The 2003 season wasn’t the best for the Los Angeles Lakers as, after three straight championship runs, they had some serious struggles and ultimately failed to even make the Western Conference Finals. For Kobe Bryant, however, it was his best season to date.
For the first time, Kobe averaged 30 points during the season and had some amazing scoring exploits throughout the year. Arguably the most impressive was a streak of 40-point games, which he extended on Feb. 12, 2003.
Facing off against the Denver Nuggets for the second straight night, Kobe scored 51 points as the Lakers defeated the Nuggets, 113-102.