[vincesanity82]

Am I the only one who thinks we've had more talk from the All-Star weekend participants this year than ever before? I mean, the Dunk Contest participants have been completely out of control with their comments, and now we have Rip Hamilton stirring things up for the Three-Point Shootout.

First Rip released a video of him practicing his tramp ball, which was a response to Jason Kapono's slightly more impressive version. Now Rip's starting up the talk by claiming that at least one of his competitors has no chance to beat him, and he's talking about Kobe Bryant.

"I know for a fact Kobe can't beat me in a shootout, so that's one down," said Hamilton, who at 46.0 percent on the season is well ahead of fellow Pennsylvanian Bryant's 35.4 percent. "I just gotta figure out a way to beat the other guys."

Hamilton also assessed himself as the toughest competitor in the six-man field ...

Rip Hamilton: 'Kobe Can't Beat Me' - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Why would anyone stir up the Kobe-ster...hope Kobe makes Rip look bad out there.

[Lefty Noob]

Well, put up or shut up. Rip vs. Kobe, one on one, loser donated a week's salary to charity. Make it happen, guys.

[bears9]

If these two played one on one ten times I guarantee Kobe wins 9 and he would probably win the tenth.