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2002

Issue 60/January 2, 2002

Kobe has been sued by an engineering company that claims he owes $362,156 for helping remodel his Pacific Palisades property. The suit claims that Bryant hired Calex Engineering to excavate, grade and perform other work at the site. The company "fully performed its contract obligations" but is still owed money, according to the suit. Two similar lawsuits were filed against him by other companies in September and October. Kobe's lawyer says that the allegations are without merit and will be fought. The contractors "filed claims far in excess of the value of the work performed," attorney Rick August said.

Kobe was named Western Conference Player of the Month for games played in October and November. During that time Kobe averaged 27.6 points, 6.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.13 steals.

Kobe remains ahead of all Western Conference guards in all-star voting. With 475,121 votes he holds a lead over Steve Francis (186,178) and Gary Payton (138,143). Overall Kobe is third in overall votes, behind Vince Carter (616,104) and Shaquille O'Neal (530,214). Voting ends January 13, and the game will take place on February 10 in Philadelphia. To vote visit http://www.nba.com/allstar2002/AS_Ballot.html .
- By: Amber

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Issue 61/January 21, 2002

Last Monday Kobe scored a career-high 56 points in only 34 minutes against Memphis. He scored 36 points in the first half alone. Just missing the 41-year-old franchise record of 37 points in a half by Elgin Baylor on Nov. 16, 1960. Kobe made 21 of 34 shots and was 11-for-12 from the line. The Lakers lead 63-45 at halftime, it was their first game without Shaq who was serving his three-game suspension. At the end of the third quarter when Kobe left the game he had nearly as many points as the entire Memphis team. The Lakers lead 93-59.

Kobe will have his jersey retired at Lower Merion High on Jan. 26, the night before the Lakers play the Philadelphia 76'ers.

The Lakers will visit the White House on Jan. 28 to be honored for last season's championship. Last year the Lakers did not visit due to White House conflicts.
- By: Amber

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Issue 62/February 6, 2002

Kobe had his Lower Merion High No. 33 retired on Jan. 26, in the same place where he announced he would take his talent to the NBA, nearly six years ago, the gym. 1,500 friends and fans paid $10 for the 90-minute ceremony. His parents sat to his right, his wife in front of him, and in the third row sat six teammates-- Shaquille O'Neal, Brian Shaw, Samaki Walker, Devean George, Mark Madsen, and Rick Fox. His former teammates from the 1996 PIAA Class AAAA state championship team were also in attendance. Lower Merion coach Gregg Downer, who began organizing the event several months ago, was one of the guest speakers, along with Kobe's high school cocaptain, Jermaine Griffin, school superintendent David Magill, principal John Maher, athletic director Tom McGovern, and two of Kobe's former teachers. "Let's cherish and honor Kobe Bryant," Downer said. "Let's extend him the grace and dignity he has extended so many others." "I thank you from the bottom of my heart," Kobe told the crowd, after a female from the bleachers declared her love for him. "Lower Merion is my university. It provided me with some of my fondest memories."

After leaving the White House Kobe was impressed by President Bush. "I didn't vote for him, but I like him," he said. "I'm glad he's our president in this situation."

The Lakers are expected to offer Kobe a $54.8 million contract extension. Kobe, however, may not accept. Kobe is currently in a contract that will pay him $40.5 million over three seasons. At that time the league's collective bargaining agreement will also end. Kobe could choose to wait until the new agreement is chosen."I haven't decided yet," he said.

The Lakers offer of $54.8 million is the maximum allowed under the current agreement. If Kobe decides to hold out, he could be making a large gamble, because the salary cap could become tighter. "Our intent would be to keep Kobe Bryant with us as long as possible," Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak said, "however he chooses to go about it."
- By: Amber

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Issue 63/February 17, 2002

Although he was booed most of the game, Kobe was able to score 31 points on 12-of-25 shooting, en route to being named the NBA All-Star Game MVP. Kobe and the West beat the East 135-120. Despite growing up in suburban Philadelphia, and having his high school jersey retired a few weeks ago, fans continued to boo even as he held the MVP trophy. "I still like coming home," he said after the game. "It's hurtful, but it's not going to ruin this day for me."

"I was pretty upset. Pretty hurt," Kobe said. "I just wanted to go out there and just play. Just play hard." "I can just look at them being just diehard Sixers fans, I guess, being loyal to their team," he added.

Kobe's third career triple-double lead the Lakers past the Washington Wizards last Tuesday. Kobe had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 15 assists, as the Lakers rallied past a 20-point deficit to win the game, 103-94.
- By: Amber

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Issue 64/March 3, 2002

Friday night after the Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers, Kobe and Reggie Miller met at half court. Their talking appeared to grow louder, and then suddenly Kobe swung at Miller with his right hand. Miller then grabbed Kobe and they tumbled over the scorer's table. At that point players and coaches for both team came to break it up. After, it appeared that Pacer Austin Croshere suffered scratches around his neck and back, and his uniform was torn. "Somebody comes at me, I'm going to defend myself," Kobe said in a statement. He and Miller weren't available for more explanations. "It was a hotly contested ballgame," said Phil Jackson, "and a very physical basketball game out there. After the game, it looked like Kobe and Miller lined up and went after each other.... I imagine there was a lot of talking going on during the course of the game."

"He has been very aggressive basketball-wise and I don't mind that as long as it is within the context of playing basketball," Jackson continued, after asked about both this incident and Kobe punching teammate Samaki Walker last week. Jackson believed that more than likely Kobe would be suspended, although the official decision was to be given on Sunday. "I thought they were going to say goodbye," Robert Horry said. "That's all I know. Then all hell broke loose." "Kobe was just being Kobe. Going out and playing hard and things happen. I don't know what was going on in his head. I was kind of surprised."

Kobe suffered a contusion on one knee, the result of banging that knee in last Sunday's game against New York. Kobe sat out the Tuesday morning shoot-around. He also sat out the shoot-around in New York with a sprained left thumb. "I played when I could not even breathe," Kobe said, referring to a rib injury he suffered in the postseason last year. "This is nothing."
- By: Amber

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Issue 65/March 17, 2002

Kobe was suspended for two games and fined $12,500 for his fight with Reggie Miller. "In the regard of team, perhaps it (the fight) was a selfish thing to do because it jeopardizes our team at a time when we're trying to get ourselves on track at the end of the season," Phil Jackson said. &I apologized to my teammates, that I can't join them on the court. But not as far as he goes, no," Kobe said. "The fact of the matter is, I made a mistake. It wasn't the best decision in the world. I have to deal with consequences. I'll just move on and continue to grow and mature as a man," he continued. The Lakers were 2-0 without Kobe in the lineup.

"It's better to fight against the opposition than it is to fight amongst ourselves," Kobe said during his suspension. "Last year, we were fighting amongst ourselves, but we pulled through just fine."

Kobe appears on the cover of Inside Stuff Magazine for April 2002. You can read the article online at this link: http://www.nba.com/publications/is_kobe_feature.html. Additionally, an article about Kobe appears in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated.
- By: Amber

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Issue 66/March 31, 2002

Friday night the Lakers played Portland, bringing Ruben Patterson back to Los Angeles. The self-proclaimed "Kobe-Stopper" claims, "Ever since that first training camp, Kobe has been very arrogant," Patterson said. "You know Kobe. He talks a lot of trash. But he don't talk directly to me now. He knows not to talk to me directly."

Before the game Kobe made it clear that, "I don't want to get caught up in that, man. It's not personal for me." Kobe scored 34 points in the game.

Shaq, however, may have taken the comments personal. When Shaq was hit by Patterson and fell to the floor, Patterson offered his hand to help him up. Shaq didn't take his hand. Then Patterson reached with both hands and grabbed Shaq by the wrist, and pulled. Shaq wouldn't help him, and Patterson wound up dragging him across the lane. This as everyone was laughing at his attempt to be friendly with his former teammate. As Kobe sat on the bench with a towel to his face, hiding his smirk, Robert Horry leaned down and helped Shaq to his feet.

Wednesday afternoon during warmups Kobe's final shot was from the three-point line, toward the other basket, maybe 75 feet away. It banked in. "Don't touch me!" he shouted on his way off the floor. "Don't nobody touch me!"
- By: Amber

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Issue 69/April 28, 2002

Kobe will be featured on the FSN show "Beyond the Glory." The dates and times, courtesy of shakeitfast448@aol.com, are:
Sunday, 28 8:00 PM FSN (fox sports network)
Sunday, 28 11:00 PM FSN
Monday, 29 2:00 AM FSN
Tuesday, 30 12:00 PM FSN
Thursday, 2 2:00 PM FSN
Friday, 3 3:00 AM FSN
Saturday, 4 9:00 PM FSN
Saturday, 4 11:00 PM FSN
Sunday, 5 2:00 AM FSN

With Jerry West seriously considering taking a job with the Memphis Grizzlies, the move would greatly affect Kobe. When asked how he would respond to West going to Memphis, Kobe responded, "It means I'll be going to Memphis." "No, just playing," he said. "Whatever makes him happy. It [would be] a new era. Mitch [Kupchak] has done an excellent job. Jerry has trained him well." West has always been there for Kobe for advice or to listen, and he is the reason why Kobe is a Laker. "It's been that way since I was 17, when I first came out to L.A.," Kobe said. "I'm sure that's not going to change."

