Lakers: Remembering the 15th Anniversary of Allen Iverson’s Step Over Shot

Fifteen years ago, Allen Iverson pulled off one of the most memorable plays in NBA history, crossing over Lakers’ guard, Tyronn Lue then proceeding to step over his helpless body

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers went on to win the championship, putting on the most dominant run in NBA history going 15-and-1 in the playoffs, every fan of the Purple and Gold will always remember how tough Allen Iverson was in the 2001 NBA Finals.

Dropping 48 points, five rebounds, six assists and five steals at STAPLES Center in Game 1 thereby shocking LA fans and handing the Lakers their only loss in the playoffs, it was the only reality check the team had their entire playoff campaign.

However, it wasn’t Iverson’s impressive performance that basketball fans remember most from that night, or the idea that the Lakers actually lost a game, but instead the fact that Iverson pulled off one of the filthiest moves in recent memory, with the step seen ’round the world.

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With just under a minute left to go in overtime, up by two points, Iverson caught the ball in the short corner then after pulling off a series of jab steps, took a hard dribble towards the baseline, hit a smooth between the legs pull back dribble, then knocked down a contested jumper, and Lue in the process, only to step over him in Alpha dog fashion.

The two things I remember most from this play was the look Iverson gave to Lue as he was stepping over his helpless body and the reaction of the Lakers’ bench, who he just so happened to be in front of.

Something that often gets lost in Iverson’s greatness, however, is the fact that Lue actually played amazing defense on him but people only remember the step over. Ironically, this wasn’t the first time an event involving Iverson got completely misconstrued.

Though Iverson never went on to win a ring, he will always be remembered for his ferocious competitiveness and may arguably go down as the best pound for pound player in NBA history.

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These days people hear the name Allen Iverson and automatically think “practice,” but I try to remember him for what he really was, one of the best and most misunderstood players of all time.