Kobe Bryant’s legendary competitiveness has fueled countless stories over the years. One of the most fascinating and often repeated claims is that Kobe learned Spanish just so he could trash-talk his ...

Kobe’s ability to speak both Spanish and Italian did give him a bit of an advantage and allowed him to communicate with his Lakers teammates without the opposition knowing what was being said. But ...

As he weathered frustration with his injured left foot, a lengthy rehab and uncertainty with his basketball future, Pau Gasol often turned toward a significant Los Angeles Lakers teammate for help. In ...

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives past Toronto Raptors forward Rudy Gay (22) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles Friday, March 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) AP ...