The NBA Finals is one of the most popular sporting events annually. And when you get the chance of seeing two historic rivals square off, it is always great for the sport. The 2008 NBA Finals had the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics competing against each other. It was after over 20 years that these teams were facing each other in the finals. And all the eyes were on Kobe Bean Bryant.
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It was finally Bryant’s moment, and he was ready to not let it go.
Kobe Bryant and Lakers after Shaquille O’Neal
During the offseason of 2004, Lakers were facing an enormous problem. They had to choose between one of their superstar duo because they weren’t ready to work together. Ultimately, they choose Kobe as the future of their franchise and they traded Shaq to the Miami Heat.
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But it was not a smooth ride for Kobe afterwards. From being perennial contenders and reaching four NBA Finals in five years, the Lakers saw their contention window cut short and people blamed Kobe for it.
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 12: Paul Piece #34 of the Boston Celtics is guarded by Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the 2008 NBA Finals on June 12, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Even though the team was not competitive enough during 2004-2007, Kobe’s game saw an enormous explosion. He became an offensive force comparable to Michael Jordan in his prime. When the Lakers traded for Pau Gasol in the summer of 2007, it eventually led the team to a path where they squared off against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. It was Kobe’s moment. Who could have taken that from him? Or somebody actually did?
An unexpected appearance
During the game, four of the NBA Finals in LA, many celebrities came to see the Lakers take on the Celtics. One of them was Will Smith, who came along with his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith.
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Will was at the peak of his box office, powers delivering superhit after superhit. And he gave the public the moment of the game too when he shared a kiss with his wife while sitting in the front court seats.
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Paul Pierce (R) of the Boston Celtics moves the ball away from Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals in Los Angeles, California, June 10, 2008. Bryant scored 36 points and the Los Angeles Lakers held off Boston to defeat the Celtics 87-81, pulling within two games to one in the National Basketball Association Finals. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Though it would not be the last time Will Smith and Jada would take over an event. During the 2022 Oscars, they had a similar moment when Will went on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock, who made a joke at Jada’s expense. Let’s hope this is the last time Will Smith takes over an event and dominates the headlines the next day.
