The TRUTH About The 2013 Lakers

The Story of the 2013 Lakers, and Kobe Bryant's final season at an MVP caliber level.
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The game of Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a kid watching my dad's recorded VHS tapes of playoff games through the 70s and 80s, and collected all the Basketball cards. Something about the game and what it represents just hooked me from a very young age.
My love for the game only continues to grow as time goes on. I love studying and analyzing the game, with an unbiased perspective. Feel free to subscribe, follow me on social media, and celebrate this amazing game and it's rich history with me!
I post videos every week on NBA history, predictions, hypothetical scenarios and current NBA topics.
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Intro Music: Turn On - RW Smith • Turn On - RW Smith (No... ​​​​​​​​​​
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#nba #basketball #hoops

[@jonnyarnett]

Where do the Lakers end up if they hire Phil Jackson instead of Mike D’Antoni? NOTE: Some of you long time viewers may recognize the script, and that’s because this is an updated version of my favorite video on this channel. I’ve never been able to get it monetized, so I told my editor to take a stab at making a more entertaining version that could also be monetized, and so far so good! Part 2 of the 150 Questions vids is coming very soon!! Excited to share it with you guys.

[@celtics17banners84]

It’s been so long since I saw this video. I’ll give the updated version a watch. There’s no way they beat the heat even if Kobe is healthy, but wish we could have seen it

[@osh-420]

lakers would probably make it as the 5th seed, and lose in the conference Finals to spurs just like memphis.

[@melvynsngltn27]

​@celtics17banners84 the Lakers still lose

[@melvinhhcp3615]

The Lakers would obviously do better with Phil, but getting Nash was a terrible mistake. Nobody wanted him & D'Antoni here. It would have worked better if the CP3 deal went through with Phil, Kobe, and Dwight. Any scenario other than this was garbage.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

I don't think they win but Kobe doesn't tear his Achilles being so worn down from carrying the team on his back. Phil Jackson wouldn't have let that happen under his watch.

[@celtics17banners84]

I don’t think the lakers would have won, but it really sucks that we didn’t get to see Kobe play in those playoffs. That guy was on fire

[@cjvaye99]

why not? the 2008-2010 Lakers won 2 out of 3 finals in those years. if you look at this 2013 teams it's upgraded versions of that roster on top of still having Kobe and Pau plus Artest Dwight > Bynum Nash > Fisher Jameson > Odom Jodie Meeks > Shannon Brown

[@onlyfacts3178]

he was the main reason they sucked...

[@TheHeisenBuldge]

​@@onlyfacts3178they were even contending*

[@melvinhhcp3615]

​@@cjvaye99Wrong. Old Nash with a bad back was not better than Fisher. He was unreliable! Jamison doesn't fit better than Odom next to Kobe & Jodie Meeks was not more well rounded than Shannon Brown.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

​@@cjvaye99In 2012/2013, Artest was on the decline. He couldn't shoot.

[@Dogdude446]

I never knew it took 4 picks to get Nash. Whoever was the GM at the time really sank that teams future until 2019

[@melvinhhcp3615]

Jim Buss

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Mitch Kupchak was the GM and Jim Buss was standing in for his father since he was in the hospital and passed away during the season. At the time it was viewed as worth it since Nash was still an All star, turned out the Phoenix Suns medical team was holding him together and without their specific techniques he broke down.

[@grantrmoore]

Yes but u gotta understand. Nash was a dream player. Elite passer & shooter. He didn't need to put up 20 or even 15 ppg. We had enough scoring. We just needed Nash to be a playmaker.

[@LungMing23]

If Nash and Kobe didn't get injured they would've easily won a ring together. This team was dangerous on paper.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

@@LungMing23 Nash was too old & didn't play defense.

[@aznpikachu215]

This was plan B for the Lakers. If the NBA didn't veto that CP3 trade. Kobe was REALLY overworked for that Lakers squad in 2013.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

Truth

[@michaelpaullang4401]

Man !! David stern wrong for that one

[@allgastrucking4954]

I’m glad someone remembers the truth

[@OrionOodama]

Plus Kobe felt he's still at his 20s and can still lift the team while putting highlights and attention by his lonesome.

