Nike Basketball News

The Collection WBF: Pau Gasol Hyperdunk 2010 PE

tonyhellberg1 — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:15:45 GMT

Full. Lateral. Support.

No big has feet like Pau Gasol. In fact, few players - of any size - posses the bearded Spaniard’s time-honed technique.

The reason is simple: championship pivot-points are often decided by the slimmest of margins. Think: Pau’s outstretched fingertips - the momentum-changing inches at the forefront of a Lakers’ dynasty.

The defending FIBA World Champions’ MVP. The two-time-defending NBA Champions’ centerpiece.

All of it starts with his feet.

When titles are on the line, his all-world game is proven.

Just like the technology behind the Pau Gasol WBF PE Hyperdunk 2010.

Los Angeles: All Together Now

TheLetterJ — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 03:45:11 GMT

Individually they are stars in their own right.

Kobe burns brightest, a collection of accolades that add up to having been part of the "best player alive" conversation for more than a decade. To arguments involving the "greatest of all time" tag line.

You know what's coming. You just can't stop it. On either end of the floor.

But Pau Gasol remade the Lakers into a complete, annual title contender. Consider that par for his career course: Rookie of the Year, All-Star, championship centerpiece.

A clinic in form and function. Footwork and technique of a man half his size.

And Lamar Odom morphs frontline size with backcourt skills, transforming between spots on the floor as easily as he transitions between the starting lineup and supersub.

The "Candyman" can. He makes the game taste good from every angle.

It's a point guard's duty to share; it's a leader's duty to come up big with the game on the line. Taking charges leads to bruised body parts. Dagger threes add up to Derek Fisher's championship rings.

Forgetting about the numbers. Caring only about the bottom line.

Shannon Brown's ability to mold his game to fit the unique adaptations of the Lakers' vaunted triangle - while turning all that athleticism into highlight reel defense - translates directly into his key rotational role.

Throwing it down. It more than rhymes with his game.

Together they are defending their crown.

Right-click and save the "All Together Now" wallpaper below.

The Moment: Spooky Kobe

TheLetterJ — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:57:52 GMT

Take their spooky 7-point halftime lead.

Even with 62 points at intermission, the Lakers left just enough malaise on the first two quarters for a palpable sense of worry to waft over the Staples Center air.

Kobe's baseline jumper to beat the first half buzzer should have been the first clue.

If it wasn't, he made sure the entire 3rd quarter reduced any level of Western Conference Finals wonder - to be replaced simply by amazement.

The Moment is about the process of turning a spooky halftime lead into a 12-minute stretch of masterpiece basketball theater.

It's about Kobe - who barely spent a minute on the practice floor all week - unveiling every part of his repertoire exactly when the Lakers needed it most. The ruthless efficiency of the vaunted triangle; the ultimate puppeteer calling - and taking - the shots.

In the interim: 21 points that felt like 100. A single win that feels like two.

As commanding as a one-game series lead can be.

The Moment as further supporting evidence of the league's most-talented supporting cast:

Lamar Odom's career-postseason-high 19 rebounds paired neatly with Pau Gasol's ho-hum 21 points.

The Moment as further testimony of the league’s most-lethal postseason leading man.

The Moment: Inside Man

TheLetterJ — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:16:53 GMT

Halftime leads are one thing. Big margins at intermission often lend themselves to runaway victories.

But in the playoffs, no lead is ever really safe - especially when the league's scoring champion stars for the other team.

Players like Kevin Durant don't ever need an invitation to start shooting down leads.

Enter: Pau Gasol's third quarter.

Exit: a dominant swing game win.

15 points from the 7-foot Spaniard helped the Lakers push their comfort level to Game 5 absolution. But The Moment wasn't simply about making shots - it was about continuing to break Oklahoma City's collective heart.

Tap-ins.

Put-backs.

And misses that resulted in a virtuoso big-man game of ping-pong around the rim.

When Gasol takes his game to these heights - this vertically blessed ballet down in the purple paint - The Moment serves as a reminder to the rest of the West's best:

Kobe is far from the only reason that the Lakers are the defending champs.

The Collection 3.0: Air Max Hyperize Pau Gasol

TheLetterJ — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:57:37 GMT

This season, Pau Gasol averaged 18.3 points and 11.3 rebounds, the first time in his career he averaged a double-double.

The NBA Playoffs have been no different, as Pau is averaging 18.5 points and 11.0 rebounds.

Take a look at the Air Max Hyperize designed for Pau.

