make up Team LA. The 2-ball competition will be a part of all-star Saturday. For more information visit nba.com.
- By: Amber
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| Update/February 8, 2000 |
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- You can ask the All-Stars questions at NBA.com ... so if you've got a question for Kobe visit the site! Click here
- Don't forget Kobe will also be on the NBA Team Up Celebration Saturday morning (February 12, 2000). Check your local listings... should be on at 12 noon EST on NBC, BET, NICK, & TNT.
- Kobe will not be in the NBA 2ball competition on All-Star Saturday as planned. Teammate Derek Fisher will take his place.
- Kobe will be starting in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 13, 2000 at 6:00pm EST on NBC. Make sure you watch!
- note: If you do not have access to a TV on any of those days many of the All-Star events will be on NBA/ESPN Radio.
- By: Molly
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| Issue 24/February 14, 2000 |
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Saturday morning Kobe performed on the NBA's TeamUp Celebration with Tyra Banks. They performed his debut single "K-O-B-E" & Kobe also rapped in Italian. His CD is due out in April.
Kobe did not participate in the All-Star 2-ball competition on Saturday night. Instead Derek Fisher teamed up with Lisa Leslie to form team LA.
Kobe started at guard for the West in last night's All-Star game, playing 27 minutes, handing out 3 assists, and scoring 15 points. If you want to read Kobe's post game quotes click here. Also, he recently answered questions sent in by fans about the All-Star game. You can view his responses here.
Kobe is currently on covers of "Inside Stuff" and "Tuff Stuff." In "Inside Stuff" there is an interview with Kobe that talks about his music. "Tuff Stuff" is sports cards magazine, but there is an article featuring Kobe.
Also, Last week Kobe was on Jay Leno. Topics included Kobe's Italian team, Olympia Milano, Shaq and Tyra Banks.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 25/February 27, 2000 |
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In Kobe's other entry entitled "Lessons From the Iron Man" Kobe explained, We're proud of this road trip where a lot of us played through some minor bumps and bruises. Mine was the finger injury from the Orlando game, but there was no doubt in my mind that I'd be playing Sunday in Philly. I guess you could say we're taking lessons from AC Green, the team Ironman. You don't have a long streak like AC's without playing through some minor injuries. Now It's home to LA, where we can all chill out and relax knowing that this has probably been the best Laker road trip in years."
- By: Amber
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| Mini Update/February 29, 2000 |
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- By: Molly
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| Issue 26/March 15, 2000 |
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In Kobe's recent journal entries he's talked about the win over the Blazers and team chemistry. "This one particular game was played more like a playoff game. You couldn't deny the intensity. Both teams wanted it bad. The Lakers wanted it more," Kobe writes. You can read these and all of Kobe's journals at www.kobebryant.com.
Recently Kobe has answered many fan questions, here are a few. "I was asked what my most meaningful experience has been. That would have to be traveling, especially since I've joined the NBA. Each time I travel outside America, I realize how much impact we have on the rest of the world. Last year, I visited the Far East, and from the Philippines to Japan to Korea and Australia, they know a lot about us, our music, our foods and especially our sports. Traveling allows me to learn about other countries and their customs."
"There seems to be a lot floating on the fan forum about me being engaged. I am not engaged."
"About the album. It's scheduled to be out in April of 2000. If there is any change, I'll let you all know."
- By: Amber
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| Issue 27/March 27, 2000 |
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Michael Jordan recently said that the NBA is trying to create stars who have yet to prove themselves. "When I came out, no one knew. I had to prove myself," he told the Chicago Sun-Times for Thursday's editions. "Kobe Bryant came out of high school and everybody had already projected him as such a great player." This Jordan said causes a higher risk of failure. Jordan said Kobe should ignore Carter's offensive moves, which he said are dazzling. "But Vince doesn't play defense," said Jordan.
