# 2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season

The 2001–02 NBA season was the Lakers' 54th season in the National Basketball Association, and 42nd in the city of Los Angeles. The Lakers entered the season as the two-time defending NBA champions, having defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in the 2001 NBA Finals, winning their thirteenth NBA championship.

## Off-season

During the off-season, the Lakers signed free agents, All-Star guard Mitch Richmond and Samaki Walker, and acquired Lindsey Hunter from the Milwaukee Bucks. For the season, they added new logo changed from a lighter purple to a darker purple still remained with the gold and black color. They remained in use as of 2023.

## Results

The team got off to a fast start winning their first seven games, 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. The Lakers finished second in the Pacific Division with a 58–24 record. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal were both selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game, in which Bryant won MVP honors despite being booed by the hometown crowd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but O'Neal did not participate in the All-Star game due to an injury for the second year in a row.
After sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers, 3–0 in the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs, then defeating the 2nd-seeded San Antonio Spurs, 4–1 in the Western Conference Semi-finals, the Lakers were pushed to the brink once more in the Western Conference Finals by the top-seeded Sacramento Kings, trailing 3–2, but managed to win the series in seven games. 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 at home. Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on June 2 brought in a total of 23.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched Western Conference Finals game in NBA history.
The Lakers then went on to win the NBA Finals, defeating and sweeping the New Jersey Nets in four straight games for their second three-peat in franchise history, the first since 1952–54. The season marked the third and last of the Lakers' three-peat championships into the new millennium. O’Neal was named Finals MVP for the third straight year.

## Player statistics

Bryant averaged 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while O’Neal averaged 27.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game, and Derek Fisher provided the team with 11.2 points per game. In addition, Rick Fox contributed 7.9 points and 4.7 rebounds 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.
Both Bryant and O'Neal were named to the All-NBA First Team, while Bryant was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Shaq finished in third place in Most Valuable Player voting with 15 first-place votes (696 points), and Kobe finished in fifth place in MVP voting with 1 first-place vote. Bryant also finished tied in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

## Aftermath

Following the season, Richmond retired ending his fourteen-year career in the NBA, and Hunter was traded to the Toronto Raptors. The Lakers would not win another title until 2009, in which they defeated the Orlando Magic in five games. As of 2024, the Lakers are the most recent NBA team to have accomplished a three-peat.

## Draft picks

* 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.

## Regular season
### Season standings

| Pacific Divisionvte | W | L | PCT | GB | Home | Road | Div |
| y-Sacramento Kings | 61 | 21 | .744 | – | 36–5 | 25–16 | 15–9 |
| x-Los Angeles Lakers | 58 | 24 | .707 | 3 | 34–7 | 24–17 | 16–8 |
| x-Portland Trail Blazers | 49 | 33 | .598 | 12 | 30–11 | 19–22 | 14–10 |
| x-Seattle SuperSonics | 45 | 37 | .549 | 16 | 26–15 | 19–22 | 13–11 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 39 | 43 | .476 | 22 | 25–16 | 14–27 | 9–15 |
| Phoenix Suns | 36 | 46 | .439 | 25 | 23–18 | 13–28 | 12–12 |
| Golden State Warriors | 21 | 61 | .256 | 40 | 14–27 | 7–34 | 5–19 |
| # | Western Conferencevte | Western Conferencevte | Western Conferencevte | Western Conferencevte | Western Conferencevte |
| # | Team | W | L | PCT | GB |
| 1 | z-Sacramento Kings | 61 | 21 | .744 | – |
| 2 | y-San Antonio Spurs | 58 | 24 | .707 | 3 |
| 3 | x-Los Angeles Lakers | 58 | 24 | .707 | 3 |
| 4 | x-Dallas Mavericks | 57 | 25 | .695 | 4 |
| 5 | x-Minnesota Timberwolves | 50 | 32 | .610 | 11 |
| 6 | x-Portland Trail Blazers | 49 | 33 | .598 | 12 |
| 7 | x-Seattle SuperSonics | 45 | 37 | .549 | 16 |
| 8 | x-Utah Jazz | 44 | 38 | .537 | 17 |
| 9 | Los Angeles Clippers | 39 | 43 | .476 | 22 |
| 10 | Phoenix Suns | 36 | 46 | .439 | 25 |
| 11 | Houston Rockets | 28 | 54 | .341 | 33 |
| 12 | Denver Nuggets | 27 | 55 | .329 | 34 |
| 13 | Memphis Grizzlies | 23 | 59 | .280 | 38 |
| 14 | Golden State Warriors | 21 | 61 | .256 | 40 |

