Kobe Bryant at age 36 can still go, will he add to this list of iconic moments in his incredible legacy?
Kobe Bryant has made a living of hitting big shots for the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his illustrious career. In his 19th season at the age of 36, Bryant looks to continue that trend, even on a struggling Lakers team this year.
Bryant has shown no signs of slowing down and Lakers fans are hopeful that he can play beyond his contract that ends in 2016.
While he has hit some big shots in his career, could it be possible to narrow them down to just five?
Here is the list of the top five greatest shots in the “Black Mamba’s” career.
5.) May 10, 2000 Western Conference Semifinals: Young Mamba Ices Phoenix
After winning game one by 28 points, things didn’t come as easy in game two. The Lakers were down 96-95 with under 20 seconds left. Instead of taking a quick shot in case a miss occurred, Bryant held the ball and had an isolation situation with Jason Kidd.
With about seven seconds to play Bryant made his move and hit a double clutch jumper from the free throw line to win the game.
The shot was massive because without the shot, the series would’ve been tied at one game apiece. The Lakers went on to win the series 4-1 and they ended up winning their first of three-straight NBA Championships over Larry Bird’s Indiana Pacers.
4.) April 14, 2004: Kobe Clinches Pacific Division On Final Day
A win and it was the Pacific Division and the second seed in the playoffs for LA. A loss would’ve given the Sacramento Kings the same honor.
With the Lakers down 87-84 with under 8 seconds left, their division title was in danger.
Bryant had Ruben Patterson all in his business when he fired deep from downtown.
And even after that one gigantic shot to extend the game, Bryant had yet another in store.
In double overtime the Lakers were down 104-102 with one second left.
Well, you saw what happened.
3.) May 12, 2002 Game 4 Western Conference Semifinals: Layup Sinks Spurs
The Lakers were up 2-1 against the Spurs in the series and appeared to have a shot at tying the series. The game was tied at 85 when Derek Fisher took a desperation jumper with under seconds to play.
Bryant chased down the miss and put in a layup with five seconds to play over David Robinson.
The Lakers went on to take a 3-1 series lead an route to another NBA Championship.
2.) June 8, 2004 Game 2 NBA Finals: Bryant Bests The Bad Boys
The Lakers were looking to win their fourth NBA title in five seasons against the Detroit Pistons. After losing game one, the Lakers knew game two was a must win.
The Pistons led 89-86 with under 10 seconds to play.
Even with the win, the Lakers lost the series in five.
1.) April 30, 2006 Game 5 First Round: Kobe Stuns Phoenix Again
Just like he did against Portland, Bryant hit two shots in the final seconds, one to send it to overtime and the second to win it.
The Lakers were down two with eight seconds to play, when the unthinkable happened.
Nash turned it over. Devean George recovered the loose ball, quickly gave it to Bryant, who then made a difficult floater over Boris Diaw.
In overtime, the Lakers were down 98-97 with six seconds left. There was a jump ball between Luke Walton and Nash. Walton won the tip and Bryant controlled it.
Unfortunately, even with the winner and going up 3-1 in the series, the Lakers lost the last three games of the series and fell in seven.
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