David Beckham and Robbie Keane: pictures showing pair inseperable at LA Galaxy

Posted on December 6, 2012 by adminsports

I'll miss you, Becks… how will Robbie cope now his LA bromance is coming to an end

UPDATED:

16:37 GMT, 6 December 2012

Maybe he wants some reflected publicity from the world’s most famous footballer. Maybe it’s a bromance formed by the shared experience of living across the Atlantic away from home. Maybe he just likes the smell of his mate’s cologne.

Whatever the reason, Robbie Keane certainly seems to get photographed with David Beckham an awful lot.

When Beckham was saying goodbye to LA Galaxy fans at the Home Depot Centre on December 3 the Irishman was pictured sitting beside a beaming 37-year-old looking a little glum.

Stars of the Galaxy: David Beckham (left) and Robbie Keane (right) celebrate the MLS Cup victory on Saturday

Suits you: Beckham and Keane pose with their spoils again after the Englishman's final game for the Galaxy

Oh, it's you again, Robbie: The pair share a joke during training in California

Two days earlier the one-time Spurs man posed next to Beckham while the squad celebrated their MLS Cup victory over Houston Dynamo. He had stepped onto the pitch for the match one place in front of the former England captain.

They have held the trophy together, given press conferences in unison, and repeatedly been snapped in training running side-by-side in the past 18 months. Is it for the conversation Or does Keane have a touch of John Terry about him

In January 2011 Beckham was even photographed imparting some words of wisdom to the snood-wearing striker while he trained with Tottenham under Harry Redknapp.

You imagine it went: ‘Ask for short round the back and sides, good length on top. Slick it back and hey presto, the Don Draper look.’

Fancy seeing you here: Keane and Beckham at the Los Angeles Lakers v Dallas Mavericks basketball match

Lurking in the background: Beckham listens during a press conference in November (and look who's behind him)

Lurking in the background: Beckham listens during a press conference in November (and look who's behind)

Russell, meet the kids... and Robbie: The striker even got in on the act when the Beckhams bumped into Brand (but take a close look at the caption supplied by the photographer and how they describe Keane...)

Russell, meet the kids… and Robbie: The striker even got in on the act when the Beckhams bumped into Brand (but take a close look at the caption supplied by the photographer and how they describe Keane…)

From Los Angeles to London – no matter the geography, the Beckham-Keane double act seems to find the camera lens.

The two are clearly good friends, and attended the Dallas Mavericks game with the LA Lakers at the Staples Center in October. But despite Keane, who has scored 54 times in 122 games for Ireland plus more than 100 Premier League goals, being a noteworthy name on this side of the pond, it appears his star is not yet as high on the West Coast of America.

In a picture from the basketball game with Beckham and Russell Brand – famous in the US for his relationship with Katy Perry – Keane is identified only as an ‘unidentified fan’.

Ouch. That must feel as bad as kick in the Goldenballs.

PS Was this the start of something beautiful

Beckham chats to Keane in January last year during his spell training with Tottenham

It takes two, baby: Beckham chats to Keane in January last year during his spell training with Tottenham

David Beckham boosts football crowds in US

Posted on October 31, 2012 by adminsports

The 'Beckham effect' is working as football crowds grow in the US

UPDATED:

12:10 GMT, 31 October 2012

When David Beckham moved to the MLS from Real Madrid, it was said he had only gone for the money and how he had 'sold out'. But the Americans knew they were onto a good thing and believed that 'Brand Beckham' would help them finally grow 'soccer' domestically.

That was in 2007. Most others had failed, even in the days of Pele, Beckenbauer, Best and the razzamatazz of the North American Soccer League, which eventually crashed and burned after a bright start.

It may have lasted from 1968 to 1984 and gates for the New York Cosmos regularly topped 40,000, but it wasn't taken seriously and was seen by many as a retirement home for some of the world's best players – a final chance to earn a few quid.

The same was said about Beckham when he joined LA Galaxy. But the Americans are beginning to see the effect of signing players like the former England captain, ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry and Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane.

