Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
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Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
peak. At 30, the great low-post scorers were at their greatest. At 30, Bill Russell was averaging 14.1 points and 24.1 rebounds for the 1964–65 world champion Boston Celtics. At 30, Wilt Chamberlain was averaging 24.1 points and 24.2 rebounds for the 1966–67 world champion Philadelphia 76ers. At 30, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was averaging 25.8 points and
... See moreJeff Pearlman • Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
Oddsmakers had Los Angeles as 18-to-1 favorites,
Jeff Pearlman • Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
Kobe Bryant had unleashed an ungodly 50 shots against the Jazz. It was the most single-game attempts in NBA history, and it felt right.
Jeff Pearlman • Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
Then something truly unexpected unfolded: Dennis Rodman started to sob. “I’m never going to win,” he said between tears. “No matter what I do for this league, for the game of basketball, I’m never going to win.” He opened a piece of paper, pointed to some letters. “I’ve got 10 charities here that I’m going to give $10,000 to. You tell me if that’s
... See moreJeff Pearlman • Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
Eventually, the relationship—consummated in an April 18, 2001, wedding at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, in Dana Point—would drive a wedge both within the Bryant family (none of Bryant’s relatives attended, and Pam and Joe moved back to Philadelphia) and within the Laker family (a grand total of zero teammates and coaches were invited).
Jeff Pearlman • Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
Around this time, Bryant requested a meeting with Jerry West to ask how—back in 1961–62—both he and Elgin Baylor had averaged more than 30 points per game for the Lakers.
Jeff Pearlman • Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
Having been born and raised in Plainfield, Indiana (pop. 2,585), Harris oozed small-town simplicity. He was a 4-H fair, a pony ride, a picnic on the church lawn, a calm breeze, and a cool glass of lemonade.
Jeff Pearlman • Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
With Jackson, O’Neal, and Bryant, they had posted a 13-1 mark in the NBA Finals. The Pacers, Sixers, and Nets were all roadkill for a franchise destined for greatness, and 2004 appeared to be no different.
Jeff Pearlman • Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty
“Every great team has a one-two punch,” Jackson said. “This is your team, Shaq. And Kobe, you’re gonna be our floor leader. You guys don’t like that, let me know now and I’ll trade you now. You’re gonna do what I say, and if you don’t, you’re out of here.”