### Record vs. opponents

2001–02 NBA records :
| Team | ATL | BOS | CHA | CHI | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GSW | HOU | IND | LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN | NJN | NYK | ORL | PHI | PHO | POR | SAC | SAS | SEA | TOR | UTA | WAS |
| Atlanta | – | 2–2 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 2–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 0–3 |
| Boston | 2–2 | – | 2–1 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 |
| Charlotte | 2–2 | 1–2 | – | 4–0 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–0 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 |
| Chicago | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–4 | – | 1–3 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 0–3 | 1–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 1–3 |
| Cleveland | 1–3 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 3–1 | – | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–2 |
| Dallas | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | – | 4–0 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 |
| Denver | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–4 | – | 0–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 0–2 |
| Detroit | 3–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | – | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 4–0 |
| Golden State | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 1–1 | – | 1–3 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 1–1 |
| Houston | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | – | 0–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 |
| Indiana | 3–1 | 0–3 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 2–0 | – | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 3–1 |
| L.A. Clippers | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | – | 1–3 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 1–1 |
| L.A. Lakers | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | – | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 |
| Memphis | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–4 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | – | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–4 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 0–2 |
| Miami | 1–3 | 1–3 | 0–3 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | – | 3–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 2–2 |
| Milwaukee | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | – | 0–2 | 1–2 | 1–3 | 2–1 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 |
| Minnesota | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | – | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–0 |
| New Jersey | 1–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–1 | 1–1 | – | 4–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 3–1 |
| New York | 3–1 | 0–4 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–2 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 0–2 | 0–4 | – | 0–4 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 3–0 | 1–1 | 1–3 |
| Orlando | 3–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 3–0 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 1–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 4–0 | – | 3–1 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 |
| Philadelphia | 3–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 2–1 | 3–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | – | 2–0 | 0–2 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 2–3 |
| Phoenix | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 0–2 | – | 2–2 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 0–2 |
| Portland | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–2 | – | 2–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–0 |
| Sacramento | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 2–2 | – | 3–1 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 1–1 |
| San Antonio | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 | 4–0 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–2 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 3–1 | 1–3 | – | 2–2 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–0 |
| Seattle | 2–0 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–2 | 2–0 | 3–1 | 1–3 | 4–0 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 2–2 | 2–2 | – | 2–0 | 1–3 | 1–1 |
| Toronto | 4–0 | 2–2 | 2–2 | 4–0 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 2–2 | 0–3 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | – | 1–1 | 1–2 |
| Utah | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–0 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 4–0 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 3–1 | 0–4 | 0–4 | 3–1 | 1–1 | – | 2–0 |
| Washington | 3–0 | 1–3 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 2–1 | 1–1 | 2–0 | 0–4 | 1–1 | 1–1 | 1–3 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 2–0 | 2–2 | 1–3 | 0–2 | 1–3 | 3–1 | 2–2 | 3–2 | 2–0 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 0–2 | 1–1 | 2–1 | 0–2 | — |

## Game log
### Pre-season

2001 preseason game log Total: 4–4 :
Preseason
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
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
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
3
October 16
Golden State
W 114-97
Kobe Bryant (23)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Bryant & Hunter (6)
Centennial Garden (Bakersfield, CA)
1–2
4
October 19
Phoenix
L 101–112
Kobe Bryant (25)
Fox & O'Neal (6)
San Diego Sports Arena (San Diego, CA)
1–3
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
6
October 23
Memphis
W 128-94
Kobe Bryant (24)
Samaki Walker (10)
Kobe Bryant (9)
Arrowhead Pond (Anaheim, CA) 17,457
2–4
7
October 25
Milwaukee
W 109-107
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
O'Neal & Walker (7)
Bryant & O'Neal (5)
Staples Center 15,062
3–4
8
October 26
Phoenix
W 90-71
George & O'Neal (15)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 16,287
4-4 :
2001–02 season schedule :

