Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant’s 5 greatest games against the Boston Celtics

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 15: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers boxes out Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 15, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright: 2008 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest Los Angeles Lakers of all-time. With that, came the responsibility of taking on the Lakers’ greatest rival of all-time – the Boston Celtics.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have the most storied rivalry in NBA history. It has included the likes of all legends from Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, and most recently Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce.

Additionally, the two teams hold the NBA’s record for most finals appearances – the Lakers with 31 and the Celtics with 21 – in addition to the most championships – 16 for the Lakers and 17 for the Celtics.

The competition digs even deeper as the two teams have met each other in the finals for a record 12 times, dating all the way back to 1959 and as recently as 2010. Although fans for both organizations cannot stand each other, there has always been a sense of respect and professionalism for the opponent.

In more recent memory, the greatest Laker to have participated in this rivalry was Kobe Bryant. As the Lakers travel to face Boston at the TD Garden on Wednesday, let’s take a look at Kobe’s five greatest games against the C’s.

Honorable Mention: January 31, 2010 – Lakers squeeze by Boston 90-89 at TD Garden

BOSTON – JANUARY 31: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the game-winner against the Boston Celtics during the game on January 31, 2010 at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

In what would become a preview of the 2010 NBA Finals, the Lakers traveled to Boston to take on the Celtics on January 31st. The game was an instant classic as Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, and Rajon Rondo all hauled in double-doubles. Moreover, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Kobe Bryant would finish the night with double-digit scoring efforts.

Kobe struggled from the floor for the entire night as he only scored 19 points on 40 percent shooting. However, he held his ground defensively and forced sharpshooter Ray Allen to finish the game with seven points on 20 percent shooting. What was most impressive about his performance though, was his game-winning shot.

With 27 seconds remaining in the game, the Lakers were down 89-88 and everyone knew who was going to have the ball for the last possession – Kobe Bryant. As the shot clock dwindled down, Kobe made his move towards the free throw line. Even with Ray Allen draped all over him and not falling for his pump fake, Kobe managed to fade away and hit the shot with seven seconds remaining. The Celtics were unable to answer and the Lakers won the game, 90-89.

Although Kobe would finish with a below average performance – 19 points, three rebounds, and six assists – but he would come through in the clutch and make his ONLY game-winner against the Boston Celtics in his career.