Shannon had an all-around great game last night but of course the highlights are his dunks. The 1st is an old skool alley-oop from Lamar Odom. Just a great heads up play. The second is an outlet pass from Derek Fisher that has him SKYING!! The final dunk is just STRAIGHT UP NASTY!! It's a put back of a free-throw miss by Andrew Bynum. Check out Shannon's walk after the dunk...SWAGGA!!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Lakers Make Visit to White House
Lakers Make Visit to White House
By Elliott Teaford, Staff Writer
Updated: 01/25/2010 11:48:12 PM PST
President Barack Obama smiles as he poses with members of the Lakers on Monday in the East Room of the White House. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press)
WASHINGTON - The Lakers took a field trip Monday afternoon. They met President Barack Obama and visited the White House as his guests in the East Room, smiling and laughing like giddy school children instead of NBA champions.
Obama hosted the Lakers players, coaches, staff and executives and assorted friends and family. He gave them a few chuckles and they gave him a gold-and-purple Lakers jersey with his name on the back and a signed basketball.
Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson represented the Lakers' ownership. General manager Mitch Kupchak joined them and the Lakers players and coaching staff. They all stood on risers behind the president, who spoke from behind a podium.
Gold drapes adorned the ballroom, which made it feel all the more comfortable for the Lakers. Obama seemed at ease while praising Kobe Bryant and Lakers coach Phil Jackson and bantering with Johnson.
The president also took a moment to thank Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol for their efforts in raising money for earthquake victims in Haiti. He shook hands with everyone on the stage and also greeted Bryant's daughters, Natalia and Gianna.
"I'm especially excited to meet Coach Phil Jackson, the Zen Master," Obama said during a 15-minute ceremony. "I've been a fan of Coach Jackson's ever since his days running the triangle offense in Chicago (Obama's adopted hometown).
"I want to congratulate him on his 10th NBA championship - the most in history. I do want to point out that six of them came with the Bulls." Obama then pantomimed Michael Jordan's classic layup in which he switched the ball from one hand to the other while in midair during the 1991 NBA Finals, when Jordan and the Bulls defeated Johnson and the Lakers.
"You remember that, Magic?" Obama said. Johnson laughed and said, "Yes, sir."
Later, downstairs in the Diplomatic Reception Room, a laughing Johnson told Lakers beat reporters he wanted to make a snappy retort, but thought better of trading trash-talk with "the most powerful man in the world."
"I got a kick out of that," Johnson said. "You know, what can you say when the President of the United States can trash- talk you? Normally, I have a pretty good comeback, but this time I had to let him slide.
"I had to let him slide, because he was right, Michael did do an incredible move."
Johnson said he was every bit as excited Monday as during his first visit to the White House while playing with the Lakers during the Showtime Era of the 1980s.
Many of the same feelings flooded over him as he waited to meet Obama.
"I was sweating just like I was sweating back then," Johnson said. "You were sweating to meet him. Sweating to shake his hand. Sweating because this is a great moment. I knew how special this moment was for all these guys. "It's a great day for them as young men. It's a great day for the organization. We'll see if we can get back here again. I don't think we'll ever have a president with as much basketball knowledge, with as much basketball skills and yet still run the world."
Obama praised Bryant, quoted Lamar Odom and wished Chicago native Shannon Brown well in the dunk contest during the NBA's All-Star Weekend next month.
Obama also lamented the fact that he was no longer an effective player now that he's nearly 49.
Before the ceremony began, Bryant said Obama spoke with the players "about sports, about Shannon winning the dunk contest. We talked about the Bulls. We talked about the Lakers. We talked about my (broken) finger. We talked about doing it again. He kind of came up to everybody individually and shook hands."
During the ceremony, Obama quoted Odom from the NBA Finals last June, recalling the versatile sixth man's words of unity while the Lakers chased the championship that eluded them when they lost to the Boston Celtics in 2008.
"We all kind of always saw that light," Obama recalled Odom saying after the Lakers dispatched the Orlando Magic in five games last June.
Obama also praised Bryant for playing at such a high level despite suffering a fractured right index finger last month.
"Of course, I have to recognize Kobe Bryant, one of the most competitive players I have ever seen," Obama said. "If I had a broken finger, I would have trouble getting out of bed in the morning."
Asked if his teammates appreciated the significance of the visit, Bryant nodded.
"Lamar is very emotional," Bryant said. "He actually went to see Obama speak at the Democratic Convention in Denver (in 2008). He was very emotional about that, so I know everybody understands the significance of it. It's great to see him."
President Barack Obama with Lakers guard Derek Fisher, left, and guard Kobe Bryant, center, on Monday. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)
By Elliott Teaford, Staff Writer
Updated: 01/25/2010 11:48:12 PM PST
President Barack Obama smiles as he poses with members of the Lakers on Monday in the East Room of the White House. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press)
WASHINGTON - The Lakers took a field trip Monday afternoon. They met President Barack Obama and visited the White House as his guests in the East Room, smiling and laughing like giddy school children instead of NBA champions.
