How Kobe Bryant Played on a Sprained Ankle to Help the Lakers Win the 2000 NBA Title (with Gary Vitti)
In the late 90s and early 2000s, the LA Lakers looked like the heir apparent to Michael Jordan’s throne, with Shaq dominating in the post and Kobe Bryant coming into his own as the league’s emerging superstar. And when Jordan’s coach Phil Jackson took over, the final piece of the championship puzzle seemed to be in place. But in game 2 of the 2000 Finals, the Laker’s title run was jeopardized when Kobe went down with a severe ankle sprain.
Somehow, Lakers head athletic trainer Gary Vitti and his team got Bryant back on the floor for a pivotal game 4. In this episode, Gary shares:
To hear more of Gary’s stories about Kobe, Shaq, Magic, Kareem, and Pat Riley, listen to our previous Basketball Strong episode with him, and read his book 32 Years of Titles and Tears from the Best Seat in the House.
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