Barack Obama, Basketball Fan

These next two weeks will be dominated in the United States by the Democratic Convention, followed in the first week of September by the Republican Convention. For the last two years this country has watched a winnowing down process that will result in the Democrats nominating Illinois Senator Barack Obama, and the GOP handing the mantle over to Arizona Senator John McCain. I have no interest in exploring the two candidates political views, this is not the place for that. Besides, that is not why you come here or to our sister site Slam Dunk Central. This is a Basketball Website, there are a myriad of other sites you can go to for political discussion.

However, as far as I am aware Barack Obama would be the first United States President who is an avid hoops fan. Basketball is a huge part of Mr. Obama's life, he plays all the time on the campaign trail. He is so passionate about playing that on "Super Tuesday" reports indicate that he made sure time was allocated for him to play! The Senator along with his "Body Man" Reggie Love, play with Secret Service Agents every day since he has been running for President.

The Senator played basketball in high school according to the "The Honolulu Advertiser." Reportedly his nickname at Punahou School in Hawaii was "O'Bomber." And he was said to be known for his left-hand, double-pump shot. Now we know President Bush is big into baseball, in fact he was a former owner of the Texas Rangers. JFK, used to have touch football games on the White House lawn. If the Senator is elected might we see a "Presidential Basketball Court"? And tell me you are not already salivating at the thought of LeBron James taking on the President of the United States, in a game of H.O.R.S.E. Or even better, LBJ and the President going two on two against Reggie Love and Kobe?

Since the early days of the 20th Century the U.S. President has thrown a baseball from the stands on Opening Day of the MLB season. How about President Obama throwing up the first tip of the NBA season? The game could be held between the Washington Wizards and the previous NBA Champion!

Speaking of the Wizards, is the Senator a Wizards fan, or a Chicago Bulls fan? Let's remember he went to Columbia University, and Harvard Law School. Could he be a Knicks or a Celtics fan? Who does he think is better LeBron or Kobe? Who would the Senator prefer as a center, Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell? Did you hear one question during the debates asking Mr. Obama who he thinks the greatest NBA head coach of all time is? Is he "Old School" and favor Red Auerbach, or lean towards Phil Jackson? Do you hear any of these hard hitting questions being raised by anybody on the political campaign trail? These are the questions I as a basketball fan want answered, and I'm sure you do also!

So as I wrote at the top, of this article I would never use this forum to impose my political views on you. However, if you are a basketball fan over 18 living in the United States the answer is clear. A vote for Barack Obama in November is a vote for basketball!

Lakers have "Koombayah Meeting" with a "Peace Pipe"

Kobe was fun, airy and sarcastic about a peace pipe during an interview yesterday, but still said "this thing is far from over." I'm not sure I completely agree with him, but I'm hoping he or the refs can at least extend it out a couple more games.

I will say, as I watched this interview, this doesn't seem like the Kobe we grew accustomed to all season long. This one has become a little goofy and also seems to be lacking the killer instinct that resurrected an entire franchise. I've been bagging on the role players all series long, but when do I start holding the MVP accountable? Now.

It's time Kobe! How many posts have I written in the last week predicting you to blow up and score 40, 50, or 60+? I wanted something to remember from this NBA Finals, I wanted the comparisons of Jordan to continue because it really pisses people off, I wanted people to debate whether or not you were in the top 5 of all-time NBA players because I love controversy, and I just wanted more damn basketball. If you don't come out, distribute, score and squirm your face like you mean it I'm going to...cry.

Maybe you should come out tonight in the old no. 8 jersey? Maybe you should put on the short throwback shorts? Maybe you should pull out a newspaper clipping of the Colorado incident? At this point, you just need to do something, Kobe, that will give you some of that fire back. I don't want the joking, fun, and sarcastic Kobe that is down 3 games to 1. I want the Mamba.

Poll Results: You really want Kobe to have another ring?

Our most recent poll has closed and it was successful enough to call on a post!

We asked our readers to pick "Which player they would like to see win a ring this year?" And the results are...

• Kobe Bryant: 54% (64 votes)
• Kevin Garnett: 28% (35 votes)
• Paul Pierce: 6% (8 votes)
• Ray Allen: 6% (8 votes)
• Derek Fisher: 3% (4 votes)
• Sam Cassell: 1% (2 votes)

Overwhelmingly Kobe huh? It's interesting after everything this guy has been through, he still demands such a following. Number one in jersey sales (remember he did switch numbers though), huge Nike deal, tons of commercials, an MVP, and more Jordan comparisons than ever. It was just a couple of years ago that Kobe was hated on a national and possibly global level (aside from China). It was also just last year that this guy was demanding things like a spoiled child, yet the LA fans can't help but chant "M-V-P" every chance they get.

I'll admit that he's been growing on me as a basketball player, but the rest of the baggage that comes with him still has me baffled.

Your thoughts? Why did you vote for Kobe? Are you ready for someone to surpass Jordan as the best ever? Do you just hate KG? Shout it!

O.P.O.T.D: Not MJ

Opinion Pic of the Day: The Debate

The 9 Faces of Kobe Bryant

As Kobe Bryant dropped another 50 point performance on the league today I could not help but ponder how great he truly is. Today marked his 22nd game with at least 50 points and he absolutely dominated the Mavericks every time the Lakers needed him too. He is unstoppable.

So during my Sunday pondering session I started to think about the comparisons we hear every so often between Bryant and Michael Jordan. The way he dribbles, the way he fades, the way he points to teammates and the way he shoots all become more Jordan-esque as he ages. One thing that really started to stand out though was all of those damn facial expressions he makes. And actually, I think the facial expressions have started to set Kobe apart, putting him into uncharted territory.

There are few players that actually have 9 different facial expressions in their repertoire let alone the ability to whip out that many in one 50 point outting! Kobe has it all doesn't he? (I can't believe I just admitted that...)

Here is your list:


9. The "Best Dressed"




8. The "Hi Vanessa!"

7. The "What? You actually called something against the Lakers?"





6. The "How can I Mamba your #$%?"

5. The "Yep, Uh Huh."

4. The "Hey Javy!"

3. The "Posterized"

2. The "Jail Bird"

1. The "MJ"

One day we'll be saying, "This guy is the next Kobe."