Some people use their Kindles to read books. Others get Kindles to spend hours practising crazy moves with them, like this reader today at the Gizmodo Gallery. Watch him spin the Kindle like a Michael Jordan would spin a basketball.

First it was Beats by Dre headphones in the locker room, now it’s Flip Minos awkwardly distributed onstage at the MVP crowning. By the looks of it, Delonte West is pretty used to the Santa LeBron treatment—he’s still waiting for the Range. [Sporting News]

Even though there’s only one playoffs spot currently left somewhat up for grabs (hold on, Bulls!), you can use the app to keep track of standings. It’ll deliver individual player stats for each completed game, and will tell you where to watch upcoming games on the schedule.

And best of all is the live score tracking, when you’re away from your TV. And, it’s free. Man, I’ve missed my Playoff night caps with Kenny, Ernie and Charles. Can’t wait. Thanks, T-Mobile and the NBA, for keeping your mutual love going.

Billed as “the ultimate fusion of basketball and music,” the iHoop features a built-in sound system that is licensed for iPod use, but should work with any standard MP3 player. The audio system cranks out 30-watts of sound through two 3″ ear-level speakers and a 5″ subwoofer. The iPod enclosure features five easy access buttons to control the music and a durable enclosure to handle heavy impacts. The sound system is also protected from the elements using “marine grade” outdoor components.

Naturally, you are going to need some extension cord or a nearby outlet to enjoy the added functionality of the iHoop—which could prove problematic depending on your setup at home. There has been no word on price so far, but expect it to be available in sporting goods stores starting this summer. [Spalding via BeSportier]

It’s nice to know the new logo-emblazoned consoles weren’t only for those on the ‘09 All Star roster: there’s Al Harrington with one of several Obama-tagged PS3s, and there’s the Rockets’ Argentinean terror, big man Luis Scola with some kind of geometric doodling.

Actually, the Shepard Fairey print seems to be pretty popular—Thaddeus Young and actual All Star Paul Pierce also have it. Aside from LeBron’s KING JAMES, Obama’s mug seems to be the go-to adornment for an NBA baller’s custom gaming console in 2009. Good info to keep filed away. All of them can expect to hear from AP’s lawyers within 30 days. [PS3 Blog/Flickr via Kotaku]

Aside from the awesome dash-mounted screen in his Range Rover here, Kobe’s primary window into getting into his opponents heads is a portable DVD player and custom-made “KB”-monogrammed headphones (eat that, Dr. Dre). He gets custom 8-12 minute montages of every player he may guard for every upcoming game, and watches them religiously.

Just like the Daily Show, the Lakers staff employs five laptops, eight DVRs and 18 DVD burners to crank out the footage for Kobe and the rest of the Lakers. Sure beats splicing together 8mm reels and getting mountains of VHS tapes in the mail; we live in a privileged age. [LA Times]

Meet Jackie, by day he is an articulated robot palletizer manufactured by Columbia Okura in Vancouver, but by night he becomes a kick-ass, hoop throwing superhero. The robot is a member of the Beck’s Hybrid team, (specialists in hybrid crops), and was recently on display during their “Becknology Days” event. Jackie is usually used to collect skids of corn, but Bob Stuart an on site engineer, managed to tinker with the mechanized star. He loaded up a program that allowed Jackiel O’Neil, (sorry), to shoot baskets like a pro. In fact, he is even better than a pro—Jackie has not missed a shot to date!

The robot itself is fairly small but it is set atop a loading crane. The engineer attached the arms to the budding NBA hopeful’s sides and added circular discs acting as an alternative to hands. A ball is retrieved from a tube that is attached and then fired towards the 7-foot basket by means of a catapult motion. Jackie completes one successful shot every five seconds.

Big things are in store for this OP wannabe, next year Stuart says, “[sic] We’re going to try and see if we can get it (the robot) to continually shoot basketballs or maybe we’ll even play catch.” Even play catch! We cannot wait.[Indystar].

Best Arcade Basketball Guy Ever [Geekologie]

If you can’t manage to take your Hummer out on the town without a guarantee that you’ll be able to shoot hoops, you might have a problem. That problem won’t be solved by dropping $500 on a basketball hoop that attaches to the back of your vehicle, but I guess it’ll keep your stress levels down.

It seems to me that you could make basketball a lot more interesting by having a buddy drive slowly around the parking lot while you’re trying to play. Sure, it might be dangerous, but it will justify sticking a giant basketball hoop on the back of your car a little bit more. –Adam Frucci

Product Page [via Core77]