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Los Angeles Lakers: Remembering the dark days before the NBA Finals

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers are the most prestigious team in the NBA but the most recent seasons have been rough.

April 12, 2013. Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe Bryant had 32 points on 42.9% shooting. He knocked down half of his eight three-point attempts. Vintage Kobe was in full swing at 34 years old. He was averaging 29 points per game in his prior 23 games played.

Then he collapsed.

Kobe, being the champion that he is, stood up, hobbled to the free-throw line, and drained both attempts.