After winning three consecutive championships, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers were chasing history as they looked to become the first team since the Boston Celtics to win four straight championships. While the team struggled in the first half of the season, Bryant willed the Lakers to the playoffs and had one of the best statistical seasons of his career. During the regular season, Bryant strung together nine straight 40-point games in February and averaged 30.0 points, 6.9 rebounds,and 5.9 assists. In the playoffs, Kobe would continue his strong play and averaged 32.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. While the Lakers were able to get past the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, the defending champions were eliminated in the second round by the San Antonio Spurs.
Check out the Top 10 plays from the 2002-03 season:
