2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season
Pro basketball team season (won NBA championship)
NBA professional basketball team season
The 2001–02 NBA season National Basketball Association , and 42nd in the city of Los Angeles.[ 1] 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 ,[ 2] [ 3] [ 4] [ 5] Lindsey Hunter from the Milwaukee Bucks .[ 6] [ 7] [ 8] [ 9]
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.[ 10] [ 11] 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 ,[ 12] [ 13] [ 14] [ 15] [ 16] [ 17] [ 18] [ 19] [ 20]
After sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers , 3–0 in the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs ,[ 21] [ 22] [ 23] [ 24] San Antonio Spurs , 4–1 in the Western Conference Semi-finals,[ 25] [ 26] [ 27] [ 28] Sacramento Kings , trailing 3–2,[ 29] [ 30] [ 31] [ 32] [ 33] [ 34] [ 35] [ 36] [ 37] [ 38] [ 39] [ 40] [ 41] [ 42] [ 43]
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.[ 44] [ 45] [ 46] [ 47] [ 48]
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.[ 49]
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),[ 50] [ 51] [ 52] Defensive Player of the Year voting.[ 53] [ 54]
Aftermath
Following the season, Richmond retired ending his fourteen-year career in the NBA,[ 55] Toronto Raptors .[ 56] [ 57] 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.
Roster
2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers roster
Players
Coaches
Pos.
No.
Name
Height
Weight
DOB
From
G/F 8
Bryant, Kobe
205 lb (93 kg)
1978–08–23
Lower Merion HS (PA)
G 2
Fisher, Derek
210 lb (95 kg)
1974–08–09
Little Rock
F 17
Fox, Rick
230 lb (104 kg)
1969–07–24
North Carolina
F 3
George, Devean
235 lb (107 kg)
1977–08–29
Augsburg
F 5
Horry, Robert
240 lb (109 kg)
1970–08–25
Alabama
G 10
Hunter, Lindsey
195 lb (88 kg)
1970–12–03
Jackson State
F 35
Madsen, Mark
240 lb (109 kg)
1976–01–28
Stanford
F/C 6
McCoy, Jelani
245 lb (111 kg)
1977–12–06
UCLA
C 14
Medvedenko, Slava
253 lb (115 kg)
1979–04–04
Ukraine
C 34
O'Neal, Shaquille
325 lb (147 kg)
1972–03–06
LSU
G/F 23
Richmond, Mitch
215 lb (98 kg)
1965–06–30
Kansas State
G 20
Shaw, Brian
190 lb (86 kg)
1966–03–22
UC Santa Barbara
F/C 52
Walker, Samaki
250 lb (113 kg)
1976–02–25
Louisville
Head coach Assistant coach(es) Legend (DP) Unsigned draft pick(FA) Free agent(S) SuspendedRoster
Regular season
Season standings
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
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location
Record
1
October 7
Golden State
L 89-99
Kobe Bryant (30)
Robert Horry (7)
Kobe Bryant (5)
Stan Sheriff Center (Honolulu, HI)0–1
2
October 9
Golden State
L 88-113
Lindsey Hunter (13)
Dickey Simpkins (9)
Isaac Fontaine (4)
Stan Sheriff Center (Honolulu, HI)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)1–4
6
October 23
Memphis
W 128-94
Kobe Bryant (24)
Samaki Walker (10)
Kobe Bryant (9)
Arrowhead Pond (Anaheim, CA)2–4
7
October 25
Milwaukee
W 109-107
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
O'Neal & Walker (7)
Bryant & O'Neal (5)
Staples Center 3–4
8
October 26
Phoenix
W 90-71
George & O'Neal (15)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 4-4
2001–02 season schedule
Regular season
2001–02 game log
October: 1–0 (home: 1–0; road: 0–0)
November: 13–1 (home: 8–0; road: 5–1)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location
Record
2
November 1
@ Utah
W 105–101
Kobe Bryant (39)
Rick Fox (8)
Kobe Bryant (8)
Delta Center 2–0
3
November 2
Phoenix
W 117–94
Shaquille O'Neal (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Kobe Bryant (9)
Staples Center 3–0
4
November 4
Utah
W 100–96
Kobe Bryant (38)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 4–0
5
November 9
Memphis
W 100–86
Shaquille O'Neal (20)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 5–0
6
November 11
Orlando
W 108–95
Shaquille O'Neal (38)
Shaquille O'Neal (18)
Kobe Bryant (8)
Staples Center 6–0
7
November 15
@ Houston
W 98–97 (OT)
Kobe Bryant (31)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Rick Fox (6)
Compaq Center 7–0
8
November 16
@ Phoenix
L 83–95
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Kobe Bryant (5)
America West Arena 7–1
9
November 18
Sacramento
W 93–85
Kobe Bryant (29)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Kobe Bryant (8)
Staples Center 8–1
10
November 20
@ L.A. Clippers
W 98–93
Kobe Bryant (25)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Kobe Bryant (12)
Staples Center 9–1
11
November 21
@ Denver
W 89–68
Kobe Bryant (24)
Bryant & O'Neal (13)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Pepsi Center 10–1