### Regular season

2001–02 game log Total: 58–24 (Home: 34–7; Road: 24–17) :
October: 1–0 (home: 1–0; road: 0–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
1
October 30
Portland
W 98–87
Bryant & O'Neal (29)
Shaquille O'Neal (18)
Shaquille O'Neal (5)
Staples Center 18,997
1–0 :
November: 13–1 (home: 8–0; road: 5–1)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
2
November 1
@ Utah
W 105–101
Kobe Bryant (39)
Rick Fox (8)
Kobe Bryant (8)
Delta Center 19,539
2–0
3
November 2
Phoenix
W 117–94
Shaquille O'Neal (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Kobe Bryant (9)
Staples Center 18,997
3–0
4
November 4
Utah
W 100–96
Kobe Bryant (38)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 18,997
4–0
5
November 9
Memphis
W 100–86
Shaquille O'Neal (20)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 18,997
5–0
6
November 11
Orlando
W 108–95
Shaquille O'Neal (38)
Shaquille O'Neal (18)
Kobe Bryant (8)
Staples Center 18,997
6–0
7
November 15
@ Houston
W 98–97 (OT)
Kobe Bryant (31)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Rick Fox (6)
Compaq Center 16,285
7–0
8
November 16
@ Phoenix
L 83–95
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Kobe Bryant (5)
America West Arena 19,023
7–1
9
November 18
Sacramento
W 93–85
Kobe Bryant (29)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Kobe Bryant (8)
Staples Center 18,997
8–1
10
November 20
@ L.A. Clippers
W 98–93
Kobe Bryant (25)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Kobe Bryant (12)
Staples Center 20,316
9–1
11
November 21
@ Denver
W 89–68
Kobe Bryant (24)
Bryant & O'Neal (13)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Pepsi Center 19,521
10–1
12
November 23
Golden State
W 106–90
Kobe Bryant (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Rick Fox (5)
Staples Center 18,997
11–1
13
November 25
Denver
W 105–98
Kobe Bryant (25)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 18,997
12–1
14
November 27
Milwaukee
W 104–85
Kobe Bryant (33)
Samaki Walker (11)
Shaquille O'Neal (5)
Staples Center 18,997
13–1
15
November 30
@ Seattle
W 107–92
Kobe Bryant (30)
Slava Medvedenko (7)
Robert Horry (8)
KeyArena 17,072
14–1 :
December: 7–5 (home: 6–2; road: 1–3)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
16
December 1
Minnesota
W 102–76
Shaquille O'Neal (23)
Shaquille O'Neal (9)
3 players tied (5)
Staples Center 18,997
15–1
17
December 5
Dallas
W 98–94
Shaquille O'Neal (46)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Rick Fox (6)
Staples Center 18,997
16–1
18
December 7
@ Sacramento
L 91–97
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
Shaquille O'Neal (16)
Shaquille O'Neal (5)
ARCO Arena 17,317
16–2
19
December 11
Seattle
L 93–104
Shaquille O'Neal (37)
Shaquille O'Neal (16)
Derek Fisher (8)
Staples Center 18,997
16–3
20
December 14
L.A. Clippers
W 110–80
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 18,997
17–3
21
December 16
Golden State
W 101–85
Kobe Bryant (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (7)
Shaquille O'Neal (6)
Staples Center 18,997
18–3
22
December 20
@ Houston
W 107–101
Kobe Bryant (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (14)
Bryant & Horry (5)
Compaq Center 16,285
19–3
23
December 21
@ Memphis
L 108–114
Kobe Bryant (36)
O'Neal & Walker (9)
Bryant & Fox (6)
Pyramid Arena 19,405
19–4
24
December 25
Philadelphia
W 88–82
Samaki Walker (18)
Bryant & Horry (11)
Kobe Bryant (9)
Staples Center 18,997
20–4
25
December 26
@ Golden State
L 90–101
Kobe Bryant (39)
Slava Medvedenko (8)
Kobe Bryant (5)
The Arena in Oakland 20,036
20–5
26
December 28
Toronto
L 86–89
Kobe Bryant (26)
Samaki Walker (14)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 18,997
20–6
27
December 30
Houston
W 114–90
Bryant & Fox (16)
Robert Horry (11)
Kobe Bryant (11)
Staples Center 18,997
21–6 :
