The Hyperactive schedule will definitely be a test on Kobe and some of the nagging injuries he’s had since last season.  Bryant ranks 3^rd most games played amongst active players. No one in NBA history has played in more Christmas day games than Kobe (14). He has scored 27,874 points, which is most in Lakers history, most among active players, and is currently 6^th on the all-time scoring list. Even with the shortened season, Bryant should pass former teammate Shaquille O’Neal, who is only about 800 points ahead, all-time. Kobe was the youngest player in NBA history to reach 25,000 points.

Bryant played with out hesitation to start the game, was very active and vocal, realizing that with this seasons squad, he’ll have to be as dynamic and effective as he’s been in years.  Wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm and no brace on his recently injured wrist, Kobe looked fluid for the most part, knocking down timely jump shots and displayed great footwork. Ligament damage is tough, especially in the shooting wrist, but over the course of the game, the injury never seemed apparent.

Playing through injury Kobe finished with a game high 28 points, adding 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.  The Lakers were up 9 points with 2 minutes to go, but missed free throws and untimely turnovers lead to a Derrick Rose hook shot with 4 seconds left.  Since 2001 Bryant has hit 19 game-tying or go-ahead FG in the last 5 seconds of the 4^th quarter/overtime (Most in NBA) and looked for some more magic, but was denied, as he was triple teamed driving to the basket.  The Bulls 7-0 run to close the game deprived the Lakers community of a Christmas day present.

“I saw a lot of positive things,” Bryant said. “Defensively, we were terrific. We did a good job, and we’re just going to get better. We’re going to be very good defensively.”

Look for the Lakers to rebound against the Kings Monday night in Sacramento.

By Alexious Osumenya

Kobe Bryant on WhoSay

Nike pulls the curtain back on the making of the Nike Kobe VII System Supreme with a detailed discussion with Kobe Bryant and Nike creative director Eric Avar. Topics range from good design balancing science and art, performance versatility in footwear, the creative process and the evolution of Kobe’s signature line.

Launching December 22, the Nike Kobe VII System Supreme is a performance system allowing players to customize the shoe, switching ankle support and midfoot cushioning. The Nike Kobe VII (7) System Supreme edition includes two interchangeable insert options allowing players to switch out the cushioning and ankle support to match their style of play.

ATTACK FAST

If a player’s game is based on speed, there is the Attack Fast insert that features a Phylon midsole with Nike Zoom units in the forefoot and heel for the ultimate in lightweight responsiveness. It also has a low-cut, power-stretch cuff that hugs the foot for support. Its sock-like fit eliminates the need for a traditional tongue and innersleeve, keeping the shoe lightweight.

ATTACK STRONG

For games that get intense and physical in the paint, there is the Attack Strong insert. It offers a full-length Cushlon midsole and an ankle cuff for a plush, comfortable ride with great support. The sensory cuffs are made of an engineered power-stretch material that is padded and perforated for comfort and ventilation.

These two midsole options allow players to customize footwear during practice or in a game to meet their performance needs. The Nike Kobe VII System Supreme offers similar performance fit and feel as the Kobe V and Kobe VI, but offers a different look and includes additional performance customization. In addition to the customizable insert options, next-generation Flywire technology provides lock-down support, a 3-D heel clip offers enhanced support, and a glass reinforced composite shank in the midsole gives responsive midfoot support.

The Nike Kobe VII also tells a predator story that’s inspired by Kobe’s predator-like instinct. Predator patterns comes to life in the cast polyurethane outer shell as a “skin” simulating the look of three predator patterns mixed together – the Leopard, Great White Shark and Black Mamba. This raised skin pattern lives on each shoe.

Separately, a graphic pattern also lives under the “skin” on some colorways. These color graphics are available for five different predators – the Leopard, Great White Shark, Poison Dart Frog and Grey Wolf.

NIKEiD will bring full customization to the Kobe VII System this year, featuring multiple ways to build the system. Customization options include choices for fit, cushioning and colors. An exclusive sneak preview of the Kobe VII System iD debuts on December 12 via NIKEiD’s Facebook page. Full customization of the Kobe VII System and component insert is available beginning December 22 on NIKEiD.com.

Nike has partnered with the videogame NBA 2K12, from 2K Sports, to integrate the Nike Zoom Kobe VII System. Beginning December 22 within the NBA 2K12 videogame, the shoe will release in unison with key retailers. Additional Kobe VII colorways will launch in the game at key moments throughout the year.

In addition to the Nike Kobe VII Supreme System, the Kobe VII is also sold in the Attack Fast version featuring the low-cut cuff and Nike Zoom air, without the Attack Strong insert.

Nike Kobe VII System Supreme: $180

Attack Fast and Attack Strong version. Comes with two midsoles and sleeve heights. The Attack Fast midsole contains Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel. The Attack Strong midsole is Cushlon, and contains no air.

Nike Zoom Kobe VII System: $140

The Attack Fast version. Comes with a single midsole with Zoom Air in the forefoot and heel.

Kobe Bryant has always been the type of person that will help out someone in need, whether it’s on or off the court. This time around, he is helping those right outside the stadium.

Bryant, who formed the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation back in June along with his wife, served as the honorary chairman of the United Way Homeless 5K Walk/Run at Exposition Park in Los Angeles. With the Black Mamba, the event drew in a record amount of participants with over 5,000 people who pledged to raise $100 at the very least per person.

Kobe told the press during an interview, “We have to do a better job of letting them know we care about them and letting them know we’re here to support them.” He added, “There are things we take for granted on daily basis, like getting up in the morning and eating breakfast and taking a shower that are inconsistencies for them on a day-to-day basis.”

Kobe Bryant made his way to the world famous Wild Card Gym to pay a visit to pound-for-pound boxing king, Manny Pacquiao. As PacMan was training for his upcoming match with Juan Manuel Marquez, the Black Mamba was sitting ringside as one champion looked upon another. Pacquiao sparred against three different sparring partners with Bryant watching his every move for about an hour.

Bryant was able to meet and have a conversation with Pacquiao’s legendary trainer, Freddie Roach. “He’s a nice guy,” Roach told reporters about Kobe. “We talked a little bit. I enjoyed meeting him. He didn’t get a chance to talk to Manny that much because the training was about to start when he arrived.”

The Black Mamba and PacMan have met before because of a commercial shoot for Nike, and Kobe has shared his respect for Manny Pacquiao. “I love his tenacity,” Bryant told Philippine reporters in July about Pacquiao. “I love his competitiveness, you know what I mean?”

“Rockin’ the VII’s today…” -Kobe