12
November 23
Golden State
W 106–90
Kobe Bryant (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Rick Fox (5)
Staples Center 11–1
13
November 25
Denver
W 105–98
Kobe Bryant (25)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 12–1
14
November 27
Milwaukee
W 104–85
Kobe Bryant (33)
Samaki Walker (11)
Shaquille O'Neal (5)
Staples Center 13–1
15
November 30
@ Seattle
W 107–92
Kobe Bryant (30)
Slava Medvedenko (7)
Robert Horry (8)
KeyArena 14–1
December: 7–5 (home: 6–2; road: 1–3)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location
Record
16
December 1
Minnesota
W 102–76
Shaquille O'Neal (23)
Shaquille O'Neal (9)
3 players tied (5)
Staples Center 15–1
17
December 5
Dallas
W 98–94
Shaquille O'Neal (46)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Rick Fox (6)
Staples Center 16–1
18
December 7
@ Sacramento
L 91–97
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
Shaquille O'Neal (16)
Shaquille O'Neal (5)
ARCO Arena 16–2
19
December 11
Seattle
L 93–104
Shaquille O'Neal (37)
Shaquille O'Neal (16)
Derek Fisher (8)
Staples Center 16–3
20
December 14
L.A. Clippers
W 110–80
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 17–3
21
December 16
Golden State
W 101–85
Kobe Bryant (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (7)
Shaquille O'Neal (6)
Staples Center 18–3
22
December 20
@ Houston
W 107–101
Kobe Bryant (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (14)
Bryant & Horry (5)
Compaq Center 19–3
23
December 21
@ Memphis
L 108–114
Kobe Bryant (36)
O'Neal & Walker (9)
Bryant & Fox (6)
Pyramid Arena 19–4
24
December 25
Philadelphia
W 88–82
Samaki Walker (18)
Bryant & Horry (11)
Kobe Bryant (9)
Staples Center 20–4
25
December 26
@ Golden State
L 90–101
Kobe Bryant (39)
Slava Medvedenko (8)
Kobe Bryant (5)
The Arena in Oakland 20–5
26
December 28
Toronto
L 86–89
Kobe Bryant (26)
Samaki Walker (14)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 20–6
27
December 30
Houston
W 114–90
Bryant & Fox (16)
Robert Horry (11)
Kobe Bryant (11)
Staples Center 21–6
January: 10–6 (home: 3–2; road: 7–4)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location
Record
28
January 2
@ Denver
W 87–86
Kobe Bryant (28)
Samaki Walker (11)
Rick Fox (6)
Pepsi Center 22–6
29
January 4
Phoenix
W 118–86
Shaquille O'Neal (24)
Samaki Walker (10)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 23–6
30
January 6
@ Toronto
W 109–89
Kobe Bryant (31)
Samaki Walker (10)
3 players tied (4)
Air Canada Centre 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 25–6
32
January 9
@ Indiana
W 109–90
Kobe Bryant (31)
Samaki Walker (13)
Derek Fisher (6)
Conseco Fieldhouse 26–6
33
January 11
@ Minnesota
L 102–120
Shaquille O'Neal (29)
Samaki Walker (9)
Rick Fox (9)
Target Center 26–7
34
January 12
@ Chicago
L 104–106 (OT)
Derek Fisher (28)
Robert Horry (13)
Kobe Bryant (9)
United Center 26–8
35
January 14
Memphis
W 120–81
Kobe Bryant (56)
Robert Horry (11)
Rick Fox (7)
Staples Center 27–8
36
January 16
Miami
L 96–102
Kobe Bryant (29)
Samaki Walker (13)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 27–9
37
January 19
@ San Antonio
W 98–81
Kobe Bryant (28)
3 players tied (7)
Kobe Bryant (5)
Alamodome 28–9
38
January 22
Denver
L 91–107
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 28–10
39
January 23
@ L.A. Clippers
L 90–95
Kobe Bryant (27)
Samaki Walker (12)
Derek Fisher (5)
Staples Center 28–11
40
January 25
San Antonio
W 94–91
Kobe Bryant (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (15)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 29–11
41
January 27
@ Philadelphia
L 87–93
Shaquille O'Neal (26)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Rick Fox (6)
First Union Center 29–12
42
January 29
@ Atlanta
W 127–93
Kobe Bryant (32)
Samaki Walker (12)
Fox & Hunter (4)
Philips Arena 30–12
43
January 30
@ Orlando
W 111–93
Shaquille O'Neal (30)
Shaquille O'Neal (14)
Rick Fox (5)
TD Waterhouse Centre 31–12
February: 8–5 (home: 1–3; road: 7–2)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location
Record
44
February 1
@ Memphis
W 100–85
Shaquille O'Neal (26)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Rick Fox (7)
Pyramid Arena 32–12
45
February 3
@ Dallas
W 101–94
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Robert Horry (8)
American Airlines Center 33–12
46
February 6
Chicago
L 89–97
Kobe Bryant (38)
Samaki Walker (14)
Rick Fox (5)
Staples Center 33–13
All-Star Break
47
February 12
Washington
W 103–94
Kobe Bryant (23)
Kobe Bryant (11)
Kobe Bryant (15)
Staples Center 34–13
48
February 14
@ Seattle
W 92–87
Kobe Bryant (23)
Fox & George (8)
Kobe Bryant (10)
