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At 34 years old, Kobe Bryant remains the world’s top scorer. A day after becoming the fifth player in NBA history to score 30,000 points, Bryant is leading the pack in 2012. In fact, Bryant is outpacing Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, and LeBron James—and he’s doing it easily. Today, the top scorers in the NBA are:

1. Kobe Bryant: 28.0
2. Kevin Durant: 26.5
3. Carmelo Anthony: 26.4
4. LeBron James: 24.8
5. James Harden: 23.6

Yes, Bryant is older and less explosive. But, his game is changing. He is picking his spots more effectively and he is taking higher percentage shots. Now, he’s leading the league in scoring while shooting a career best from the field. Over the years, ESPN attempted to reshape his brand, telling viewers that his game was slipping and he was falling behind his peers. But, look at the numbers. Watch the games. What do you see?

At 34, Kobe isn’t falling behind the younger guys. Kobe is evolving.

Today, Kobe is tailoring his game, using superior footwork—and quite simply—outplaying his peers. Last year, he was the league’s second leading scorer. This year, Kobe is firmly in the lead. Yes, it’s a long season and anything can happen. But, he’s in control while he looks at the daunting task of slaying the biggest giants of the game.

As one of the greatest players in NBA history, Kobe doesn’t compare himself to his contemporaries. Instead, he battles with the legacies of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Wilt Chamberlain. As his legacy continues to grow, he marches down a golden path, passing NBA greats along the way, letting the world know he’s worthy of a bronze statue in front of the Staples Center.

As Kobe gets closer to another scoring title this season, it’s important to note that the there’s only player to ever lead the league in scoring at the age of 34—Michael Jordan.

Durant and LeBron are clearly superstars in this league today. But, Kobe is more than a superstar—he is a legend. A legend with a golden legacy that’s growing with every game—even at the age of 34.

photo: (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

After stomping his feet and throwing a fit back in May of 2011 the leading NBA scorer of all-time and iconic sky hook inventor Kareem Abdul Jabbar had his moment to shine tonight before the game against the Phoenix Suns. There was a really nice ceremony featuring former players like Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kurt Rambis, Michael Cooper, Norm Nixon, Bill Walton, as well as coach Pat Riley and celebrities including Jack Nicholson. Many of Kareem’s colleagues had wonderful things to say about “Cap” and they unveiled an incredible bronze statue of Kareem frozen in his classic sky hook pose.

I have to say out of all of the statues at Staples Center I think this one turned out best of all. So I’m happy for Kareem as his career warrants such recognition, I just wish he hadn’t been so aggressive about getting it. If you remember, Kareem was pretty upset about not having a statue yet.

It’s not about a getting a statue because I’m over it – its about RESPECT! Lakers have given me the absolute minimum of respect.

So I hope Kareem feels respected now because that is a pretty damn cool statue, can’t wait to see it in person.

20 years ago, Magic Johnson shocked the world by announcing he was HIV positive. 20 years later, he defied more than the odds—he became a symbol of hope and goodwill, firmly rejecting the idea that HIV was an automatic death sentence. For many, the announcement marked the beginning of Magic’s final chapter. For Magic, it simply marked the beginning of his next chapter—and quite possibly his finest. Here’s a snapshot of how the Magic Johnson Foundation has made an impact:

• Provided free HIV/AIDS testing to more than 38,000 Americans
• Educated nearly 280,000 people about HIV
• Distributed over 300,000 toys since 1994
• Transitioned more than 450 families from subsidized housing to home ownership
• Awarded $200,000 grant for online learning scholarships to the Grockit Academy (2011)
• Committed $384,000 scholarships to Taylor Michaels scholars (2011)

Like he did in basketball, he fundamentally changed the game. Speaking of which, let’s take a look back and see why Magic Johnson is the greatest point guard in NBA history.

