2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season

Pro basketball team season (won NBA championship) March 2026 August 2023 Los Angeles Lakers 2002 yes yes 58 24 Pacific 2 3 Phil Jackson Mitch Kupchak Jerry Buss Staples Center KCAL-TV Fox Sports Net West KLAC NBA champions(Defeated Nets 4–0) LAL The 2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 54th season for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association, and their 42nd season in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/ August 7, 2026 The Lakers entered the regular season as the 2-time defending NBA champions, having defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in the 2001 NBA Finals, winning their 13th NBA championship. Season summary Off-season During the off-season, the team signed free agents, All-Star guard Mitch Richmond and Samaki Walker, Brown Tim Walker, Richmond Top Laker List Los Angeles Times July 7, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-07-sp-19590-story.html May 28, 2022July 21, 2001 N.B.A.: Roundup: Richmond Goes West to Lakers https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/21/sports/nba-roundup-richmond-goes-west-to-lakers.html May 28, 2022 The New York Times Associated Press Former Wizards G Richmond Signs with Lakers The Washington Post July 21, 2001 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2001/07/21/former-wizards-g-richmond-signs-with-lakers/b1cdaffa-9140-40ba-a325-8fbe337efa7b/ October 24, 2022 and acquired Lindsey Hunter from the Milwaukee Bucks. Associated Press NBA: Lakers Trade for Hunter with Fisher on Shelf ESPN June 29, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2001/0628/1220071.html November 7, 2024 Brown Tim Trade to L.A. Lifts Hunter Out of Funk Los Angeles Times July 3, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jul-03-sp-18156-story.html October 25, 2022 Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Jordan Against the New Generation, Lakers Against the World The New York Times October 30, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/30/sports/pro-basketball-jordan-against-the-new-generation-lakers-against-the-world.html July 16, 2022 Regular season The Lakers got off to a fast start by winning their first seven games of the regular season, leading to a successful 16–1 start after a nine-game winning streak between November and December, and holding a 33–13 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 7, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=7&year=2002 September 11, 2022 The Lakers finished in second place in the Pacific Division with a 58–24 record, and earned the third seed in the Western Conference; 2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2002_games.html June 21, 2021 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. Shaquille O'Neal averaged 27.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game, while Kobe Bryant averaged 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game, and Derek Fisher provided the team with 11.2 points per game, and also led them with 144 three-point field goals. In addition, Rick Fox contributed 7.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while Robert Horry provided with 6.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and Walker averaged 6.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Hunter contributed 5.8 points per game, and Richmond provided with 4.1 points per game. 2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2002.html June 21, 2021 During the NBA All-Star weekend at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, O'Neal and Bryant were both selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game, as members of the Western Conference All-Star team; although O'Neal did not participate due to an injury for the second year in a row. NBA All-Star Game Rosters United Press International February 8, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/02/08/NBA-All-Star-game-rosters/6931013144400/ October 23, 2024 NBA.com Staff 2002 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-2002 May 4, 2023 2002 All-Star Weekend - at Philadelphia: February 8-10 Eskimo North https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/all-star02.txt May 4, 2023 Bryant scored 31 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists, and was named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, despite being booed by the hometown crowd in Philadelphia, as the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference, 135–120. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: As Fans Show No Love, Bryant Shows No Mercy The New York Times February 11, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/11/sports/pro-basketball-as-fans-show-no-love-bryant-shows-no-mercy.html July 26, 2021 Patrick Dan NBA: Booing Kobe? I Don't Get It ESPN February 11, 2002 https://www.espn.com/talent/danpatrick/s/2002/0211/1327536.html July 26, 2021 2002 NBA All-Star Game: West 135, East 120 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_2002.html November 24, 2021 Bryant and O'Neal were both named to the All-NBA First Team, while Bryant was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team; O'Neal finished in third place in Most Valuable Player voting with 15 first-place votes (696 points), Associated Press Duncan Wins Close MVP Race Los Angeles Times May 10, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-10-sp-nbanote15-story.html July 13, 2022 and Bryant finished in fifth place in MVP voting with 1 first-place vote. 2001–02 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2002.html December 28, 2021 Bryant also finished tied in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Associated Press NBA: Pistons' Wallace Wins Award in a Landslide ESPN April 23, 2002 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2002/0420/1371387.html October 20, 2022 The Lakers finished eighth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 778,777 at the Staples Center during the regular season. 