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Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant Statue Ideas

By Chris Walton

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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‘The First Of Many … ‘

It was the Lakers’ first trip to the NBA Finals with Phil Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant–and for Bryant his first appearance on the premier stage, period. This was the beginning stages of Kobe Bryant emerging as one of the league’s best perimeter players in the league.

Alongside O’Neal, Bryant took The Lakers had been one of the most dominant teams in the league during the 1999-2000 season, winning 67 games. Bryant was the youngest player selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive team. Amazingly, this same 21-year-old Bryant held his own against Hall of Famer Reggie Miller.

This was a series in which Bryant missed his one and only NBA Finals games due to a badly sprained ankle. Bryant rolled the ankle being defended by Jalen Rose, who’d later witness his wrath.  Like the maniac he is, Bryant returned after a one-game absence to continue the Lakers’ championship surge.

Perhaps the most defining moment of Bryant’s career started with his epic display of leadership in the aftermath of O’Neal fouling out of the fourth game of the 2000 NBA Finals. He scored 22 second-half points, including two crucial baskets in overtime. A young Bryant motioned his team to be calm, and witness his will lead them to a championship.

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