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Lakers: Kobe Bryant’s Best Game vs Every NBA Team

By Cody Williams

Dec 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) walks off the court during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) walks off the court during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jan. 13, 2012

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Lakers have had a bit of an unspoken rivalry over the past decade since the arrival of LeBron James into the NBA. The battles between LeBron and Kobe have almost always been wildly entertaining, though the two unfortunately never got the playoff duels that the fans have always deserved. However, Kobe’s single best performance against the Cavs came while LeBron was no longer in Cleveland.

Midway through the 2011-12 season as the Cavs were still reeling from the loss of James, Kobe uncorked an absolutely incredible performance. The Lakers legend put up 42 points, three assists, five rebounds, and three steals in a winning effort. Even better, the guard went 15-31 from the floor and 4-7 from long range. He was absolutely infallible on both ends of the floor, even if the Cavs didn’t have LeBron on the opposite end of the floor.

There are plenty of other big-time games that do include LeBron, such as his 33-point, 12-rebound game in January 2008 and many others. However, the big-time performance in January 2012 when he just absolutely lit up the box score as whole is Kobe’s best game against the Cavs over the course of his career.

Next: Vs. Mavericks

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