Kobe Bryant’s Clutch Shots Against the Raptors

1. Down 5, a contested 3 with 1:41 left.

2. Down 4, a fadeaway corner 3 with 29.3 seconds left.

3. Down 3, a contest 3 with 5.5 seconds left.

4. Tied at 115, drives past two defenders and dunks with 10.6 left in OT.

Dr. Jerry Buss, longtime owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away today at 5:55 am after a long illness. He was 80 years old.

“We not only have lost our cherished father, but a beloved man of our community and a person respected by the world basketball community,” a statement released on behalf of the Buss family said.

Dr. Buss had been hospitalized much of the past 18 months in a battle which “showed his amazing strength and will to live. It was our father’s often stated desire and expectation that the Lakers remain in the Buss family. The Lakers have been our lives as well and we will honor his wish and do everything in our power to continue his unparalleled legacy,” the statement concluded.

He is survived by sons Johnny, Jim, Joey and Jesse and daughters Jeanie Buss and Janie Drexel, all of Southern California; eight grandchildren; former wife JoAnn of Las Vegas; half sister Susan Hall of Phoenix; half brother Micky Brown of Scottsdale; and stepbrother Jim Brown of Star Valley, Wyoming.

Funeral and memorial service arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lakers Youth Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.

gotemcoach:

Kobe on twitter is glorious (in both an amazing and horrible way).

foreverla:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s statue outside STAPLES Center was unveiled tonight. An overdue honor for one of the great basketball legends.

“When you start playing, you do it because you love the game. I did, anyway. To be able to come this far and be recognized this way is really special.” —Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the honor

fuckyeanba:

“This is my team.”

-Kobe Bryant

Kobe’s dunk on Antwan Jamison during practice via Dime

Pleased to announce the first of many collaborations between FYL & Local Icons is here, with the ‘Starting 5’ tee. With a lineup of Kobe ‘Bean’ Bryant, Steve Nash, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard, the Lakers are ready to bring home that 17th NBA Championship!

Available online at www.localicons.bigcartel.com. Quantities are limited, so get yours now!

Dwight Howard in the cut, that’s a … funny sight?

gotemcoach:

MUST WATCH:  Ressurection

If you’re a Laker fan, buckle up.  I made the mistake of watching this video at work.  The first colleague of mine who walked in my door got punched square in the face.  It just happened.

90 minutes with Human Resources.

I’m packing up my stuff in a cardboard box.

Thanks to @LD2K for making another hit.  The 2012-2013 NBA season has already started.  Inside my heart.

#GotEmCoach

gotemcoach:

MAGIF JOHNSON WEEK

Magic elevated everyone’s game, and not just by setting them up with assists.  His energy was infectious.

He cared about winning like Kobe and Jordan, but his teammates had fun playing with him, like LeBron.  The best of both worlds.

#GotEmCoach

Lakers’ general manager Mitch Kupchak introduces Dwight Howard as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday (8/10/12)