The Collection 3.0: Hyperize Pau Gasol

TheLetterJ — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 09:36:13 GMT

Pau Gasol scored a season-high 32 points on Sunday, but the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the San Antonio Spurs. This year, Pau is averaging a career-high 11.2 rebounds to go along with 17.5 points and 3.3 assists.

Take a look at the Hyperize Pau has been wearing this season.

All-Star Round-Up: Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks

TheLetterJ — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:56 GMT

The 2010 Eastern and Western Conference NBA All-Star starters will be announced on Thursday, January 21 - right before a game between the Lakers and the Cavaliers. One week later, on January 28, the remaining All-Stars will be named, after the the results of each conference's coaches vote are announced.

nikebasketball.com will be taking a look at players from all over the league, and stating the case on why specific players have earned a vote from the coaches.

Today: The Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.

Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe Bryant

Season stats: 29.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.90 SPG

Before any numbers are allocated, spoken of and/or debated - one could, say, argue that Kobe is playing at an even higher level than his 2008 MVP season - it should be noted: dude’s doing it all with a broken finger. The former scoring champ currently sits third among league leaders; the perennial All-Defensive Team member is also sixth in steals. Add it all up and the Lakers' .763 winning percentage leads the pack. That's what happens when the Black Mamba enters The Zone.

Pau Gasol

Season stats: 16.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 1.73 BPG, 55.4%FG

Hamstrung by alternating bad wheels, Gasol has only played in 22 games. Had he appeared in enough contests to qualify, Gasol would currently preside at his annual level among the league's most-skilled and efficient bigs: Top-15 in blocked shots, Top-10 in field goal percentage and third overall in rebounding. His November return to the Lakers' lineup immediately coincided with a 10-game winning streak. Overall, the Lakers won 15 of the first 16 games Gasol played in. 14 double-doubles - including three 20-rebound efforts - in 22 outings ain’t bad.

Lamar Odom

Season stats: 9.5 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.9 APG

Super-sub at any of the five positions. Starter in a pinch - evidenced by 21 trips out for the opening tip due to ailing teammates. Odom is nearly averaging a double-double on the season for a reason: he's already recorded 10 of them. Whether he's flashing those point guard roots on the Lake Show break or annihilating the offensive glass for back-breaking putbacks, Odom's play is a big reason the Lakers have spent the season's first half challenging Cleveland for the league's best record.

New York Knicks

David Lee

Season stats: 18.9 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 3.1 APG, 56.9% FG

Death. Taxes. And David Lee double-doubles. Approaching the hallowed 20/10 benchmark of the NBA's truly elite, Lee is about to blow the roof off of his trademark "all-hustle" game and enter the realm of simply lethal frontcourt players. Displaying extended shooting range - without forgetting the "true banger" ethos that endeared him to the New York faithful - Lee is perhaps the biggest reason that the Knicks are one of 2010's most surprising squads. He currently holds Top-10 marks for total rebounds and field goal percentage and a Top-5 ranking on the defensive glass.

Who do you think deserves a trip to Dallas from these teams?

Play With Heart Moments: November 19, 2009

TheLetterJ — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:51:24 GMT

Rashard Lewis provided one of Wednesday's Play With Heart Moments when he returned to the court.

On Thursday night, it was time for Pau Gasol to make his regular-season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers. Gasol got off to a quick start, scoring 10 of his team's first 13 points. In 34 minutes, Gasol would finish up with 24 points and 13 rebounds, as the Lakers beat the Bulls 108-93.

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Don't just play. Play With Heart. See what Playing With Heart means to LeBron James, and pledge your heart to the game.

The Finals: Game 4 Recap

GoodN81 — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:15:16 GMT

The Lakers 99-91 Game 4 victory last night over the Orlando Magic marked the first time since 1984 that two NBA Finals games went into overtime.

And needless to say, this game did not disappoint.

Starting out just as powerfully as they had ended Game 3, it was obvious that the Magic came out of the gates with a fierce determination to keep up that game's incredible shooting percentages and tie up the series.

But then came halftime.

Down by 12, the Lakers launched into an unstoppable 3rd quarter counter-attack, resulting in numerous Orlando turnovers that Kobe and company gladly capitalized upon. As regulation minutes were winding down in the 4th, the two teams jostled for the lead. Trevor Ariza kept the Lakers involved with keydefensive rebounds that limited Orlando's second chance attempts. And with the Lakers down by three and only about 6 seconds remaining Derek Fisher knocked down what would be one of two clutch 3-pointers to send the game in to overtime. During the extra minutes the Magic fought to take back control, but the combined Laker effort and another key Fisher 3-pointer with :31 seconds left on the clock helpd the Lakers clinch the Game 5 victory.

