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Only one game remains in the brilliant career of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as he will face off against the Utah Jazz from Staples Center on Wednesday night. As the curtain begins to close on Kobe, let’s take some time to reflect on one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.
10. June 2009 - First Post-Shaq Championship
Credit: Getty Images10. June 2009 - First Post-Shaq Championship
Kobe was on a mission to prove that he could win a title without one of the most dominant big men to ever play the game by his side. He led the Lakers to a 4-1 series win over the Orlando Magic in the Finals, as he won Finals MVP after averaging 32.4 points and 7.4 assists during the series.
9. Feb. 2, 2010 - Becomes Lakers' All-Time Leading Scorer
Credit: Getty Images9. Feb. 2, 2010 - Becomes Lakers' All-Time Leading Scorer
The Lakers are arguably the most storied franchise in NBA history, and Bryant passed Jerry West to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer. This record will likely never be broken.
8. June 2000 - Returned From Ankle Injury To Win First Title
Credit: Getty Images8. June 2000 - Returned From Ankle Injury To Win First Title
Kobe injured his ankle in the NBA Finals against the Pacers which caused him to miss most of Game 2 and all of Game 3, but he was able to return to help the Lakers to their first title under Phil Jackson.
7. March 2007 - Four Straight 50-Point Games
Credit: Getty Images7. March 2007 - Four Straight 50-Point Games
Kobe was unguardable through these four games, as he scored 65, 50, 60 and 50 before the Golden State Warriors broke the streak, holding him to 43.
6. Mar. 28, 2003 - Scores 55 In Final Meeting Against Michael Jordan
Credit: Getty Images6. Mar. 28, 2003 - Scores 55 In Final Meeting Against Michael Jordan
This game helped prove to Jordan that the torch was ready to be passed to Kobe as the best player in the game. Jordan would retire following the season and Kobe would take over as the best player in the NBA.
5. 2008 Olympics
Credit: Getty Images5. 2008 Olympics
To this point, one of the only things Kobe hadn't done was win a gold medal. As part of 'The Redeem Team', Kobe, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade helped lead the United States to that gold medal.
4. June 2002 - Leads Lakers To Three-Peat
Credit: Getty Images4. June 2002 - Leads Lakers To Three-Peat
The Lakers became just the fifth team to win three championships in a row after they swept the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. Bryant averaged 26.8 points in the series as the Lakers made quick work of the Eastern Conference champs.
3. Dec. 20, 2005 - Scored 62 Points In 3 Quarters Against Mavericks
Credit: Getty Images3. Dec. 20, 2005 - Scored 62 Points In 3 Quarters Against Mavericks
It's entirely possible Kobe could've surpassed the 81 he scored against the Raptors, but he didn't play in the fourth quarter as the Lakers were demolishing the Mavericks. Kobe outscored the Mavericks 62-61 through three quarters.
2. Dec. 14, 2014 - Passing Michael Jordan For Third On All-Time Scoring List
Credit: Getty Images2. Dec. 14, 2014 - Passing Michael Jordan For Third On All-Time Scoring List
Kobe spent so much of his career being compared to Jordan that passing him on the all-time scoring list was a momentous occasion.
1. Jan. 22, 2006 - Scores 81 Points Against Toronto Raptors
Credit: Getty Images1. Jan. 22, 2006 - Scores 81 Points Against Toronto Raptors
The Lakers faced an 18-point first-half deficit against the Raptors despite Kobe's 26. In the second half, he took his game to a level of no one in recent memory as he poured in 55 and led his team to a 122-104 victory.
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