When we usually think of great Los Angeles Lakers moments, we often think of team performances from the Showtime era, early 2000’s “Dynasty” team, and defeating the Boston Celtics in an all-time classic seven-game series in 2010. Along with these memorable team moments, there are many great individual performances that have captivated us, especially from Kobe Bryant.
Kobe is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, Laker of all time and that is because of his many exhilarating moments throughout his famed career. While there are many to choose from, dropping 30 of his 39 points in the second half in a win over the Golden State Warriors during the 2010-11 NBA season stands out.
What makes this memorable was that the Lakers trailed by six points entering the fourth quarter and then went on to score 46 points in the final quarter. In the last six minutes of the game, Bryant scored 17 points. He finished the game with 39 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Bryant was helped out by Pau Gasol, who finished with 24 points. It is no easy task to get a win in perhaps the loudest arena in the entire NBA and for the Lakers to do so speaks volumes of their determination and grit.
Even though the Lakers made significantly fewer three-pointers than the Warriors (13 to 5), they made 17 more free throws and outrebounded the Warriors by 20.
Bryant’s individual accolades are remarkable because they are a testament to his hunger for always wanting to be the best. Although at times fans may have taken for granted the greatness of Bryant’s play, each performance was just as exciting as the last.
Lakers fans have been privileged to witness jaw-dropping performances by Lakers legends, but Bryant is the only one that has truly mesmerized and can only hope that looking back on his career that people realize how amazing he was.
