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Kobe Bryant: Top five greatest performances vs Toronto Raptors

By Aditya Chandran

TORONTO, CANADA: Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant drives to the hoop past Toronto Raptors forward Vince Carter during first half NBA action in Toronto, Canada, on 06 January, 2002. The Lakers defeated the Raptors 109 - 89. AFP PHOTO/J.P. Moczulski (Photo credit should read J.P. MOCZULSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA: Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant drives to the hoop past Toronto Raptors forward Vince Carter during first half NBA action in Toronto, Canada, on 06 January, 2002. The Lakers defeated the Raptors 109 - 89. AFP PHOTO/J.P. Moczulski (Photo credit should read J.P. MOCZULSKI/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Kobe Bryant
LOS ANGELES – 2000: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors look on during a game played circa 2000 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. December 17th, 2000

Final Score: Lakers 104 Raptors 101

Kobe Bryant Stats: 40 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 48% FG

This was the definition of a marquee matchup. Vince Carter vs. Kobe Bryant. Both extremely athletic, gifted guards oozing with potential, ESPN made sure not to miss televising this game. The Lakers were the defending champions led by the dynamic duo of Bryant and O’Neal while the Raptors were an up and coming team lead by Vince Carter.

While it was widely recognized that Bryant was very talented and one of the best players in the league, many believed Shaq was the leader of this team and the number one option. However, this game turned out a little differently. Bryant knowing that this was a marquee matchup against a shooting guard on the same level as him, he went into this game looking to prove a point to the world.

He got hot in a hurry, getting the Lakers off to a fantastic start while allowing O’Neal to take a backseat early on.

On the other side of things, Carter was no slouch himself and was also looking to prove a point to the world, playing against the defending champs. He gave it his all but unfortunately, the Raptors seemed to be outmatched. That is until the Raptors started to finally click on the offensive end, led by #15. The game would need overtime.

Although the Raptors showed great poise, Bryant proved to be too much for them in the extra period, sealing the win for LA in overtime and finishing with a game-high 40 points. Carter finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.