With Kobe's new haircut coming the night before their first playoff game it may have thrown some defenders off guard. "I like his haircut, actually," Phil Jackson said. "I thought it was a fine move. I thought it confused Patterson. He didn't recognize Kobe in the first half."
- By: Amber

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Issue 70/May 12, 2002

Kobe suffered a "tennis ball-sized lump" on his right knee, just elbow the joint, during game 1 against San Antonio. Kobe's knee was iced until some of the swelling went down. He then returned and helped LA win the game. He suffered the injury after Bruce Bowen inadvertently kicked him early in the fourth quarter. Kobe said he awoke every two or three hours that night and the following morning to check the pain and swelling. He also continued to ice and flex it.

Kobe was selected to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career. The past two years he made the Second Team. He also made the All-Defensive Second Team. As for MVP voting, Kobe received 1 first place vote and a total of 98 points.
- By: Amber

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Issue 71/May 26, 2002

The night prior to game 2 against Sacramento, Kobe suffered the effects of what is believed to be food poisoning. For dinner he called in room service for a bacon cheeseburger and a piece of cheescake. He called trainer Gary Vitti about three hours after he began to feel ill.

"He was doubled over like a shrimp," Vitti said. "Anybody who's been there before knows what he was going through." "He's the ultimate warrior, so he's going to play as much as possible," Vitti said. "Those of us who have been around here a while know what kind of a competitor he is."

Kobe did not participate in the morning shootaround and when he arrived at Arco Arena, two hours before tipoff, he was given a third liter of intravenous fluids. Kobe did start the game and played throughout. He did complain to Coach Jackson about feeling weak and tired though. It was the first game of the season against the Kings in which Kobe did not score at least 30 points.

There have been many rumors about Kobe's ill meal. The LA Times reported that a caller to an LA talk radio station swears that the New Jersey mob had something to do with it, because of bets on New Jersey to win the championship. "Reporters have been calling here all week," said Jerry Westenhaver, general manager of the hotel, "trying to make this into the JFK conspiracy. They are really out of control." "We are selling hamburgers beyond what we did before," Westenhaver said. "It's the cheeseburger heard 'round the world. A local food critic came in, ordered our food and gave it three stars in his review." "If there is a problem, it's usually not just one person [getting sick]," Westenhaver said. "We served 1,700 meals that night, including 300 hamburgers, and nobody else reported a bad reaction."

"To me, it's almost a no-brainer," Vitti said. "He ate and, five to six hours later, he had vomiting, diarrhea and all the other symptoms." Vitti said that at practice Sunday, hours before his bad meal, Kobe had expressed an urge for Mexican food. However he changed his mind due to the location of a Mexican eatery. "I better not," he said. "It might mess up my stomach."

Kobe slept most of Tuesday and still didn't feel much better on Wednesday at practice. "He got sick two or three times during the course of the day," Laker Coach Phil Jackson said of Bryant, who did not miss a game because of illness or injury during the regular season. "He got sick during our video session and actually had to sit on the floor a couple of times."

Thursday and Friday he felt better though. Team officials recommended that he keep his food intake to bread-rice-apples-toast, or BRAT. But Kobe was still threatening to swing by McDonalds. Kobe played 40 minutes in game 3.
- By: Amber

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Issue 72/June 11, 2002

The Belmont Stakes were being run Saturday, so it seemed a good time for a question about thoroughbreds. Or something like that. "Do I think horses are athletes?" Kobe repeated to a man across the room. I would say so, yeah. Because they run around the track. I don't know about the guys that are on their backs ... but the horses are fine."

Byron Scott told ESPN this week that Kobe's wife, Vanessa, was pregnant. After Game 1, Scott said he'd been wrong, and publicly apologized to the Bryants. Scott and Kobe were teammates during the 1996-97 season, Scott's last with the Lakers and Kobe's first. They became friends. "He meant a lot to me," Kobe said. "The advice he gave me my rookie year I still hold dear today." When asked if Scott recommended a particular food when the series goes to New Jersey, Kobe said, "Hopefully, their bacon cheeseburgers are a lot better than in Sacramento."

Kobe has been seen wearing many jerseys, since the start of the playoffs: Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Hank Aaron and, on Sunday, Joe Montana. "I have about a thousand jerseys at the house. I just pull one out every once in a while," he said, laughing. "No, just playing." He's more selective than that.

