Best Coast Sports

The dunk heard around the world. Staples Center has displayed an array of highlights in a pivotal game for the Clippers to show how well they contend with the best in the West against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unfortunately if you live on the Least Coast, you may not see the play until tomorrow, since it would have been after midnight. High riser Blake Griffin absolutely posterized Kendrick Perkins by elevating over him and throwing it down emphatically. Perkins remained in disbelief, as were everyone else viewing from afar. Buzz has spread through the internet and on Twitter. Many current players have tweeted about the play being the best dunk they have ever seen. If you do not believe them, see for yourself. Lob City will knock off OKC 112-100.

There has been quite a bit of confusion and intrigue in the new Nike Ads called Kobe System. What does it all mean? There are high profile athletes, entertainers, and businessmen all questioning the next facet of things to accomplish beyond the highest accolades in their respected industries. It appears the Kobe system is a confident frame of mind to propel thy self to that superior level. Bryant is looked at as the higher being, a God like figure. In today’s game, Kobe is the most accomplished players in the NBA and is already in consideration as one of the best. NBA Championships, MVP awards, scoring championship are a few things that have been documented the resume. He is also a sure first ballot Hall of Famer. Many would be happy and call that a successful career, not Bryant. What else is left to do to be more successful?

This is the explanation about Kobe System from the man himself.

Lakers have won five straight coming into tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, where the Lakers will act as the road team. The Black Mamba is locked, loaded and on a tear. Three straight games scoring 40 points or more raised the scoring average to 31.2 per game which is the highest in the NBA. With all of the hype coming into this Southland rivalry, look for Kobe put up big numbers and show that it is still a Lakers town and he is the brightest star shinning in Los Angeles.

What does it take to be great? Some possess the physical and mental properties to propel their abilities above others at the highest level. Others lack fortitude causing a void in skill progression, thus lacking in performance. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is destined for greatness. When he retires, he’ll be in consideration as one of the best to ever step foot on the court.

Coming into the lockout shortened season, Bryant was as healthy as he’s been in years, however a major setback came in the first preseason game against the Clippers leading to a torn ligament in the wrist. Lakers looked to be a team in turmoil needing to overcome injuries, suspensions and trade rumors. Dealing with the distractions on the court and in the front office, there was only one thing for him to do, play.

Leaning on their 16 year veteran to carry the team, it appeared as if it was too much to shoulder in the early going. Talk about his age came to fruition. He may have lost a step. Or even him dominating the ball and not trusting his teammates. Each and every time critics have questioned his ability, Black Mamba has risen to the challenge and proved them wrong.

As of late, he is looking like the throwback young Kobe with his precision shooting and explosive plays. Credit Lakers Head Coach Mike Brown. Brown’s offense places Bryant in spaces on the floor with a greater chance to catch and shoot or set up teammate for a shot. Unlike the Triangle offense under Phil Jackson that entailed playing off a teammate. He is shooting 45.9% from the field on the season.
The last 10 games, LAL have won eight, including a four game winning streak. The play of Bryant is elevating the rest of the team. Scoring 40 or more in the last two games overtook LeBron James as the leading scorer in the NBA at 30.3 per game. The last six games he’s averaging 36.6 PPG.

With the astronomical numbers, it is hard to not make more of a case that he is the second coming of Michael Jordan. Two extremely athletic players were all about their flash while young. When father time caught up with them, they used their jump shots and high basketball IQ to outplay the defenders. Most notably Scottie Pippen mentioned to Slam Magazine that Kobe is starting to walk, talk, and play like Mike. Pippens comments on Bryant  Everyone wanted to be like Mike, but it looks like Kobe was the only one to step up to the challenge.
I will not go on to say that Kobe is better than Mike. Quite frankly there are things that one did/does better than the other. A fierce demeanor with the drive and willingness to do whatever it takes to win is a trait shared by both and may be the best similarity.

There are many factors that can be used to shape someone’s legacy, rings, statistics, or importance of play for teammates. Mamba will never be the next Mike Jordan. He will be the only Kobe Bryant, with a chance to break Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s all time scoring record if he can maintain an average of 20 PPG for the next five years. Undoubtedly it would be Kobe in conversation for the greatest player ever. For the same reason doubters do not think he can be the best, will be the motivation to prove them wrong again.

In today’s hip hop culture, music and sports go hand and glove. Artists support their favorite athletes and teams by wearing their memorabilia and mentioning them in songs, while the players listen to their favorite artists to get pumped up and ready for games. Often enough you see these same rappers/singers sitting court side at games, such as Rick Ross and DJ Khalid at Miami Heat games. Or pro’s having an alias and recording their own albums, like Tru Warrior also known now as Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest). The new hot team or action is what is being talked about in songs. Los Angeles native and YMCMB (Young Money Cash Money Billionaires) rapper Tyga made a song called “Lob City” to rep the home team L.A. Clippers. The new movement spreading like wildfire across the country. In 2010-2011 Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan ranked second and third for the most dunks in the NBA. With the acquisition of All-Star guard Chris Paul lob passes will be thrown all over the court to these two high risers. Listen to the 2011-2012 LAC anthem.

Preseason hoops tipped off tonight in Los Angeles with a matchup between the Lakers and the Clippers. As they go head to head, a familiar face is now in a Clippers Uniform. Almost two weeks ago, Chris Paul was traded from New Orleans to the Lakers in a blockbuster deal, later to be rescinded by Commisioner David Stern who happens to be the owner of the Hornets. In just a matter of a week, a trade offer made from the Clippers was rejected by the commisioner, then later accepted. Paul made his debut tonight in the Clippers uniform

Much has been thought about the Lakers reign coming to an end due to the new and exciting team that shares the same building as them. L.A. is and will always be known as a Lakers town, but the Clips took strides into showing they will be a force to be reckoned with. Philips Arena in Atlanta has been known as the highlight factory, arguably the Staples Center can be put in the conversation for the new Highlight Factory. Paul gave the playing style the nickname of “Lob City” with the idea of him looking to find Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan who had the most and second most number of dunks in the league last season,

The much anticipated matchup tonight did not disappoint. The first half was back and forth with both teams executing big plays. Jordan had some monsterous dunks as well as two Top Play style alleyoops. Lakers were moving the ball around showing their flash. Andrew Bynum was a force down low and Kobe Bryant was doing his normal slashing and jump shooting. Clippers had a 56-50 lead at the half.

Third quarter more times than not is the difference in the game. The team that has the best quarter usually positions themselves better to be victorious. Lakers had nine turnovers and were outscored 36-17. Clips bench made a statement with there hustle and tenacity. With the game out of reach by middle of the forth, LAC starters remain on the bench to watch the reserves give up the big lead. By the buzzer sound, the Clips were victorious with a 114-95 victory. Chris Paul lead with 17 points, nine assist, seven rebounds, and five steals. Billups adds 23 points going nine for nine from the charity stripe. Kobe bean was LAL’s leading scorer with 22 points and four assist and Bynum logged in 15 points and 12 rebounds. Both teams will play again on Wednesday December 21, 2011 for a Clippers home game.