Kobe Bryant: 5 Greatest Lakers Moments With the Mamba

5. Kobe Takes The Torch From Jordan (3/28/2003)

In what was ultimately Michael Jordan’s last NBA season, Jordan’s Wizards came to STAPLES Center to visit Kobe and the Lakers. MJ came out throwing down the gauntlet, ever the competitor, looking for Kobe to rise to the occasion. The Black Mamba obliged.

Kobe absolutely went crazy on Jordan and the Wizards. He was a lockdown defender on that end of the floor as he finished with five boards and three steals, but was unconscious offensively. Bryant finished the game with 55 points on 15-29 shooting from the floor, 9-13 shooting from three, and 16-18 shooting from the charity stripe.

Bryant led the Lakers to victory past Jordan and the Wizards to the tune of 108-94 victory. With Jordan on his way out of the league, Kobe made it clear who the torch was being passed to and did so with flare that only Bryant can provide.

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