Pretty amusing…

You might think it’s a script from Amateur Night at the Apollo. Instead, it’s a group of ESPN writers attempting to engage in a dialog about Laker trades. Let’s look at the following:

“As much as we celebrate the likes of Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, the Lakers’ championship heritage was largely built around their unprecedented legacy of big men with George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal and Pau Gasol.” -Arash Markazi

Does Markazi watch basketball on a regular basis? Remember, Gasol came to Los Angeles with only one All-Star appearance and without a single post-season win. Now, there’s no reason to hate on Gasol; however, it’s important to remember that Gasol never averaged more than 21-points per game. The players mentioned by Markazi averaged 28.4, 50.4, 34.8, and 29.7 in their best seasons, respectively. Gasol’s best season? 20.8 in 27 games before getting traded to the Lakers. His career average is 18.8 points per game. Sure, Pau’s a good player—but to place him in the lineage of Laker greats? It makes one wonder if Markazi rode the short bus to school. Everyone knows Markazi is a hater, but this guy really needs to get a grip on reality—or at least wear a helmet to work.

Wait, there’s more. Take a look at this gem:

“There are two things I do whenever I don’t know or understand something concerning the Lakers or another team in the NBA. E-mail ESPN.com salary-cap guru Larry Coon, or message ESPN.com senior NBA writer Marc Stein.”-Arash Markazi

Hmmm…So there’s a writer covering a team whom doesn’t really know what’s happening? Yeah, those are the type of writers from which one can gain deep insights. Oh wait, it’s starting to make sense now, Markazi isn’t really trying to cover basketball—he’s trying to schmooze with his colleagues. It’s one thing to keep it cool with the people with whom you work, but it’s another to gush openly over your peers in a dialog about Laker trades.

Apparently, Markazi isn’t the only one affected by ESPN’s workplace culture. Look what happened to the writer formally known as JA Adande:

“What makes the thought of Dwight Howard on the Lakers so tantalizing is that it would once again make Kobe Bryant the second-best player on the Lakers.” -JA Adande

Whom said Kobe would be the second best player? Is Howard better than Kobe now? Sure, Howard is the best big man in the game; however, let’s not forget that Kobe averaged more points than Howard in the 2010-11 season on an injured knee—and he also averaged 35.9 points per game per 48 minutes. Yep, that’s the highest average in the league. Obviously, Howard is the type of star that could carry the torch in the future; however, Adande’s assumption that Kobe automatically becomes the second option doesn’t include any evidence that might support the position. Since Adande moved to ESPN from the LA Times, he appears intent on getting more cozy with his boyz at True Hoop than providing objective analyses.

So why does this comedy of errors even exist? Is it really that difficult to analyze the game of basketball? The reality is that ESPN spews more hate on Kobe than Mount Vesuvius spat ash on Pompey and Herculaneum. As a result, you’ll rarely get an objective analysis from the writers at ESPN (even a dose of rationality from Ramona Shelburne couldn’t keep her half-baked colleagues cool). Think about it. Ever wonder why many writers at the network start walking on eggshells when writing about Kobe Bryant (i.e., an analysis of Kobe that reveals a positive quality must be countered by an equally appealing negative attribute)? Sounds a little like Newton’s third law of motion—until one realizes that it has nothing to do with physics, rationality, or even basketball. At ESPN, only the big dawgs whom can bring it with both logic and style—like Steven A Smith—have the gumption to tell it like it is. As for the rest of the ESPN writers, it’s time to walk off stage—because the jeers are telling you that C.P. Lacy is about make an appearance.

Kareem wants to be immortalized

And he deserves one, or at least he did until he started spouting off on every media outlet that would accept his call. There is no doubt Kareem is one of the greatest basketball players and Lakers of all time winning six championships (five with the Lakers), six MVP selections, 19 time All-star, and the NBA’s all time scoring leader with 38,387. But going on a rant like this makes the 7’2″ center look like a giant spoiled, bitter, entitled baby.

As much as fans love and appreciate their Lakers greats, players must understand that no single player is greater than their team. Fan loyalty will always lie with the Lakers, this is why there was such a strong backlash against Kobe when he looked elsewhere during free agency, and why Shaq is now the enemy and thankfully another team’s headache to deal with. We bleed the purple and gold, not Kobe’s, or Shaq’s, or Magic’s or Kareem’s blood.

So when Kareem goes out and bashes the Lakers it only stains his legacy. Abdul-Jabbar says “It’s not about a getting a statue because I’m over it – its about RESPECT! Lakers have given me the absolute minimum of respect.” He sites the Lakers appreciation and treatment of Magic Johnson over him, Phil’s pay raise in the wake of his pay cut, and the lack of inclusiveness in the coaching staff as all factors in his frustration. Kareem sees the relationship between he and the Lakers coming to an end.