[@Birdfeed611]

Apparently it was vetoed because the Lakers would've had the cap room to sign up to 5 max level players that year, thus leading to a new dynasty. Stern didn't want that

[@Hoopfan83]

The biggest mistake was going with Mike dantoni he ran Kobe into the ground and had him playing ridiculous minutes to end up tearing his Achilles

[@king-ghost1027]

Exactly 💯,,, I never did like dantoni

[@bobharley1]

Wasn't entirely his fault. Never had a training camp and Jim Buss was too egotistical to hire Phil because Phil was part of his father's legacy and he wanted to show he was smart enough to hire a different coach. Jim putting his legacy over Kobe's and screwed over the franchise for most of the 2010s. Who knows if any other coach would do better.

[@Hoopfan83]

@@bobharley1 yes Jim Buss was a part of the problem for sure.

[@SixSioux]

Why are you stating the exact same as this video does. We all got to that conclusion, don't be redundant for a bunch of likes

[@austinking2k]

@@SixSiouxshut up

[@cjvaye99]

if they just hired Phil Jackson that team would have made a run. the 2013 lakers were basically a better version of the team that made the 3 finals runs at the end of the 2000s. Dantoni didnt know how to win with 2 paint clogging bigs but Phil Jackson did. not to mention Phil is the greatest ever at managing egos.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

The 2013 supporting cast was weaker including Nash, Artest, D'Antoni, and the bench players.

[@LungMing23]

Yeah they're stupid for not hiring Phil. Phil led then to 5 titles....where's the damn appreciation??

[@michaelpaullang4401]

Nah David stern should just let the cp3 trade happen

[@bobharley1]

@@LungMing23 Jim Buss associated Phil too much with his father's legacy and wanted to create his own legacy by hiring his own coach. All it did was hurt Kobe's legacy with their selfishness. Even Jeanie was pissed that he did that.

[@samkatsikas5531]

I don’t know how, but I had completely forgotten about D’Antoni having Kobe play at all times at all costs. Just makes me despise him a little more. Everyone knew Kobe would never say no to that directive lol. RIP Mamba

[@Eye_Of_RaRa]

Can't agree more with everything here. To me my last true experience of the black mamba was this game. And I knew as soon as he went down it was over sadly

[@MusicLover-my6fo]

I remember hearing once that Ron Artest said that the 2013 Lakers roster looked so good that they could win 73 games. And Kobe's last game of the season was against the team that would actually go to win 73 games the same year Kobe retired. I've always found that ironic.

[@chugcanthoop]

The ever growing Phil Jackson dubs he is all knowing

[@BigWillieDillie]

And Racist

[@chugcanthoop]

@@BigWillieDillie who isn’t these days

[@justincarreras7753]

@@BigWillieDillieCry more

[@karuscuvic]

​@@BigWillieDilliehe might be, but just not wanting sports to be used politically and disliking hip hop culture does not make one racist(not that I agree with him). It does make him old fashioned, but that's all we really know.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

​@@BigWillieDillieAre people really thinking Pippen is right? Before his book he never had a bad word to say and in the 40- 50 years Phil Jackson played with and coached black players that none of them would've said something if he was a racist? At worst Jackson is an out of touch old man not a racist.

[@august6281]

This shows that D Antoni is a one-trick pony coach. Like Bud, he wont adjust despite the repeated negative results. Reason why Harden's numbers are overblown, not just by usage, but by favorable inorganic calls too.

[@okeythegoat2332]

Facts 😂

[@kennyfleck8630]

The fact that his offense, named Seven Seconds Or Less, or ssol, is loss backwards always told it wouldn't work...

[@markjackson6431]

Phil Jackson should’ve coached this squad

[@maxdobasquete]

Dayum Jonny this video gave me goosebumps!!! Sorry to mention another channel here but the moment you showed Kobe rubbing his Achilles it was like secret base series rewinder when the guy says: "welcome to a moment in history"!!! Chills!!! 💪🏼🏀👏🏼

[@Miamisbestalltimeshooterrayray]

Bro is hit ‘em up the backround music you are goated for real Jonny

[@hardwoodgems]

I am in tears! 😭 This didn't have to happen to Bean. Remembering rhe news that LA was going with Coach D'Antoni, I couldn't see Howard playing like STAT, as he was a better comp to Bynum. Phil was the better option. Could he make them gel, he wasn't any less likely.