Kobe, for his part, didn't have much of a reaction to Jordan's recent comments, but said he realized that his increased focus on defense is attracting attention. "It tells me that I'm improving, that's all," Bryant said before Friday's game when asked about Jordan pointing out that, unlike Carter, Bryant plays both ends of the floor with passion. "He's observing the game, he's watching the game like everybody else is. He just kind of pointed it out. I mean, it's cool, I guess, the recognition of that. It just shows me I'm headed toward the right direction," Kobe continued.
When asked if making the NBA all-defensive team was a goal of his, Kobe replied "Hell, yes." And when would he like to accomplish that? "Like now." Kobe has also said that he would rather win defensive player of the year than the scoring title, because everyone knows he can score. He continued to say that he will eventually win both.
In Kobe's recent journal entries he's written about their winning streaks, games in Detroit and New York, and being away from home.
*** March 17, 2000
About the streak, we lost. Let's start another one!
Kobe ***
In the most recent entry Kobe talked about the Lakers continuing to win.
*** The New Streak
We play 'em like we find 'em. Each game has a different feel depending on the playing talent and coaching style of the opposing team. But one thing is the same in every game we play, opponents come at us hard. We've been playing in front of sellout crowds against teams taking their shot at knocking off the number one team...New York has some explosive scorers, so we wanted to limit their rebounding and scoring opportunities. We did that, and we won. The New Streak Lakers are back and we're finding ways to win. Peace,
KOBE ***
- By: Amber
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| Issue 28/April 9, 2000 |
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Laker coach Phil Jackson came to Kobe's defense after the game. "It is pretty much a natural reaction for a player who takes a punch and doesn't see it coming, then he is going to react to it," he said. "I am sorry about that, but it is probably human instinct."
"He hit me in the elbow in the mouth, and I just reacted," Childs said after the game. "He does it a lot and never gets called for it. I just had to defend myself. I wish it hadn't happened, but there's nothing I can do about it now."
Shaq also defended Kobe's actions after the game. "Everyone knows Kobe is a clean-cut kid," he said. "He was protecting himself."
Childs and Kobe were both suspended and fined by the league on Monday. Kobe was suspended one game without pay, which will cost him about $100,000, and fined $5,000. Childs was suspended for two games with no pay, and fined an additional $15,000. NBA vice president Rod Thorn said Childs instigated the fight and threw punches during Sunday's nationally televised game. Kobe was punished for responding with a punch.
"The fine, I really don't care much about," Kobe said Monday at the Lakers practice facility in El Segundo, Calif., before the team left for Phoenix. "The fact that I'm missing a game is what I'm really concerned about. I'm really upset about that." "I think it's justified, violence is not the way," he said when asked about the NBA policy that mandates a suspension for throwing a punch, no matter the circumstances. "We have to set an example for children who are watching to turn the other cheek, as hard as it may be, and understand if you don't do that, there will be consequences." "I'm not pro-fighting, by any means, but if it comes to that point, you have to do what you have to do."
Kobe, whose suspension caused him to miss Tuesday's game in Phoenix, did not travel with the team. Instead he went to see the movie "Romeo Must Die," before coming home to watch the game on television. Kobe joined the team on Wednesday in Golden State.
While Kobe played on Wednesday, his agent said he planned to file an appeal of Bryant's one-game suspension. "We'll probably appeal it (Thursday)," agent Arn Tellem said. "We think it was excessive.& Since Kobe has already served his suspension, the most he could gain on appeal is the recouping of some or all of his lost salary. Kobe must appeal to Commissioner David Stern, instead of a grievance arbitrator, since punishments for on-court behavior are solely the discretion of the commissioner. Stern would have 20 days to rule after granting a hearing.
Later, Kobe said he would not appeal his suspension. "He mentioned it to me, but I said I don't want to," Kobe said. "Truthfully, man, I really don't care, I really don't. Arn is just being an agent."
Here is an excerpt from Kobe's recent journals:
*** April 3, 2000 Like most games against New York, yesterday's game was pretty physical. That's the Knicks style of play, and I can live with that. It was pretty rough from the tip off. New York is fighting for playoff position, and we're trying to stay on top. We want home-court advantage. So they showed up with their agenda, and we had ours. That's when it got interesting. I got elbowed a few times, then at the end of the first quarter, at the buzzer; somebody chopped me across my neck, leaving finger marks. There was plenty of shoving for position on both sides, but what I take exception to is being head butted and sucker punched. Sorry, but that's just what it was. I am not pro fighting, everyone knows that, but my first reflex was to defend myself. Wish it hadn't happened, and I'll definitely miss playing in the Phoenix game. But that's okay; the mission is still on for the Lakers.
