r/NBAConvo

Hey everyone. I understand this is a Kobe subreddit, but I still expect to get push back for this. That being said, before anyone jumps on me, I fully understand why many people consider The Block the greatest defensive play in NBA history. It happened in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals, against a 73-9 Warriors team, and it helped deliver Cleveland's first championship.

That being said, I think The Lob from Kobe to Shaq in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals was an even greater moment. The reason I think this is because the Lakers were on the verge of a complete collapse. They were at home, heavily favored, and down 15 points in the fourth quarter against Portland. If they lose that game, the entire Shaq/Kobe era might be viewed differently. Instead, they completed one of the most famous comebacks in playoff history.

Then came the play. Kobe drives, crosses up Pippen, and then throws the alley-oop to Shaq, Shaq slams it home, and both players celebrate as the crowd completely loses its mind.

To me, that wasn't just a great play, it was the symbolic birth of the Lakers dynasty. It was the moment that announced the arrival of the Shaq/Kobe championship era. The image of Shaq running down the court pointing at Kobe is one of the defining images of NBA history.

"The Block" was an incredible defensive play, but I think "The Lob" was an entire era crystallized into a single moment. "The Block" also helped complete a championship run, but I think "The Lob" felt like the moment a dynasty was born. That's why I think "The Lob" is the greater NBA moment, even if "The Block" may have occurred on the bigger stage.

Thoughts? Am I crazy?

That 2nd apron going to the make it tough for champions to repeat.

No “The Decision.” No move to Golden State. Just two generational superstars spending their entire primes with the franchises that drafted them.
How different would the 2010s look? Which teams win championships? Does Golden State still become a dynasty? Does Oklahoma City become one instead? Does Cleveland build a lasting powerhouse around LeBron?

Let’s rewrite NBA history.

This baffles me why they gave up draft picks for Walker Kessler and google has no satisfactory answer.

I have a few choices:
- Allen Iverson: flashy, huge flair, streetball aura, artist of the game. Same chaos, creativity, emotional and defiant. “Flawed genius” and usually discussed with a slight sadness with lots of “what’s if” + probably misunderstood
- Harden: elite offence & finishing package with some achievements but not quite become “best player of the generation”

During Game 5 of the 2003 WCSF vs the eventual NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs Kobe Bryant was leading the Lakers on a comeback charge. He was cooking the Spurs defense. However, with the game on-the line with a chance to win Kobe Bryant swung the ball out to Robert Horry aka "Big Shot Bob" who was known for his clutch shot making.

Robert Horry shot an ABYSMAL 0 for 18 (0%) from three. He couldn't shoot the ball in the ocean that series, but Kobe trusted his teammate much like he trusted Ron Artest in Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.

Do you believe that Kobe should have taken the contested shot and try to draw a foul or should Kobe have trusted his teammates? What would you personally do in this situation?

Kobe played a full 48 minutes, and finished the game with:

36 points

6 assists

7 rebounds

48% Field

45% 3-pt

Shai is ready too cook the league next season.