Watch the U.S. basketball team’s preparation to win the Tournament of Americas in 2007. Road to Redemption by Nike, Ep. 1, Pt. 4 and Watch as USA Basketball announces the members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic basketball team. Road to Redemption by Nike, Ep. 1, Pt. 5 @ NBA.com
Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak took time to answer question.
Andrew Bynum for 15 years in the lakers ? according to Mitch Kupchak, "He is a true center"
Kobe Bryant playing in the Olympics? according to Mitch Kupchak, "how to stop a player that is going to be 30 and he will be 34 when the next Olympics "
Countdown to Beijing
Kobe is still dealing with a torn ligament in his right pinkie, but in his own words,
"It's always an issue," he said. "Handling the ball sometimes, shooting the ball sometimes. I've been playing with it for so long now, you just get used to it. You bobble the ball sometimes and kind of brush it off because it's just what happens sometimes."
and bringing back a gold medal will reduce some of that pain, As well as the pain of losing in the Finals.
Wow!!!!!! What a player!!!!!
That's why he's the NBA's best!!!!
Do you think USA team will be the Olympic champion?
I would think so. :)
GO TEAM USA!!!
What are the NBA owners, GMs and coaches concern as their stars embark on a month-long Olympic journey?
underage
I can categorically say this at this juncture should they fail to win the gold. Then USA Basketball might as well fold its tent never to return to the games again with the present format of having NBA players.
This is nothing more than a commercial ruse and very little to do with the integrity of the game and more about wanting to win at all costs. Hence the reason behind the format. The outside world beyond North America knows the brand and how competitive the game is here. This is just merely placing the icing on the cake with the hope that the fans in Beijing'll devour it.
How was your holiday?
We had a blast, we are still @ the beach right now with all the trimimgs you know what I mean right?
justanotherfan , we thought the fans in Beijing'll devour the game already?.
We had read in our news paper last year that Kobe had said, his committment and enthusiasm to play in this Olympic because they are serving in partnership with Hoops for Troops program?
He and all his team mates had the same desires to serve and represent our country in the best possible manner with USA Basketball.
underage
My 4th of July was great as I spent with friends and with the girlfriend in tow. That being said I made sure to catch up on some sports by way of Wimbledon and the track and field events from the Olympic trials being held in Eugene , Oregon.
As to the players participatraing in Beijing. It'll give the opportunity to visibly heighten their profiles internationally. And at the same time it's good PR tool for the NBA. I maybe somewhat skeptical here but how is playing in the Olympics really that much different for these players anyway ? They're still being paid and even though it doesn't equate with the over inflated salaries. At the end of the day I don't think that it's merely about the honor of playing for the USA.
Visibility and the exposure and success'll lead to even more financial opportunities for the players at the end of the day. That to my mind is what it's primarily about for them and the NBA.
justan' aka tophatal ...........
Last edited by justanotherfan on July 5th at 7:31 PM.
Road to Redemption by Nike, Ep. 1, Pt. 5 @ NBA.com 