Kobe ***.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 29/April 17, 2000 |
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Kobe's official website has recently undergone reconstruction. If you frequent some of the other Athlete Direct websites though, the new format will not be be new to you. Personally, I like this one better. It has some more sections on it that the old one did not have it's easier to navigate. But that's solely my opinion, evaluate it yourself at http://www.kobebryant.com.
In the newest issue of "The Source Sports" magazine there is a Q&A with Kobe as well as some nice photos. He is also on the cover of the mag. "The Source Sports" is a spinoff of "The Source" magazine so it seemed fitting to me that they'd do a story on Kobe (he raps and plays basketball..."The Source" is about music). Here are a few parts of the Q&A: [I just picked the parts I thought were interesting]
Kobe Bryant: To tell you the truth, man, I don't even care if people think my album is wack. I don't. I just rhyme, man. I don't care. I mean, people automatically will be skeptical; it's a natural reaction. I think if you worry about that, you don't need to be in it.
The Source Sports: So you write all your rhymes?
KB: Absolutely. I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't write my own stuff. It all comes to me like clockwork. Summertime, I work out all day long. My trainer takes the CD and plays it in the car -- just the beat, and I brainstorm on some lines and hooks, stuff like that. Then, I come up in the studio later on that night and lay it down. Next day, same thing. Everyday.
TSS: So, how did you get with Tyra for the single?
KB: It started at the Teen Choice Awards. She was sitting right in front of me. She knew I was doing an album. I knew Tyra from a while back, and you know, she was like, "You should, um, let me sing on the album."
I was like, "Yeah, alright."
She was like, "Nah, for real. I can sing."
I said, "Yeah, whatever."
So I got an award, or whatever, go in the back, do some interviews and Tyra comes walkin' in the back, and was like, "Um, you gonna let me sing, damn!"
I was like, "Yeah."
She was like, "Alright, don't be bullshittin'. I'll do it for free."
I said, "Free!? Can you come on Thursday?"
She came in quick and banged it out.
TSS: Is it true that in 10th and 11th grade, you knew you'd try The League?
KB: I been knew it. That's why I was playing with the Sixers in the 10th grade, but I didn't want to say anything because I wanted my team to focus on the state championship. But I knew, man. I didn't visit any schools. I was just waiting for prom.
TSS: Did you front on the dunk contest because of Vince Carter?
KB: That's ridiculous. If anybody knows me, they know that I would pop in that joint because of that (competition). But the reason why I didn't participate is because we had a tough six-game road trip after (All-Star weekend) and experience has taught me that after every All-Star game, we struggle like crazy. There's the dunk contest, the game -- it takes so much out of you. I wanna win more than anything. It's not about individual-type things -- you push them off to the side, and get this thing done right. But me? Back away from a challange? Me? Please..
TSS: You've said it's not your time to drop 40 yet. What's that all about?
KB: The situation I'm in now, we just got to win. This is my role; this is what I have to do -- a little bit of everything. Whether it's getting 22, 7 and 8, that's what I have to do for this ball club, so I'm not gonna go out there and try to get more. I'm gonna do what it takes to win this ball game, and get us some rings.
TSS: Will it be dissappointing if y'all don't win a championship this year?
KB: For us, yeah, cause that's all that matters right now. That's our focus right now. Somebody gotta win it -- it might as well be us. But we're approaching it one game at a time -- kind of line a warrior mentality. That's the kind of mindset that Phil's brought to us, and it's been different from years past.
Also, in the mag I saw an AD for Kobe's CD. I still have heard nothing about an exact release date but it seems that they keep pushing it up. Last I heard, it's going to come out this Spring. Here is the AD.....
