Los Angeles Lakers: Top 8 Kobe Bryant moments
By Jason Elbaum
5. Streak of four straight 50-point games in March of 2007
It was probably the most challenging time of Kobe Bryant’s career as the Lakers roster was stripped down and there were rumblings of Kobe wanting a trade away from Los Angeles. He showed his frustration in a way that no other player could as he went on an unstoppable tear of four straight 50-point games in March of 2007.
The Lakers were on a seven-game losing streak and on the heels of losses by 27 and 36 points, so the stars were aligned for Kobe to channel his Mamba Mentality to get the team back on track. In the next four games (all Laker wins), he would score 65 against Portland, 50 against Minnesota, 60 against Memphis and 50 against New Orleans.
It was the first streak of its kind since Wilt Chamberlain, who was significantly taller and more athletic than his competition. This is just part of what made Kobe’s streak so impressive, in addition to the fact that he shot over 50 percent from the field in three of these four games.
It may not have been a stretch for Lakers fans to remember as far as team success, but this particular Kobe feat is a testament to just how special a talent he was and a reminder of why we should be so honored to see his jersey retired Monday night.