2. Game 1 of the 2001 Western Conference Finals
If there was any doubt who the best non-big man in the NBA was at this point, Bryant would put that doubt to rest in the Los Angeles Lakers’ very next game.
They were facing the Spurs in San Antonio, a team that had the best record in the league that season. Everyone expected this to be a very close, hard-fought and low-scoring series between the last two NBA champions.
Instead, Bryant turned it into a quick assassination.
He scored 45 points and added 10 rebounds as L.A. pulled away for a relatively easy 104-90 win. Throughout the game, he constantly got into the paint with ease for many layups and dunks, despite the presence of Hall of Famers Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
After the game, O’Neal, with whom Bryant had a so-called feud with, showered the guard with high praise.
"“I told Kobe that he was my idol,” O’Neal said. “I’m serious. He’s playing phenomenal. I think he’s the best player in the league, by far.”"
The Lakers swept the Spurs, obliterating them by a total of 78 points in Games 3 and 4 at Staples Center. Afterward, there was no doubt who the best all-around player in the game was and who the best team in the league was.