Having a ball: Beckham and LA Galaxy team-mate Robbie Keane drop in to watch the LA Lakers against the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA

While once there was only one game of football in America and it was the gridiron kind, that's no longer the case. With NBC winning the rights to show Barclays Premier League football next season, its seems the popularity of football is on the increase.

While the growth has been slow, attendance figures revealed by FIFA show the MLS is now the seventh highest average attendance in world football.

LA Galaxy midfielder Beckham, the highest paid player in the MLS, has done his bit.

Average attendances grew to 18,807 during their 'regular' season and while that is less than Wigan's home gate for their 2-1 win against West Ham (the smallest weekend gate in the Barclays Premier League) and less than Cardiff, Leeds and Leicester attracted in The Championship in their most recent home games, it is an increase of almost 1,000 supporters on last season.

MLS fans cover David Beckham as he is about to take a corner against Toronto

Stream on: Beckham looks to be searching for the ball in Toronto their fans shower him with streamers

More than six million supporters watched matches in 2012 – the first time the MLS has reached beyond the six million mark since its inception in 1996.

The highest average was for the Seattle Sounders, for the fourth successive campaign, with a record-breaking 43,144.

Beckham, who won the 2011 MLS Cup, with The Galaxy has had a successful career with Manchester United and Real Madrid. he signed a new two year contract to stay in America when he was recently courted by Paris St Germain.

Pele (New York Cosmos, left) and George Best of the LA Aztecs were good friends and rivals in the North American Soccer League.

He will be able to watch more English football soon too.

NBC have explained the thinking
behind their three year contract. John Miller, the NBC Sports President
of programming said: “I have a 23-year-old and a 27-year-old son and I
have a lot of friends who have sons and daughters of the same age – they
have all become Chelsea fans, Arsenal fans, Manchester United fans,
Tottenham fans.

'Even though there's just a handful of Americans playing on those teams, they are appealing.' NBC also screen MLS football.

Pele was the darling of the New York Cosmos in the 70's, but the league petered out

THE AMERICANS ARE CATCHING UP (BUT STILL HAVE A BIT TO DO)
Country
League
Average attendance 2012
Germany
Bundesliga
42,387
England
Premier League
35,719
Spain
La Liga
28,138
Italy
Serie A
23,176
Argentina
Primera Division
22,491
Mexico
Primera Division
21,559
USA
Major League Soccer
18,807

Source: FIFA.com

Joel Freeland to make NBA debut

Posted on October 31, 2012 by adminsports

Joel stacks up just fine with Kobe as Brit bids to crack NBA

UPDATED:

23:54 GMT, 30 October 2012

Joel Freeland was stacking shelves in a Sainsbury’s in Surrey 10 years ago but on Wednesday he will face Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers as he makes his NBA debut.

The Great Britain basketball player, 25, signed a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers this summer worth a reported $9million (5.6m), just eight years after taking up the sport.

Freeland was the first Briton to make the NBA draft when he signed for Portland in 2006, but the forward failed to get any playing time and returned to Europe to gain more experience. Six years later he has made it back to the States and will today fulfil his ambition of playing in the ‘best league in the world’.

Standing tall: Joel Freeland is set to make his NBA debut

‘It’s a dream opening game,’ said Freeland, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics. ‘It’s going to be my debut in the NBA. I’ll be thinking of my family at home. It’s going to be epic.

‘It wouldn’t really matter to me as every team in the NBA has great quality and amazing players, but it’s incredible: to even be on the same court as people like Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash is going to be an amazing experience.

‘I have been getting better every year and established myself in Europe to get the chance to come over here. It’s a dream come true.’

Basketball was the ‘obvious choice’ for 6ft 10in Freeland after he broke his left leg playing football aged 14 and spent two weeks in hospital.

He played for the Thames Valley Tigers and then Solent Stars before joining Spanish third division side Gran Canaria II. Now he is an NBA ‘rookie’ once again, joining Luol Deng of the Chicago Bulls as Britain’s representatives in the NBA, and has ambitions to promote his sport in England.