KeyArena 35–13
49
February 15
Atlanta
L 90–93
Kobe Bryant (21)
3 players tied (7)
Kobe Bryant (10)
Staples Center 35–14
50
February 17
@ Portland
L 105–111
Kobe Bryant (28)
Robert Horry (8)
Lindsey Hunter (7)
Rose Garden 35–15
51
February 19
Boston
L 108–109
Kobe Bryant (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (17)
Lindsey Hunter (9)
Staples Center 35–16
52
February 21
@ Cleveland
W 104–97
Kobe Bryant (32)
Bryant & Horry (6)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Gund Arena 36–16
53
February 22
@ Charlotte
W 96–94
Shaquille O'Neal (31)
Rick Fox (11)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Charlotte Coliseum 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 38–16
55
February 26
@ Milwaukee
W 99–89
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Bradley Center 39–16
56
February 27
@ Minnesota
L 101–112
Shaquille O'Neal (27)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Kobe Bryant (11)
Target Center 39–17
March: 13–4 (home: 11–0; road: 2–4)
Game
Date
Team
Score
High points
High rebounds
High assists
Location
Record
57
March 1
Indiana
W 96–84
Shaquille O'Neal (33)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Robert Horry (6)
Staples Center 40–17
58
March 3
Houston
W 95–79
Shaquille O'Neal (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (14)
Shaquille O'Neal (7)
Staples Center 41–17
59
March 5
New Jersey
W 101–92
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Robert Horry (13)
Horry & O'Neal (4)
Staples Center 42–17
60
March 6
@ Utah
L 84–92
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Shaquille O'Neal (12)
Bryant & Hunter (4)
Delta Center 42–18
61
March 10
New York
W 117–103
Shaquille O'Neal (40)
Robert Horry (13)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 43–18
62
March 12
Charlotte
W 107–66
Kobe Bryant (23)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Bryant & Richmond (4)
Staples Center 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 45–18
64
March 15
L.A. Clippers
W 98–92
Kobe Bryant (33)
Shaquille O'Neal (13)
Fox & Horry (5)
Staples Center 46–18
65
March 17
Dallas
W 105–103
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Bryant & O'Neal (9)
Kobe Bryant (11)
Staples Center 47–18
66
March 19
@ Dallas
L 98–114
Shaquille O'Neal (32)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Horry & Richmond (4)
American Airlines Center 47–19
67
March 20
@ San Antonio
L 90–108
Kobe Bryant (20)
Shaquille O'Neal (10)
Brian Shaw (5)
Alamodome 47–20
68
March 22
Detroit
W 94–82
Shaquille O'Neal (28)
Horry & Walker (10)
Kobe Bryant (7)
Staples Center 48–20
69
March 24
@ Sacramento
W 97–96
Kobe Bryant (29)
O'Neal & Shaw (7)
Shaquille O'Neal (6)
ARCO Arena 49–20
70
March 26
Cleveland
W 121–116
Shaquille O'Neal (19)
Shaquille O'Neal (8)
Robert Horry (6)
Staples Center 50–20
71
March 27
@ Phoenix
L 106–118
Kobe Bryant (36)
Shaquille O'Neal (11)
Robert Horry (6)
America West Arena 50–21
72
March 29
Portland
W 91–79
Bryant & O'Neal (34)
Samaki Walker (17)
Kobe Bryant (6)
Staples Center 51–21
73
March 31
San Antonio
W 96–95
Kobe Bryant (31)
3 players tied (9)
Robert Horry (4)
Staples Center 52–21
April: 6–3 (home: 4–0; road: 2–3)
2001–02 season schedule
Playoffs
2001–02 game log
First round: 3–0 (home: 2–0; road: 1–0)
Conference Semi-finals: 4–1 (home: 2–1; road: 2–0)
Conference Finals: 4–3 (home: 2–1; road: 2–2)
NBA Finals: 4–0 (home: 2–0; road: 2–0)
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 .[ 58] All-NBA First Team and Bryant was honored with an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection.[ 59] [ 60]
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.[ 61] 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 .[ 62] 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 .[ 61] 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.[ 63]
With the Princeton offense installed from the coaching staff,[ 64] Eastern Conference . Kidd finished the season awarded with first team spots on both the All-NBA [ 59] All-Defensive Teams [ 60] All-Star game . He also finished runner-up to San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan in the Most Valuable Player voting.[ 65] All-Rookie second team selection and Thorn, the architect of the franchise's resurgence, was awarded NBA Executive of the Year .[ 66]
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. "
—Lucious Harris, Sports Illustrated[ 67]
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.[ 68] 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
Playoffs
Award winners
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.
