Kobe Bryant played for the Lakers .
Kobe Bryant of the Lakers took MVP honors . *Prior to the start of the season , NBA legend Michael Jordan , now part owner of the Washington Wizards , announces his second comeback to the NBA , this time with the Wizards . *The Dallas Mavericks play their first game at the American Airlines Center , not to be confused with the American Airlines Arena in Miami , Florida.
2001–02 NBA season