Nike Basketball News

1-on-1: Kobe vs. LeBron for the last shot

jechee — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:19:18 GMT

Better.

The more attractive or favorable of the two. More advantageous or effective between peers. Higher accuracy or overall performance when measured against one another.

But how do you measure it? Is the answer in the stats?

One of these guys grabs a couple more rebounds, dishes out a couple more assists and averages a couple more points per game. They both won big in the 2008-2009 regular season, separated by just a single win. But one of them won just a little bit bigger.

Translation: 1 NBA Championship.

The jersey numbers?

23: 24.

The handsomeness of their respective puppets?

The better alias? King; Mamba.

Doesn't matter.

Look, there's 82 games in a season. Each one's 48 minutes long. And eight other guys have something to do with almost every single trip down the floor. So we're not going to make this easy on you and simply toss out a weak little "who's better" question.

We're getting down to the finer points of hoop.

And if you're keen on the clues listed above, you already know it's Kobe vs. LeBron in the first round of 1-on-1.

In one corner you've got LeBron's uncanny knack for breaking down the opposing team's defensive scheme paired with complete unselfishness.

Send two or three dudes to cut off his driving angle and not only does he have the magical court vision to find the open man, he completely trusts his teammates to knock down game-winning shots.

Doesn't hurt that kid's 6'8" 250 - and even sending three might not be enough. Or that he's improved his midrange J and long distance game to the point that even playoff pressure no longer stands in his way when drilling a 28-footer for the win is called for.

In the other corner you've got Kobe's unparalleled killer instinct.

Send the whole damn team after him and he's still going to find a way to bury you. He's got the unblockable baseline fadeaway, a feathery, old-school window game and that lightning rod laser from deep.

And even after more than a decade of ripping out his opponent's heart come winning time, Kobe still has the bounce to turn 7-footers into posters.

The question:

Down a bucket. 15 seconds left on the clock. Coach just spent the last minute hyperventilating over a dry erase board, mocking up the last shot.

Kobe. LeBron.

Who would you want to take it?

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:57:57 GMT

The fight for supremacy in the Eastern conference is always a heated one, and this year the the conference's biggest stars are shining brighter than ever.

When the two teams currently atop the standings meet in Cleveland for conference show down, there will be lots for them to prove and even more for fans to see.

The reigning champs are recovering from a series of losses to the Lakers, the Warriors, the Trailblazers and the Knicks. This is the chance for Paul Pierce to rally his Celtics and show the hoops world they’re still the true beast of east.

For Cleveland, it’s time to prove their day has come. After several seasons of near victories and dramatic heartbreaks, LeBron James will step in to lead his squad to victory with his dominance and a whole bunch of points. But in the end it’ll be the team that wants it more that walks out with the win.

This one tips off Friday at 8:00pm.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, January 5

San Antonio vs. Miami @ 7:30pm ET

Tuesday, January 6

New Orleans vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, January 9

Boston vs. Cleveland @ 8:00pm ET

Saturday, January 10

Detroit vs. Utah @ 9:00pm ET

Sunday, January 11

Miami vs. L.A. Lakers @ 9:30pm ET

Winner Takes All

Hotnix — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:36:52 GMT

On Christmas Day, Kobe Bryant debuted the The Power Tie, the latest edition of the revolutionary Zoom Kobe IV shoe. Then he and the Lakers went to work against the #1 ranked Boston Celtics for the first time since last season's finals. And to silence all of the critics, the squad shut down Boston's 19 game win streak in a 92-83 victory at home. As he collected his game high 27 points, he hit the Celtics from every spot on the floor with his usual superhuman flair, leaving the Celtics unable to stop him from the outside or in the lane.

And after that monster holiday victory, Kobe is faced with yet another battle, but this time from an unexpected adversary. In a post holiday shootout where the winner takes all, including Kobe's hot new shoe, funny man Mike Epps and DJ AM call out Kobe for not-so-friendly school yard game of HORSE.