But the key component that has triggered Kareem’s ire is the promise of a statue that has yet to come. Yet there are only three Lakers statues that have been erected thus far and it’s hard to argue that Kareem should come before any of them. Magic is the greatest Laker of all time, Chick Hearn was the voice of the Lakers for 40 years, and Jerry West was drafted a Laker, had great success as a player and GM and is “The Logo” of the NBA. So it’s hard to see why Kareem would feel slighted to not get a statue before those three icons of Lakers lore.

The Lakers have announced, and it would make sense, that Kareem is next in line for a statue, but maybe after these actions they should reconsider?

Every year there is a build up to All-Star weekend as the most elite players take center stage at a super-sized circus. This year Los Angeles was hosting the festivities with LA Live serving as the perfect setting to showcase extraordinary athletes, musicians, and celebrities at high-profile parties and a myriad of events.

Thursday night started off with the unveiling of the Jerry West statue and ceremony with some nice words from Lakers legends and family members. LA Hoops then went off to Zo and Magic’s celebrity 8-Ball tournament, which was filled with All-Star players, legends, media, and celebrities. We will have a follow up article on this event with details and photos, but I wanted to give a personal thank you to the hosts for all the free food, booze, and good times.

Friday featured the celebrity game where Justin Bieber and his wig took home MVP honors with his 3-11 shooting and a team loss. Thank goodness for fan voting. Bieber fever went crazy when Justin crossed over hip-hop emcee Common and then dished off a dime. I’m sure Common is gonna hear it from his boys.

The Rookie-Sophomore game showcased the young stars of the game that looked more like a track meet than a basketball game. John Wall took home MVP honors and the rookie win with 22 dimes, narrowly edging out his former Kentucky teammate DeMarcus Cousins who dropped 33 points and 14 boards. “We talked about it before the game,” said DeMarcus Cousins. “We were kind of trying to work together. He wanted to break the assist record I and wanted MVP. Well, he got both.” Not much defense played in this game, but entertaining nonetheless.

Saturday is the MVP skills competition day and started with the Haier Shooting Stars event compiling teams from  a current NBA player, a legend, and a WNBA player. Atlanta’s Steve Smith, Al Horford, and Coco Miller took the win over Texas in the finals, but I’m not sure if anyone actually cared.

The Skills Challenge had a stacked lineup with Stephen Curry beating out Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, and John Wall to take top honors. Curry’s win also earned a $30,000 college scholarship for Karen Batani, a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Southern California. “Thank you so much for winning,” said Batani, seated next to Curry afterward. “It’s like the best day of my life.”

Miami Heat’s James Jones won the 3-point contest over Celtics Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, but the highlight of the event was listening to the Staples Center crowd boo Paul Pierce when he was introduced. Pierce then questioned why they were booing him and not Ray Allen. One word Mr. Pierce: Wheelchair.

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Here’s a nice video of the Jerry West statue unveiling ceremony featuring Magic Johnson, Elgin Baylor, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Pat Riley, David Stern, Mitch Kupchak, Jerry Buss, and Bill Russell.

LA Hoops has managed to get some invites to Alonzo Mourning and Magic Johnson’s 6th annual celebrity 8-ball pool tournament tonight at the JW Marriot in downtown Los Angeles. Past celebrity attendees include Michael Jordan, Ludacris, Queen Latifa, Carmelo Anthony, Tony Parker, and many more. This year expected attendees are Chris Paul, Shannon Brown, and Dwayne Wade as a live auction benefits the Alonzo Mourning Charities and The Magic Johnson Foundation.

“I am excited to have All-Star back in L.A. on my home turf, I look forward to me and Alonzo hosting the hottest event of the weekend again,” said Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

LA Hoops looks forward to attending, below is a video of the event from 2008.

Jerry West will be honored with a statue in front of Staples Center

A 14 foot bronze statue in honor of Jerry West will be unveiled today in front of Staples Center joining the other statues of Chick Hearne, Magic johnson, Wayne Gretzky, and Oscar De La Hoya. The ceremony will celebrate Jerry West’s accomplishments as Hall of Fame player and 14 year Laker, as well as his contributions as a successful general manager, winning four championships at the helm and signing players Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant.

Well done Logo.