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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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11. The Alley-Oop

From 1999 to 2002, the Los Angeles Lakers were the most dominant team in professional sports. Behind the efforts of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, and the leadership of Phil Jackson, Los Angeles won three consecutive NBA championships.

This single play embodies the brilliance of the Lakers’ unforgettable three-peat.

The Lakers trailed the Portland Trail Blazers 71-58 entering the fourth quarter of Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. An unforgettable comeback ensued, with Bryant eventually scoring four consecutive points to give Los Angeles an 83-79 lead.

With 41.3 seconds remaining, Bryant found O’Neal for one of the most iconic plays in NBA history.

This play helped launch the Lakers into their first of three consecutive NBA Finals appearances. Jackson and company won championships in all three visits, which is what makes this alley-oop so special.

Not only did it help Los Angeles win the game, but it signaled the dawn of a dynasty.

Next: Kobe vs. MJ, 2003

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