This Day In Lakers History: Kobe Bryant Sinks Game-Winner At Buzzer To Defeat Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets
Chris Carlson-AP Photo

The Los Angeles Lakers assembled a dynamic rostering entering the 2003-04 season, with what turned out to be four future Hall-of-Famers teaming up. However, the journey throughout the season turned into a catastrophe, filled with injuries and unforeseen external events getting in the way of basketball.

However, the likes Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal demonstrated many times that their talent was great enough to carry the Lakers to victory. That was particularly true for Bryant on Dec. 19, 2003, against Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets.

Bryant wouldn’t arrive at Staples Center until there were four minutes left in the first quarter, as he was working with his legal team for an appearance in a Colorado courtroom.

By halftime, the Lakers had opened up a 57-47 lead over the Nuggets, with a complete performance from their team.

The Nuggets made an all-out run before the game was about to end, as a double-digit deficit was trimmed to just four points. From there, both teams would go back-and-forth until O’Neal’s missed free throws and a Gary Payton missed layup allowed the Nuggets to tie the game at 99.

The Lakers had an opportunity for the final, shot however. Bryant received the ball from Devean George and drove to his left. He then used a pump fake to get defender Jon Barry off his feet, gathering himself and rising up to knock down the game-winner at the buzzer.

With that shot, the Lakers claimed a 101-99 victory, and Bryant knocked down his fifth and final basket of the night. The entire game was an oddity for him as it marked his first game off the bench since the 1999 season.

Showing up to support his teammates via a late flight, Bryant was able to contribute in a big way. O’Neal also chipped in 26 points, on 8-for-11 shooting, including 10-for-17 from the free throw line.

Kobe Bryant ranks third in career buzzer-beaters

Throughout his illustrious career, Bryant made eight total buzzer-beaters, tied for second in league history behind only Michael Jordan (nine) and even with LeBron James.

Seven of Bryant’s buzzer-beaters came in the regular season while one came in the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns in 2006.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Injury Update: D’Angelo Russell Targeting Friday Return Against Raptors

The Los Angeles Lakers have been playing much better basketball as of late, and that’s without two key pieces…

Lakers News: Talen Horton-Tucker ‘Frustrated’ By His Inconsistent Play In 2021-22

The 2021-22 season turned out to be a particularly challenging and stressful experience for Talen Horton-Tucker…

Lakers News: Darvin Ham Responds To Christian Wood’s ‘Lol’ Tweet

Things are not improving for the Los Angeles Lakers and head coach Darvin Ham as they have fallen below .500 again…

Lakers Rumors: Prospect Of Russell Westbrook Coming Off Bench Being ‘Strongly Considered’ By Darvin Ham

As training camp draws near, it is looking increasingly likely that Russell Westbrook will begin the 2022-23 season with…