2001–02 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2002.html January 25, 2026 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 2002 NBA playoffs, and for the third consecutive year, the Lakers faced off against the 6th–seeded Portland Trail Blazers, a team that featured All-Star forward Rasheed Wallace, Bonzi Wells and Damon Stoudamire. The Lakers won the first two games over the Trail Blazers at home at the Staples Center, before winning Game 3 on the road, 92–91 at the Rose Garden Arena to win the series in a three-game sweep. It was the fifth time in the last six seasons that the Lakers won an NBA playoff series over the Trail Blazers. Associated Press N.B.A.: Roundup: Lakers and Mavs Advance The New York Times April 29, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/29/sports/nba-roundup-lakers-and-mavs-advance.html July 24, 2021 Brown Tim Portland Stoppers Los Angeles Times April 29, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-apr-29-sp-lakers29-story.html June 2, 2022 2002 NBA Western Conference First Round: Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2002-nba-western-conference-first-round-trail-blazers-vs-lakers.html May 4, 2023 In the Western Conference Semi-finals, and for the second consecutive year, the team faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Midwest Division champion San Antonio Spurs, who were led by All-Star forward, and Most Valuable Player of the Year, Tim Duncan, All-Star center David Robinson, and rookie point guard Tony Parker. Despite both teams finishing with the same regular-season record, and the Spurs winning the Midwest Division title, the Lakers had home-court advantage in the series. The Lakers won Game 1 over the Spurs at the Staples Center, 86–80, but then lost Game 2 at home, 88–85 as the Spurs evened the series. The Lakers managed to win the next two games on the road at the Alamodome, before winning Game 5 over the Spurs at the Staples Center, 93–87 to win the series in five games. Arkush Michael Pro Basketball: Lakers Stick to Script and Eliminate the Spurs The New York Times May 15, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/sports/pro-basketball-lakers-stick-to-script-and-eliminate-the-spurs.html July 24, 2021 Brown Tim Kings Get the Kings Los Angeles Times May 15, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-15-sp-lakers15-story.html June 2, 2022 2002 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: Spurs vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2002-nba-western-conference-semifinals-spurs-vs-lakers.html May 4, 2023 In the Western Conference Finals, and also for the third consecutive year, the Lakers faced off against the top–seeded, and Pacific Division champion Sacramento Kings, who were led by the trio of All-Star forward Chris Webber, All-Star forward Peja Stojaković, and Mike Bibby. However, the Kings started the series without Stojaković, who was out due to an ankle injury, in which he suffered in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semi-finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Kings Put Mavericks Away with Dominant 4th Quarter The New York Times May 10, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/10/sports/pro-basketball-kings-put-mavericks-away-with-dominant-4th-quarter.html January 20, 2026 Associated Press Kings Withstand Injuries, Noise Deseret News May 10, 2002 https://www.deseret.com/2002/5/10/19654109/kings-withstand-injuries-noise January 20, 2026 Associated Press Ankle Injury Continues to Bother Stojakovic ESPN May 15, 2002 https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2002/s/2002/0515/1382988.html January 20, 2026 The Lakers won Game 1 over the Kings on the road, 106–99 at the ARCO Arena II, but then lost the next two games, before winning Game 4 over the Kings at home, 100–99 at the Staples Center to even the series. With Stojaković coming back from his ankle injury, the Kings defeated the Lakers in Game 5 at the ARCO Arena II, 92–91 to take a 3–2 series lead. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: With Late Shot, Bibby Puts Kings Step from Finals The New York Times May 29, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/29/sports/pro-basketball-with-late-shot-bibby-puts-kings-step-from-finals.html January 11, 2022 Kreidler Mark No Need to Fear, Underdog's Here Los Angeles Times May 30, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-30-sp-view30-story.html May 29, 2022 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 5: Los Angeles Lakers at Sacramento Kings Box Score, May 28, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200205280SAC.html July 4, 2026 However, the Lakers won Game 6 over the Kings at the Staples Center, 106–102, 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals Game 6: Sacramento Kings at Los Angeles Lakers Box Score, May 31, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200205310LAL.html July 4, 2026 and then won Game 7 at the ARCO Arena II in overtime, 112–106 to win in a hard-fought seven-game series, and advance to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Lakers Remain West's Royalty The New York Times June 3, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/03/sports/pro-basketball-lakers-remain-west-s-royalty.html May 28, 2022 Brown Tim An Epic Hurdle Los Angeles Times June 3, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-03-sp-lakers03-story.html May 28, 2022 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Kings Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2002-nba-western-conference-finals-lakers-vs-kings.html May 4, 2023 Game 6 of the Lakers-Kings series was one of the most controversial games in NBA history, due to the calls made by the referees, most of which were to the detriment of the Kings, and with the Lakers winning, 106–102 to even the series. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Lakers vs. Kings, Game 7: Time for Winning, Not Whining The New York Times June 2, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/02/sports/pro-basketball-lakers-vs-kings-game-7-time-for-winning-not-whining.html December 31, 2021 Wilbon Michael Officials' Work Is Disturbing Los Angeles Times June 2, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-02-sp-view02-story.html May 28, 2022 Sheridan Chris 2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at Heart of Donaghy Allegations ESPN June 10, 2008 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3436401 May 4, 2023 Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on June 2, 2002, brought in a total of 23.