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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant’s top 10 games of all-time

By Matt Leaman

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to the crowd as he walks on the court before the game against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers waves to the crowd as he walks on the court before the game against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant's top 10 games of all-time
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 8: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 8, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Lakers 89-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

June 14th, 2000 vs Pacers

The 2000 Los Angeles Lakers took down the Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers en route to their first NBA finals appearance since 1991. This team was, of course, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, with great role players like Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, and Rick Fox.

They went on to face the Reggie Miller led Indiana Pacers in the NBA finals that season. After holding the home-court advantage through two games, the Lakers fell at Indiana in Game 3, which tightened the series to 2-1. Game 4 was a crucial one, and an opportunity for the Lakers to put a stranglehold on the series.

Through the first three games, Kobe was battling an apparent ankle injury. Despite this, Game 4 turned into another Kobe Bryant moment that won’t be forgotten.

The Lakers needed him to step up big time as Shaq fouled out in overtime. Kobe responded and finished the game with 28 points, four rebounds, and five assists on 14-of-27 shooting.

In the second half and overtime, Kobe had 22 of his 28 points. In the most critical time of the game, he came through, despite all the pressure. He sealed the win in overtime with a pretty reverse put-back lay-up with just 5.9 seconds remaining.

The Lakers went on to win the series 4-2 and Kobe won his first of five NBA titles. Not too shabby for a 21-year-old kid playing in the spotlight of Los Angeles.

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