January: 10–6 (home: 3–2; road: 7–4)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
28
January 2
@ Denver
W 87–86
Kobe Bryant (28)
Samaki Walker (11)
Rick Fox (6)
Pepsi Center 17,932
22–6
29
January 4
Phoenix
W 118–86
Shaquille O'Neal (24)
Samaki Walker (10)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 18,997
23–6
30
January 6
@ Toronto
W 109–89
Kobe Bryant (31)
Samaki Walker (10)
3 players tied (4)
Air Canada Centre 19,800
24–6
31
January 8
@ Detroit
W 121–92
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Kobe Bryant (6)
The Palace of Auburn Hills 22,076
25–6
32
January 9
@ Indiana
W 109–90
Kobe Bryant (31)
Samaki Walker (13)
Derek Fisher (6)
Conseco Fieldhouse 18,345
26–6
33
January 11
@ Minnesota
L 102–120
Shaquille O'Neal (29)
Samaki Walker (9)
Rick Fox (9)
Target Center 19,806
26–7
34
January 12
@ Chicago
L 104–106 (OT)
Derek Fisher (28)
Robert Horry (13)
Kobe Bryant (9)
United Center 23,147
26–8
35
January 14
Memphis
W 120–81
Kobe Bryant (56)
Robert Horry (11)
Rick Fox (7)
Staples Center 18,997
27–8
36
January 16
Miami
L 96–102
Kobe Bryant (29)
Samaki Walker (13)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 18,997
27–9
37
January 19
@ San Antonio
W 98–81
Kobe Bryant (28)
3 players tied (7)
Kobe Bryant (5)
Alamodome 33,544
28–9
38
January 22
Denver
L 91–107
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 18,997
28–10
39
January 23
@ L.A. Clippers
L 90–95
Kobe Bryant (27)
Samaki Walker (12)
Derek Fisher (5)
Staples Center 20,309
28–11
40
January 25
San Antonio
W 94–91
Kobe Bryant (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 18,997
29–11
41
January 27
@ Philadelphia
L 87–93
Shaquille O'Neal (26)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Rick Fox (6)
First Union Center 20,909
29–12
42
January 29
@ Atlanta
W 127–93
Kobe Bryant (32)
Samaki Walker (12)
Fox & Hunter (4)
Philips Arena 19,742
30–12
43
January 30
@ Orlando
W 111–93
Shaquille O'Neal (30)
Shaquille O'Neal (14)
Rick Fox (5)
TD Waterhouse Centre 17,248
31–12 :
February: 8–5 (home: 1–3; road: 7–2)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
44
February 1
@ Memphis
W 100–85
Shaquille O'Neal (26)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Rick Fox (7)
Pyramid Arena 19,405
32–12
45
February 3
@ Dallas
W 101–94
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Robert Horry (8)
American Airlines Center 20,179
33–12
46
February 6
Chicago
L 89–97
Kobe Bryant (38)
Samaki Walker (14)
Rick Fox (5)
Staples Center 18,997
33–13
All-Star Break
47
February 12
Washington
W 103–94
Kobe Bryant (23)
Kobe Bryant (11)
Kobe Bryant (15)
Staples Center 18,997
34–13
48
February 14
@ Seattle
W 92–87
Kobe Bryant (23)
Fox & George (8)
Kobe Bryant (10)
KeyArena 17,072
35–13
49
February 15
Atlanta
L 90–93
Kobe Bryant (21)
3 players tied (7)
Kobe Bryant (10)
Staples Center 18,997
35–14
50
February 17
@ Portland
L 105–111
Kobe Bryant (28)
Robert Horry (8)
Lindsey Hunter (7)
Rose Garden 20,580
35–15
51
February 19
Boston
L 108–109
Kobe Bryant (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (17)
Lindsey Hunter (9)
Staples Center 18,997
35–16
52
February 21
@ Cleveland
W 104–97
Kobe Bryant (32)
Bryant & Horry (6)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Gund Arena 20,562
36–16
53
February 22
@ Charlotte
W 96–94
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
Rick Fox (11)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Charlotte Coliseum 23,799
37–16
54
February 24
@ New York
W 107–91
Shaquille O'Neal (30)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Bryant & O'Neal (5)
Madison Square Garden 19,763
38–16
55
February 26
@ Milwaukee
W 99–89
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Bradley Center 18,717
39–16
56
February 27
@ Minnesota
L 101–112
Shaquille O'Neal (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Kobe Bryant (11)
Target Center 19,769
