1. It Takes Two: Shaq Raps, Mark Madsen Dancing, Kobe with Supersoaker
On a much lighter note, the best moment in Laker parade history is without a doubt this absolute party that erupted after repeating in 2001.
Although the Los Angeles Lakers won just 57 games in the regular season, they absolutely rolled through the playoffs. Over the course of the 16 game playoff, the Lakers went an astounding 15-1 en route to their second NBA championship.
In this moment, the Lakers were arguably at their most dominant place in the team’s history. The euphoria surrounding this team was at an all-time high. Shaquille and Kobe were, in the eyes of many, the two best players in the league and the best duo in the history of basketball.
At the parade, Shaquille hops on the microphone and addresses the crowd with the classic “Can you dig it?” he uttered a year earlier. He then demands that the crowd chant with him. Shortly thereafter, he launches into a rap over “It Takes Two” that sends Mark Madsen into a fit of uncoordinated dancing.
The crowd absolutely loses it. Kobe Bryant, sporting a throwback Jerry West Laker jersey and a Supersoaker, sprays the camera with water while confetti flies in the air, and the crowd roars. What a time to be alive.
Although the Lakers would only win one more title the following season, this was the apex of the most successful three-year run in the franchise’s history. In 2001, the Kobe and Shaquille relationship was in great shape and many believed they could lead the Lakers to heights only reached by the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics.
Unfortunately, as previously mentioned, things came crashing down after the title loss in 2004. Nonetheless, this has to be one of the happiest moments in Laker history. In that moment, the sky was the limit for the team and the city of Los Angeles.
Although we will likely be without a parade in 2020, maybe our Lakers can rattle off another title to double the celebration in 2021. After all, it takes two to make a thing go right.