The Lakers didn’t win the NBA title this year, but they did win a quarter of the awards at the first annual Social Media Awards hosted by former Los Angeles Lakers stars Shaquille O’Neal and Rick Fox.
The criterion for these awards are simple; which team had the most influential presences on the largest social media platforms of Twitter and Facebook over the course of the 2011-12 NBA season. Out of a total of 12 awards, the Lakers walked away with the #TRENDSETTER award to Kobe Bryant, the Thumbs Up Award given to Kobe, and The Social MVT (Most Valuable Team) award. That’s right… LeBron may have gotten MVP… but Lakers Nation got MVT!
After being a presence in the awards show, Lakers Nation has also come to find out that the player who sold more jerseys than anyone else internationally was none other than Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Bryant, who has been one of the league’s top jersey sellers for most of the decade, sold the most jerseys in China, Europe and Latin America.
With all this excitement going on lately, it’s always nice to hear what Jim Buss has to say concerning the nitty gritty of the Lakers team as of late; the possible trades. Although Lakers Nation has speculated on some trades, other major sports websites have as well, nothing can be more sure than Buss’ statement that the team won’t be pursuing any blockbuster trades in the off-season. Buss also addressed the possibility of whether Pau Gasol may or may not stay with the team. At this point in time, according to Buss, the Lakers are going to keep the current roster without any substantial moves being made before heading into the 2012-13 NBA season. For more on Buss’ interview with the L.A. Times, and Lakers Nation Ryan Ward’s thoughts on the subject, check out the article here.
Lakers Nation News
Kobe Bryant Leads International Jersey Sales
Lakers Win 3 Honors at NBA’s Social Media Awards
Team Looking to Move Up in NBA Draft?
Top 10 Bynum Pictures from the 2011-2012 Season
Jim Buss Kills Lakers’ Trade Rumors
Rashard Lewis an Option for the Lakers?
Phil Jackson Talks Differences with Jim Buss’ Philosophies
Lakers News
Retirement Parties: Which Laker Deserve the Ultimate Honor [Silver Screen and Roll]
Reports: Lakers Looking for a First Rounder [LA Times]
Pau Gasol and the Grizzlies? [CBS Sports]
A New Role for Ron? [Forum Blue and Gold]
Behind the Scenes with the LA Lakers Video Coordinator [NBA]
2012 Lakers Free Agent Targets [Silver Screen and Roll]
Ramon Sessions to Test Market [ESPN]
So is Kobe Bryant Overpaid? [Land O ‘Lakers]
It’s Time to Give World Peace a Chance… Somewhere Else [OC Register]
What Did You expect Jim Buss to Say? [Forum Blue and Gold]
NBA News
Thunder Needs Toughness, Helps From Reserves to Survive [NBA]
With 43 Points and One Mistake, Westbrook is still Learning [Yahoo Sports]
Magic Hire Hennigan to be GM [NBA]
Thunder “Family” Mantra Being Put to the Test [Eye on Basketball]
Steve Nash Will Listen to Offer From Knicks [ProBasketball Talk]
Harden to Play in Game 5 Despite Hand Bruise [NBA]
James, Heat on Brink of Title [Yahoo Sports]
NBA Finals: Top 25 Performances Ever [ESPN]
Bobcats Introduce Dunlap As New Head Coach [NBA]