39–17 :
March: 13–4 (home: 11–0; road: 2–4)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
57
March 1
Indiana
W 96–84
Shaquille O'Neal (33)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Robert Horry (6)
Staples Center 18,897
40–17
58
March 3
Houston
W 95–79
Shaquille O'Neal (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (14)
Shaquille O'Neal (7)
Staples Center 18,997
41–17
59
March 5
New Jersey
W 101–92
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Robert Horry (13)
Horry & O'Neal (4)
Staples Center 18,997
42–17
60
March 6
@ Utah
L 84–92
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Bryant & Hunter (4)
Delta Center 19,911
42–18
61
March 10
New York
W 117–103
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Robert Horry (13)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 18,997
43–18
62
March 12
Charlotte
W 107–66
Kobe Bryant (23)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Bryant & Richmond (4)
Staples Center 18,997
44–18
63
March 14
@ Golden State
W 110–102
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Bryant & Fox (6)
The Arena in Oakland 20,042
45–18
64
March 15
L.A. Clippers
W 98–92
Kobe Bryant (33)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Fox & Horry (5)
Staples Center 18,997
46–18
65
March 17
Dallas
W 105–103
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Bryant & O'Neal (9)
Kobe Bryant (11)
Staples Center 18,997
47–18
66
March 19
@ Dallas
L 98–114
Shaquille O'Neal (32)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Horry & Richmond (4)
American Airlines Center 20,112
47–19
67
March 20
@ San Antonio
L 90–108
Kobe Bryant (20)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Brian Shaw (5)
Alamodome 30,775
47–20
68
March 22
Detroit
W 94–82
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Horry & Walker (10)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 18,997
48–20
69
March 24
@ Sacramento
W 97–96
Kobe Bryant (29)
O'Neal & Shaw (7)
Shaquille O'Neal (6)
ARCO Arena 17,317
49–20
70
March 26
Cleveland
W 121–116
Shaquille O'Neal (19)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Robert Horry (6)
Staples Center 18,997
50–20
71
March 27
@ Phoenix
L 106–118
Kobe Bryant (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Robert Horry (6)
America West Arena 19,023
50–21
72
March 29
Portland
W 91–79
Bryant & O'Neal (34)
Samaki Walker (17)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 18,997
51–21
73
March 31
San Antonio
W 96–95
Kobe Bryant (31)
3 players tied (9)
Robert Horry (4)
Staples Center 18,997
52–21 :
April: 6–3 (home: 4–0; road: 2–3)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceRecord
74
April 2
@ Washington
W 113–93
Shaquille O'Neal (22)
Shaquille O'Neal (18)
Kobe Bryant (6)
MCI Center 20,674
53–21
75
April 3
@ New Jersey
L 92–94
Kobe Bryant (33)
Samaki Walker (14)
Bryant & Shaw (3)
Continental Airlines Arena 20,049
53–22
76
April 5
@ Boston
L 81–99
Kobe Bryant (26)
Robert Horry (9)
5 players tied (2)
FleetCenter 18,624
53–23
77
April 7
@ Miami
W 96–88
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Bryant & O'Neal (11)
Robert Horry (7)
American Airlines Arena 19,600
54–23
78
April 9
Utah
W 112–82
Bryant & O'Neal (22)
Robert Horry (11)
Kobe Bryant (5)
Staples Center 18,997
55–23
79
April 11
Minnesota
W 96–83
Shaquille O'Neal (32)
Samaki Walker (10)
Derek Fisher (4)
Staples Center 18,997
56–23
80
April 14
@ Portland
L 120–128 (2OT)
Shaquille O'Neal (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Kobe Bryant (9)
Rose Garden 20,580
56–24
81
April 15
Seattle
W 111–104
Shaquille O'Neal (41)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Brian Shaw (6)
Staples Center 18,997
57–24
82
April 17
Sacramento
W 109–95
Bryant & O'Neal (21)
Samaki Walker (15)
Kobe Bryant (5)
Staples Center 18,997
58–24 :
2001–02 season schedule :

