Kobe Bryant was a one-of-one talent that won five championships in 20 seasons, all with the Los Angeles Lakers.
At his peak, Bryant provided the basketball world with endless memories and iconic moments, especially during the postseason. Having a determined winner and leader of his caliber was a tremendous advantage, but it also created disadvantages for opponents.
Someone who saw that first hand was Steve Nash, who went on to be Bryant’s teammate during his final years in the NBA. But, during his time with the Phoenix Suns, Nash’s favorite Black Mamba memory came during the 2010 Western Conference Finals when they went to battle, via NBA on Prime:
“It all kind of blends into one, but the one memory that always rushes to the top is 2010 Western Conference Finals, Suns, Lakers. It was 2-2, we played at Staples [Center], he [Kobe Bryant] has a look at game winner, he airballs it, Metta [World Peace] gets it off his knee, throws it up and it goes in. So, we’re thinking we had such a great chance here, but we’ll go get them at home, they haven’t beat us at home. We went back to Phoenix, it was almost like because he missed that game winner, he’s like that’s all over now. Like literally, hold my beer. Grant Hill was guarding him, Grant was so good that night defensively, like all over him and he [Bryant] was making shots from everywhere, could not be guarded any better. Like 28-foot shots with Grant all over him, off the dribble. I literally took my hat off right there and was like this guy is unbelievable.”
Phoenix was an up-and-coming team with a fast, physical playstyle. The Lakers were an older, experienced team and Bryant’s championship experience pierced through in 2010.
Nash was referring to Game 6, where the Hall of Famer marched into Arizona and dropped 37 points. It was readily apparent that Bryant was not going back to L.A. for a win-or-go-home Game 7 and took complete control of the game down the stretch.
To further prove how dominant the Lakers legend was that season, he finished All-NBA first team and first team All-Defensive. He would then win his fifth and final title against their storied rival Boston Celtics.
Jeanie Buss loves old Kobe Bryant-Jalen Rose clip
Jan. 22 marked the 20th anniversary of Kobe Bryant dropping 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. Once Bryant retired, a commercial aired with him and Jalen Rose, who defended the Mamba on his historic scoring night.
In that commercial, Kobe took a funny jab at Rose for scoring 81 on him, which Lakers governor Jeanie Buss commented on, expressing her love for that clip.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
