Best Coast Sports

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.

Do not look now, but the Portland Trailblazers find themselves with the best record out of the gate in this shortened NBA season. After tonight’s victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder 103-93, Blazers find themselves posting a 4-1 record, being atop of the Western Conference.

Every NBA coach will preach that defense wins games. Great defense is the best offense. In order to score more a team must stop their opponent from scoring and cause turnovers, giving them more possessions and chances to score. Portland is plus eight in rebound margin ranking second in the NBA, also one of the only teams to be in the top of the association in defensive and offensive efficiency.

This team has been different from past teams under current coach Nate McMillan. Traditionally most of the offense was run in the half court, with fast breaks coming off long rebounds. Point guard at the time Andre Miller preferred to walk the ball up. Adding point guard Raymond Felton from Denver, the tempo has sped up, running a fast break offense like their friends in Eugene on the gridiron. Baskets are coming bunches, leading to 101.8 points per game which is the fourth highest output in the league.

With Brandon Roy’s career ending knee injury, most thought it would leave a void in the team. It may have been a blessing in disguise because a new star was born. Team is rallying around fifth year pro LaMarcus Aldridge who is playing at a high level and evolving into a leader. A chip remains on his shoulders from getting snubbed from last year’s All Star team. It is evident he is eager to show he belongs in the conversation with the upper echelon players. The quiet and confident play speaks volumes. Once the ball is thrown in the post L Train has a knack for making the correct play. Whether it be scoring the ball or passing and finding the open teammate. An improved jump shot will also prove to be a lethal weapon in the repertoire.  His 20.3 points per game ranks top eighth in scoring.

The Jamal Crawford factor is beneficial as a scoring anchor for the Blazers second unit with the poise to close a game in the fourth quarter like his best friend Brandon Roy did for many years. Most people do not know, but Crawford is the only person in NBA history to score 50 points or more for three different teams. With the way the team is playing defense, more opportunities may arise to shoot for him to add a fourth team to the list. With 15.8 points per game off the bench, watch out for Crawford to be in the running for the Sixth Man award.

Blazers will return home on Thursday to face the (4-3) Los Angeles Lakers.

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.