### Playoffs

2001–02 game log Total: 15–4 (Home: 8–2; Road: 7–2) :
First round: 3–0 (home: 2–0; road: 1–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
1
April 21
Portland
W 95–87
Kobe Bryant (34)
Shaquille O'Neal (9)
Rick Fox (6)
Staples Center 18,997
1–0
2
April 25
Portland
W 103–96
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
Shaquille O'Neal (14)
Kobe Bryant (5)
Staples Center 18,997
2–0
3
April 28
@ Portland
W 92–91
Kobe Bryant (25)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Bryant & O'Neal (7)
Rose Garden 20,580
3–0 :
Conference Semi-finals: 4–1 (home: 2–1; road: 2–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
1
May 5
San Antonio
W 86–80
Shaquille O'Neal (23)
Shaquille O'Neal (17)
3 players tied (4)
Staples Center 18,997
1–0
2
May 7
San Antonio
L 85–88
Kobe Bryant (26)
Robert Horry (11)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 18,997
1–1
3
May 10
@ San Antonio
W 99–89
Kobe Bryant (31)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Alamodome 35,520
2–1
4
May 12
@ San Antonio
W 87–85
Kobe Bryant (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Shaquille O'Neal (5)
Alamodome 32,342
3–1
5
May 14
San Antonio
W 93–87
Kobe Bryant (26)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Rick Fox (7)
Staples Center 18,997
4–1 :
Conference Finals: 4–3 (home: 2–1; road: 2–2)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
1
May 18
@ Sacramento
W 106–99
Kobe Bryant (30)
Shaquille O'Neal (9)
3 players tied (5)
ARCO Arena 17,317
1–0
2
May 20
@ Sacramento
L 90–96
Shaquille O'Neal (35)
Robert Horry (20)
Fisher & Horry (4)
ARCO Arena 17,317
1–1
3
May 24
Sacramento
L 90–103
Kobe Bryant (22)
Shaquille O'Neal (19)
Brian Shaw (7)
Staples Center 18,997
1–2
4
May 26
Sacramento
W 100–99
Shaquille O'Neal (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (18)
Robert Horry (5)
Staples Center 18,997
2–2
5
May 28
@ Sacramento
L 91–92
Kobe Bryant (30)
Robert Horry (11)
3 players tied (3)
ARCO Arena 17,317
2–3
6
May 31
Sacramento
W 106–102
Shaquille O'Neal (41)
Shaquille O'Neal (17)
Bryant & Horry (5)
Staples Center 18,997
3–3
7
June 2
@ Sacramento
W 112–106 (OT)
Shaquille O'Neal (35)
Rick Fox (14)
Bryant & Fox (7)
ARCO Arena 17,317
4–3 :
NBA Finals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)
GameDateTeamScoreHigh pointsHigh reboundsHigh assistsLocation AttendanceSeries
1
June 5
New Jersey
W 99–94
Shaquille O'Neal (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (16)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 18,997
1–0
2
June 7
New Jersey
W 106–83
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Staples Center 18,997
2–0
3
June 9
@ New Jersey
W 106–103
Kobe Bryant (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Derek Fisher (6)
Continental Airlines Arena 19,215
3–0
4
June 12
@ New Jersey
W 113–107
Shaquille O'Neal (34)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Kobe Bryant (8)
Continental Airlines Arena 19,296
4–0 :
2002 schedule :

## NBA Finals
### Summary

The following scoring summary is written in a line score format, except that the quarter numbers are replaced by game numbers.
| Team | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Game 4 | Wins |
| Los Angeles (West) | 99 | 106 | 106 | 113 | 4 |
| New Jersey (East) | 94 | 83 | 103 | 107 | 0 |

### 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. 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. 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. 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.
With the Princeton offense installed from the coaching staff, 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-NBA and All-Defensive Teams 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. 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.

### 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.
   " 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. "
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. Kidd finished with a triple–double, the 26th in Finals history and the first since Charles Barkley's in the 1993 series.
Recap
| Team | 1st Qt. | 2nd Qt. | 3rd Qt. | 4th Qt. | Total |
| New Jersey | 14 | 22 | 27 | 31 | 94 |
| Los Angeles | 29 | 19 | 24 | 27 | 99 |

### 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
| Team | 1st Qt. | 2nd Qt. | 3rd Qt. | 4th Qt. | Total |
| New Jersey | 21 | 22 | 18 | 22 | 83 |
| Los Angeles | 27 | 22 | 28 | 29 | 106 |