At the end of the AD they give a URL for you to signup for the Kobe Bryant e-mail update list. I hope that on this list they will send out info regarding his CD..but so far I've gotten nothing. The URL to signup for the e-list is http://www.columbiarecords.com/kobebryant.
And lastly, Kobe's a candidate for NBA Most Improved Player. I don't think these results count for anything..but you can vote for him in this NBA.com poll.
- By: Molly
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| Issue 30/April 24, 2000 |
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Kobe's final stats for this season definitely show improvement from last season. Look at these comparisons:
1998-99..compared to 1999-00
19.9 PPG - 22.5 PPG
3.1 TOPG - 2.8 TOPG
5.3 RPG- 6.3 RPG
3.8 APG - 4.9 APG
1.44 SPG - 1.61 SPG
If you feel that Kobe has made a great an improvement this year, show your support for him by voting for him in this NBA.com poll. The results, I do believe, do not count towards the determination of who wins Most Improved Player..but it is nice to see what the fans think. One other note on his stats, Kobe finished 12th in the NBA averaging 22.5 points per game...and he was 16th in the NBA averaging 38.2 minutes per game.
- By: Amber & Molly
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| Issue 31/May 27, 2000 |
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It's reported that Kobe gave Vanessa a seven carat ring, which is the size of a nickel, or possibly a quarter. The ring possibly cost around $100,000.
On Kobe's website he posted a family members' thoughts on his engagement. Here's a small sample:
"Kobe and Vanessa are very much in love. Seeing them together, it is apparent that they're smitten with each other." The wedding is tentatively planned for after the NBA finals.
Kobe was named to the 1999-2000 NBA All-Defensive First Team on May 4. Of a possible 56 points, Kobe received 33. Other first team players were: Gary Payton (52), Kevin Garnett (31), Tim Duncan (29), and Alonzo Mourning (42). Payton led all players with 24 First Team votes and was named on a maximum 28 ballots. Mourning was named on 26 ballots and Kobe on 21. The second team was lead by Shaquille O'Neal (29), and included Eddie Jones (27), Jason Kidd (26), Scottie Pippen (19), and Cliff Robinson (18).
Kobe was also voted by the fans at nba.com as most improved this year. This was just a fan poll though it did not count for anything. Jalen Rose won the award. http://www.nba.com/features/improved2000_poll_results.html
In a recent article from The Sporting News, entitled "Lessons learned from Round 2," Dave D'Alessandro writes about the emergence of Kobe's game. Saying, "Kobe has not only arrived, he is the star of this postseason -- and he is actually upstaging Shaq, which is saying something."
Kobe and Shaq are on the cover of SLAM magazine. The article dubbing Kobe as "Little Brother" and Shaq as "Big Brother" discusses their relationship both on and off the court. The headline reads, "Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant don't have to be best friends for the Lakers to win the title. Which is good, because they're not. And they will." The article also talks about such things as the triangle offense and Phil Jackson.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 32/June 14, 2000 |
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In game 2 the Pacers didn't need to contain Kobe-he only played 9 minutes after a first quarter injury. Kobe hurt his ankle when he made a 12-foot jumper and landed on the foot of Indiana's Jalen Rose. He remained on the floor briefly, grabbing his ankle. He got to his feet and hopped on his right foot, the pain obvious when he touched his left foot to the floor. A timeout was called and Kobe went to the locker room with 3:05 left in the period. X-rays on Kobe's ankle were negative, and he is listed as day-to-day. Saturday the Lakers flew to Indianapolis in the morning, then directly went to Conseco Fieldhouse to practice. From the team bus to the court Kobe rode on Shaq's back.
"They didn't have a cart or anything like that," Kobe said with a grin. "I didn't want to walk here on crutches, so I hopped on his back, got a little piggy-back ride." Said Shaq: "I didn't want him to walk on his own."
Kobe said on Saturday that he felt better, but he still needed crutches to maneuver his sprained left ankle through a field of reporters after the Lakers' practice, then yelping in warning as the pack rumbled to within inches of his wounded foot.
"Personally, I would love to play," Kobe said. "But sometimes, the doctor knows what's best."
