Kobe Bryant has etched his name in Laker lore many different times throughout his career. Whether it was his 81-point game, his Game 7 victory over Boston in 2010, or the countless amount of buzzer-beating, game-winning shots he’s had. But it was his first steps into Laker legend that have been recently immortalized.
The NBA released it’s newest commercial in their BIG series, and this one features our own Kobe posterizing the Nets in the 2002 Finals
The dunk was indicative of how the series played out, with the Lakers sweeping the Nets and winning their third consecutive ring. Shaquille O’Neal dominated the series, averaging 36.3 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and shooting 59% from the field. But Kobe was no slouch as he chipped in 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and shot 51% from the field himself. That includes a 36-point outburst from Kobe in Game 3, which is tied for his third best scoring output in a Finals game.
For Lakers fans, it’s good to know that 11 years later, Kobe is still capable of putting someone on a poster. Just ask Josh Smith.