In the realm of NBA history, there are moments that transcend time. Moments etched into the memory of both players and fans. One such moment was relived by former Los Angeles Lakers guard Tyronn Lue during his appearance on the ‘All the Smoke’ podcast on Showtime Basketball. With vivid recollection, Lue took us back to the 2000 Finals, where Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba himself, took control at a pivotal moment in the game after Shaquille O’Neal had fouled out.

It left the Lakers in panic mode and raised questions about Kobe’s leadership and team playing skills.

Kobe Bryant took charge after Shaquille O’Neal’s exit

Indeed, that game was a very intriguing match-up. As fate would have it, the league MVP Shaquille O’Neal fouled out during an intense Game 4. Panic ensued amongst the fans, as the absence of their dominant center necessitated a shift in strategy. The players believed they needed to move the ball around. They were thinking about involving everyone in the offense and playing a different style of basketball.

During this critical juncture, Kobe Bryant took three consecutive shots and missed them all, fueling some teammates’ concerns. They urged him to pass the ball more and involve others in the scoring. Coach Phil Jackson also had some words with Kobe during a timeout, highlighting the importance of team play. However, Kobe’s response was nothing short of extraordinary.

As the timeout ended, Kobe returned to the court. He was ready to face the challenge head-on. Bryant scored an impressive streak of 12 consecutive points. Moreover, including a defining clutch shot that etched his name in Lakers history. This was yet another instance when Kobe took matters into his own hands and owned the court.

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Showtime Basketball shared a tweet about Lue recalling the same. The Tweet was captioned, “Kobe was really 21 years old silencing his own team in the NBA Finals.” When probed by a reporter regarding his teammate’s trust concerns, Kobe’s response exuded an undeniable assurance. “I believe my chances of nailing a shot over two defenders surpass those of hitting an open man,” he confidently stated, as per Lue.

Tyronn Lue’s revisit to the 2000 Finals offers an interesting story into the $6.4 billion franchise’s journey. Kobe Bryant’s poise and conviction defined his illustrious career, earning him the revered title of the ‘Black Mamba‘. In the face of turmoil and uncertainties, Kobe ascended to the occasion, epitomizing the true essence of leadership.

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