Their only loss would come in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Sixers. The Lakers went on to sweep the Portland Trailblazers (3-0), Sacramento Kings (4-0) and San Antonio Spurs (4-0) in the team's first three playoff series. In addition to some staggering statistical output, the Lakers were nearly unbeatable in the 2001 postseason. Shaq averaged more than 30 points and nine rebounds per game throughout the postseason, while Kobe posted 29.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. The Lakers began the season struggling on and off the court, as they were losing games at the beginning with the ShaqKobe feud. The club lost a few players to free agency, but they signed veteran players like Isaiah Rider and Horace Grant. The 2000-01 playoffs were Kobe and Shaq's coming out party. Background The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 200001 NBA season as the defending NBA champions. Things haven't quite been the same since. However, after rifts with the city and their fans, Kobe proclaimed that he would silence the Sixers faithful and "cut their hearts out" (via ) during the 2000-2001 NBA Finals. Playing with grit and determination that are unmatched in today's game, Kobe works tirelessly, just like the people of the city he called home as a youth. If there's one player who exemplifies a Philadelphia attitude on the basketball court, it's Kobe Bryant. Thus, they will be omitted from the list.Īs the season approaches, we take a look back at the Kobe Bryant's five greatest Laker teams. With that said, it would feel unfair to rank this year's Lakers among historical teams with established pedigrees. Kobe is absolutely right that the 2012-13 Lakers are the most talented team he's been a part of, but if they can't bring home a championship, it simply won't matter how good they look on paper. You're talking about a myriad of things where guys are on top of their position and have been at the top of their position." But just on paper, you're obviously talking about defensive players of the years, MVPs, All-Stars. "Whether that translates into winning a championship, that remains to be seen. 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats. "On its face, it's the best talent I've been around," said Bryant, entering his 17th NBA season. That's why it came as no surprise when he declared the 2012-13 edition of the Lakers as the best team (on paper) that he's been a part of.Īccording to the Los Angeles Times, Bryant was forthright in his praise for his team that has added several big names this offseason: Kobe Bryant has never been one to shy away from controversial statements.
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