"I just like Joe Montana," said Kobe, who so far has worn the uniforms of players known for being unusually competitive or clutch. "He's a great player. He's a type of player who, even though they were down two or three touchdowns, he'd still lead the team to a win." On Tuesday, a workout day, Kobe wore Jerry West's No. 44, just as he did in the last parade.
- By: Amber

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Issue 73/June 24, 2002

Kobe is nominated for Best Male Athlete for the 2nd Annual BET Awards. His competition is Tiger Woods, Derek Jeter, Allen Iverson and Michael Jordan. The awards will be held on Tuesday June 25th, and air live at 9 p.m. ET, with a tape-delay at the same time slot for the West Coast. For more information visit www.BET.com.
- By: Amber

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Issue 74/July 24, 2002

Kobe paid a visit to the world famous Rucker Park in Harlem last week for one game of the Entertainer's Basketball Classic that is running for nine weeks. Kobe stated that his goal for the day was to break the 25-year-old record of local hero Joe Hammond of scoring 74 points in a Rucker League game. Kobe and his Murder Inc. posse were pitted against Jerome Williams, of the Raptors, Moochie Norris, from the Rockets, and Byron Mouton, of the Maryland Terrapins, who represented The Source team. "You'll never break my record," challenged the old-timer to Kobe. And he was right.

Last Monday it was announced that Kobe and Adidas had mutually agreed to not extend their contract. It has been rumored that Kobe was unhappy with the fit of some of Adidas' shoes. "We wish Kobe well in his future endeavors and continued success in the NBA," said Michael Riehl, Adidas' Head of Global Sports marketing. "Adidas appreciates Kobe's efforts to promote the adidas brand over the last few years." "I am thankful for the company's support over the last six years," stated Kobe. "I have enjoyed my experience with adidas and wish them all the best as they continue to build their basketball business."

Kobe was present at the 10th Annual ESPY awards, where he was nominated for Best NBA Player. Kobe and Derek Fisher accepted the Lakers' award for Best Team.
- By: Amber

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Issue 75/August 15, 2002

Be sure to check out the Fourth Annual Teen Choice Awards on August 19 to see Kobe win another Best Male Athlete award. The awards were taped on August 4 in Los Angeles.

Kobe was among teammates Derek Fisher, Brian Shaw, Rick Fox, Mark Madsen and Samaki Walker at Chick Hearn's funeral service on August 9 at the St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church in Brentwood. Also attending was Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Phil Jackson, John Wooden, Bill Walton, Jack Nicholson, Jerry West, James Worthy and Pat Riley. Fans were allowed to visit Chick's broadcast booth at the Staples Center and were encouraged to bring books for children.
- By: Amber

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Issue 76/October 1, 2002

On Monday, Kobe showed up for media day 15 pounds heavier, with much of the muscle on his upper arms. Part of his workout routine this summer involved boxing, although he said he didn't allow his sparring partner to take any shots at his head. "This summer I was completely healthy, so I was able to push myself pretty hard," he said. Shaq even commented, ""He looks fabulous. . .Kobe's always been a workaholic."

The big news of the week, however, is not Kobe's workout regimen. He announced Monday that he and Vanessa (his wife) are expecting their first child in February. Grinning, he said, "Beautiful, isn't it?" The baby is expected to be a girl and the Bryants are trying to decide on a name. "We change our mind like every other day," he said. "We're just taking our time with it." Shaquille O'Neal, has volunteered to be a godparent, but Bryant said that he has family members who will fill that role. Shaq commented, "The only lesson it's probably going to teach him is the same lesson it taught me: don't bring your stresses home. Because the kids see that, the wife sees that, so you have to leave the stresses of the job here."
- By: Molly

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Issue 77/November 8, 2002

On November 1st Kobe notched his first triple double of the season, scoring 33 points, handing out 12 assists, and grabbing a career high 15 rebounds. Then, in the next game against the Blazers he earned another one, with 33 points, 14 boards, and 12 assists. With the absence of Shaq, as well as his recent muscle gain, Kobe has been drawing more fouls and hitting the boards more than ever. He is currently averaging 11.8 and he is the only person in the league with 2 triple doubles so far.
- By: Molly

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Issue 78/December 13, 2002

Kobe's performance as of late has been nothing short of outstanding. On December 3rd, against Memphis, he recorded his NBA leading 4th triple double of the season, scoring 24 points, grabbing 10 boards, and dishing out 11 assists. And it doesn't stop there. Last Friday the Lakers stunned the NBA's best, the Dallas Mavericks, pulling off the second-biggest fourth-quarter comeback in NBA history and winning 105-103. Kobe played a large role in this, scoring 21 points in the 4th quarter alone. Additionally, on Sunday Kobe gave out a season high 14 assists to help the Lakers to their second straight victory. Thus, Kobe was rightfully awarded Western Conference Player of the Week for Dec. 2-Dec. 8, 2002. He led the Lakers to a 3-1 record last week and averaged 23.3 points, 9.3 assists, and 7 rebounds.
- By: Molly

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