New Shoes Round 1:

My new shoes feel fantastic! And if they have the same effect on my off-the-screen shooting, then I may be in for an era of Rip Hamilton like guard play. I don't know if it was the extended warmup time while we waited for enough people to show up to even run 2s, or if the extended time off had a positive effect on things, but I made the most of the flashiest shoes I'v ever owned.
Besides the good shooting, I noticed that my body was noticeably less willing to make and absorb contact. I might have been a little too tired to be playing, but I could feel a difference in the beating that my body was taking. This, I suppose, is the reason players like to stay strong and add bulk to their bodies. Even what I had built up over my regular playing schedule helped.
I still can't hit a layup. I noticed that unless the game involves some amount of fast breaking, I haven't really added a penetration dimension to my game. Just something to keep in mind as I perfect the consistency of my jumpshot.

My New Shoes!

After eating a ginormous hole in the left half of my world-famous breadloaves, the time to retire my trusty pair of outdoor shoes finally came. And HollyG stepped in with the only shoes capable of replacing the glory of the fallen Kobe IIs. She custom ordered a purple and gold Nike Shox with 8 on the back and GOTBEN embroidered on the sides. Every day I see them I love them more even though they may get me beaten up if I wear them on the hard streets of the ghetto (Noe Valley, RIP)

L.A. Daily News - More Sports Headlines

L.A. Daily News - More Sports Headlines

After signing a seven-year, $136.4 million contract in July, Bryant looked every bit in control as the Lakers reported for training camp. He has been working out with teammates for the better part of a month, calling every one of them personally.
"I said, 'If you guys want to come down to L.A., come on down,' " Bryant said. 'But don't come down for the weather. You can expect to work hard.' "
While Bryant taped promos for the Lakers' radio and television partners Monday, his new teammates offered words of praise for him. If Bryant's reputation across the league was damaged by his statement to detectives about O'Neal, it wasn't easily apparent.
"It's awesome," Lamar Odom said. "Working out with Kobe Bryant is every guy in the NBA's dream. ... I've known Kobe since he was 16. He's a good person."
Vlade Divac added: "Kobe's attitude reminds me of Magic. Magic used to do that same thing, calling the guys, making sure they're all on the same page. ... He looks great. I used to block his shot. Now I can't."