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Los Angeles Lakers: Saying Goodbye To Kobe Bryant

By Greg Chin

Nov 29, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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“You witnessed my fears morph into strength”

But our hero’s journey doesn’t end with defeat. Kobe and the Lakers were boosted by the signing of Pau Gasol, and found a way back to the NBA Finals. The Lakers had the best record in the West, and after sweeping the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs, Kobe was named Most Valuable Player.

The Lakers were unable to win the title that season, but it was Kobe’s first appearance in the Finals since Shaq left. While it was a bitter loss, the Lakers were finally back in contention.

Next season, the team continued to dominate the West. No one seemed to be able to stop the Lakers as they steamrolled their way to the NBA Finals. Then, we witnessed one of the most one-sided Finals in recent history as the Lakers comfortable defeated the Orlando Magic, and Bryant won his first NBA Finals MVP.

The team would then successfully defend their crown the next season.

Next: The End

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