KOBE BRYANT

Basketball history has had only a handful of true faces of the league and we were lucky to sit down with one of them during NBA All-Star Weekend: Julius “Dr. J” Erving. Matt and Stak talk with Dr. J about everything from his legendary runs at Rucker Park to the high-flying, flash ... Show More

Chris Paul deserved better. On this episode of ALL THE SMOKE Unplugged, we break down why the Clippers’ handling of CP3’s exit still doesn’t sit right, and how it impacts his legacy as one of the greatest point guards of his era. We also get into: • Jaylen Brown getting disrespec ... Show More

Last year's NBA All-Star Weekend gave us one of our most iconic moments: the Vernon Maxwell episode. Not only does it stand as one of our funniest and most-watched episodes of all time, but it also brought Mad Max into the ALL THE SMOKE family as a permanent part of the show. So ... Show More

Paul George & guests celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant by sharing personal stories from their time with the GOAT. In this special episode, you’ll hear PG's story of playing with Kobe during his last All-Star Game, and DeMar DeRozan shares his experience of meeting Kobe at 15. NBA ... Show More

The tributes to Kobe Bryant and other victims of Sunday’s helicopter crash continue. A number of NBA players who were close to Kobe, including Chris Paul and Kyrie Irving, have missed games . NBA teams have continued to let the 24-second shot clock run out during games to honor t ... Show More

<p>The last ‘Special Team’ the Los Angeles Lakers had was in 2009-2010, when Kobe Bryant led them to their most recent championship - in thrilling fashion over the Boston Celtics. This week, we look back at the final title on Kobe’s resume. Yes, the Lakers had to overcome injurie ... Show More

*In light of Kobe Bryant's tragic passing, we're re-airing our series on the rivalry between Kobe and Shaquille O'Neal.* It’s 1996, and the Los Angeles Lakers are priming for greatness. First they sign the gargantuan, indomitable Shaquille O’Neal. Then they bring on a 17-year-old ... Show More

In their early years, Kobe and Shaq each endure snubs from their heroes that give them a ferocious desire to prove themselves on the court.But that’s pretty much where their similarities end. Kobe is the adored only son of an NBA player. Shaq is raised by his stepfather, a former ... Show More

Shaq and Kobe have finally led the Lakers to their first NBA Championship since 1988. Coach Phil Jackson warns the team: once you win your first championship, it gets even harder to muster the fire needed to win the second.That may be true, but not for Kobe. He’s never been hungr ... Show More

Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant could not be more different when it comes to style, both on and off the court. Shaq is a playful giant with a side hustle as a rapper. Kobe is a kid from Philly with once-in-a-lifetime talent—and an ego to match.But Shaq and Kobe's fates have been ... Show More