Tough task: Freeland will face Kobe Bryant on his debut

‘I did get into basketball fairly late,’ said Freeland. ‘I was 16, nearly 17. But Sainsbury’s does feel like a long time ago. I worked part-time in a supermarket in Farnham. It was just to earn a little bit of money.

‘I was 16 when I left there, but I cherish that part of my life. I have been given the chance to play in the best league in the world. It’s something I have been fighting for my whole career.

‘Basketball hasn’t progressed how we would like it to in England. I thought after the Olympics it would get a lot better than it has. It’s fighting against huge sports like football and it’s hard to get it out there. Can I provide that push I hope so.’

Meanwhile, Cheshire Jets have been thrown out of the British Basketball League (BBL) because of their financial problems.

New owner Hadyn Cook saved the club last month but asked the league to postpone next Sunday’s game against the Mersey Tigers as he tried to raise cash. The BBL rejected the request.

Watch Joel Freeland’s NBA debut against the LA Lakers live or on demand via NBA League Pass. For more information and for a free trial before November visit www.nba.com/leaguepass

London 2012 Olympics: USA v Team GB basketball

Posted on July 19, 2012 by adminsports

Team GB basketball face 160m men who want more gold

UPDATED:

21:58 GMT, 18 July 2012

Twelve men with combined annual earnings of 160million start their bid for Olympic gold on these shores on Thursday.

The United States’ men’s basketball team, the highest earners at the London 2012 Games, face Team GB in Manchester.

These American multimillionaires may not exemplify the true spirit of the Olympics in some people’s eyes, but suggest they will take it lightly at your peril.

Big bucks: Kobe Bryant is the highest paid NBA player

Kobe Bryant, the NBA’s highest paid player with a salary of 16.6m plus sponsorship deals totalling a further 18m a year, labelled the idea that the Olympics should be an Under 23 tournament as ‘stupid’ and ‘dumb’.

‘It should be a player’s choice,’ said the LA Lakers guard, 33. ‘This is it for us. Representing your country is always a huge honour, particularly on a global stage.

ANNUAL SALARIES OF THE USA STARS

16.6m K Bryant (LA Lakers)
10.9m D Williams (Brooklyn)
9.5m C Anthony (NY Knicks)
9.4m A Iguodala (Philadelphia)
8.7m T Chandler (NY Knicks)
8.4m C Paul (LA Clippers)
8.3m L James (Miami Heat)
8.2m R Westbrook (Oklahoma)
8m K Durant (Oklahoma)
3.7m J Harden (Oklahoma)
2.9m K Love (Minnesota)
2.7m A Davis (New Orleans)

‘We are going to play hard. When you have this kind of talent and we got here by hard work, the only thing we know how to do is play hard. For us it is either win the gold or don’t come back. They might revoke our citizenship.’

The USA came back from a disappointing bronze medal in Athens in 2004 to win gold in Beijing four years ago. New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, 28, is one of five survivors from that team, along with Bryant, Chris Paul, Deron Williams and LeBron James, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, who will compete in his third Olympics.

Great Britain has its own NBA star, too: Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng, who grew up in Brixton, south London. And 6ft 11ins GB forward Joel Freeland, 25, has just signed a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.

‘It’s a big deal,’ said Anthony. ‘It’s the pinnacle of all sporting events, for any sportsman.

The opposition: LeBron James (left) and Kevin Durant (right) in training

‘My first memory of the Olympics was ’92. That’s the first time everybody started paying attention to basketball, from a global standpoint.

‘That “Dream Team” really paved the way for us, as basketball players, to be able to come over and really do what we’re able to do right now.’

The sight of global superstars such as Bryant and James casually shooting hoops in the middle of Manchester yesterday was a slightly surreal one. Security was particularly over-zealous with such valuable sporting assets to protect, but Bryant, a Manchester United fan, seemed relaxed amid the flashbulbs.