More on the Zoom Kobe IV
Learn more about The Power Tie »
Check out the range of Nike iD colorways »
See Kobe's webcast debut »

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:46:27 GMT

2008 goes out fighting with some major battles this week, but 2009 kicks off with 15 phenomenal games and a match-up between two of the league's youngest powerhouse teams.

It’s a battle born in opposite corners of the country when the New Orleans Hornets buzz into Portland to take on the Trail Blazers on their home court. It’s the first contest of 2009 for both teams, so both will be looking to start the year off right. Only one can come away with the win though, which is why we can expect a hard-fought game with guys from both time zones leaving it all out on the floor.

The Hornets will try to put the sting in Portland with the inspired play of David West and his squad, while Portland will look to its young scoring machines Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Fernandez and Greg Oden to win big at home. Setting the tone for ’09 is crucial for both teams, so don’t be surprised if the intensity level starts to get up near the Rose Garden roof. If your New Year’s resolution is to never miss a hot game, here’s your chance to make good on it.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, December 29

Orlando vs. Detroit @ 7:30pm ET

Tuesday, December 30

Cleveland vs. Miami @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, December 31

Denver vs. Toronto @ 7:00pm ET

Friday, January 2

New Orleans vs. Portland @ 10:00pm ET

Saturday, January 3

Houston vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:39:14 GMT

Since their big lineup change last season, Boston has played like a team possessed. But as they hold the top spot in the East, Atlanta is climbing the ranks to challenge the crown.

By the way they have been playing it's hard to imagine the Celtics not making their second consecutive appearance in the finals. Behind their fearless leader Paul Pierce, they've racked up 14 straight wins for a total record of 22W – 2L. Averaging 18.8 points and 6 rebounds a game, Pierce and his squad face Atlanta for the second time this season. In their first matchup, The Truth put up 34 points in their narrow 103-102 victory, serving the Hawks their first loss of the season.

But as Boston rules the conference, Atlanta continues to fight for that top seat. So far, they've had a season to remember. After starting the regular season undefeated, they recently returned to form by beating Miami and breaking the Cavs 11 game win streak. With their back court stars combining for an average of almost 40 points a game and last season's Rookie of the Year runner up Al Horford putting up 11 points and 8 rebounds a night, the Hawks occupy the number 4 seat in the conference.

This season, the Celtics and the Hawks are showing the West that the East is in the house. Danger.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, December 16

New York vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Wednesday, December 17

Boston vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

Thursday, December 18

Phoenix vs. Portland @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, December 5

Cleveland vs. Denver @ 10:30pm ET

Saturday, December 20

Utah vs. Chicago @ 8:30pm ET

Chat Live with Kobe

Hotnix — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:03:11 GMT

On Friday, December 19, the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant will take on the Miami Heat… like basketball fans have never seen him before.

To explain why, On Thursday, December 11, Kobe will host an interactive webcast to unveil the new Zoom Kobe IV Cut and discuss the design innovation behind this revolutionary shoe.

And now you can be a part of this historic event. Just register, log in and type your questions at the bottom of the screen during the live webcast. Kobe will attempt to answer them all during the program but if he doesn't get to yours, you will receive an answer back by email. Questions and answers will also be posted after the event with the interview video and additional info about the shoe.

You can register all the way up until the end of the webcast, but sign up soon. There will be a lot of people across the country participating.

Kobe Bryant Webcast Details:
When: Thursday, December 11, 1:00 P.M. PT
Where: Register and watch here

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:00:11 GMT

The battle for Kings of the Lone Star State is heating up this season as Dallas, ranked #7 in the Western conference, faces off Tuesday night against the #8 San Antonio Spurs.

As a regular contender for the West's top team, recent injuries have plagued the San Antonio Spurs' key players this season. But things are turning around as their go-to guys start to get healthy again. Manu Ginobili, coming off of ankle and heel surgery that benched him for their first 12 games, made his return November 24th. Averaging 13.6 points per game, he's led them to victory in 5 of their last 7 games.

