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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9. Nine in a Row

Kobe Bryant is regarded as one of the greatest scorers of all-time. His career rankings prove as much, but it’s the iconic individual performances that have made Bryant one of the most admired and respected players of all-time.

It was in 2002-03 that Bryant emerged as one of the most lethal scorers on the planet.

From February 6 to February 23 of 2003, Bryant scored at least 40 points in nine consecutive games. He shot at least 45.2 percent from the field in eight of those nine appearances.

Bryant’s nine consecutive games with at least 40 points were the most by any player since Michael Jordan in 1986-87. No one has done it since.

Bryant had achieved stardom by that point, but his play in 2003 was on another level. He exceeded 50 points twice, and led Los Angeles to a 7-2 record during that unforgettable nine-game stretch.

For the month, Bryant averaged 40.6 points per game. Ridiculous.

Next: The Streak, Part II