NBA: Kobe Bryant’s best games against every team

5. Kobe v. Kings, May 13, 2001 (Western Conference semifinals)

48 points (15-29 FG), 16 rebounds, 8 assists

Two complicated basketball relationships have always defined Kobe Bryant: 1) his up-and-down alliance with Lakers head coach Phil Jackson and 2) his mostly down partnership with Shaquille O’Neal.

The feud with Shaq has taken on somewhat mythic proportions. And somehow both Shaq and Kobe have been cast as villains; Kobe refused to take on any role seemingly beneath his legendary stature, and Shaq did all that he could to cut away at any success Kobe was experiencing.

The 1999-00 Lakers team was clearly Shaq’s team; Kobe was the obvious “second banana”. The team finished 67-15, and Shaq’s dominance was never more apparent than in the Finals where he outscored Kobe 38 points per game to 15.

The 2000-01 Lakers were a different story. Shaq struggled with his efficiency (and his weight), while Kobe took the leadership mantle and led the team in scoring. The team was winning but not like they had last year. Shaq refused to accept a situation where he would the sidekick, Kobe continued to force his offense and soon enough the two were blaming each other for the failure to live up to the previous year.

The Western Semifinal clincher felt like an “eff-you” moment for Kobe directed right at Shaq. Shaq played well (25 points, 10 rebounds), but he fouled out in the fourth quarter, and watched as Kobe dropped 48 and 16, taking command of the team at their greatest moment of strength.

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