The 14 greatest playoff games in Lakers franchise history

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson (L) talks to Kobe Bryant (R) and Derek Fisher (C) during their game against the Sacramento Kings 02 June 2002, during the second half of game seven of the Western Conference Finals at ARCO Arena in Sacramento, CA. The Lakers won the game 112-106 and will take on the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals starting 05 June. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo by JEFF HAYNES / AFP) (Photo by JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images) /

9 of 14

Los Angeles Lakers Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant (STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images) /

6. 2009 NBA Finals Game 4: Lakers vs. Orlando Magic

One year after losing in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers were looking to right wrong, this time against the Orlando Magic. Game 4 of the series not only shifted momentum from the Magic back to the Lakers but you can make the argument that it was the best game of the Finals that season as well.

Overcoming a 12-point halftime deficit, the Lakers managed to take a four-point lead into the fourth quarter. With 1:34 left in the fourth, though, the Magic took a five-point lead. That’s when the Lakers needed a bit of heroics. Derek Fisher, as he had in the past many times, stepped up when the Lakers needed it most.

With four seconds left, Fisher hit a huge 3-pointer to tie the game at 87. After a Mickael Pietrus missed jumper, the Lakers and Magic went to overtime where, once again, Fisher helped Los Angeles cross the finish line. With 30 seconds left in overtime, Fisher hit another 3 to give the Lakers a 94-91 lead. And they never looked back.

The Lakers would go on to win the series in five games. It was Kobe’s fourth NBA Championship and his first title without Shaq.

Home/Lakers All-Time Lists