Respect: Bryant likes David Beckham (left)

James, whom Wimbledon finalist Andy Murray cited as his inspiration after he won his first NBA title with Miami Heat this year, was rather less obliging. Perhaps the Liverpool shareholder was feeling slightly more uncomfortable in this part of Lancashire.

Bryant, however, has been able to call on a certain United old boy, David Beckham, for advice. The LA Galaxy midfielder has been giving him tips to help him combat the English weather.

‘I love Becks,’ said Bryant. ‘I tease him all the time about the Olympics coming up. I would love to have seen him have some type of role in the (Team GB football) team, for just his leadership and intelligence. But he is going to be pretty busy in terms of being an ambassador.

‘We talked a little bit about the English weather. That was the thing I needed the most help on — packing. The rain I don’t mind — it is a little chilly, though.’

London 2012 Olympics: Kobe Bryant reveals love for Harry Potter

Posted on July 18, 2012 by adminsports

Kobe's Potty about Harry! US basketball star reveals love for all things Rowling

UPDATED:

23:52 GMT, 17 July 2012

US basketball superstar Kobe Bryant has revealed he has just one priority in London – to meet Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

The LA Lakers shooting guard is in England to defend his gold medal and said: 'I'm a huge Harry Potter fan and a huge JK Rowling fan.

'I'm a fan of everything she does and I've read all the books.'

Potty! Kobe has revealed his love for Rowling's books on the young wizard

London 2012 Olympics: Can anyone beat USA basketball Dream Team? Don"t bet on it

Posted on July 10, 2012 by adminsports

Can anyone beat LeBron, Kobe and the American Dream Team Don't bet on it…

UPDATED:

15:59 GMT, 10 July 2012

It's a simple recipe for the USA basketball team to win gold, right Turn up, dazzle opponents with that NBA finesse and walk off with the prize.

And why shouldn't they The team comprises title winners, MVPs and a plethora of game greats.

The current Dream Team boasts stellar performers that could populate any of the previous incarnations which have graced the Olympic stage. For LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Co, taking centre stage in the coming weeks in Stratford is their talent-given right.

Big three: LeBron James (right), Kevin Durant (left) and Kobe Bryant (front)

Can anyone beat them The US Olympic men's basketball team line up

And we should be excited. In the
gamut of athletic ability which is heading to our shores to the London
Games few can boast a total command of their discipline quite like the
US basketball team.

Take James, the USA’s man of the moment – and Liverpool FC share owner, no less – who is at the very peak of his powers.

The
forward has won NBA MVP honors in three of the last four seasons (2009,
2010, 2012) and is a six-time All-NBA first-team selection who won the
lot with Miami Heat this year.

London calling: Durant in action during Team USA practice in Las Vegas

The biggest crowd draw in the event this summer started all eight games for the 2008 gold medal team and averaged 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists a game.

Eye-watering statistics – and the rest of the cast are no slouches, either.
You’ll know Kobe Bryant – the venerable LA Lakers shooting guard and senior statesman of the US team will be the one who leads the team on to the court.

Bryant is an alpha dog – the oldest of the group at 33-years-old – a true leader whose five NBA championships stands him head and shoulders above his lofty cast mates.

London 2012 Team USA

Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks); Kobe
Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks); Kevin
Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers);
James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia
76ers); LeBron James (Miami Heat); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves);
Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City
Thunder) and Deron Williams (Brooklyn Nets).

And then there is Kevin Durant who is sure to start most games. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward was one of the picks four years ago in Beijing.

His average points tally was only bettered by James and Dwyane Wade in 2008 and, as recently as 2010, he was the FIBA World Championships MVP.

And Chris Paul, the elite point guard whose link-up play will be crucial to stitching much of the play together. The LA Clippers star is a four-time NBA All-Star and finished second in MVP voting in 2008.

It’s an all-star cast heading to Stratford this month – even after the series of injuries which denied them of a number of NBA regulars who would have played a major role in proceedings.

And it is that strength in depth which stands this roster out from those who went before.

In the pursuit of the Olympic greatness, few individuals or teams arrive in London better equipped to succeed in their quest for gold.

