John Kim 
The defending champion Los Angeles Lakers have been the subject of scrutiny and doubt after a recent string of subpar play and losses to cellar-dwelling teams. They need a trade. Kobe doesn’t have it anymore. Phil Jackson lost his touch. These so-called experts are quick to forget that the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Finals just nine months ago, and Kobe Bryant took that heart this 2011 NBA All-Star Game. A game in which the Bill Walton-coined ‘matador defense’ is the norm was not taken lightly by the Black Mamba, who played tough one-on-one defense on Wade, LeBron, and Paul Pierce throughout the game (you might remember the steal off a surprised Wade in the first quarter). Never before has a two-time repeat champion had so much to prove, but Kobe, Pau, Phil, and Co. are ready for the challenge. Check out the Nike Zoom Kobe VI ‘POP’, featuring a white upper and a black/del sol trim; Kobe wore a similar colorway of the Kobe V (in reverse fashion) towards the end of last season, and we should expect the same for these as well. Does Kobe Bryant and the Lakers have what it takes to win a third championship in as many years? Take a look at the Kobe VI ‘POP’ below and let us know what you think. via MarqueeSole.