Ending the game with 32 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists, Kobe and the Lakers are one game away from capturing the NBA Championship title that eluded them just a year ago. For the Magic, the threat of seeing their incredible season come to an end is looming as they return to Los Angeles. With so much to play for on both sides, expect nothing but great basketball on Sunday night when Game 5 tips off.

The Finals: Game 3 Recap

GoodN81 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:29:49 GMT

The Orlando Magic officially arrived at the NBA Finals Tuesday night. In fact, you might even say they blew the doors open.

With 75% shooting from the floor in the first half and 62.5% in the game overall, the Magic set not one, but two field goal percentage records last night to make their mark on NBA Finals history.

Leading the scoring charge for Orlando was Rashard Lewis with 21 points and great team defense helped the Magic keep LA at bay.

But it wasn't easy as the Lakers didn't go down without a fight.
Pau Gasol’s 23 points from 9 of 11 shots and Kobe's game high 31 points and 8 assists, helped keep LA on pace with the lights out shooting of the Magic making the game close to the very end.

Going into Game 4, look for the Lakers to try to set the table for a championship win in LA with a game 4 win. Meanwhile the Magic, will definitely aim to replicate the shooting history they made last night to even up the series.

The Finals: Games 1 & 2 Recap

GoodN81 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:36:13 GMT

Want to make a statement in the first game of the NBA Finals? Try dropping 40 pts, 8 ast and 8 reb. That’s exactly how Kobe led the Lakers to a game 1 victory against Orlando last week. That triple double flirtation complimented by strong play from Pau Gasol and great numbers off the bench from Lamar Odom, set the tone for the 100-75 victory.

Determined to head back to Orlando with the series tied up, the Magic returned to the Staples Center for Game 2 looking for revenge.

Unfortunately for them, LA brought their own brand of ferocity back to the court that night.

Energized by the clutch late-game shots of Pau, the Lakers were able to take control of the court in OT and survive a resurgent Magic squad that could've won in regulation but for a alley-oop lay-up that missed by inches. As overtime wore on, even the heroics of Rashard Lewis wasn’t enough to combat the team play of the purple and gold.

Tonight the party moves to Orlando, as the Magic try get their first Finals victory in franchise history. At the same time look for Kobe and company to try and draw one game closer to the title.

The Collection: Zoom Kobe IV iD Lakers Edition

GoodN81 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:40:46 GMT

It wasn’t just Kobe's kicks that were different last Thursday night.

During the 100-75 rout of the Orlando Magic, the supporting cast of The Lake Show could be seen dominating both sides of the court wearing NikeiD Zoom Kobe IVs, customized specifically for the NBA Finals.

On route to an important game 1 victory, the unstoppable teamwork of Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, Josh Powell and Shannon Brown was intensified by the one-of-a-kind combination of purple and yellow on a gleaming white base.

Next Tuesday, when the squad laces up in Orlando they’ll be sporting their Kobe IVs in a colorway designed for the road, also customized through NikeiD. Both styles are available for purchase or you can create your own at NikeiD.

The Family: L.A. Silences the Jazz

Hotnix — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:53:11 GMT

No man can do it alone. That’s the lesson the Lakers have learned. And it’s a lesson they continued to put into practice as the entire squad stepped up to shut down the Jazz.

Last night was the night. Los Angeles was determined to end a series that perhaps they should’ve sweeped. And from the moment they hit the floor they smothered Utah on both offense and defense, pushing the lead to as much as 22 point.

The big story is Lamar Odom, who for most of the game led all scorers. His silky smooth 26 points were matched with 15 hard fought rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots.

And despite a reported ankle injury, Trevor Ariza looked 100% as he terrorized Utah with 2 monster blocked shots that translated to easy fast break points, seven rebounds, a steal and 12 solid points.

The L.A. big men dominated throughout the series, overpowering Utah’s undersized front court. Last night Pau Gasol continued his All-star worthy season with a 17 point, 11 rebound performance. And although Andrew Bynum is still finding his way back to health, his size and presence was felt early on.

But what’s the postseason without a little drama? After spending most of the game leading by as much as 22, the Lakers got a little too comfortable. And the Jazz made their move. Led By Deron Williams’ quick feet and the relentless offense and defense of Andrei Kirelinko, Ronnie Brewer and Matt Harpring, they were able to close the gap to 10.

