Kobe to Shaq: The Beginning of a NBA Dynasty

I've been a Laker fan as long as I can remember. I come from a Laker family. My grandfather, uncles, brothers, and cousins all engage in at least 2 hours of Laker conversation daily. This basketball team is by far our favorite subject to discuss. Now here were are a few games in the NBA playoffs, witnessing the Lakers make an improbable rise to the top of the most competitive conference in NBA history. Many questions were in the air before this season started, mainly revolving around the game's best player to date, Kobe Bryant. And through all the summer turmoil, this team fought adversity and made it to the top. Seeing that Shaquille O'Neal was dealt over to our rivals the Phoenix Suns, I found it fitting to remember one of the greatest moments in Laker Lore, and in playoff history, involving Kobe and Shaq.

It was the 2000 season NBA season. Phil Jackson was hired as coach and finally untapped the limitless potential of his two superstars. The Portland Trailblazers had built a very talented team around one of Phil's formers stars in Scottie Pippen. As expected, the two were matched up against each other and one of the best playoff series I have witnessed. The Blazers had a group of very talented big men to throw at Shaq. Arvydas Sabonis, Rasheed Wallace, Brian Grant, and even a young Jermaine O'Neal all got shots at the "Big Fella". As if written in a storybook, the series went to seven games. Portland immediately put doubt in us Laker fans by jumping to an early lead attempting to run us out of our on gym. They ended up taking a 13 point lead and the 4th quarter. We looked defeated, helpless and on the ropes.

Then something amazing happened. The role players starting hitting big shots, Brian Shaw from the top of the key, Fisher, Horry, Fox from the corners. We stormed back in the 4th while Portland missed shot after shot, playing timid, afraid to lose the lead. I was at my brother's house; all of our friends were there. We were on the edge of our seats, biting our nails, screaming at the TV. Then, almost out of nowhere, Kobe crossover at the top of the key, lob to Shaq!!!!! Even if Portland didn't want to call a time out, they had to. We all jumped up until our heads almost hit the ceiling. There was plenty of time left in the game, but we knew it was over. That play had ripped their hearts out. That was the greatest moment in playoff history for me. I know there was Horry's big shot over Sacramento or Fisher's 0.4 miracle over San Antonio, but this one was the start of a dynasty. And it forever cemented their place in history.