As a huge Lakers fan, I’m thrilled to talk about how the team nailed their third straight title back in 2002. That year was packed with action, drama, and solid performances from everyone on the roster, especially Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. These two were just sensational!
Let’s dive into some numbers first. Shaq averaged a whopping 36.3 points and 12.3 rebounds per game during the Finals. Can you believe that? For those comparing stats, that’s MJ-level dominance. Kobe wasn’t far behind, contributing 26.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. So, between the two of them, they were almost unstoppable. The Lakers finished the regular season with a 58-24 record, which was impressive, though not record-breaking. But it’s what happened in the playoffs that really counts.
The playoffs started with the Lakers sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers in three games. It wasn’t easy, though; the Blazers were a strong team featuring players like Rasheed Wallace. Los Angeles moved on to face the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals. That series went to five games, where the Lakers clinched it with a 4-1 victory. Remember how Tim Duncan was dominant during that time, and yet, the Lakers managed to keep him in check just enough.
In the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers met the Sacramento Kings, and what a series that was! This series is often cited in 2002 nba champions lore because of how intense it became. It went all the way to seven games, and Game 7 was a nail-biter that went into overtime. Shaq’s and Kobe’s combined prowess was crucial here, but let’s not forget Robert Horry’s game-winner in Game 4, a moment forever etched in Lakers’ fans’ minds. The Kings had a star-studded line-up with Chris Webber and Mike Bibby, but the Lakers had that extra edge—call it championship DNA.
The Finals pitted the Lakers against the New Jersey Nets. New Jersey was the top team in the East, led by Jason Kidd, who was electrifying that season. But the Lakers swept the Nets in four games. The Finals MVP was none other than Shaquille O’Neal, his third consecutive award. His dominance in the paint was simply unmatched, and when combined with Kobe’s outside shooting and intricate ball-handling, the Lakers were just a superior team.
Talking about the industry perspective, this period was crucial for the NBA in terms of viewership and market expansion. The early 2000s witnessed significant global reach, and the Lakers’ dynasty played a huge part. Jersey sales, especially for Kobe and Shaq, skyrocketed. TV ratings were up, and everywhere you looked, there were Lakers’ highlights and headlines. This team wasn’t just playing for rings; they were expanding the brand, and fans, casual or hardcore, were tuning in.
Another factor that needs mentioning is the leadership of Coach Phil Jackson. With a total of 11 NBA championships under his belt, Jackson’s experience and strategic genius were invaluable. His refined use of the Triangle Offense allowed players like Shaq and Kobe to fully exploit their talents. The Lakers had depth too: Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, and Robert Horry were key contributors who understood their roles perfectly. Veteran presence combined with young talent created a balanced yet explosive team.
Financially, it’s interesting to consider how much players like Shaq and Kobe earned. Shaquille O’Neal was making around $23 million that season, and Kobe was at around $12 million. Given inflation and the NBA’s earning boom in recent years, those numbers might seem small now, but they were huge back then. Moreover, they earned even more from endorsements. Shaq’s deals with companies like Reebok and Kobe’s with Adidas (before switching to Nike) added millions more to their bank accounts. The Lakers, as a franchise, were valued at over $400 million around that time—a significant jump from previous years. This team wasn’t just playing for pride; they were a massive business entity, creating a buzz both on and off the court.
Trying to recount this season without getting emotional is hard. It was a defining moment for all of us who lived through it. Every game felt like an event; every play was a spectacle. It was basketball at its best, and the Lakers were at the heart of it all. They didn’t just win games; they captivated an audience. It’s been over two decades, but the memories are still as fresh as ever. This team set a standard—a gold standard that still shines bright in NBA history.