NBA: Kobe Bryant’s best games against every team

10. Kobe v. Hornets (Charlotte Bobcats at the time), December 29, 2006

58 points (22-45 FG), 5 rebounds, 4 assists in 3OT

This is the sixth highest scoring game of Kobe’s career. And this game would be much higher if the Lakers had actually won.

On this list the Lakers are undefeated in regulation, but as one of two LA losses here – Kobe’s 51-point performance against the Warriors being the other – it’s easy to zero in on Kobe’s shortcomings in this game, especially considering that the Bobcats were only 7-21 entering this game:

• He hoisted up forty-five attempts, and connected on less than half of them.
• He was 4-11 from beyond the three-point line.
• The game was lost when Kobe fouled Derek Anderson on a three-point attempt (leading to three made free throws), missed an open jumper and fouled out by committing a charge on Anderson.

Of course, when you’re in a triple overtime war of attrition, the next highest scorer on the team is Luke Walton (with only 14) and you get out-rebounded 64-56, it’s fair to give Kobe a little leeway.

This is the game that encapsulates the 2006-07 season the most; it’s Kobe trying to drag his team to victory by himself, throwing up shot after shot because at least some are going to go in. The fact that this would often lead to victory should be evidence enough of Kobe’s greatness, even if it didn’t happen here.

Next: #9