The ‘Kobe Bryant Rucker Park’ highlight reel is one of the most romantic moments in basketball history. Kobe graced the place post his 3 peat.
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Basketball icon Kobe Bryant is one of the best players to play the game of basketball. The ‘Black Mamba’ was known for his work-ethic and passion for the game of basketball during his playing days. A young Kobe back in 2002 certainly proved it on a rainy day in the iconic Rucker Park. The park is considered the ‘mecca of street basketball’.
Legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain have learnt their game in the holy park before etching their names in the history books.
Several stars like LeBron James, Allen Iverson and Kevin Durant have visited the park after they attained superstardom.
The famous Kobe Bryant Rucker Park story
The 5-time NBA champion visited the Park to play a game of basketball. The Lakers swept the New Jersey Nets in the 2002 Finals with Shaquille O’Neal winning the finals MVP. However, Kobe stole the show when he showed up at Rucker Park to play on the concrete floor.
18 years ago today, Kobe showed up at Rucker Park.
You know he went off 🐍 pic.twitter.com/VUnyXTUEmv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 18, 2020
Kobe managed to put up a show during the rains on the concrete floor. He put up a statistics of 15 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds that day. The Lakers’ legend kept playing in those conditions despite injury concerns.
It was quite a historic moment for both Kobe Bryant and people at Rucker Park, as the NBA legend showed off his skills and made a highlight reel for generations to savour.
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Kobe, Shaq and the Lakers 3-peat
Kobe was touted to be next big star in the league after Bulls’ legend Michael Jordan. The icon kept raising his game with every passing season. With the addition of center Shaquille O’Neal to the team, the Lakers became the most formidable team in the league.
With a young Kobe and a peak Shaq, the Lakers went on to win the three-peat. Kobe and Shaq formed the best duo in the entire league. The former Orlando star is considered to be the most dominant center in the history of the league.
Kobe had a breakthrough season in 2001-02 averaging 25.2 points and 5.5 assists. In the 2002 playoffs, Bryant averaged 26.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 5.8 rebounds.
Kobe went on become one of the greatest players in the league. The Black Mamba won 5 championships with his beloved Lakers during his 20-year NBA career.
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