Obama hosted the Lakers players, coaches, staff and executives and assorted friends and family. He gave them a few chuckles and they gave him a gold-and-purple Lakers jersey with his name on the back and a signed basketball.
Jeanie Buss and Magic Johnson represented the Lakers' ownership. General manager Mitch Kupchak joined them and the Lakers players and coaching staff. They all stood on risers behind the president, who spoke from behind a podium.
Gold drapes adorned the ballroom, which made it feel all the more comfortable for the Lakers. Obama seemed at ease while praising Kobe Bryant and Lakers coach Phil Jackson and bantering with Johnson.
The president also took a moment to thank Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher and Pau Gasol for their efforts in raising money for earthquake victims in Haiti. He shook hands with everyone on the stage and also greeted Bryant's daughters, Natalia and Gianna.
"I'm especially excited to meet Coach Phil Jackson, the Zen Master," Obama said during a 15-minute ceremony. "I've been a fan of Coach Jackson's ever since his days running the triangle offense in Chicago (Obama's adopted hometown).
"I want to congratulate him on his 10th NBA championship - the most in history. I do want to point out that six of them came with the Bulls." Obama then pantomimed Michael Jordan's classic layup in which he switched the ball from one hand to the other while in midair during the 1991 NBA Finals, when Jordan and the Bulls defeated Johnson and the Lakers.
"You remember that, Magic?" Obama said. Johnson laughed and said, "Yes, sir."
Later, downstairs in the Diplomatic Reception Room, a laughing Johnson told Lakers beat reporters he wanted to make a snappy retort, but thought better of trading trash-talk with "the most powerful man in the world."
"I got a kick out of that," Johnson said. "You know, what can you say when the President of the United States can trash- talk you? Normally, I have a pretty good comeback, but this time I had to let him slide.
"I had to let him slide, because he was right, Michael did do an incredible move."
Johnson said he was every bit as excited Monday as during his first visit to the White House while playing with the Lakers during the Showtime Era of the 1980s.
Many of the same feelings flooded over him as he waited to meet Obama.
"I was sweating just like I was sweating back then," Johnson said. "You were sweating to meet him. Sweating to shake his hand. Sweating because this is a great moment. I knew how special this moment was for all these guys. "It's a great day for them as young men. It's a great day for the organization. We'll see if we can get back here again. I don't think we'll ever have a president with as much basketball knowledge, with as much basketball skills and yet still run the world."
Obama praised Bryant, quoted Lamar Odom and wished Chicago native Shannon Brown well in the dunk contest during the NBA's All-Star Weekend next month.
Obama also lamented the fact that he was no longer an effective player now that he's nearly 49.
Before the ceremony began, Bryant said Obama spoke with the players "about sports, about Shannon winning the dunk contest. We talked about the Bulls. We talked about the Lakers. We talked about my (broken) finger. We talked about doing it again. He kind of came up to everybody individually and shook hands."
During the ceremony, Obama quoted Odom from the NBA Finals last June, recalling the versatile sixth man's words of unity while the Lakers chased the championship that eluded them when they lost to the Boston Celtics in 2008.
"We all kind of always saw that light," Obama recalled Odom saying after the Lakers dispatched the Orlando Magic in five games last June.
Obama also praised Bryant for playing at such a high level despite suffering a fractured right index finger last month.
"Of course, I have to recognize Kobe Bryant, one of the most competitive players I have ever seen," Obama said. "If I had a broken finger, I would have trouble getting out of bed in the morning."
Asked if his teammates appreciated the significance of the visit, Bryant nodded.
"Lamar is very emotional," Bryant said. "He actually went to see Obama speak at the Democratic Convention in Denver (in 2008). He was very emotional about that, so I know everybody understands the significance of it. It's great to see him."
President Barack Obama with Lakers guard Derek Fisher, left, and guard Kobe Bryant, center, on Monday. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Serena Williams Auctions Clothes For Haiti
http://theswf.org/92kmission.htm
Serena Williams has turned her punishment into a charitable opportunity by launching an online auction of her personal clothing and memorabilia in order to raise $92,000 for Haiti earthquake victims, as well as schools and charities.
The target equals Williams total fine for her profanity-laced outburst at a lineswoman during her semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters at the U.S. Open in September.
“The purpose of the mission is to turn a negative into a positive by educating and helping women, men and children so that they have a fighting chance,” Williams writes on the Web site of her charity, the Serena Williams Foundation.
Williams’ eBay auction began Monday with items including an autographed pair of sneakers that she wore in her championship run at the Australian Open last year, her 2008 Olympic team dress and a Phoenix Suns jersey signed by Steve Nash.
