via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 29, 2013-Lakers Kobe Bryant bites his jersey while Pau Gasol shoots a free throw at the Staples Center Tuesday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA JANUARY 29, 2013-Lakers Kobe Bryant bites his jersey while Pau Gasol shoots a free throw at the Staples Center Tuesday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
An NBA fan always hopes for a 50-point performance from their favorite player. Speaking of fans’ favorite, the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has put up twenty-five 50-point performances for the Los Angeles franchise. 21 years ago today, on a match-up against the Memphis Grizzlies, Bryant put out a show to demolish the opponents by 39 points. At the young age of 23, Kobe put out a statement, honoring the ban of his teammate Shaquille O’Neal.
The Black Mamba shot an efficient 21 out of 34 inside the line and three 3-pointers in just three quarters to shock the NBA world.
Kobe Bryant wrote ’34’ on his shoe in honor of Shaq
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This was one of Bryant’s unique 50-point performances. The 7′ 1 Lakers center was banned for three games with a fine of $15,000 for throwing a wild haymaker at Bull’s Brad Miller. Shaq agreed the act took place due to the frustration over the 2-point loss against the Bulls. Bryant wrote ’34’, Shaq’s jersey no. on his shoe honoring the Lakers legend for the suspension.
Read this story: ?It?s Hard?: Robert Horry Reveals His Experience of Playing With Kobe Bryant
Fan’s reaction to this incident is going viral on Twitter. Here are some of the reactions:
This is mental
— Dalton Knecht Stan Acct (@doodlebop0824) January 14, 2023
Kobe was Raw he put up 56 in them dump trucks.
— aceman79♠️ (@aceman791) January 14, 2023
Another game that kobe could've had 70+. 🐐
— 🅿️$ (@Finishurbkfst23) January 14, 2023
“Kobe not top 5” – people that could never even grab rim
— Name (@KingShogun_Z) January 14, 2023
Kobe was bound to give you great television every night in his younger days
— Lamar (@LamarWilliams__) January 14, 2023
Crazy.. forgot this was in 3 quarters. Then the 62 point game in 05-06 was also in 3 quarters.
— DAVID MIGUEL (@davidmiguel330) January 15, 2023
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It wasn’t just the fans who were astonished, the Lakers team had no idea what Bryant was up to. Veteran Head Coach of the Lakers, Phil Jackson said, “I haven’t seen him any better than he was tonight.”. Bryant’s teammate, Robert Horry mentioned “That was one of the most incredible things you’ll probably ever see. Words can’t describe what that cat did tonight. He was unreal.” crediting the Mamba. Bryant later went on to put a message to his teammate Shaq, “I love you man”, after his epic performance against the Memphis
Bryant and the Lakers go on to win the Championship
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In addition to the above crazy stats, Bryant and the Lakers also won the Championship for the year 2001-02. The Lakers demolished the New Jersey Nets 4-0 in the final series, to become the 5th team in NBA history to win three consecutive NBA Championships. Shaquille O’Neal won the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the 2001-02 season, averaging 36 points and 12 rebounds. Phil Jackson also won his 9th Championship. Bryant also won the All-Star game MVP in his hometown in Philadelphia.