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched Western Conference Finals game in NBA history.Schneider Michael Adalian Josef https://variety.com/2002/tv/news/playoffs-power-peacock-1117868178/ Playoffs power Peacock Variety June 9, 2002 October 15, 2021https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nba-conference-finals-ratings-eastern-western/#:~:text=NBA%20Conference%20Finals%20ratings%20dating,23.8%20million%20viewers%20on%20NBC. NBA Conference Finals Ratings History (2000–present) Sports Media Watch October 15, 2021 In the 2002 NBA Finals, the Lakers faced off against the top–seeded New Jersey Nets, who were led by the trio of All-Star guard Jason Kidd, second-year star Kenyon Martin, and Keith Van Horn. The Lakers won the first two games over the Nets at the Staples Center, and then won the next two games on the road, including a Game 4 win over the Nets at the Continental Airlines Arena, 113–107 to win the series in a four-game sweep; the Lakers won their third consecutive NBA championship for their second three-peat in franchise history, the first since 1952–54, as O'Neal was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the third straight year. This season marked the third and last of the Lakers' three-peat championships into the new millennium. Associated Press Lakers Sweep Nets for Another Title The New York Times June 13, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/13/sports/basketball/lakers-sweep-nets-for-another-title.html May 28, 2022 Brown Tim O'Neal Is a Three-Peat MVP as Lakers Finally Cut Down the Nets Los Angeles Times June 13, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-13-sp-lakers13-story.html May 28, 2022 2002 NBA Finals: Nets vs. Lakers Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2002-nba-finals-nets-vs-lakers.html May 4, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Richmond retired ending his fourteen-year career in the NBA, Heisler Mark West Capsules in Predicted Order of Finish Los Angeles Times October 28, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-oct-28-sp-1westcap28-story.html October 20, 2022 and Hunter was traded to the Toronto Raptors on draft day. Brown Tim Lakers Still Real Deal Los Angeles Times June 27, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-27-sp-lakers27-story.html October 20, 2022 CBC Sports Raptors, Lakers Make Draft Day Deal CBC June 27, 2002 https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/raptors-lakers-make-draft-day-deal-1.311732 October 26, 2024 The Lakers would not win another title until 2009, in which they defeated the Orlando Magic in five games. As of 2026, the 2001–02 Lakers are the most recent North American professional sports team to have accomplished a three-peat. Draft picks 2001 NBA draft The Los Angeles Lakers did not have any Draft Picks. The Lakers owned the 27th Pick Overall and it was sent to New York. They also owned the 56th Pick Overall and it was sent to San Antonio. Roster Los Angeles Lakers 2001–02 8 Kobe Bryant G/F 6 6 205 1978–08–23 Lower Merion HS (PA) 2 Derek Fisher G 6 1 210 1974–08–09 Arkansas-Little Rock 17 Rick Fox F 6 7 230 1969–07–24 North Carolina 3 Devean George F 6 8 235 1977–08–29 Augsburg 5 Robert Horry F 6 10 240 1970–08–25 Alabama 10 Lindsey Hunter G 6 2 195 1970–12–03 Jackson State 35 Mark Madsen basketball F 6 9 240 1976–01–28 Stanford 6 Jelani McCoy F/C 6 10 245 1977–12–06 UCLA 14 Slava Medvedenko C 6 10 253 1979–04–04 Ukraine 34 Shaquille O'Neal C 7 1 325 1972–03–06 LSU 23 Mitch Richmond G/F 6 5 215 1965–06–30 Kansas State 20 Brian Shaw basketball G 6 6 190 1966–03–22 UC Santa Barbara 52 Samaki Walker F/C 6 9 250 1976–02–25 Louisville Phil Jackson Jim Cleamons Frank Hamblen Kurt Rambis Tex Winter Gary Vitti (trainer) https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2002.html November 24, 2001 Regular season Season standings LAL LAL Game log Pre-season Los Angeles Lakers yes 2002 Total: 4–4 Los Angeles Lakers Preseason yes 4 4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 1 | October 7 | Golden State | L 89-99 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Robert Horry (7) | Kobe Bryant (5) | Stan Sheriff Center (Honolulu, HI)10,300 | 0–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 2 | October 9 | Golden State | L 88-113 | Lindsey Hunter (13) | Dickey Simpkins (9) | Isaac Fontaine (4) | Stan Sheriff Center (Honolulu, HI)9,227 | 0–2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | October 16 | Golden State | W 114-97 | Kobe Bryant (23) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Bryant & Hunter (6) | Centennial Garden (Bakersfield, CA) | 1–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 4 | October 19 | Phoenix | L 101–112 | Kobe Bryant (25) | Fox & O'Neal (6) | | San Diego Sports Arena (San Diego, CA) | 1–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 5 | October 20 | Sacramento | L 104-109 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | 3 players tied (4) | Thomas & Mack Center (Las Vegas, NV)17,982 | 1–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | October 23 | Memphis | W 128-94 | Kobe Bryant (24) | Samaki Walker (10) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Arrowhead Pond (Anaheim, CA)17,457 | 2–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 7 | October 25 | Milwaukee | W 109-107 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | O'Neal & Walker (7) | Bryant & O'Neal (5) | Staples Center15,062 | 3–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 8 | October 26 | Phoenix | W 90-71 | George & O'Neal (15) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center16,287 | 4-4 lal 2002 Regular season Los Angeles Lakers 2002 Total: 58–24 (Home: 34–7; Road: 24–17) Los Angeles Lakers October yes 1 0 0 0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 1 | October 30 | Portland | 20011030 LAL 98 87 | Bryant & O'Neal (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (18) | Shaquille O'Neal (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–0 Los Angeles Lakers November 8 0 5 1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 2 | November 1 | @ Utah | 20011101 UTA 105 101 | Kobe Bryant (39) | Rick Fox (8) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Delta Center19,539 | 2–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 3 | November 2 | Phoenix | 20011102 LAL 117 94 | Shaquille O'Neal (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 3–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 4 | November 4 | Utah | 20011104 LAL 100 96 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 