She announced the auction in December, shortly after she was fined a record $82,500 by the Grand Slam tournament for her profanity-laced outburst at a lineswoman during her semifinal loss to Kim Clijsters at the U.S. Open in September. She also paid a $10,000 penalty to the U.S. Tennis Association.
Williams said the idea for the auction came after the International Tennis Federation denied her request to donate some of her fine to charity.
The auction will run for 92 days, with new items up for sale each week.
The proceeds were originally designated for schools in the United States and Africa, but Williams decided last week to direct some of the money to victims of Haiti’s devastating earthquake.
Shannon Brown Officially Named To Dunk Contest 2010-Nate Robinson Attempts 3rd Championship...
Brown, Robinson, Wallace to compete in 2010 Sprite Slam Dunk
By Official release
Posted Jan 18 2010 12:44PM
NEW YORK -- 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk champion Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks will attempt to become the first three-time winner of the competition when he defends his title on NBA All-Star Saturday Night, Feb. 13, at American Airlines Center (8 p.m. ET on TNT) in Dallas. Robinson will compete against the Charlotte Bobcats' Gerald Wallace and the Los Angeles Lakers' Shannon Brown.
The 2010 Sprite Slam Dunk participants were unveiled today at a special event at New York's Pennsylvania Station, where artist Dan Dunn brought each player's image to life in a speed painting display on giant canvases.
2010 SPRITE SLAM DUNK COMPETITORS
Participant Team Pos. Ht. Wt.
Shannon Brown L.A. Lakers G 6-4 205
Gerald Wallace Charlotte F 6-7 220
Nate Robinson New York* G 5-9 180
DeMar DeRozan Toronto** G 6-7 220
Eric Gordon L.A. Clippers** G 6-3 222
* - indicates 2009 winner
** - will compete in the NBA All-Star Dunk-In to determine fourth dunker
The Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan and the Los Angeles Clippers' Eric Gordon will compete in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk-In, a single-round slam dunk competition that will be held at halftime of the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Friday, Feb. 12. Fans will be able to vote via SMS text message and at NBA.com to determine who will advance to the Sprite Slam Dunk the following night.
In Phoenix last year, Robinson, who also won the event in 2006 in Houston, edged defending champion Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, and in the process converted a dunk that became an instant classic. Robinson, who won the 2006 event by dunking over 1986 champ Spud Webb, used Howard as a prop this time around, slamming the ball through the hoop after leaping over the 6-11 center. Robinson's final dunk was a reverse alley-oop off the bounce that he brought down to his knees before stuffing it through.
"From capes and kryptonite to blowing out candles and leaping over legends, Sprite Slam Dunk has produced some of the most creative moments in NBA All-Star history," said Ellen Lucey, director, sports marketing, Coca-Cola North America. "It's only fitting that we reveal this year's dunkers with a spark of creativity as Nate, Gerald and Shannon prepare to wow fans by pushing their performance to new heights in Dallas."
The only back-to-back Slam Dunk champions were Chicago's Michael Jordan (1987, 1988) and the Golden State Warriors' Jason Richardson (2002, 2003). The only other two-time winners were Atlanta's Dominique Wilkins (1985, 1990) and Miami's Harold Minor (1993, 1995).
The two dunkers with the highest first round scores will advance to the final round. The dunker with the lowest total score from the first round will compete first in the final round. Dunks then will alternate until each player has completed two. Time limit rules still apply. In the final round, fan voting polls will open via SMS TXT message and at NBA.com. The combined results from SMS TXT voting and NBA.com will determine the champion.
The Sprite Slam Dunk and T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam are part of NBA All-Star 2010, which also includes the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk-In, Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout; Taco Bell Skills Challenge; Haier Shooting Stars; NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas; and the 59th NBA All-Star Game.
Sprite, the world's leading lemon-lime soft drink, has been the official soft drink of the NBA since 1994 and the title partner of the All-Star Slam Dunk competition since 2003.
Below is a list of previous winners Sprite Slam Dunk winners
SPRITE SLAM DUNK YEAR-BY-YEAR WINNERS
1984 -- Larry Nance, Phoenix
1985 -- Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta
1986 -- Spud Webb, Atlanta
1987 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago
1988 -- Michael Jordan, Chicago
1989 -- Kenny Walker, New York
1990 -- Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta
1991 -- Dee Brown, Boston
1992 -- Cedric Ceballos, Phoenix
1993 -- Harold Miner, Miami
1994 -- Isaiah Rider, Minnesota
1995 -- Harold Miner, Miami
1996 -- Brent Barry, L.A. Clippers
1997 -- Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
2000 -- Vince Carter, Toronto
2001 -- Desmond Mason, Seattle
2002 -- Jason Richardson, Golden State
2003 -- Jason Richardson, Golden State
2004 -- Fred Jones, Indiana
2005 -- Josh Smith, Atlanta
2006 -- Nate Robinson, New York
2007 -- Gerald Green, Boston
2008 -- Dwight Howard, Orlando
2009 -- Nate Robinson, New York
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