With Russell Westbrook’s recent Triple-Double run evoking memories of Michael Jordan’s run in the late 80’s, it’s imperative to reflect upon Kobe Bryant’s most remarkable stretch of his career. In March of 2007, Kobe Bryant torched the Portland Trailblazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Hornets (Pelicans) for 50+ points each in games that all culminated in a Laker win. The Blazers & Grizzlies would get it the worst, to the tune of 65 and 60 points respectively. In the 2005-06 NBA Season, Kobe shocked the sports world with his unfathomable 81 Point performance that only the Big Dipper himself could sneeze at. Being robbed of the MVP Award by Steve Nash as well as being sent home early in the playoffs by Nash’s Suns; the newly minted #24 version of The Mamba approached 2007 with a vengeance.
The Immediate Post Shaq Era left many fans of this beautiful game questioning the Lakers’ Front Office for picking between the Diesel/PJ & Bean. While the Miami Heat were setting the league ablaze literally, the Lakers would miss the playoffs in 2005, and suffer first round exits in 2006 and 2007. However, these team shortcomings did nothing to prevent Kobe from displaying some of the greatest individual play the Association has ever seen. 225 Points in 4 games is as absurd as any other run a player has had at any level. The Streak would help the Lakers get out of a funk as they were hovering above mediocrity before it started. They would finish 42-40 with Kobe leading the league once again with an average of 31.2 PPG. The secondary Post Shaq Era saw the Lakers’ metoric rise coinciding with the stars dimming in Miami. Kobe would go on to add 2 more Championships to his glittering legacy and ultimately narrow the gap between he and Black Jesus himself (Thanks Reggie).
Salute The Mamba
