20 years ago today (January 14, 2002), the Lakers played at home against the Grizzlies, lakers center O'Neal was banned from the league for 3 games because of a clash with Brad Miller in the last game against the Bulls, swinging his fist at the latter.
In this game, Kobe Bryant deliberately wrote "34" (O'Neal's jersey number) on his shoes as a tribute to O'Neal and continued to "fight side by side" with his partner. In the following game, Bryant was very powerful, playing 34 minutes, 21 of 34 shots, 3 of 6 three-pointers, 11 of 12 free throws, and only three quarters of 56 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 0 turnovers. In the end, it helped the Lakers win 120-81 against the Grizzlies.
In this year, Kobe Bryant and O'Neal led the Lakers to win the NBA championship for the third consecutive time, completing the great feat of three consecutive championships.
(River Wave End)
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