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

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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24. The Dunk on Denver

Before Kobe Bryant was a grizzled veteran whose fundamentals overwhelmed the opposition, he was an explosive finisher whose fundamentals still overwhelmed the opposition. The Denver Nuggets found that out the hard way on what may have been Bryant’s most iconic dunk.

A spin move, a full extension, a reverse dunk, and a thunderous roar.

This off-balance throw-down is the epitome of Bryant’s days in the No. 8 uniform. He was a highlight waiting to happen, a dunk artist of the highest form, and a truly dominant athlete.

This was Exhibit A.

Bryant’s had many memorable dunks, but this flush off of a tremendous Robert Horry feed is the one you see most commonly on a highlight reel. The degree of difficulty was significant and the stare-down at the end is vintage Mamba.

It may be relatively low on this list, but this dunk was one of Bryant’s signature moments.

Next: Winning the Division