Like Michael Jordan’s Flu Game, a $20 Burger Forced Kobe Bryant to Play After Hours of Vomiting: “Something in This Man’s Food”

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are two players often mentioned in the same vein. After all, the Black Mamba modeled his entire game after the Chicago Bulls legend. He idolized Michael and wanted to be as great a player as he was. It even got to the point where the resemblance between the two was uncanny, too uncanny.

In 1997, MJ trudged onto the court for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The six-time NBA Champion was terribly sick and had reportedly come down with the flu. Nevertheless, he persisted and eventually won the game that is now infamously known as “The Flu Game.” And, shockingly enough, Kobe had a similar incident.

As revealed in Jeff Pearlman’s, the Three Ring Circus, Bryant fell ill just before Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. It was a big game, against the Lakers’ Pacific Division rivals, the Sacramento Kings. But, of all things, it was a burger that nearly took Kobe out of action.

A $20 burger nearly prevented Kobe Bryant from playing Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals

The city of Sacramento is known for many things. Capitol Park, the Crocker Art Museum, and Fairytale Town are just a few of its major landmarks. But, another major spot in the City of Trees, is Dawson’s Steakhouse.

Dawson’s has been around since 1988, and one of its top-selling dishes is the famous “Dawson’s Burger.” A delicious dish, with rave reviews, but on May 19, 2002, it proved to be the undoing of Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers guard ordered the dish the night before Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Sacramento Kings. But, rather than having a great meal, he ended up falling sick. As described in the Three Ring Circus, Kobe was vomiting everywhere. And, when he turned up for the game the next day, his teammates were concerned.

“When Bryant explained to teammates about the burger and the illness, antennas rose. Had this all been planned? Was it old Red Auerbach–inspired trickery? Mix some ipecac syrup in with the ketchup and eliminate Kobe Bryant? ‘I was upset and I was mad,’ said Devean George—convinced of the conspiracy. ‘At the same time, I was scared. I was like ‘Are these people really taking this that seriously where they would put something in this man’s food?’ I can just remember how he looked. It was nasty.'”

 

Game 2: Lakers @ Kings

In game 2, Kobe had 22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block but the Kings would take the game and the series was tied heading to LA pic.twitter.com/AP23kCK4bT

— Tupac (@TupacAG) March 3, 2022

Kobe was described as having skin the hue of a moldy green olive on that night. Despite his sickness, he fought throughout the entire match, playing a team-high 40 minutes. Ending the night with 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists. A true warrior.

The Black Mamba once played through a game with a dislocated finger

Food poisoning isn’t the only thing Kobe Bryant has played through. In 2016, the Black Mamba dislocated his finger during a game against the San Antonio Spurs. But, rather than go to the back and get it fixed, he just had trainer Gary Vitti pop it back in and then stepped back on the court.

The Lakers lost the game 119-113, but Kobe ended the night with 25 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Once again showing his warrior spirit.

Kobe truly is one of the greatest of all time. And, if his Hall of Fame resume isn’t enough to convince you, all you have to do is watch how he played the game. With his heart and soul.