4–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 5 | November 9 | Memphis | 20011109 LAL 110 86 | Shaquille O'Neal (20) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 5–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 6 | November 11 | Orlando | 20011111 LAL 108 95 | Shaquille O'Neal (38) | Shaquille O'Neal (18) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 6–0 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 7 | November 15 | @ Houston | 20011115 HOU 98 97 1 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Rick Fox (6) | Compaq Center16,285 | 7–0 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 8 | November 16 | @ Phoenix | 20011116 PHO 83 95 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Kobe Bryant (5) | America West Arena19,023 | 7–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 9 | November 18 | Sacramento | 20011118 LAL 93 85 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 8–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 10 | November 20 | @ L.A. Clippers | 20011120 LAC 98 93 | Kobe Bryant (25) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Kobe Bryant (12) | Staples Center20,316 | 9–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 11 | November 21 | @ Denver | 20011121 DEN 89 68 | Kobe Bryant (24) | Bryant & O'Neal (13) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Pepsi Center19,521 | 10–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 12 | November 23 | Golden State | 20011123 LAL 106 90 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Rick Fox (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 11–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 13 | November 25 | Denver | 20011125 LAL 105 98 | Kobe Bryant (25) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 12–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 14 | November 27 | Milwaukee | 20011127 LAL 104 85 | Kobe Bryant (33) | Samaki Walker (11) | Shaquille O'Neal (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 13–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 15 | November 30 | @ Seattle | 20011130 SEA 107 92 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Slava Medvedenko (7) | Robert Horry (8) | KeyArena17,072 | 14–1 Los Angeles Lakers December 6 2 1 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 16 | December 1 | Minnesota | 20011201 LAL 102 76 | Shaquille O'Neal (23) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | 3 players tied (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 15–1 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 17 | December 5 | Dallas | 20011205 LAL 98 94 | Shaquille O'Neal (46) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Rick Fox (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 16–1 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 18 | December 7 | @ Sacramento | 20011207 SAC 91 97 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Shaquille O'Neal (5) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 16–2 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 19 | December 11 | Seattle | 20011211 LAL 93 104 | Shaquille O'Neal (37) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Derek Fisher (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 16–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 20 | December 14 | L.A. Clippers | 20011214 LAL 110 80 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 17–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 21 | December 16 | Golden State | 20011216 LAL 101 85 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (7) | Shaquille O'Neal (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 18–3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 22 | December 20 | @ Houston | 20011220 HOU 107 101 | Kobe Bryant (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Bryant & Horry (5) | Compaq Center16,285 | 19–3 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 23 | December 21 | @ Memphis | 20011221 MEM 108 114 | Kobe Bryant (36) | O'Neal & Walker (9) | Bryant & Fox (6) | Pyramid Arena19,405 | 19–4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 24 | December 25 | Philadelphia | 20011225 LAL 88 82 | Samaki Walker (18) | Bryant & Horry (11) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 20–4 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 25 | December 26 | @ Golden State | 20011226 GSW 90 101 | Kobe Bryant (39) | Slava Medvedenko (8) | Kobe Bryant (5) | The Arena in Oakland20,036 | 20–5 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 26 | December 28 | Toronto | 20011228 LAL 86 89 | Kobe Bryant (26) | Samaki Walker (14) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 20–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 27 | December 30 | Houston | 20011230 LAL 114 90 | Bryant & Fox (16) | Robert Horry (11) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 21–6 Los Angeles Lakers January 3 2 7 4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 28 | January 2 | @ Denver | 20020102 DEN 87 86 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Samaki Walker (11) | Rick Fox (6) | Pepsi Center17,932 | 22–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 29 | January 4 | Phoenix | 20020104 LAL 118 86 | Shaquille O'Neal (24) | Samaki Walker (10) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 23–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 30 | January 6 | @ Toronto | 20020106 TOR 109 89 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Samaki Walker (10) | 3 players tied (4) | Air Canada Centre19,800 | 24–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 31 | January 8 | @ Detroit | 20020108 DET 121 92 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Kobe Bryant (6) | The Palace of Auburn Hills22,076 | 25–6 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 32 | January 9 | @ Indiana | 20020109 IND 109 90 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Samaki Walker (13) | Derek Fisher (6) | Conseco Fieldhouse18,345 | 26–6 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 33 | January 11 | @ Minnesota | 20020111 MIN 102 120 | Shaquille O'Neal (29) | Samaki Walker (9) | Rick Fox (9) | Target Center19,806 | 26–7 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 34 | January 12 | @ Chicago | 20020112 CHI 104 106 1 | Derek Fisher (28) | Robert Horry (13) | Kobe Bryant (9) | United Center23,147 | 26–8 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 