Kobe Named All-NBA First Team … Again

The following statement was issued today by the Los Angeles Lakers regarding the death of former Laker Flynn Robinson:

“We are very sad to hear of the passing of Flynn Robinson,” said Lakers Executive Vice President of Business Operations Jeanie Buss. “Flynn played an important role on the 1971-72 Lakers team that brought Los Angeles its first NBA Championship and won what is still an NBA-record 33 consecutive games. Lakers fans might remember him as ‘Mr. Instant Point,’ a nickname given to him by the great Chick Hearn, a nickname that was well earned as Flynn led the reserves in scoring that season, averaging 10 points in 16 minutes off the bench. He was a proud part of our Lakers heritage, participating in numerous reunions and special events over the years and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.”

Finishing At the Rim

Finishing shots at the rim at a high rate of efficiency is a category that can make a big difference over the course of an NBA season.

Whether through front court or back court players, having an elevated conversion percentage inside goes a long way towards overall offensive efficiency, where the Lakers finished eighth on the season (105.8) amongst NBA teams.

Here’s how each player fared from five feet and in*:
*Statistics courtesy of Hoopdata.com.

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The Nike Kobe 8 ‘Mambacurial’ Takes Inspiration From Bryant’s Love Of Soccer

Kobe Bryant spent most of his childhood in Italy, where he gained a love and respect for soccer. Now, because of that, Nike is releasing the Kobe 8 “Mambacurial,” a basketball shoe inspired by the unique design of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX football boot.

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