');
You do not have the correct version of the Flash Player Plugin. Click here to get it.
Kobe’s Shot: Different Perspectives
By: Adam W. Bloom

I've watched the shot about 50 times now (isn't DVR/TIVO the greatest thing ever?) and it's just as sweet each time. If you've saved the game yourself, or plan to buy it on Google - look out for the following reactions at 3:35pm PT on the final day of April, 2006 at the Staples Center.


Kobe Bryant: After he makes "the most fun shot I've ever hit", Kobe walks quickly towards midcourt with his left fist in the air staring towards the fans, the cameramen, and his teammates. No smile, no grin - just sheer focus and determination. He pumps his fist once (trademark Kirk Gibson) before getting bear- hugged first by Lamar Odom and then the rest of his teammates.

Lamar Odom: If you are looking for pure elation, check out Lamar's reaction. I've never seen a 6'10 man jump for pure joy the way #7 did. When the shot went in, Lamar leaped in the air like a 10 year old boy taking his first steps into Disneyland - arms and legs flailing in the air in sheer disbelief. He is the first to catch Kobe and provides him with a two arm hug around Bryant's head. Seemed like he would never let go as Sasha and the bench swarmed around them.

Phil Jackson: Classic Phil. As Kobe dribbles the ball Phil is sitting, yes sitting in his chair. He leans a bit to see the shot, and when it sails through the net he takes a deep breath and leans back with his mouth open and arms folded across his chest as if to say "Michael who?" Some fans behind him pat Jackson on the shoulder and one even manages to give him a brief hug from behind.

Steve Nash: What can you say about Nash - one of the greatest players in the game who was absolutely shocked at the outcome. The shot actually went in just above him and he quickly put his hands on his waist and walked slowly towards the locker room. He would say later 'It just wasn't meant to be."

Mike D'Antoni: From the toss of the jump ball, D'Antoni stood on the sidelines with his hands folded watching Kobe from start to finish. As he slowly walked off the court, with his hands still folded, he passed by an assistant coach who violently threw his notebook on the ground.

Jack Nicholson: Cool, calm Jack let the moment get to him. As the shot goes in, Nicholson throws his arms in the air and walks on to the court while waving his hands and fingers wildly and turning around in circles.

The Staples Center Crowd: If you happen to have the HD/DVR combo, this perhaps is the most fun - pick a fan in the audience and use your remote to slow-mo while the shot goes in. I focused on two grown men in yellow shirts behind the basket who simultaneously raised their hands, jumped 3 feet in the air and then hugged everyone around them while continuously jumping. Sheer pandemonium and a great day to be a Laker fan.