After lighting up Minnesota for 55 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds in a double-overtime victory November 5th, Tony Parker was benched for several weeks with an ankle sprain. But since his return November 28th, he's brought fire back to the squad while averaging 22.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.

The Maverick's are finding an early groove, winning 9 of their past 10 games. Dirk Nowitzki continues to lead the squad with his unstoppable inside and outside attack. After serving Phoenix with a 39 point game December 4th (his second for the season) he's ranked forth in the league in scoring.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, December 9

San Antonio vs. Dallas @ 8:30pm ET

Wednesday, December 10

Phoenix vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Thursday, December 11

Portland vs. Utah @ 10:30pm ET

Friday, December 5

Philadelphia vs. Cleveland @ 7:30pm ET

Saturday, December 6

Cleveland vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

Player of the Month: LeBron James

Hotnix — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:42:50 GMT

It's hard to be surprised when LeBron James breaks another record or wins another award. You come to expect a lot from a 23 year old man who is the youngest player ever to break the 11,000 point mark. And just about every other scoring milestone before that.

So it should come as no surprise that he's been selected as the NBA's Eastern Conference Player of the Month for November. Already this month he was named Player of the Week when he racked up 41 points in two games in a single week. He's also second in the league in scoring this season, with an average of 27.8 points per game.

To top it off, he led the Cavaliers to 13 wins for the month, tying Cleveland's record for most wins in a month in franchise history.

LeBron's been busy. And it's only November. Expect more awards and broken records this season from one of the greatest to ever play the game.

More on LeBron
See The Six from every angle »
Check out the "Chalk" world premier »
Find out what makes LeBron unstoppable »
Learn his Signature Moves »

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Deron Williams is one of the most talked about young point guards in the game. Saturday he faces one of the most talked about point guards of all time, Steve Nash.

There's a huge debate going on out there about the incredible next generation of point guards. New Orleans has one of the top candidates, but the battle for the number one spot is shared with D-Will, the bigger, stronger floor general from Utah. His basketball IQ and leadership skills are far beyond his years, and his partnership with Carlos Boozer is unstoppable. But this season he was sidelined for 13 games due to an ankle injury. After returning to the floor on November 26th for their win against Memphis, he's consistently put up double-doubles. It doesn't look like his ankle will be a problem when they face Phoenix.

The veteran and future Hall-of-Famer Steve Nash knows plenty about recovering. After suffering a broken nose, ankle sprains, a shoulder injury and a chipped tooth, Nash has always returned to lead Phoenix to victory. This year, with the inclusion of a new big man and the trade of Shawn Marion, Nash and the Suns have slowed the pace down but haven't forgotten how to win. And as Amare Stoudemire keeps putting up huge numbers, they may just make the climb back to the top of the West.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, December 2

Detroit vs. San Antonio @ 8:30pm ET

Wednesday, December 3

Memphis vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

Friday, December 5

Portland vs. Boston @ 8:00pm ET

Saturday, December 6

Utah vs. Phoenix @ 9:00pm ET

Sunday, December 7

Milwaukee vs. L.A. Lakers @ 9:30pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:00:40 GMT

It's that time again. Every year, LeBron James makes a trip to the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden. And every time he makes an appearance he puts on the greatest show on Earth. Last season he racked up 50 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds.

"I’ve dreamed about playing well in this building and it’s overtaken of how I could ever dream about," said James. "To get a standing ovation in the greatest basketball arena in the world, it was a dream come true for me. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me."

