Los Angeles Lakers: Top 10 Moments Of The 2000s
The 2000s was a special decade in Los Angeles Lakers history. This time brought special moments, unforgettable players and four championships in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2009. Reminiscing about games during this decade always bring a warm and happy feeling to Lakers fans, some even cry with tears of joy (I hope that’s not just me). In this time of despair for the Lakers, some joy and uplifting moments are definitely needed, at least for the fans. Let’s get nostalgic.
Honorable Mention: Mark Madsen‘s dance moves
Before we get started with the real list, few things are funnier than watching people dancing who simply have no rhythm. Oh wait, yes there is. Watching someone dance who has no rhythm dance on national television. Enjoy Mark “Mad Dog” Madsen as he .. .uhh …”dances” at the Lakers championship parade in 2001.
10: Ron Artest Saves the Day Against Phoenix
As unlikely of a hero as you would imagine. With 3.5 seconds left, Jason Richardson banked in a 3-point shot to tie the game. Kobe then launched a 3 and missed badly, but the ball bounced right into the hands of Ron Artest. Ron-Ron was in the right place at the right time and made the game-winner as the buzzer sounded.
9: Kobe Bryant‘s game winner vs. Phoenix Suns
In the dark days of the post-Shaq era, where the Lakers had some guy named Smush Parker at point guard (I still can’t take that seriously) there were few moments more exciting and thrilling than watching Kobe hit a game-tying layup in regulation and a game-winning jumper in overtime in Game 4 of the first round of the 2006 Western Conference playoffs. Yet another example of the Black Mamba willing his team to a victory.
8: Kobe Takes over in OT to Defeat the Pacers
After a tough series, Game 4 of the 2000 NBA Finals went to overtime and a dominant Shaq fouled out midway through the extra period. Kobe took over from there. Young Mamba delivered three clutch shots in a row and the Lakers won the game 120-118. The Lakers went on to win the series in six games, clinching their first title since 1988.
7: Shaq’s near quadruple double in game 2
Twenty-eight points. Twenty rebounds. Nine assists. Eight blocks …. wow. Shaq was a beast in Game 2 of the 2001 NBA Finals, falling one assist and two blocks shy of a quadruple-double. The Lakers won the game by nine points and didn’t lose another game to Philly.
6: Shaquille O’ Neal’s 61-point game against the Clippers on his 28th birthday
The Diesel gave us so many amazing and unforgettable moments during his time with the Lakers. This one stands out as one of his best performances as he made Michael Olowokandi (and the rest of the Clippers) look like a college scrubs. He even made some free throws that night. Enjoy the commentary of Chick Hearn, Lakers fans.
5: Kobe scores 61 in Madison Square Garden
While Lakers fans certainly garner more attention, Knicks fans lave long been held in esteem as astute observers of the game. So during a midseason road trip to MSG’s hallowed halls, Kobe gave them—and the Knicks—something to watch. In an incredible 61-point display, Kobe left the building with the win, the Garden’s scoring record and perhaps an even more impressive feat. He left Spike Lee speechless.
4: Derek Fisher: 0.4
The Lakers and Spurs were tied 2-2 heading into Game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals. San Antonio had it all but won when Tim Duncan sunk an 18-foot jump shot with 0.4 seconds left. Following two Lakers timeouts and a Spurs timeout, Gary Payton looked to inbound the ball. The pass came to Fisher, who managed to take and make a shot as time expired.
3: 81
So, this guy named Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a game. It was pretty cool, I guess.
2: Robert Horry saves the day
Once again, Robert Horry supplies the heroics in a late game situation. In the late seconds of the 2002 Western Conference Finals against the Kings, the Lakers were down by two with 11 seconds remaining in the game. Eleven seconds later they were up by 1.
1: The Lob and point
It’s very hard for me to write about this one without getting emotional. So as I have a tough time just writing what happened in this sequence, I’ll describe the sound that was made by people in Los Angeles after the play. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *many joyous curse words* AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *more cursing with joy, maybe some crying* SHAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!