### 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
| Team | 1st Qt. | 2nd Qt. | 3rd Qt. | 4th Qt. | Total |
| Los Angeles | 31 | 21 | 26 | 28 | 106 |
| New Jersey | 23 | 23 | 32 | 25 | 103 |

### 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
| Team | 1st Qt. | 2nd Qt. | 3rd Qt. | 4th Qt. | Total |
| Los Angeles | 27 | 31 | 26 | 29 | 113 |
| New Jersey | 34 | 23 | 23 | 27 | 107 |

## Player statistics
### Season

| Player | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
| Kobe Bryant | 80 | 80 | 38.3 | .469 | .250 | .829 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 1.48 | .44 | 25.2 |
| Derek Fisher | 70 | 35 | 28.2 | .411 | .413 | .847 | 2.1 | 2.6 | .94 | .13 | 11.2 |
| Rick Fox | 82 | 82 | 27.9 | .421 | .313 | .824 | 4.7 | 3.5 | .82 | .26 | 7.9 |
| Devean George | 82 | 1 | 21.5 | .411 | .371 | .675 | 3.7 | 1.4 | .87 | .51 | 7.1 |
| Robert Horry | 81 | 23 | 26.4 | .398 | .374 | .783 | 5.9 | 2.9 | .95 | 1.10 | 6.8 |
| Lindsey Hunter | 82 | 47 | 19.7 | .382 | .380 | .500 | 1.5 | 1.6 | .80 | .23 | 5.8 |
| Mark Madsen | 59 | 5 | 11.0 | .452 | .000 | .648 | 2.7 | .7 | .27 | .22 | 2.8 |
| Jelani McCoy | 21 | 0 | 5.0 | .571 | .000 | .250 | 1.2 | .3 | .00 | .24 | 1.2 |
| Slava Medvedenko | 71 | 6 | 10.3 | .477 | .000 | .661 | 2.2 | .6 | .41 | .15 | 4.7 |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 67 | 66 | 36.1 | .579 | .000 | .555 | 10.7 | 3.0 | .61 | 2.04 | 27.2 |
| Mike Penberthy | 3 | 0 | 4.0 | .500 | .000 | .750 | .7 | .7 | .67 | .00 | 1.7 |
| Mitch Richmond | 64 | 2 | 11.1 | .405 | .290 | .955 | 1.5 | .9 | .28 | .09 | 4.1 |
| Brian Shaw | 58 | 0 | 10.9 | .353 | .330 | .692 | 1.9 | 1.5 | .43 | .05 | 2.9 |
| 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 |
| Kobe Bryant | 19 | 19 | 43.8 | .434 | .379 | .759 | 5.8 | 4.6 | 1.42 | .89 | 26.6 |
| Derek Fisher | 19 | 19 | 34.2 | .357 | .358 | .786 | 3.3 | 2.7 | 1.00 | .05 | 10.2 |
| Rick Fox | 19 | 19 | 34.3 | .482 | .349 | .755 | 5.4 | 3.4 | 1.11 | .32 | 9.8 |
| Devean George | 19 | 0 | 17.2 | .365 | .229 | .733 | 3.6 | .6 | .58 | .53 | 5.0 |
| Robert Horry | 19 | 14 | 37.0 | .449 | .387 | .789 | 8.1 | 3.2 | 1.74 | .84 | 9.3 |
| Lindsey Hunter | 18 | 0 | 7.3 | .311 | .276 | .000 | .4 | .6 | .11 | .00 | 2.0 |
| Mark Madsen | 7 | 0 | 1.4 | .000 | .000 | .000 | .3 | .0 | .00 | .00 | .0 |
| Slava Medvedenko | 7 | 0 | 3.0 | .600 | .000 | .000 | .6 | .0 | .00 | .00 | .9 |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 19 | 19 | 40.8 | .529 | .000 | .649 | 12.6 | 2.8 | .53 | 2.53 | 28.5 |
| Mitch Richmond | 2 | 0 | 2.0 | 1.000 | .000 | .500 | .5 | .0 | .00 | .00 | 1.5 |
| Brian Shaw | 19 | 0 | 12.5 | .333 | .281 | 1.000 | 1.8 | 1.6 | .26 | .32 | 2.9 |
| Samaki Walker | 19 | 5 | 12.6 | .462 | 1.000 | .765 | 4.1 | .2 | .11 | .32 | 3.3 |

## 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.