The 2000 Western Conference semifinals featured two talented squads: the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal-led Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns helmed by Penny Hardaway and Jason Kidd. The matchup between Kobe and Penny was particularly anticipated given their connections to Shaq.
Though the two faced each other multiple possessions, the Lakers had a very specific game plan against the Suns. Phil Jackson and his staff assigned Bryant to defend point guard Jason Kidd, who was then returning from a broken ankle.
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Maturity on full display
It was the perfect time to give the young Mamba a big assignment. He was no longer the brash 18-year-old kid who had a penchant for diverting away from the playbook and taking over games.
Kobe had matured quickly and embraced the challenge of defending one of the finest guards in the NBA. He was also named to the 2000 NBA All-Defensive First Team for the first time in his career, which meant he had transformed into a masterful defender.
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“I think I’m more so looking forward to guarding Jason, because he’s such an all-around great player,” Bryant said in 2000, via the Los Angeles Times.
Veteran forward Rick Fox observed how Kobe transformed into a team-first player over the years. Before, Bryant thirsted for individual assaults. By the 1999-00 season, Frobe chose team victories over individual accolades.
“I think Kobe’s kind of moved beyond making anything a personal one-on-one vendetta,” Fox said. “But I’m sure he’d like to see us as a team outshine the Suns, and if at the same time that means his putting a staple in the game in some fashion with the matchup of marquee players at the same position, the same size.”
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“There are certain guys in this league that have come before him that he’s followed and watched and idolized at a younger age. He has a desire to knock them off and put them as a notch on his belt,” he added.
Lakers dominance
The Lakers’ defensive adjustment worked to perfection. In Game 1 of the 2000 Western Semifinals, Kidd scored just three points on 1-of-6 shooting across 38 minutes. The point guard also committed five turnovers. After the Lakers’ 105-77 win, Bryant, with a big smile on his face, shared his passion for defense.
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“I love playing defense,” Bryant said. “Because the other team has you at a disadvantage. You don’t know what your man is going to do. It’s more of a challenge than on offense.”
Kobe was happy that they won. But from a growth perspective, the Philly native wasn’t fully satisfied. He knew that Kidd was just trying to get his footing back. Bryant would’ve loved it if his rival were in pristine form to get the most out of it.
“I didn’t get anything out of that matchup, because Jason wasn’t 100%,” he said. “It doesn’t unless each man is 100%.”
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This little story perfectly illustrated Bryant’s insatiable hunger for perfection and greatness. When he said he wanted to be the best player he could be, he meant every word. Though they torched the Suns in five games and proceeded to the Western Conference finals, best believe Kobe was patiently waiting for his next matchup with Kidd.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Old School section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.