Lakers Panel: Our Favorite Kobe Bryant Moments

Nov 28, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) on a shot with 1.1 seconds left at Staples Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 120-119. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Shakeem Holloway (@_Shakeem):

My favorite Kobe Bryant moment would have to be the game-winner against the Phoenix Suns in the First Round of the 2006 playoffs.

The Lakers, the No. 7 seed at the time, were up 2-1 against the No. 2 seeded Suns.

It’s Game 4 in overtime, and the Suns were up 98-97 with about six seconds left on the clock. A jump ball ensues at mid-court. 

Kobe gets the ball and from just behind half-court dribbles right. He eventually makes his way to the free throw line area but gets doubled.

Kobe, the fearless “Black Mamba,” simply pulled up from the right side of the free throw line like it was just him practicing on the court at 6 a.m. and drained the jumper as the buzzer sounded.

It should also be noted that Bryant hit the shot to tie the game and sent it to OT in the first place. It was an incredible play in its own right but is often times overlooked.

I, a 14 year-old Laker fan, ran down the hallway beating my chest and banged on my father’s door to ask him if he’d seen Kobe’s shot.

He had, and I ran back down the hallway to marvel at Kobe’s greatness. Best. Shot. Ever.

Next: Kobe Reminds The League Of Who He Is