Lakers Panel: Our Favorite Kobe Bryant Moments

Shakeem Holloway

Dec 8, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) handles the ball against Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Since it was Kobe Bryant‘s 37th birthday on Aug. 23, the Lake Show Life staff decided the best gift we could give Bryant would be to discuss some of our all-time favorite moments of his.

Each staff member has a unique favorite memory of Bryant’s illustrious career. There are plenty of other great moments and still more to come. Unfortunately, we cannot cover them all.

It would have been easy to choose his 81-point performance against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 23, 2006. However, that would be too easy. That would be cheating.

With that said, here’s a look at some of our favorite “Black Mamba” moments. Happy birthday, Kobe!

Next: Kobe Drops 55 on Michael Jordan

Dec 3, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots the ball as Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) defends in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Lopez (@kuulanilopez):

My favorite Kobe moment was probably Michael Jordan‘s last game at the Staples Center. I think it embodies everything Kobe represented.

This was supposed to be Jordan’s last hurrah in Los Angeles, and Kobe showed no mercy on the old man. Kobe just went absolutely ballistic stealing any spot light that Jordan could have hoped for.

Kobe dropped 55 on them which was almost fitting considering the double-nickel was Jordan’s thing when he emphatically returned to prominence against the New York Knicks.

Bryant hit nine three-pointers and shot 15-29 from the field.

It was just unbelievable and completely encapsulated everything Kobe represents which is pride, electricity, and incredible play.

Next: Kobe Sucks The Gravity Out Of The Target Center

Dec 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Yee (@ericdyee):

My favorite Kobe moment would have to be from the First Round of the 2003 Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Lakers were already dominating the Timberwolves. Kobe added insult to injury when he glided down the baseline and threw down a ridiculous windmill dunk over Kevin Garnett.

The dunk was accompanied by announcer Kevin Harlan’s epic commentary, “Buckle up for Kobe Bryant!! Kobe just sucked the gravity out of the Target Center!”

I remember going outside immediately after the game and trying to reenact the dunk for hours.

It’s moments like these that every kid remembers, and that’s why this moment edges out all the others in my book.

Next: Bryant's Late Game Playoff Heroics Against The Suns

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

Nov 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) is fouled by Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Barbarino (@nsbarbarino):

My favorite Kobe moment has to be when he dunked over Gerald Wallace and Kris Humphries during the 2012-13 season.

Everyone was talking about how Kobe had changed his game and was no longer the athletic beast of his prime.

This dunk, along with the subsequent dunk over Josh Smith about a month later, made it clear that Kobe could still get up.

It was one of those WOW moments for me, because I didn’t think he had that in him anymore.

Guess that’s what happens when you doubt the “Mamba.”

Next: Bryant Shoots Free Throws Despite Torn Achilles

November 1, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots a free throw during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 127-104. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Mitchell Evans (@MitchellAEvans):

My favorite Kobe Bryant moment has to be right after he tore his left Achilles tendon and still shot his free throws.

Although I was devastated when Kobe went down, I have never seen so much resilience out of someone. The Lakers were down two, and they needed two free throws so Kobe shot them, on one leg.

The broadcaster said it best saying, “Kobe is literally on one leg right now.”

Kobe’s resilience has made an impact on my life, and he shows even when his body calls it quits at times, he doesn’t.

What are your favorite Kobe Bryant moments? Let us know in the comments section below!

Next: Kobe Returns to Court for First Time Since Shoulder Injury

More from Lake Show Life

Shakeem Holloway

Shakeem received his journalism degree from Georgia Southern and currently works as the sports editor at The Covington News as well as a contributor to Fansided. He has an immense passion for the NBA, especially the Lakers his favorite team since middle school.