6. vs. Portland, February 22 – 40 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
5. at Dallas, February 24 – 38 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block
Feb 24, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots and gets fouled by Dallas Mavericks guard O.J. Mayo (32) in the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center. The Lakers beat the Mavs 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
These two games came at the height of the Lakers playoff battle. The sixth place spot on this list came with the Lakers fighting to get back to .500. While they were gaining ground, they were still treading water a bit and flipping wins and losses. After the emotional win against the Celtics, the Lakers looked to pair up wins for the first time in two weeks. Bryant assured that it’d be accomplished, pacing the way early and finishing with 11 fourth quarter points.
The midway point of the list is most remembered for Kobe’s post game comments. Leading up to the game, Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks, suggested the Lakers should amnesty Bryant. Bryant responded with a historic performance in a game the Lakers had to win in order gain ground in the playoff race again. Following the game, Bryant tweeted out the response you’d expect from the Black Mamba: “AMNESTY THAT!”