Tag Page LakersNation

#LakersNation
Robert Johansson

Kobe Bryant Would’ve Turned 47 This Month

Sometimes it’s bigger than debates. On August 23rd, Kobe Bryant would’ve celebrated his 47th birthday. If you grew up in the 90s or 2000s, you couldn’t escape his greatness — whether you loved the Lakers or rooted against them, Kobe was must-watch every single night. One of the very few players you could fairly compare to MJ, not just in playstyle but in mentality. It still feels unreal that he, Gigi, and so many others were lost in that crash. Gigi would’ve been in her second year of college now, turning 20 next May. Instead of slander or endless comparisons, this is about remembering what Kobe meant — the work, the competitiveness, the inspiration. His legacy is still alive everywhere the game is played. #MambaForever #KobeBryant #NBA #MambaMentality #LakersNation #NBALegends #GigiBryant #WNBA #Sports #MambaOut

Kobe Bryant Would’ve Turned 47 This Month
Beth Holland

Shaq Opens Up About Painkiller Use, Regrets, and Lasting Health Concerns

Shaquille O’Neal has revealed just how much painkillers were a part of his 19-year NBA career. Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast, Shaq said he would sometimes take triple the prescribed dose — “homeboy math,” as he called it — to get through the pain. From opioids like oxycodone to powerful anti-inflammatories, he admits the prolonged use has taken a toll on his kidneys and liver. While never suspended for drug use, Shaq says he kept it hidden from his family but that trainers knew. The Hall of Famer also recounted a strange 1996 Olympics drug test incident, claiming a poppy seed muffin caused a false positive, but his recollection doesn’t match the science. Now, Shaq says he tries to relax with hookah instead of pills, reflecting on the years he “had to have” painkillers just to play. #Shaq #NBA #Painkillers #Health #Sports #LakersNation

Shaq Opens Up About Painkiller Use, Regrets, and Lasting Health Concerns
Robert Johansson

When Kobe Tried to Recruit Scottie Pippen to the Lakers

Back in 2005, Scottie Pippen briefly joined the Lakers’ training camp. His advice to Lamar Odom and presence on the floor left a strong impression — especially on Kobe Bryant. “He was in camp with us last season, and he looked like he was in great shape,” Kobe said in 2007. “I’m going to tell him there’s a place in the triangle for him.” Bryant praised Pippen’s defensive genius — the ball pressure, passing lanes, taking charges. Even at 41, Kobe wanted Pip to suit up in purple and gold. Pippen ultimately stayed retired, but his influence carried on, especially with Odom. Four years later, the Lakers were champs again. Do you think Scottie could’ve made a legit impact if he’d joined Kobe? #NBA #LakersNation #KobeBryant #ScottiePippen #NBALegends #Sports

When Kobe Tried to Recruit Scottie Pippen to the Lakers