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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant’s top 5 playoff games wearing No. 8

By Zain Danani

USA - JUNE 16: Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers naps with the NBA Championship trophy on board the Lakers' team flight back to Los Angeles the day after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers to win the 2001 NBA Championship, June 16, 2001. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges 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 2001 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
USA - JUNE 16: Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers naps with the NBA Championship trophy on board the Lakers' team flight back to Los Angeles the day after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers to win the 2001 NBA Championship, June 16, 2001. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges 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 2001 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant's top 5 playoff games wearing No. 8
LOS ANGELES – JUNE 4: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks for an open man during Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on June 4, 2000 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 98-94. 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. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images) /

June 4, 2000 – From One Alpha Male to Two

Prior to the 1999-2000 NBA season, Kobe was always considered Shaq’s sidekick. If O’Neal was number one, Kobe was number two. As the 1999-2000 season came to a close, however, Bryant seemed to be closing the gap rapidly.

Kobe finished the season with averages of 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 46.8 percent shooting. At the time, each of these statistics were career-highs for Bryant. He went on to be named an All-Star for the second time in his career and made the All-NBA Second Team.

The stats and accomplishments were great, but they did not mean anything unless if Kobe was able to showcase his abilities in the playoffs. In his first three postseasons with the Lakers, Bryant only made it to the Western Conference Finals once. Additionally, he had terrible experiences in the playoffs including air-balling four times in five minutes.

In the 2000 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers found themselves one game away from the NBA Finals. With the series tied 3-3 against the Portland Trail Blazers, Kobe Bryant finally displayed why he was also an alpha male.

The Lakers found themselves down by as much as 15 in the fourth quarter of Game 7, but they climbed their way back to tie the game at 79. With 1:45 remaining, Kobe took over and scored four straight points to put the team up by four. He followed his scoring with his infamous assist to Shaq and the Lakers went on to win, 89-84

Kobe finished the night with 25 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and four blocks while shooting 47.4 percent from the field. Moreover, his stellar play outshined Shaq’s 18 points and nine rebounds.

After finishing off the Blazers, it became clear that Bryant was just as important to the team as O’Neal. He was no longer the sidekick – Shaq was 1A and Kobe was 1B.

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