Transactions
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(July 2021 )
References
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Retrieved October 25, 2022 . ^ Wise, Mike (October 30, 2001). "PRO BASKETBALL; Jordan Against the New Generation, Lakers Against the World" . The New York Times . Retrieved July 16, 2022 . ^ "NBA Games Played on February 7, 2002" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved September 11, 2022 .^ "2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021 .^ "NBA All-Star Game Rosters" . United Press International . February 8, 2002. Retrieved October 23, 2024 .^ Wise, Mike (February 11, 2002). "PRO BASKETBALL; As Fans Show No Love, Bryant Shows No Mercy" . The New York Times . Retrieved July 26, 2021 . ^ Wyche, Steve (February 11, 2002). "Jordan's All-Star Effort Is No Slam Dunk" . The Washington Post . Retrieved November 26, 2022 . ^ Patrick, Dan (February 11, 2002). "Booing Kobe? I Don't Get It" . ESPN . Retrieved July 26, 2021 . ^ "NBA & ABA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award Winners" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved November 29, 2022 .^ Liao, Henry (February 10, 2002). "Five Teams, Five Pairs" . Philippine Daily Inquirer . p. A19. Retrieved October 23, 2024 . ^ "2002 NBA All-Star Recap" . NBA.com . NBA.com Staff. September 13, 2021. Retrieved May 4, 2023 .^ "2002 All-Star Weekend - at Philadelphia: February 8-10" . Eskimo North . Retrieved May 4, 2023 .^ "2002 NBA All-Star Game: West 135, East 120" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved November 24, 2021 .^ "N.B.A.: ROUNDUP; Lakers and Mavs Advance" . The New York Times . Associated Press. April 29, 2002. Retrieved July 24, 2021 .^ Brown, Tim (April 29, 2002). "Portland Stoppers" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved June 2, 2022 . ^ "L.A. Lakers 92, Portland 91" . United Press International . April 29, 2002. Retrieved November 26, 2022 .^ "2002 NBA Western Conference First Round: Trail Blazers vs. Lakers" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved May 4, 2023 .^ Arkush, Michael (May 15, 2002). "PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers Stick to Script and Eliminate the Spurs" . The New York Times . Retrieved July 24, 2021 . ^ Brown, Tim (May 15, 2002). "Kings Get the Kings" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved June 2, 2022 . ^ "L.A. Lakers 93, San Antonio 87" . United Press International . May 15, 2002. Retrieved November 26, 2022 .^ "2002 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: Spurs vs. Lakers" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved May 4, 2023 .^ Wise, Mike (May 29, 2002). "PRO BASKETBALL; With Late Shot, Bibby Puts Kings Step from Finals" . The New York Times . Retrieved January 11, 2022 . ^ Booth, William (May 29, 2002). "Lakers Pushed to Brink" . The Washington Post . Retrieved May 4, 2023 . ^ Kreidler, Mark (May 30, 2002). "No Need to Fear, Underdog's Here" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved May 29, 2022 . ^ Wise, Mike (June 3, 2002). "PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers Remain West's Royalty" . The New York Times . Retrieved May 28, 2022 . ^ Brown, Tim (June 3, 2002). "An Epic Hurdle" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved May 28, 2022 . ^ Wilbon, Michael (June 3, 2002). "Lakers Toe the Line in Game 7" . The Washington Post . Retrieved November 26, 2022 . ^ "2002 NBA Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Kings" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved May 4, 2023 .