At the turn of the century, the Los Angeles Lakers were the team to beat. With the legendary duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers were feared even after their third straight championship in 2002. However, the Houston Rockets were determined to change that narrative with the help of their 7’6 tall, 2002 #1 Draft pick. O’Neal’s injury in 2003 further helped boost the Rockets’ confidence. However, they were in for a rude reality check, courtesy The Black Mamba.

A Rockets Hall of Famer underestimated that a Shaquille O’Neal-less Lakers would give them a “relaxed” win. However, they were not aware of the beast that was ready to take the extra load.

7’6 Hall of Famer’s underestimation led to a disaster for the Houston Rockets, courtesy Kobe Bryant

In the 2002 draft, the Rockets bagged Yao Ming as their first pick to instantly turn their team into playoff contenders. In his very first year, the Chinese sensation gave Shaquille O’Neal a tough time on the court, blocking his shots time and again. Though the Rockets couldn’t find success in 2002, they came back stronger the next year.?

To their advantage, Big Diesel was sidelined due to a knee injury. Thus, on February 18th, 2003, the Lakers did not have much for a competition against the Rockets, until the Black Mamba pulled up.?

Let’s not forget that the Rockets had Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley who led the team’s successful offense that season. Nonetheless, that was not enough to stop Kobe Bryant.?

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The fearless superstar went on to drop 52 points, shooting 50% from the field. Most importantly, Bryant also helped the Lakers bag a double-over-time win with a 7-point difference.

Moreover, Yao Ming got dunked on that night by Bryant which made it even more special for the Laker buffs.?In addition to all of the above, Bryant did this with a sore and painful knee.

It’s no doubt that Yao Ming had a relaxed role against the Lakers in Shaq’s absence. However, he shouldn’t have forgotten the fact that Kobe Bryant was still on the starters. After the game, Ming shared, “I figured we could be a little more relaxed without him on the court. Maybe next time Kobe won?t play.”

Read more: From Trash Talkers to Good Friends, How Yao Ming Won Over His NBA Idol Shaquille O?Neal

Looks like Bryant taught the Rockets a lesson! What are your thoughts on this story? Share it in the comments below.?