But this year, New York is a very different place, with a very different Knicks team and a very different head coach. Behind the high energy guard play 13 ppg from Nate Robinson, they've moved up to the sixth position in the East. Even with Eddy Curry out for a few weeks due to a knee injury, they're playing better team ball than they have in years and are finding ways to win. With Zach Randolph averaging 20 points and 12.5 rebounds a game and the solid play from David Lee, they're poised to bring pride back to the NYC game.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, November 24

Chicago vs. Utah @ 9:00pm ET

Tuesday, November 25

Cleveland vs. New York @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, November 26

Miami vs. Portland @ 10:00pm ET

Friday, November 28

Memphis vs. San Antonio @ 8:30pm ET

Sunday, November 30

Toronto vs. L.A. Lakers @ 9:30pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:03:08 GMT

O.J. Mayo has been in the spotlight since the 7th grade, mentioned in the pages of sports magazines and during broadcasts across the country. Before his freshman season at USC started, he played pickup ball with some of the NBA's top players. He then put up huge numbers in his first and only year with the Trojans before making the leap to the pros. This summer he was part of the U.S. Select Team that was assembled to help prepare the new Dream Team for battle in Beijing.

He was a veteran of the game long before he ever stepped foot on the NBA hardwood. Now that he's in the league, he is proving that all the experience has paid off. Along with high-flyer Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies have the potential to have a revolutionary season.

But first they have to get past the Suns, a team stacked with veteran champions. Led by the explosive play of Amare Stoudemire, who went off for 49 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists last week, Phoenix is fighting to take over the west. After getting a new big man last season, Stoudemire and Steve Nash may now have all the pieces they need to put together a championship year.

NBA Regular Season

Monday, November 10

Memphis vs. Phoenix @ 9:00pm ET

Tuesday, November 11

New York vs. San Antonio @ 8:30pm ET

Wednesday, November 12

Atlanta vs. Boston @ 7:30pm ET

Friday, November 14

Detroit vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Saturday, November 15

Utah vs. Cleveland @ 7:30pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:22:28 GMT

This year, the leagues youngest players are leading their teams to their biggest victories yet. With a hot rookie class, a squad of top sophomores and an all new franchise, 2008-09 season is gearing up to be even more explosive than the last.

After walking away with last season’s Rookie of the Year award, Kevin Durant is starting the new season in a new city with fellow sophomore forward Jeff Green. And Deron Williams, arguably the league’s best young point guard, leads Utah in another push to the top of the west. Alongside him is his tough inside man Carlos Boozer and master defender Andrei Kirilenko. But first, the teams will square off in Friday night’s battle between the next generation of NBA legends.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, November 04
Phoenix vs. New Jersey @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, November 05
Detroit vs. Toronto @ 7:00pm ET

Friday, November 07
Oklahoma City vs. Utah @ 9:00pm ET

Saturday, November 08
Cleveland vs. Chicago @ 8:30pm ET

Sunday, November 09
Houston vs. L.A. Lakers @ 9:30pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:19:17 GMT

The regular season is finally here. And to set off the first night of games, Portland faces off against L.A. in what could be a glimpse into the future of the Western Conference championship series.

Los Angeles transformed last season to become one of the most complete teams in the league. And with a range of weapons at every position like Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher and gold medal winner, Kobe Bryant, the Lakers hope to start this season off with a solid victory.

Portland, an equally stacked squad, is debuting their long-awaited secret weapon this season, Greg Oden. The #1 draft pick of the 2007-087 has fully recovered from surgery that left him benched for his entire rookie season. Now he returns to join former Rookie of the Year winner Brandon Roy, Lamarcus Aldridge and Euroleague high flyer Rudy Fernandez with hopes of taking Portland to the top of the west.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, October 28
Portland vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

Wednesday, October 29
Phoenix vs. San Antonio @ 8:00pm ET

Thursday, October 30
Houston vs. Dallas @ 8:00pm ET

Friday, October 31
Chicago vs. Boston @ 8:00pm ET

Saturday, November 01
Cleveland vs. New Orleans @ 8:00pm ET

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:47:25 GMT

The 2008-09 Preseason heats up this week with hot new rookies and seasoned vets going head-to-head to get their season started off right.

Tuesday night pits LeBron James against Paul Pierce in a rematch from last season's Eastern Conference Semi-finals. During a close series, the Celtics faced a hungry Cavaliers squad, and both teams claimed victories on their home courts. With the series tied 3-3, Boston took advantage of home court energy in game 7 to knock Cleveland out of the tournament.