Great Britain men and women play the USA at the Manchester Arena on July 18 and 19. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 847 8000.

Sports pictures of the day: May 21

Posted on May 21, 2012 by adminsports

Sports images of the day: Our picture editor's selection

UPDATED:

12:01 GMT, 21 May 2012

Each day, MailOnline sports picture editor Dave Muir will choose his favourite photographs from around the world in the past 24 hours.

Enjoy today's selection right here…

A shot from the top of the stalls at as the runners break at the start of the 137th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore

Portuguese rider Miguel Oliveira crashes his Suter Honda during the French Moto3 Grand Prix at Le Mans

Christopher Frazer of Great Britain and La-Emotion compete in the German Jumping & Dressage Grand Prix at Klein Flottbek

Oleksandr Bondar of Ukraine in the Mens 10m platform preliminary during the European Diving Championships in Eindhoven

Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol was not too happy when he was called for a foul against Oklahoma City Thunder

San Antonio Spurs sweep LA Clippers

Posted on May 21, 2012 by adminsports

Spurs sweep Clippers aside to advance to Western Conference finals

UPDATED:

10:18 GMT, 21 May 2012

The San Antonio Spurs steamrolled into the NBA Western Conference finals after a 102-99 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday gave them a clean sweep of their seven-game series.

The West's top seeds rolled to their 18 consecutive victory going back to the regular season as the Clippers fell to the same fate as the Utah Jazz in the first round, exiting the play-offs after being swept 4-0.

Eye of the tiger: Tim Duncan scored 21 points for the Spurs

Sunday's game was tight, and San Antonio trailed by one with two and half minutes remaining, but Tony Parker answered with a pair of clutch baskets and the visiting Spurs showed the nerve that has seen them dominate the NBA over the past month.

'We needed a game like that,' Parker told reporters. 'That was a great game for our young guys to get some experience. At the end of the game we executed our plays and made big baskets.'

Tim Duncan scored 21 and Parker finished with 17.

The Clippers' Chris Paul recorded 23 points and 11 assists, but he committed a turnover and missed a potential game-tying shot on two of his team's final possessions.

Hot streak: The Spurs have won 18 in a row

Mo Williams failed to get a final desperation shot off as the Staples Center crowd fell to hush and the Clippers saw their season come to a close.

San Antonio's postseason march is in contrast to last year when they were stunned in the first round as No 1 seeds.

It also has them positioned to make a run at their first NBA title since 2007.

'I know how good this team was last year, and we're healthier and deeper,' said guard Danny Green, who finished with 14 points. 'I know what we're capable of.'

San Antonio will play either Oklahoma City or the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Conference title.

Delighted: Tony Parker was happy with the result

The Clippers, playing in the second round of the play-offs for the first time since 2006, were outclassed in every department by the seasoned Spurs.

A day earlier, Los Angeles squandered a 22-point advantage to lose Game Three, but this time they fell behind by 12 in the second quarter but fought to make it a test.

Reserve guard Eric Bledsoe scored 10 consecutive Clippers' points in the fourth, he had 17 on the night, to help give the home team a five-point edge with five minutes left but the Spurs battled back.

With Paul and Blake Griffin, who had 21 points, the Clippers have every reason to be optimistic for the future.

'I told them “this should hurt,”' said Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro. 'More is expected, and that's a good thing.'

Kobe Bryant inspires LA Lakers to beat NY Knicks

Posted on December 30, 2011 by adminsports

Net gains for Bryant as Kobe overcomes wrist injury to inspire Lakers to glory

Kobe Bryant”s injured wrist did not prevent the All Star guard from lifting the LA Lakers to a 99-82 win over New York Knicks on Thursday.

Skipping, spinning and grinning, Bryant unleashed his full arsenal of moves while scoring 13 of his 28 points in the third quarter despite playing with a right wrist injury.

Bryant also dished out a pair of game-clinching assists in the final quarter to give the Lakers their second win in a row following an 0-2 start to the season.

