7. Kobe Bryant vs. Pelicans – January 21st
Two of this season’s best plays in one game….. from one player?! Due to injury, Bryant had to play a small portion of this fixture one-handed, and didn’t he want you to know about it. This clean left-handed jumpshot may have been Bryant’s last made field goal of the season, but it was a special one at that.
6. Kobe Bryant vs. Raptors – November 30th
Despite being restricted to playing in only 35 games this season, Bryant’s year was all about pinning records, and he landed an unlikely accolade against the Toronto Raptors that bucked a mis-held stereotype that he’s not a team player. After breaking his way through a double-team, Bryant pinpointed Wesley Johnson for a simple short corner jumpshot that landed the Mamba his 6,000th career assist. That’s one career milestone down; two more to come.
5. Ed Davis vs. Grizzlies – November 26th
You know the saying: strong defense makes good offense. OK, the Lakers may have lost the game by 6 points, but Ed Davis’ self-hosted block party against his former teammate in late November is, for me, the team’s defensive play of the year, so far. Tony Allen tried once, and failed. Tony Allen tried again, and failed. The purple paint is Davis’ home, and he wants you to know it.
Next: #4-#2