LeBron and his Cavaliers look to get a little payback on Pierce, and if it's anything like last season, these two are going to be in a shootout from buzzer to buzzer.

NBA Preseason

Monday, October 13
Oklahoma City vs. Houston @ 8:30pm ET

Tuesday, October 14
Boston vs. Cleveland @ 7:30pm ET

Wednesday, October 15
Houston vs. Memphis @ 8:00pm ET

Friday, October 16
Phoenix vs. Denver @ 7:30pm ET

Saturday, October 18
Regal FC Barcelona vs. L.A. Lakers @ 10:30pm ET

This Is Our Team: Kobe Bryant

GHarty — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:57:42 GMT

Kobe Bryant has been working his entire life for an opportunity like this. Is he the missing link between Team USA and the gold?

In 1992, the world watched as the Dream Team changed the game forever. Boys across America dreamed of greatness, to one day join the ranks of the greatest players in history. Those boys spent every waking moment on courts, the Dream Team in their thoughts, working to be the best.

Kobe was one of those kids.

In 1996, he announced his eligibility and was snatched up by Los Angeles. In his first season, he had the honor of playing against the legendary players from Dream Team 2, returning to the league from their complete domination at the games in Atlanta.

Over the course of the next few years, Kobe dedicated himself to the game entirely, becoming the strongest young shooting guard in the league, a go-to scorer for his team and a major defensive threat. The 2000 season brought Kobe his first championship ring, his second All-Star appearance as a starter, a spot on the All-NBA 2nd team and a top slot on the All-Defensive team. And as the 2000 U.S. national team came home with gold, many fans and critics were surprised he wasn't a part of it.

In the following seasons, Kobe elevated LA to the top of the league and led them to two consecutive championship rings. He was officially one of the league's best.

Then, Team USA experienced a fall that shook the basketball world to its foundations. The national team suffered three hard losses at the Summer Games in Greece, including a 19-point defeat to Puerto Rico.

During that time, Kobe was playing his best basketball yet. With his mind-blowing 81-point game against Toronto, another All-Star appearance, the scoring championship, the All-NBA team, and the All-NBA Defensive team, he drew the attention of USA Basketball. But due to knee surgery, he was forced to miss his first taste of the international game at the 2006 World Championships.

Team USA, lacking the chemistry, passion and dedication, fell to Greece and took home bronze.

Later that year, Kobe got a second chance. Joining the ranks of a hand-selected squad of NBA greats, he threw himself full-force into their practices. Last summer, he got the chance to represent at the 2007 FIBA Americas tournament in Vegas, a qualifying tournament for Beijing.

Team USA's head coach Mike Krzyzewski said, “In Kobe we have a great player who wants to represent his country as much as anybody and he's never had a chance. He's like a little kid in his enthusiasm to play. Kobe's presence here makes us more complete."

Against Argentina – the gold medal winners in 2004 – Kobe exploded for 27 points in a 91-76 win. For the tournament, he averaged over 15 points a game, shot 46% from 3-pt range and provided the leadership crucial to a team with so many superstars.

"We're out there to win a gold medal, so each of us is going to do whatever we have to do," Bryant said. "Winning a gold medal is at the top of the list for me."

And since last summer, Kobe has elevated his game to yet another plateau. He took a trip to New Orleans for an All-Star start, brought home the league MVP award, led his team to the best record in the Western Conference, and has positioned his team to win yet another championship.

And after a historic season like this one, there's only one thing left for Kobe to do. He knows the hopes a nation rest on his shoulders – and he has never been more ready. He's taking the international court for the first time in Beijing and taking back the basketball gold medal. He's been waiting his entire life for a year like this. Team USA has been waiting for the Black Mamba.

More on Kobe
Learn his Signature Moves >>

More on Team USA
See all Team USA Bio’s »
Browse the Olympic Histories »
Meet the Competition »