Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant Statue Ideas
By Chris Walton
’24. The MVP.’
The aftermath of the three-peat Lakers did a number on Kobe Bryant’s image. After some historically awesome seasons post-Shaq, Bean still struggled to woo the MVP voters his way. Performances included a 35.4 point per game average during the 2005-06, with his aforementioned 62- and 81-point games.
It wasn’t until the Lakers rebuilt their franchise and restored their winning ways that Bryant finally captured his one and only award as the best player in the NBA. Acquiring Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, and drafting Andrew Bynum, the Lakers were equipped with a true contender. In Pau’s first year, it was arguably Bryant’s best season on and off the court with the team.
While the Lakers resurged, there was another star leading his squad to prominence in the Western Conference. New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul was on par with Bryant’s big year. Paul lead the Hornets to 56 wins and the second seed, trailing Bryant’s Lakers in the Western Conference.
In epic fashion, it was a head-to-head matchup between the two on April 11, 2008. Bryant capped off a late game steal with a ridiculous slam dunk. Upon landing, he flaunted and popped his Lakers jersey for fans to revel in the moment with him.
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