Long back on the rest: Kobe Bryant was at his brilliant best as the Lakers neat the Knicks

Los Angeles also looked more comfortable with first-year coach Mike Brown”s game plan as they took control in the first quarter and never let go.

“Obviously, Kobe is Kobe,” Brown said. “You can”t downplay what he does because he did everything for us.”

The Lakers held the Knicks to just 31 per cent shooting and never allowed the visitors to settle. Los Angeles, with Pau Gasol scoring 16 and grabbing 10 rebounds, took a 63-51 half-time lead and New York got no closer than eight in the second half.

“We”re growing as a team,” Lakers guard Steve Blake said after finishing with 11 points. “Every day in practice, every game we grow more comfortable.”

Driving forward: Bryant hit 13 of this points in a show-stopping third quarter

New York”s Carmelo Anthony scored a team-high 27 and Amar”e Stoudemire had 15 but made just 4 of 17 shots as the Knicks fell to 1-2.

“You have to be able to score,” said New York coach Mike D”Antoni. “We just weren”t able to make shots. We”re not moving the ball and not playing real well as a team right now.”

The Knicks did not defend particularly well either, allowing the Lakers to shoot 52 per cent.

Tyson Chandler, signed in the off-season to bolster the Knicks” defense, finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds but his presence inside did not deter the Lakers.

Fears: The All Star guard outshone the rest of those on court despite an injury

Bryant showed signs of discomfort in his wrist at times as he flexed his hand during free throws and breaks in the action.

However, he was at his most entertaining in the third quarter where he recorded 13 points, including a 32-foot three-pointer that drew a foul and ended up a four-point play.

In the final few minutes of the game Bryant found Blake and Matt Barnes for consecutive three-pointers to put the game away.

NBA: Luol Deng You Tube animation to mark Christmas Day return

Posted on December 21, 2011 by adminsports

Gareth Bale artist delivers Deng masterpiece to mark NBA”s Christmas Day return

British fans of basketball could be forgiven for forgetting all about the American sport”s biggest stars.

Slam dunk: Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng

But after the five-month NBA lockout officially ended earlier this month the NBA ballers are gearing up for a spectacular return to action on Christmas Day as the revised 66-game season begins in the States.

And in what is a timely reminder, artist Richard Swarbrick – the man who earlier this year crafted a stunning hand-drawn animation of Spurs star Gareth Bale in action against Inter Milan – has delivered yet another magnificent offering on YouTube of Britain”s best basketball player, Luol Deng.

Indeed, Deng will hope to inspire Chicago Bulls towards the NBA finals next year before returning to London where he will spearhead Team GB”s quest for Olympic Gold next summer.

The 26-year-old – who was immediately traded to the Bulls back in 2004 as a seventh overall draft pick from the Phoenix Suns – returns to the court stateside on Sunday to take on the Los Angeles Lakers in what is certain to be a NBA Christmas cracker.

As Swarbrick”s work shows, Bulls danger man Deng is certainly no turkey…

DM.videoMuted = false;DM.has(“rcp”,”BCVideo”);

NBA 2011 CHRISTMAS DAY FIXTURES

5pm: Boston Celtics at New York Knicks

7.30pm: Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks

10pm: Chicago Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers

1am (Boxing Day) Orlando Magic at Oklahoma City Thunder

The below games are available on ESPN and NBA League Pass on Christmas Day. Fans can go to facebook.com/nbauk for more information.

Sports Bound Guide

Sports Bound Guide. Fresh Sports News

Tag Archives: lakers

David Beckham and Robbie Keane: pictures showing pair inseperable at LA Galaxy

David Beckham boosts football crowds in US

Joel Freeland to make NBA debut

London 2012 Olympics: USA v Team GB basketball

London 2012 Olympics: Kobe Bryant reveals love for Harry Potter

London 2012 Olympics: Can anyone beat USA basketball Dream Team? Don"t bet on it

Sports pictures of the day: May 21

San Antonio Spurs sweep LA Clippers

Kobe Bryant inspires LA Lakers to beat NY Knicks

NBA: Luol Deng You Tube animation to mark Christmas Day return