35 | January 14 | Memphis | 20020114 LAL 120 81 | Kobe Bryant (56) | Robert Horry (11) | Rick Fox (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 27–8 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 36 | January 16 | Miami | 20020116 LAL 96 102 | Kobe Bryant (29) | Samaki Walker (13) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 27–9 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 37 | January 19 | @ San Antonio | 20020119 SAS 98 81 | Kobe Bryant (28) | 3 players tied (7) | Kobe Bryant (5) | Alamodome33,544 | 28–9 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 38 | January 22 | Denver | 20020122 LAL 91 107 | Shaquille O'Neal (40) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 28–10 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 39 | January 23 | @ L.A. Clippers | 20020123 LAC 90 95 | Kobe Bryant (27) | Samaki Walker (12) | Derek Fisher (5) | Staples Center20,309 | 28–11 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 40 | January 25 | San Antonio | 20020125 LAL 94 91 | Kobe Bryant (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 29–11 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 41 | January 27 | @ Philadelphia | 20020127 PHI 87 93 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Rick Fox (6) | First Union Center20,909 | 29–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 42 | January 29 | @ Atlanta | 20020129 ATL 127 93 | Kobe Bryant (32) | Samaki Walker (12) | Fox & Hunter (4) | Philips Arena19,742 | 30–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 43 | January 30 | @ Orlando | 20020130 ORL 111 93 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Rick Fox (5) | TD Waterhouse Centre17,248 | 31–12 Los Angeles Lakers February 1 3 7 2 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 44 | February 1 | @ Memphis | 20020201 MEM 100 85 | Shaquille O'Neal (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Rick Fox (7) | Pyramid Arena19,405 | 32–12 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 45 | February 3 | @ Dallas | 20020203 DAL 101 94 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Robert Horry (8) | American Airlines Center20,179 | 33–12 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 46 | February 6 | Chicago | 20020206 LAL 89 97 | Kobe Bryant (38) | Samaki Walker (14) | Rick Fox (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 33–13 |- align="center" |colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break |- style="background:#cfc;" |- bgcolor="#bbffbb" |- style="background:#cfc;" | 47 | February 12 | Washington | 20020212 LAL 103 94 | Kobe Bryant (23) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Kobe Bryant (15) | Staples Center18,997 | 34–13 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 48 | February 14 | @ Seattle | 20020214 SEA 92 87 | Kobe Bryant (23) | Fox & George (8) | Kobe Bryant (10) | KeyArena17,072 | 35–13 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 49 | February 15 | Atlanta | 20020215 LAL 90 93 | Kobe Bryant (21) | 3 players tied (7) | Kobe Bryant (10) | Staples Center18,997 | 35–14 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 50 | February 17 | @ Portland | 20020217 POR 105 111 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Robert Horry (8) | Lindsey Hunter (7) | Rose Garden20,580 | 35–15 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 51 | February 19 | Boston | 20020219 LAL 108 109 | Kobe Bryant (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Lindsey Hunter (9) | Staples Center18,997 | 35–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 52 | February 21 | @ Cleveland | 20020221 CLE 104 97 | Kobe Bryant (32) | Bryant & Horry (6) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Gund Arena20,562 | 36–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 53 | February 22 | @ Charlotte | 20020222 CHH 96 94 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Rick Fox (11) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Charlotte Coliseum23,799 | 37–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 54 | February 24 | @ New York | 20020224 NYK 107 91 | Shaquille O'Neal (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Bryant & O'Neal (5) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 38–16 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 55 | February 26 | @ Milwaukee | 20020226 MIL 99 89 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Bradley Center18,717 | 39–16 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 56 | February 27 | @ Minnesota | 20020227 MIN 101 112 | Shaquille O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Target Center19,769 | 39–17 Los Angeles Lakers March 11 0 2 4 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 57 | March 1 | Indiana | 20020301 LAL 96 84 | Shaquille O'Neal (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Robert Horry (6) | Staples Center18,897 | 40–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 58 | March 3 | Houston | 20020303 LAL 95 79 | Shaquille O'Neal (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Shaquille O'Neal (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 41–17 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 59 | March 5 | New Jersey | 20020305 LAL 101 92 | Shaquille O'Neal (40) | Robert Horry (13) | Horry & O'Neal (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 42–17 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 60 | March 6 | @ Utah | 20020306 UTA 84 92 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Bryant & Hunter (4) | Delta Center19,911 | 42–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 61 | March 10 | New York | 20020310 LAL 117 103 | Shaquille O'Neal (40) | Robert Horry (13) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 43–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 62 | March 12 | Charlotte | 20020312 LAL 107 66 | Kobe Bryant (23) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Bryant & Richmond (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 44–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 63 | March 14 | @ Golden State | 20020314 GSW 110 102 | Shaquille O'Neal (40) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Bryant & Fox (6) | The Arena in Oakland20,042 | 45–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 64 | March 15 | L.A. Clippers | 20020315 LAL 98 92 | Kobe Bryant (33) | Shaquille O'Neal (13) | Fox & Horry (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 46–18 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 65 | March 17 | Dallas | 20020317 LAL 105 103 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Bryant & O'Neal (9) | Kobe Bryant (11) | Staples Center18,997 | 47–18 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 66 | March 19 | @ Dallas | 20020319 DAL 98 114 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Horry & Richmond (4) | American Airlines Center20,112 | 47–19 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 67 | March 20 | @ San Antonio | 20020320 SAS 90 108 | Kobe Bryant (20) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Brian Shaw (5) | Alamodome30,775 | 47–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 68 | March 22 | Detroit | 20020322 LAL 94 82 | Shaquille O'Neal (28) | Horry & Walker (10) | Kobe Bryant (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 48–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 69 | March 24 | @ Sacramento | 20020324 SAC 97 96 | Kobe Bryant (29) | O'Neal & Shaw (7) | Shaquille O'Neal (6) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 49–20 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 70 | March 26 | Cleveland | 20020326 LAL 121 116 | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Robert Horry (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 50–20 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 71 | March 27 | @ Phoenix | 20020327 PHO 106 118 | Kobe Bryant (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Robert Horry (6) | America West Arena19,023 | 50–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 72 | March 29 | Portland | 20020329 LAL 91 79 | Bryant & O'Neal (34) | Samaki Walker (17) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 51–21 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 73 | March 31 | San Antonio | 20020331 LAL 96 95 | Kobe Bryant (31) | 3 players tied (9) | Robert Horry (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 52–21 Los Angeles Lakers April 4 0 2 3 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 74 | April 2 | @ Washington | 20020402 WAS 113 93 | Shaquille O'Neal (22) | Shaquille O'Neal (18) | Kobe Bryant (6) | MCI Center20,674 | 53–21 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 75 | April 3 | @ New Jersey | 20020403 NJN 92 94 | Kobe Bryant (33) | Samaki Walker (14) | Bryant & Shaw (3) | Continental Airlines Arena20,049 | 53–22 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 76 | April 5 | @ Boston | 20020405 BOS 81 99 | Kobe Bryant (26) | Robert Horry (9) | 5 players tied (2) | FleetCenter18,624 | 53–23 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 77 | April 7 | @ Miami | 20020407 MIA 96 88 | Shaquille O'Neal (40) | Bryant & O'Neal (11) | Robert Horry (7) | American Airlines Arena19,600 | 54–23 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 78 | April 9 | Utah | 20020409 LAL 112 82 | Bryant & O'Neal (22) | Robert Horry (11) | Kobe Bryant (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 55–23 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 79 | April 11 | Minnesota | 20020411 LAL 96 83 | Shaquille O'Neal (32) | Samaki Walker (10) | Derek Fisher (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 56–23 |- style="background:#fcc;" | 80 | April 14 | @ Portland | 20020414 POR 120 128 2 | Shaquille O'Neal (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Kobe Bryant (9) | Rose Garden20,580 | 56–24 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 81 | April 15 | Seattle | 20020415 LAL 111 104 | Shaquille O'Neal (41) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Brian Shaw (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 57–24 |- style="background:#cfc;" | 82 | April 17 | Sacramento | 20020417 LAL 109 95 | Bryant & O'Neal (21) | Samaki Walker (15) | Kobe Bryant (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 58–24 lal 2002 Playoffs Los Angeles Lakers 2002 Total: 15–4 (Home: 8–2; Road: 7–2) Los Angeles Lakers First round yes yes no 2 0 1 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 21 | Portland | 20020421 LAL 95 87 | Kobe Bryant (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | Rick Fox (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 25 | Portland | 20020425 LAL 103 96 | Shaquille O'Neal (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (14) | Kobe Bryant (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 28 | @ Portland | 20020428 POR 92 91 | Kobe Bryant (25) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Bryant & O'Neal (7) | Rose Garden20,580 | 3–0 Los Angeles Lakers Conference Semi-finals yes no 2 1 2 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 5 | San Antonio | 20020505 LAL 86 80 | Shaquille O'Neal (23) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | 3 players tied (4) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 7 | San Antonio | 20020507 LAL 85 88 | Kobe Bryant (26) | Robert Horry (11) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 10 | @ San Antonio | 20020510 SAS 99 89 | Kobe Bryant (31) | Shaquille O'Neal (15) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Alamodome35,520 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 12 | @ San Antonio | 20020512 SAS 87 85 | Kobe Bryant (28) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Shaquille O'Neal (5) | Alamodome32,342 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 5 | May 14 | San Antonio | 20020514 LAL 93 87 | Kobe Bryant (26) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Rick Fox (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 4–1 Los Angeles Lakers Conference Finals yes no 2 1 2 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 18 | @ Sacramento | 20020518 SAC 106 99 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Shaquille O'Neal (9) | 3 players tied (5) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 20 | @ Sacramento | 20020520 SAC 90 96 | Shaquille O'Neal (35) | Robert Horry (20) | Fisher & Horry (4) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | May 24 | Sacramento | 20020524 LAL 90 103 | Kobe Bryant (22) | Shaquille O'Neal (19) | Brian Shaw (7) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 26 | Sacramento | 20020526 LAL 100 99 | Shaquille O'Neal (27) | Shaquille O'Neal (18) | Robert Horry (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | May 28 | @ Sacramento | 20020528 SAC 91 92 | Kobe Bryant (30) | Robert Horry (11) | 3 players tied (3) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 2–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 6 | May 31 | Sacramento | 20020531 LAL 106 102 | Shaquille O'Neal (41) | Shaquille O'Neal (17) | Bryant & Horry (5) | Staples Center18,997 | 3–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 7 | June 2 | @ Sacramento | 20020602 SAC 112 106 1 | Shaquille O'Neal (35) | Rick Fox (14) | Bryant & Fox (7) | ARCO Arena17,317 | 4–3 Los Angeles Lakers NBA Finals yes no 2 0 2 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | June 5 | New Jersey | 20020605 LAL 99 94 | Shaquille O'Neal (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (16) | Kobe Bryant (6) | Staples Center18,997 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | June 7 | New Jersey | 20020607 LAL 106 83 | Shaquille O'Neal (40) | Shaquille O'Neal (12) | Shaquille O'Neal (8) | Staples Center18,997 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | June 9 | @ New Jersey | 20020609 NJN 106 103 | Kobe Bryant (36) | Shaquille O'Neal (11) | Derek Fisher (6) | Continental Airlines Arena19,215 | 3–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | June 12 | @ New Jersey | 20020612 NJN 113 107 | Shaquille O'Neal (34) | Shaquille O'Neal (10) | Kobe Bryant (8) | Continental Airlines Arena19,296 | 4–0 LAL yes 2002 NBA Finals Summary The following scoring summary is written in a line score format, except that the quarter numbers are replaced by game numbers. TeamGame 1Game 2Game 3Game 4WinsLos Angeles (West)991061061134New Jersey (East)94831031070 Aspects Amid tensions between co-captains Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, the franchise had another stellar season, finishing 58–24 (.707), good for second in the Pacific Division and earning the third seed in the Western Conference. Bryant and O'Neal were voted starters in the 2002 NBA All-Star Game, where Bryant won the game MVP trophy in his hometown Philadelphia.West Wins! Kobe Stakes Claim in All-Star Lore https://web.archive.org/web/20081226193631/http://www.nba.com/games/20020210/WSTEST/recap.html 2008-12-26 NBA.com The duo appeared on the All-NBA First Team and Bryant was honored with an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection. Entering the 2001–02 season, the New Jersey Nets were enduring a three-year playoff drought and had a 73–141 record over that span. In 1999, the Nets hired Rod Thorn as team president and immediately, he hired the recently retired Byron Scott to coach New Jersey. Thorn then dealt for Stephon Marbury in a three-team trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves, trading Sam Cassell away to the Bucks.Nets Trade History https://web.archive.org/web/20070420121153/http://www.nba.com/nets/history/trade_history.html 2007-04-20 NBA.com/nets Due to the Nets' 31–51 season in 1999–00 season, they had the first overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft, which they used to select power forward Kenyon Martin out of the University of Cincinnati.Holding to form: Nets take Martin with first pick https://web.archive.org/web/20100206170442/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2000/nba_draft/news/2000/06/28/nba_draft/ 2010-02-06 SportsIllustrated.com Despite the reshuffling of the roster and a Rookie of the Year season for Martin, New Jersey struggled, ending the season with a 26–56 (.317) record, and were bestowed the 7th pick in the upcoming draft. With another lottery pick, Thorn dealt it to the Houston Rockets for draftees Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins and Brandon Armstrong. The next day, Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo announced a franchise-shaking trade; Phoenix would swap their point guard Jason Kidd for his New Jersey counterpart Stephon Marbury.Kidd, Marbury primary players in trade https://web.archive.org/web/20090209030353/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/suns/2001-06-28-trade.htm 2009-02-09 , USA Today With the Princeton offense installed from the coaching staff,The New York Times http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/playoffs/news/2002/06/05/nets_sider_ap/ PRO BASKETBALL; Nets Get a New Read From the Old School Liz Robbins 2002-02-02 2009-05-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080908012026/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/playoffs/news/2002/06/05/nets_sider_ap 2008-09-08 the Nets rebounded to a 52–30 (.634) mark, a twenty-six-win improvement from the last season, and clinched the number-one seed in the Eastern Conference. Kidd finished the season awarded with first team spots on both the All-NBABryant, McGrady are first-time All-NBA selections https://web.archive.org/web/20110212014226/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/stories/2002-05-01-all-nba.htm 2011-02-12 , USA Today and All-Defensive TeamsPayton ties mark with ninth All-Defensive slot https://web.archive.org/web/20110212014053/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/stories/2002-04-30-defensive.htm 2011-02-12 USA Today and was selected for his fifth All-Star game. He also finished runner-up to San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan in the Most Valuable Player voting.It's official: Duncan captures MVP award https://web.archive.org/web/20111221093023/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/spurs/2002-05-09-duncan-mvp.htm 2011-12-21 USA Today. Retrieved December 28, 2008 Richard Jefferson was an All-Rookie second team selection and Thorn, the architect of the franchise's resurgence, was awarded NBA Executive of the Year.Title goes to one sharp Thorn: Nets GM honored as wheeler-deeler, New York Daily-News. Accessed 2009-04-14. https://archive.today/20090514201518/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/2002/05/22/2002-05-22_title_goes_to_one_sharp_thor.html Archived 2009-05-14. Game One Wednesday, June 5, 2002, 6:00 at the Staples Center. Los Angeles's Staples Center sold out for the inaugural game of the 2002 NBA Finals, with nearly 19,000 on hand. The Nets trotted out a lineup of Kidd, Kittles, Martin, Van Horn and MacCulloth to hold up against the two-time defending and heavily favored champions. The Lakers brought out Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Shaquille O'Neal, Robert Horry, and Kobe Bryant, who drew the assignment of guarding Kidd. New Jersey head coach Byron Scott, a member of the Showtime Lakers, received a standing ovation. Taking advantage of a late arrival to the arena by New Jersey, L.A. dominated the first 17 minutes of play with a 42–19 score by the 6:41 mark in the second quarter. From that point on, the Nets went on a 17–6 to close the lead to a respectable 12. They had no answer for O'Neal, however, who had bullied MacCulloth into 16 points and 6 rebounds by half-time. The Nets outscored the Lakers in the third but stood steadfast as Bryant scored 11 of his 22 in the third. 