Too many obstacles appeared in Kobe Bryant’s way.
A sexual assault case that made him fly back and forth from Colorado and Los Angeles even on game day. His continuously adversarial relationship with Shaquille O’Neal that kept worsening. And, of course, the persisting double teams.
But Bryant still performed at a high level in the 2003-04 season. Bryant showed that season how his game revolved around more than just athleticism and high-flying dunks. Bryant made a handful of left-handed shots, jumpers through double-teams, and of course, more game winners only the Black Mamba could make. Such an effort also made the Lakers convince he’s a much worthy investment than keeping Shaq, too.
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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com