^ Wise, Mike (June 2, 2002). "PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers vs. Kings, Game 7: Time for Winning, Not Whining" . The New York Times . Retrieved December 31, 2021 . ^ Wilbon, Michael (June 2, 2002). "Officials' Work Is Disturbing" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved May 28, 2022 . ^ Wilbon, Michael (June 2, 2002). "Lakers Hang on Tight to Force Kings to Game 7" . The Washington Post . Retrieved October 20, 2022 . ^ Sheridan, Chris (June 10, 2008). "2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at Heart of Donaghy Allegations" . ESPN . Retrieved May 4, 2023 . ^ Beck, Howard (June 11, 2008). "Series in 2002 Was Rigged, Says Disgraced Former NBA Referee" . The New York Times . Retrieved May 13, 2023 . ^ Goldman, Tom (June 12, 2008). "Ex-Referee Says 2002 NBA Playoff Was Rigged" . NPR . Retrieved June 26, 2021 . ^ Schneider, Michael; Adalian, Josef (June 9, 2002). "Playoffs power Peacock" . Variety . Retrieved October 15, 2021 . ^ "NBA Conference Finals Ratings History (2000–present)" . Sports Media Watch. Retrieved October 15, 2021 .^ "Lakers Sweep Nets for Another Title" . The New York Times . Associated Press. June 13, 2002. Retrieved May 28, 2022 .^ Brown, Tim (June 13, 2002). "O'Neal Is a Three-Peat MVP as Lakers Finally Cut Down the Nets" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved May 28, 2022 . ^ Wyche, Steve (June 13, 2002). "O'Neal, Lakers Cut Down Nets" . The Washington Post . Retrieved July 2, 2022 . ^ "L.A. Lakers 113, New Jersey 107" . United Press International . June 13, 2002. Retrieved May 4, 2023 .^ "2002 NBA Finals: Nets vs. Lakers" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved May 4, 2023 .^ "2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats" . Basketball-Reference. Retrieved June 21, 2021 .^ "Duncan Wins Close MVP Race" . Los Angeles Times . Associated Press. May 10, 2002. Retrieved July 13, 2022 .^ "Duncan Edges Kidd to Capture NBA MVP" . The Washington Post . May 10, 2002. Retrieved May 4, 2023 .^ "2001–02 NBA Awards Voting" . Basketball-Reference . Retrieved December 28, 2021 .^ "Ben Wallace Named NBA's Top Defender" . Deseret News . Associated Press. April 21, 2002. Retrieved May 5, 2023 .^ "Pistons' Wallace Wins Award in a Landslide" . ESPN . Associated Press. April 23, 2002. Retrieved October 20, 2022 .^ Heisler, Mark (October 28, 2002). "West Capsules in Predicted Order of Finish" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved October 20, 2022 . ^ Brown, Tim (June 27, 2002). "Lakers Still Real Deal" . Los Angeles Times . Retrieved October 20, 2022 . ^ "Raptors, Lakers Make Draft Day Deal" . CBC . CBC Sports. June 27, 2002. Retrieved October 26, 2024 .^ West Wins! Kobe Stakes Claim in All-Star Lore Archived 2008-12-26 at the Wayback Machine NBA.com^ a b Bryant, McGrady are first-time All-NBA selections Archived 2011-02-12 at the Wayback Machine , USA Today ^ a b Payton ties mark with ninth All-Defensive slot Archived 2011-02-12 at the Wayback Machine USA Today ^ a b Nets Trade History Archived 2007-04-20 at the Wayback Machine NBA.com/nets^ Holding to form: Nets take Martin with first pick Archived 2010-02-06 at the Wayback Machine SportsIllustrated.com^ Kidd, Marbury primary players in trade Archived 2009-02-09 at the Wayback Machine , USA Today ^ Liz Robbins (February 2, 2002). "PRO BASKETBALL; Nets Get a New Read From the Old School" . The New York Times the original on September 8, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2009 . ^ It's official: Duncan captures MVP award Archived 2011-12-21 at the Wayback Machine USA Today. Retrieved December 28, 2008^ Title goes to one sharp Thorn: Nets GM honored as wheeler-deeler , New York Daily-News . Accessed 2009-04-14. Archived 2009-05-14.^ "Nets' slow start costs them dearly in Game 1" . cnn.com . Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2018 .^ "Nets' slow start costs them dearly in Game 1" . Sports Illustrated the original on September 8, 2008. Retrieved May 16, 2009 .
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