Nov. 26, 2004
26 years, 95 days
In one of the final classic battles between the 2000s-era Lakers and Kings, even Kobe Bryant’s scoring binge couldn’t eek out a victory for the purple and gold.
Bryant dropped 40 points — shooting 11-of-17 from the field and 15-of-19 at the foul line — but Sacramento made last-minute push for the 109-106 decision.
Thanks to 26 second-half points from Bryant, the Lakers had a one-point lead with 40 seconds left. But Peja Stojakovic, who went 13-of-13 on free throws — hit four foul shots, while the Lakers missed the remainder of their attempts.
Bryant also collected seven rebounds and eight assists, while Lamar Odom reached a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
But Stojakovic (26 points) and Chris Webber (22 points, 16 rebounds) kept the Kings close enough for an 11th-hour strike.
Kobe performances on this day in history: