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Kobe Bryant: 50 Greatest Moments of Black Mamba’s Career

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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39. Kobe Saves Shaq in Orlando Return

The consensus about the early seasons of Kobe Bryant’s career is that he was, “Carried,” by Shaquille O’Neal. This moment may not matter much in the long run, but it effectively served as memorable irony.

Long regarded as the Robin to O’Neal’s Batman, it was Bryant who saved The Big Aristotle against his former team.

O’Neal was dominant in his own right, recording 31 points and 13 rebounds. Los Angeles trailed by a count of 63-43 at halftime, and O’Neal’s return to Orlando looked as though it would be bittersweet.

Bryant wasn’t going to let that happen.

No. 8 scored 33 of his 38 points in the second half, taking over a game that appeared to be out of reach. He shot 15-of-24 from the field, dished out four assists, and made big shot after big shot during the massive comeback.

Los Angeles somehow won the road game by a count of 115-104.

Next: Don't Forget About Me

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