Kobe wasn’t having it. He spent the night picking pockets, defying gravity and breaking tackles on his way to scoring by any means necessary. After a an impossible fadeaway jumper in the last seconds of the first half, and a third quarter fast break a collision with a ref, he racked up 31 points and five steals to close out the Jazz 107-96.

The Family: Playoffs Preview

Hotnix — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:45:45 GMT

With the regular season just about history, it’s time to turn our attention toward the Greatest Show On Earth, aka the postseason. Two months of intense desire, amazing finishes, and furious battles. The games are played with the sure knowledge that anything less than full effort means a premature end to championship dreams.

Let’s begin our look ahead with the team that came up just short last season, and is gearing up to erase that bitter ending from their collective memory—the Los Angeles Lakers. Showtime is back on the coast, as the #1 seed out west is favored to make it back to the ultimate round.

Leading the way…well, you already know about Kobe Bryant. Great talent, sure, but also an incredible competitive streak, a ferocious defender, and a player who can will his team to victory, either in a game or a series. Simply put, Kobe has to be accounted for at all times, even when he’s taking a breather on the sideline—just his glare from the bench gets his teammates motivated.

One of those sidekicks is critical to L.A. making that leap to winning it all. Andrew Bynum was just shoving his way into the elite big man category when he went down with a knee injury. Fortunately, it wasn’t as serious as the one he suffered last season, when he missed that showdown with Boston. Bynum has made his return, and should provide the missing piece to the puzzle in the paint. L.A. was brutalized inside by the Green Machine last year—that won’t happen with Bynum around.

The Bryant and Bynum combo isn’t all L.A. has to offer. Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom were pushed around pretty good by Boston’s bigs last year, and they are eager for redemption. Gasol has been berserk this campaign, averaging just shy of 20 and 10. Thursday night, with Bynum back and occupying defenders, Pau pounded Denver to the tune of 27 points and 19 rebounds, his third double-double in four games. Odom is always a double-double threat every night, too, showing a rare ball-handling, shooting, post-up versatility. More importantly, the tandem has taken the opportunity to establish more of an inside presence in Bynum’s absence. That’s some serious size and length L.A. can throw at teams when all three are playing, and playing well.

Another player who will be more of a factor this time around is Trevor Ariza. The 6’8” forward has given his team a little of everything this year—a scoring option, solid defense, smart rebounding, and a step up in “want-to.” L.A. has depth to spare, and Ariza is the best of the subs.

Nothing is guaranteed in this league, but it will be a surprise if the purple and gold aren’t in the final two.

The Family: Versus

Hotnix — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:05:29 GMT

The Lakers are seven games ahead of their closest competition in the conference, but as unstoppable as they may seem, recent losses to Phoenix, Denver and Portland show they still have some work to do before they face the Spurs Thursday.

L.A. has had a phenomenal season. Coming off a devastating Finals loss to Boston last season, the reigning MVP Kobe Bryant and February's Player of the Month Pau Gasol are leading their team to 50W-13L, the best record in the league. Recently they've suffered some unexpected losses to teams that aren't as seasoned or deep, casting a shadow over their seemingly guaranteed spot in the Finals. With Kobe's 28 point average, Gasol's 18.4 points a game and the best bench in the game, they're fighting to keep fewer losses than Boston and stay miles ahead of the competition.

Since 1999, The Spurs have been a constant figure at the top of their division, winning six titles and 4 league championships in 10 years. As their veteran center continues to dominate on offense and defense while Tony Parker averages 21 points and 6.7 rebounds, they remain a threat to the Lakers success. But after a rocky start to the season due to injuries, and with the league's reigning Sixth Man of the Year Manu Ginobili out, can the 42-20 Spurs close the gap on L.A.?

How much longer can L.A. keep the San Antonio at bay? Thursday night, the two teams collide for the Western conference.

It gets wild in the west starting Thursday at 8:00pm.

NBA Regular Season

Tuesday, March 10

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

Wednesday, March 11

Houston vs. Utah vs. 9:00pm ET

Thursday, March 12

L.A. Lakers vs. San Antonio @ 8:00pm ET

Friday, March 13

Cleveland vs. Boston @ 8:00pm ET

Saturday, March 14

Detroit vs. Atlanta @ 7:00pm ET

Sunday, March 15

Orlando vs. Boston @ 1:00pm ET