Kobe Bryant’s 5 greatest moments vs the Washington Wizards
By Ethan Smith
Kobe dops 55 in final game vs. Michael Jordan
March 28, 2003
It’s no secret that Kobe Bryant emulated Michael Jordan. And in the final matchup between two of the greatest champions and competitors in NBA history, Kobe made sure to leave his mark on his mentor.
Towards the end of the 2002-03 season, the Lakers hosted Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards for the final meeting between two of the greatest shooting guards the world has ever seen. On that night, Kobe made sure he was the greater one, despite a 23 point performance from a 40-year-old MJ.
From the very start of the game, Bryant was in a zone that few players can even dream of, let alone reach. In what felt like an official passing of the torch in Jordan’s final season, Bryant burst out of the gates, bombarding the Wizards with a barrage of offensive attacks on his way to 42 first-half points. Bryant finished the game with 55, the most he would ever score against Washington during his 20-year career.
At that point in his career, Kobe already had three rings. And with him and Shaq still together, it looked like his chances of building a bigger jewelry collection than his idol were still pretty good. Of course, the Kobe/Shaq relationship eventually crumbled, but Kobe would still go on to tie Jordan in terms of rings.
If you’re going to emulate anybody, emulate Jordan. But once you drop 55 on him and match him in rings, you’ve built an unrivaled legacy all of your own.