Blogamole › Kobe Bryant

By Sharmaine Jones

Following a stellar 50-point, 11-rebound game on Monday, Carmelo Anthony has become the hottest commodity in the NBA. And with the Feb. 24 trade deadline looming and numerous teams interested, the ball is now bouncing in the All-Star forward's court.

The New York native wants out of Denver, preferably to play back home in the Big Apple.

"That's like the ultimate dream at the end of the day," Anthony told ESPN. "Who wouldn't want to go back home to play?"

While the obvious transaction would involve a trade between the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers are making their bid in the 'Melo sweepstakes. The Knicks offered a package deal that would send forward Wilson Chandler to Denver, but, according to ESPN, the Lakers mustered up a package that would include center Andrew Bynum.

"There have been discussions between the two teams," one source said. "The Lakers are definitely an option."

To bring Anthony to Los Angeles, the Lakers would almost have to pull a rabbit out of their hat. With the Nuggets insisting on first-round picks, the Lakers would have to involve a third team in the deal. But if they can satisfy the Nuggets' terms, we may see Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant in the Lakers backcourt, Pau Gasol at center and Carmelo and Lamar Odom at the forward positions. The Miami Heat's “Big 3” would pale in comparison.

As for Anthony's dream of playing in New York, the fact that he and his wife La La bought a house in L.A. valued at nearly $2 million last summer could mean that he's just as cool with living in Cali.

With his fate still undetermined for a few more weeks, we have to wonder about the timing of the Lakers' offer. Is it merely coincidence that their offer became public so soon after the Knicks' bid, or are the Nuggets employing scare tactics to get more out of the deal?

Where would you rather see Carmelo Anthony play, with the Knicks or the Lakers? Tell us what you think in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Andrew Bynum, basketball, Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, New York Knicks, Wilson Chandler

By Michael Lopez

Oh how we wish this was a feature film! Unfortunately the Kobe Bryant and Robert Rodriguez Black Mamba collaboration is just a high-profile commercial for Nike shoes. But it’s set to be one heck of a TV spot. Kanye West, Bruce Willis and Danny Trejo are all in the cast list for this epic court battle.

So far, Nike's released :30 teasers to build buzz for the six-minute film. Set to debut during this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend, the Black Mamba promises explosions, helicopters and wild-eyed zombies on the court.

Best of all, it looks like Danny Trejo’s Machete may pop in for an appearance too. We’re totally guessing here, but it is being made by the same team that created the 2010 cult classic. The style of the trailer (and that distinctive Trejo growl) make this promo seem very Machete-esque.

One other interesting thing to point out about Machete is that it too started as a short trailer. Originally featured in the Robert Rodriguez film Grindhouse, its underground popularity led the filmmaker to expand it into a full-length feature film. Let’s hope the same kind of buzz works with Black Mamba!

Are you excited about Kobe Bryant’s Black Mamba spot? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags basketball, Black Mamba, Bruce Willis, Danny Trejo, Hot Stuff, Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, Nike, Robert Rodriguez, Sports

By Sharmaine Jones

Your votes are in! The NBA announced the starting lineups Thursday, Jan. 27, for the 2011 NBA All-Star game.

The most entertaining game of the NBA season will be held Feb. 20 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, so its befitting that Lakers guard Kobe Bryant earned the most votes, with more than 2.3 million. Bryant is no stranger to the All-Star game — he's won the All-Star MVP twice and this will make his thirteenth consecutive appearance.

New Orleans guard Chris Paul will join the vet in the Western Conference back-court; the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony and last year's scoring champion Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who is appearing in his first All-Star game, will man the forward positions; and the Houston Rockets' Yao Ming made the cut at center, but will miss the game because of an injury. NBA commissioner David Stern will announce Ming's replacement, but we're rooting for Minnesota Timberwolves' forward/center Kevin Love. He's well deserving after an impressive first half averaging 21.6 points and 15.7 rebounds.

Miami Heat teammates Dwyane Wade and LeBron James will represent the Eastern Conference at the guard and forward positions respectively, Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose will fill the other guard slot and Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard will play in the center position. New York Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire beat out Boston Celtics ' Kevin Garnett to claim the remaining forward position. Stoudemire was sure to tweet credit where credit is due:

“Thanks to all my Amazing fans, you guys have made this a special year in NY. All-Star isn't possible w/o my teammates. Thanks 2 my TEAMMATES”

Although we're excited to see the West avenge their 139-141 loss to the East last year, we're even more excited for this years Sprite Slam Dunk contest. Powerhouse dunker and rookie phenom Blake Griffin is set to contend, with the league's most popular player, Kobe Bryant, taking notice. Kobe tweeted:

“Got to say congrats on a break out game for @BlakeGriffin I'm watching big fella”

If Griffin dunks anything like does during actual games, basketball fans are in for a real treat!

Who did you vote for? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags All-Star Game, Amare Stoudemire, basketball, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, NBA, Yao Ming

By Sharmaine Jones

In critical Game 5 last night (June 13), the Celtics were able to withstand a 38 point onslaught from Kobe Bryant to beat the Lakers 92-86 and move within one victory of an unprecedented 18th NBA Title. The Celtics lead the best-of-seven series 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Tuesday (June 15) at 9 PM ET on ABC.

With the “Beat L.A.!” chant resonating through the TD Garden, Kevin Garnet scored 18 points and 10 rebounds, Rajon Rondo delivered 18 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, and Paul Pierce added a team high (27 points) to help Boston become the first team to win two games in a row in the series. They showed poise and cohesion, hustling the Lakers on both ends of the floor.

This is the third straight year the current defending NBA Champion Lakers are in the NBA Finals. They defeated the Orlando Magic four games to one in the 2009 Finals but lost to the Celtics the last time the two teams met for the Championship in 2008.

Read more...

Tags 2010, finals, Game 5, Kobe Bryant, NBA, recap

George Lopez's new late night show Lopez Tonight premieres esta noche on TBS.  Joining Lopez for the premiere episode are actress, friend, and fellow Chicana, Eva Longoria Parker, talk show host and "American Idol" judge, Ellen DeGeneres, NBA all-star, Kobe Bryant and Grammy Award-winning rock legend, Carlos Santana. That's some red-hot talento he's got lined up... WAH PAH! We're impressed!

This is the perfect time for George to join the late night race. With Conan O'Brien wavering in ratings, and David Letterman tangled up in that inter-office romance/blackmail lawsuit, we think it's about time for a Latino to take over and add some spice to late night!

Que creen?  Will you tune-in? [TBS]

Photo via Facebook

Tags Carlos Santana, Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria Parker, George Lopez, Kobe Bryant, late night show, Lopez Tonight, TBS