"You have to be smart. The doctors are going to know best. They're going to be able to judge my foot better than I can. Because I'll probably just react off of sheer emotion and off of sheer competitiveness." What if the medical people tell him that it's up to him and that there would only be pain to endure, no risk of further damage? "I play," he said.
"Kobe likes pain. Right now, you'd have to cut his leg off for him not to play. But then adidas would probably grow another leg for him," John Salley humorously stated. "The doctor, trainer and I will talk about that," said Phil Jackson, who said he wanted Kobe to be at least 85% before signing off on having him play tonight. "Kobe's got to make the decision. He hasn't got anything wrong with his foot, except for swelling and pain and whatever." "I don't think he can hurt himself [further]. There's no damage, structural damage there. So I think that's the most important part to remember."
Half an hour before tip off Kobe, in uniform, was asked by Jackson to do lateral movements. When Jackson asked him how he felt, Kobe said, "It still hurts." So Jackson decided to let him sit in the locker room where he continued to receive treatment. "Make no mistake about it, if I can stand up, I can play. If not on Wednesday, then definitely on Friday. We still have business to take care of: to win a championship," Kobe said after the game.
Kobe is likely to play in tonight's Game 4. "I don't know," he said. "Probably."
In other news, Grant Hill might not play with the Olympic Dream Team as planned. "Although we don't have final word, I think there's a real chance unfortunately that (Grant Hill) might not be able to play," USA Basketball president Russ Granik said Monday. "It may be necessary that we're going to have to find one replacement. We'll try to do it as soon as possible." Among the list of possible replacements were Kobe Bryant & Eddie Jones.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 33/June 28, 2000 |
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In a previous Father's Day entry Kobe writes about his father. "Having my dad sitting there in the stands, just being there to support my effort has always meant a lot to me. He has been my biggest supporter and champion," is how Kobe describes his hero. Kobe explains how his father has always been supportive of his decisions, including jumping from high school to the NBA. In closing, Kobe writes, "Love you Dad and happy Father's Day. I can only hope to be as good a father."
Kobe has filed a suit against the sports memorabilia company Oxxford Express Inc. Kobe wants a Superior Court in Los Angeles to determine if the contract holder has made demands beyond contract terms. Kobe also wants the court to determine if he must meet Oxxford's demand to appear on the Home Shopping Network or QVC cable shopping network. After signing 3,286 autographs under the contract he stopped in April due to a sprained wrist. He told the company that he would continue signing autographs after the injury healed and offered to schedule six signing sessions of two hours each in the remaining three months of the contract, and make one appearance.
One other note is yesterday Kobe threw out the first pitch at the LA Dodgers game and he was wearing a Dodger shirt.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 34/July 2000 |
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While hundreds of people paid $15 each to attend the show, it was by no means a full house. A half dozen of Heads High artists performed three or four songs each and then cleared way for the next. But all the crowd cared about was: "Where's Kobe?"
"Eighty percent of the people here just want to see Kobe," said Troy Fox, a fan from Glendale. "These music acts, nobody knows them. Why would you come see somebody you don't know?"
"This is definitely not the kind of music I like," admitted Bernice Sanchez, a 29-year-old from West Covina. "But it's a lot easier to get a ticket to this than a Laker game. . . . I'm a big fan. I even went to see Shaq's cheesy movie. That was bad. I even--Wait! There he is!"
Suddenly, an hour into the show, the star emerged to join rapper Uneek at center stage during mid-song. As Geoff Boucher put it "Looking sleek in an ebony jumpsuit, the handsome Bryant looked larger than life (he is 6 feet 7, after all) as he did that same pigeon head bob that punctuates his slam dunks. He rhymed in a quick, clipped style for about 25 seconds and then . . . he was gone. The crowd sagged. What, did he sprain his ankle again?"
Around 11 Kobe finally took the stage, where he performed a few songs. Some of his lyrics included, "My skull is the holster, my brain is the gun" and "If you live life fast, you'll probably die slow."
