Yes, that sexual assault case that Bryant was tied up in during the 2003 season. It wasn’t pretty, but Bryant played some of his best basketball during that distraction. In the end, Bryant escaped charges and managed to convince his wife to keep him around. It was over a decade ago, and opposing fans still try to use it as a weapon. Let it go.
In one of the greatest individual performances in NBA history, Bryant went off for a whopping 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. It’s the second-highest scoring effort ever, falling short only to Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point showing in 1962. Bryant has had hundreds of sensational games, but this one stood out as one the best individual efforts the NBA has ever seen.
For years, the San Antonio Spurs were a thorn in the Lakers’ side. Their top player, Duncan, always seemed to have something up his sleeve when he faced the purple and gold. As obnoxious as he is, though, it’s hard to hate a player with tons of talent and class.
If you ask most wannabe Lakers fans these days, the only players they’re likely to be able to name are Bryant and Gasol. They wouldn’t know about some of the greats like Magic Johnson or Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Chances are they couldn’t even recount players like Devon George, Rick Fox or Tyronn Lue, who played significant roles in the Lakers’ recent three-peat. Either you know the Lakers, or you need to get out.
What a joke! So much talent and potential, yet a poor attitude, immaturity and bad knees forced Bynum to become one of the biggest wastes of talent in recent NBA history. Even though he’s still raking in big stacks of money with other teams, Bynum will always be remembered for the potential he never lived up to during his time with the Lakers.
Before the Lakers were the Los Angeles Lakers, they were actually the Minneapolis Lakers. In 1960, then-owner Bob Short decided to leave the Land of Lakes and take his team west, landing in the City of Angels. Hence, the nickname that doesn’t seem to fit the locale. But you knew that already, didn’t you?
While he will never fit into the category of Laker elites, Fisher will always be remembered for his leadership, perseverance and clutch shooting. I don’t care how awesome your uncle is – he could never make a clutch shot with .4 seconds left on the clock in the middle of a playoff atmosphere.
What a coward… Howard wanted to join the Lakers so bad, got what he was asking for, and bailed a year later after a disappointing first season in Los Angeles. The Lakers couldn’t have known that he would be such a poor sport about that one bad season. Good riddance to the overrated cry baby.
It may not be true, but Lakers fans are led to believe that Bryant and O’Neal formed the greatest duo in NBA history. As biased as it sounds, they aren’t completely off target with that assertion. Unfortunately, drama between the two forced a parting of ways that caused ripples throughout the franchise. Still, it was pure awesomeness while it lasted.
When Dr. Buss died in 2013, Lakers fans everywhere lost a family member. He was the heart and soul of the Lakers, putting together one championship team after another with his calm leadership and mind for the game. Unfortunately, his son doesn’t have the same skill and is widely considered to be the reason for the recent downfall.
When Horry hit one of the most clutch shots in NBA history, I was camping with my family at Lake Perris. We watched the game from a small television we powered with a generator. All 20-something of us huddled around the screen and screamed in mass hysteria as the ball swished through the net. It was glorious. Where were you?
Whether you’re wearing something around the house, buying a new car or planning your wedding, you avoid using the color green at all costs. It reminds you of the Boston Celtics, the Lakers’ favorite team to hate. The two have been rivals since the early days of the NBA, and that will never change.
Why couldn’t the Lakers have just given Phil what he wanted instead of hiring Mike D’Antoni to be the next head coach? The Zen Master simply knew how to win rings, with 13 to his credit throughout his time in the NBA. If they had just hired Jackson, the Lakers might not be a bottom-of-the-barrel team right now.
The debate will live on forever, but Lakers fans know who the greatest of all time is. Bryant, with his clutch shots, outstanding ability to create shots, phenomenal defense and knack for creating sparks, has solidified himself as a contender alongside Michael Jordan for the title as the NBA’s GOAT. A true Lakers fan, though, will never shy away from telling you that Bryant has the edge over MJ.
Chick was the voice of the Lakers. When you heard his voice, you knew it was time for Lakers basketball. Sadly, his legendary life came to an end in 2002 and shook the lives of fans all over Southern California. Still, his “chickisms” live on. So the next time you hear a broadcaster reference a “slam dunk” or an “air ball,” remember how important Chick was to making basketball what it is today.