23em " You can't dig yourself a hole, get down by 19 or 20 points and expect to win. We just dug ourselves a hole against the champions. " —Lucious Harris, Sports Illustratedhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/playoffs/news/2002/06/05/nets_sider_ap/ Nets' slow start costs them dearly in Game 1 cnn.com 27 April 2018 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121024210956/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/playoffs/news/2002/06/05/nets_sider_ap/ 24 October 2012 New Jersey battled back, coming as close as three several times in the final quarter. Desperate to take the lead, they utilized the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy midway in the fourth. It backfired, as O'Neal was 5–8 from the free throw line and had 16 points and 9 rebounds in the period alone. New Jersey was doomed by their late start and poor shooting. The Nets, who shot 45% from the field and 74% on free throws were 39% and 57% respectively.Sports Illustrated http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/playoffs/news/2002/06/05/nets_sider_ap/ Nets' slow start costs them dearly in Game 1 Associated Press 2002-06-06 2009-05-16 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080908012026/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/playoffs/news/2002/06/05/nets_sider_ap 2008-09-08 Kidd finished with a triple–double, the 26th in Finals history and the first since Charles Barkley's in the 1993 series. Recap Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalNew Jersey1422273194Los Angeles2919242799 Game Two Friday, June 7, 2002, 6:00 at the Staples Center. The second game was more of statement as the Lakers clobbered the Nets by a score of 106-83 thanks to Shaquille O'Neal's 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Recap Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalNew Jersey2122182283Los Angeles27222829106 Game Three Sunday, June 9, 2002, 8:30 at the Continental Airlines Arena. Game Three would prove to a hard-fought game (much like the first game of the series) as the Lakers and Nets would trade leads throughout the game but thanks to Kobe Bryant's 36 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks the Lakers prevail by a score of 106–103 to take a commanding 3–0 series lead. Recap Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalLos Angeles31212628106New Jersey23233225103 Game Four Wednesday, June 12, 2002, 9:00 at the Continental Airlines Arena. Despite this being a hard-fought battle (much like the previous game and as well as the first game of the series) the Lakers still won game four and the championship, giving Phil Jackson his Red Auerbach-tying ninth title and the Lakers their third consecutive title (and fourteenth overall) making them the fifth team to win three consecutive titles and denying the Nets their first ever championship since the franchise moved to East Rutherford. Recap Team1st Qt.2nd Qt.3rd Qt.4th Qt.TotalLos Angeles27312629113New Jersey34232327107 Player statistics Season Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant 80 80 38.3 .469 .250 .829 5.5 5.5 1.48 .44 25.2 Fisher, Derek Derek Fisher 70 35 28.2 .411 .413 .847 2.1 2.6 .94 .13 11.2 Fox, Rick Rick Fox 82 82 27.9 .421 .313 .824 4.7 3.5 .82 .26 7.9 George, Devean Devean George 82 1 21.5 .411 .371 .675 3.7 1.4 .87 .51 7.1 Horry, Robert Robert Horry 81 23 26.4 .398 .374 .783 5.9 2.9 .95 1.10 6.8 Hunter, Lindsey Lindsey Hunter 82 47 19.7 .382 .380 .500 1.5 1.6 .80 .23 5.8 Madsen, Mark Mark Madsen 59 5 11.0 .452 .000 .648 2.7 .7 .27 .22 2.8 McCoy, Jelani Jelani McCoy 21 0 5.0 .571 .000 .250 1.2 .3 .00 .24 1.2 Medvedenko, Slava Slava Medvedenko 71 6 10.3 .477 .000 .661 2.2 .6 .41 .15 4.7 O'Neal, Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal 67 66 36.1 .579 .000 .555 10.7 3.0 .61 2.04 27.2 Penberthy, Mike Mike Penberthy 3 0 4.0 .500 .000 .750 .7 .7 .67 .00 1.7 Richmond, Mitch Mitch Richmond 64 2 11.1 .405 .290 .955 1.5 .9 .28 .09 4.1 Shaw, Brian Brian Shaw 58 0 10.9 .353 .330 .692 1.9 1.5 .43 .05 2.9 Walker, Samaki Samaki Walker 69 63 24.0 .512 .000 .667 7.0 .9 .41 1.28 6.7 Playoffs Player GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG Bryant, Kobe Kobe Bryant 19 19 43.8 .434 .379 .759 5.8 4.6 1.42 .89 26.6 Fisher, Derek Derek Fisher 19 19 34.2 .357 .358 .786 3.3 2.7 1.00 .05 10.2 Fox, Rick Rick Fox 19 19 34.3 .482 .349 .755 5.4 3.4 1.11 .32 9.8 George, Devean Devean George 19 0 17.2 .365 .229 .733 3.6 .6 .58 .53 5.0 Horry, Robert Robert Horry 19 14 37.0 .449 .387 .789 8.1 3.2 1.74 .84 9.3 Hunter, Lindsey Lindsey Hunter 18 0 7.3 .311 .276 .000 .4 .6 .11 .00 2.0 Madsen, Mark Mark Madsen 7 0 1.4 .000 .000 .000 .3 .0 .00 .00 .0 Medvedenko, Slava Slava Medvedenko 7 0 3.0 .600 .000 .000 .6 .0 .00 .00 .9 O'Neal, Shaquille Shaquille O'Neal 19 19 40.8 .529 .000 .649 12.6 2.8 .53 2.53 28.5 Richmond, Mitch Mitch Richmond 2 0 2.0 1.000 .000 .500 .5 .0 .00 .00 1.5 Shaw, Brian Brian Shaw 19 0 12.5 .333 .281 1.000 1.8 1.6 .26 .32 2.9 Walker, Samaki Samaki Walker 19 5 12.6 .462 1.000 .765 4.1 .2 .11 .32 3.3 Player statistics citation: Award winners Shaquille O'Neal, NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Shaquille O'Neal, All-NBA First Team Shaquille O'Neal, League Leader, FG%, 57.9 Kobe Bryant, All-NBA First Team Kobe Bryant, NBA All-Defensive Second Team Kobe Bryant, NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award Legacy By winning the third straight Finals MVP, Shaquille O'Neal became only the second player to achieve this feat, after Michael Jordan doing it twice in 1991-93 and 1996–98. References Lakers on Database Basketball Lakers on Basketball Reference Los Angeles Lakers Category:NBA championship seasons Category:Los Angeles Lakers seasons Category:Western Conference (NBA) championship seasons Los Angeles Lakers Los Angeles Lakers