In Game 1 of the 2001 Finals, Iverson dropped 48 and hit the OT dagger vs the Lakers — one of the great lone-wolf Finals performances ever.
In 1990-91 the Bulls swept Detroit in the East finals, then beat the Lakers 4-1. Jordan averaged 31.2 to win his first title and first Finals MVP.
In 2001-02 the Lakers swept New Jersey 4-0. Shaquille O’Neal averaged 36.3 points and 12.3 boards to win a third straight Finals MVP.
In 2009-10, the Lakers beat the Celtics 4-3 in the Finals. Kobe Bryant scored 23 in Game 7 to avenge Boston and won his 5th title and 2nd Finals MVP.
In 1987-88 the Lakers edged the Pistons 4-3. James Worthy posted 36 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists in Game 7 to win Finals MVP.
Inthe1970NBAFinals,theNewYorkKnicksdefeatedtheLosAngelesLakersfourgamestotwo,and
The 2000 title was Shaq’s hinge—from gifted big man to the anchor of a new Lakers dynasty.
In 2000 the Lakers beat Indiana 4-2; Shaq’s 38-17 line and MVP sweep launched the Lakers three-peat.
PlacedonMagicJohnson'scareertimeline,1987wasapivotalhinge,botharewardforalongjou
Inthe1984NBAFinals,theBostonCelticsdefeatedtheLosAngelesLakersfourgamestothree,a
ManyrememberJoeDumarsastheclutchkillerwhotookoverinkeymoments,yettheyoverlookhow
ManyrememberChaunceyBillupsastheclutchkillerwhotookoverinkeymoments,yettheyoverl