"He said God has his back, I like that, and all the spiritual stuff," said Young Bo, a promotions employee for Master P's No Limit Records. "I think of him now as a spiritual rapper. He's really good."
Would Master P sign Kobe as a rapper? "Uh . . . I don't know about Kobe's versatility, you know, but I do like the spirituality. I do know P would like to play hoops with him, especially one on one."
"It was nice seeing him," Sanchez said as she turned to go, "but I think Kobe should stick to his day job."
Our last bit of news is that Kobe is up for Choice Male Athlete at the 2000 Teen choice Awards which will air in August. Please take 5 minutes to vote for him! Choice Male Athlete is #28 on the ballot.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 35/August 2000 |
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At this year's Teen Choice Awards, which aired on Fox on August 22, Kobe won Choice Male Athlete-again. As many of you know, Kobe won last year at the inaugural ceremony.
Now on Kobe's website you can read his opinions on Eddie Jones playing for Miami, as well as a special tribute to the newly-retired Jerry West. To read about these and more visit Kobe's Official Website.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 36/September 2000 |
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"I don't have much free time, but whenever I can, I go jet skiing. It's a thrill to skim over the waves riding fast and hard. The only problem I've had is one day we had a shark sighting where we were skiing. That made it a little more interesting," Kobe states when refering to what he likes to do in his free time.
Kobe is on the cover of the SLAM: KICKS magazine. There is a long Q&A story with Kobe, as well as some information on his new shoe. Heres a sample of the story:
"Richard Hamilton and I were big rivals in high school," Kobe said. "And our team beat his for the [Pennsylvania] State Championship. Then, when he won the NCAA Championship [UConn, '99], I got a phone call. 'I got a college championship and all you got is high school. What's up now?' I said, 'If I went to college, you think you woulda gotten that damn championship?'" Kobe pauses. "I guess I gotta give him a call now."
- By: Amber
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| Issue 37/October 2000 |
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Kobe emphasised on shooting this offseason. "Free throw shooting was something I wanted to improve on, shooting the basketball," he said. "When I work out, I only know one gear." Kobe may also be used at forward this year. "Defensively, I have two positions to worry about," he said. "Last year, I got very comfortable chasing little guards."
- By: Amber
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| Issue 38/November 2000 |
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Kobe is having a good season so far, and his stats are showing it. He is fourth in points per game, with 26.8 and fourth in minutes per game at 40.7.
One last thing is to check out the final episode of Assignment Kobe. Kobe's shoe, The KOBE, came out on November 3rd.
- By: Amber
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| Issue 39/December 9, 2000 |
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Kobe has upped his offensive game lately. On December 1st he replaced his career high with 43 points and then proceeded to replace that with 51 points vs. the Golden State Warriors on December 6th. Kobe's recent scoring has allowed him to take first place in scoring with an average of 29.4 ppg. Jerry Stackhouse is a close second with 28.1 ppg.
Kobe's site has been updated a little with new Ask Me questions and answers. Kobe talks about his position switch, JR Rider, and a lot more. Check it out at www.kobebryant.com.
NBA.com is running a poll to find out the all time slam dunk champion. This week you can vote for Kobe's or JR Rider's through the legs dunk at and the winner will go on. Click here to vote.
- By: Molly
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| Issue 40/December 24, 2000 |
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* Continue voting for Kobe!
Kobe was featured as this weeks conference call. In the interview he answered questions about Shaq, Mike Penberthy, Christmas, Portland, Standford, Vince Carter, and a possible MVP season. To read the entire transcript visit NBA.com Chats & Mailboxes: Kobe Bryant transcript - 001220.
A recent article in the NY Times with a headline of "Rift between Stars Creating Disarray for Champions" stated that Shaq and the Lakers use handsigns to "freeze-out" Kobe. Shaq has obviously denied such accusations, and Phil Jackson has said that it would be impossible to do so in the flow of the game. The LA Times respoded with an editorial by Lyle Spencer. Spencer asserts that there is no feud, because Kobe, unlike Shaq, does not have a problem with the other. The article is well written and very interesting. If you would like to read the article go to LATIMES: BASKETBALL.
- By: Amber
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