[@滋榎本]

Dwight Howard was expected to be Kobe's new partner during his time with the Lakers, but it was a shame that the duo disbanded after just one year due to a lack of compatibility in their ideas about basketball and each other's values. Shaq later criticized Howard, saying, ``Dwight ran away from the Lakers' pressure.'' The Los Angeles Lakers were really bad in the 2012-2013 season.

[@mikescarlet4261]

shaq just a hater man.. deep down he know kobe and mike d antoni was the problem i mean why the fuck you think Shaq left him 😂

[@patsnation1402]

this was my favorite Kobe season of all time. he gave it his absolute all and backpacked that team. truly inspiring stuff! I was really hoping for a Laker vs Heat finals before the season kicked off, it was finally time for the Kobe vs LeBron finals

[@rlfprofessor301]

The literal definition of “you asked for my hustle, I gave you my heart”

[@slipsenior1891]

Whole lot of kobe in this video. Jus some warning!!! It's soooo worth the watch. Let's go Jonny

[@g-rom564]

Some needed a wheelchair after pooping on their pants. Kobe, with a TORN achilles, casually walks around like a boss.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

Jim Buss backstabbed Phil because Phil was in a relationship with Jeannie. It cost the Lakers severely.

[@owensmith2137]

He must have been devastated when Kobe went down as he viewed Kobe as son of his

[@melvinhhcp3615]

​@@owensmith2137That would be Dr. Jerry Buss, not Jim Buss. Jeannie & Jim are siblings.

[@owensmith2137]

@@melvinhhcp3615 Ooops! Thanks for the correction

[@melvinhhcp3615]

@@owensmith2137 No problem

[@owensmith2137]

@@melvinhhcp3615 👍

[@ArmandoKozomara]

One of my favorite Kobe seasons! 2013! I watched Kobe for the first time on March 8 2013 and he went off vs Toronto!! Miss you Kobe. I wish so badly that achilles injury never happened. Might have been a sixth title for Kobe! Kobe was argubly still the best in the league, and had the Lakers been one of the top teams in the west, he could have won MVP. He was still an MVP caliber player.

[@ianszns]

great video jonny, love hearing your take on things.

[@orchestrator6808]

Phil definitely would’ve taken them further, but there’s no way a team that old could’ve gotten through that tough of a western conference.

[@samuelperezgarcia]

The most important point, though, is that Phil wouldn't have cut Kobe's career short like D' Antoni did.

[@chukwunonyeanyakoha8573]

Kobe really has a lion heart. It's heart-wrenching thinking of what he went through those last moments before his tragic death.

[@HeroinChrist]

Heart wrenching to think of what he did in Colorado 2003

[@elliota.1063]

I'm guessing none of those aboard went through much. From what I've seen the pilot didn't recognize the landscape properly, and no one aboard knew what hit them and died pretty much instantly. That seems like what the flight re-creations say.

[@austinking2k]

@@HeroinChristYou are a sad little man just trying to start arguments

[@rashb3994]

I don't know if the win loss column would've been that different but Kobe would've been less taxed under Jackson who would've played inside out. The more I study Kobe's legacy the more I have begun to rate him ahead of Lebron. I never did before, it's just there's some on the court character attributes that give him such an edge over LBJ plus his legacy impact / what he stood for. Mamba mentiality has a true basketball culture and even pop culture meaning.

[@Sincere529]

Great video! This was an amazingly frustrating season. And I knew as well that was the last of the Mamba when it popped.

[@respectingthewordpodcast]

At least Kobe went down fighting unlike other supposed super stars.

[@kono5933]

This was the best video I've seen about this team. Most videos are just roasting them for failing, but I appreciated your analysis of what the lakers' logic actually was and how it was wrong, without simply calling all the players washed.

[@滋榎本]

If the Lakers had succeeded in acquiring Chris Paul, the team might not have been weakened. I wanted to see the duo of Kobe and Paul.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Getting CP3 completely changes the fate of the Lakers and the whole league.

[@DiosDivine]

The super team that Kobe stans never mentioned.

[@elgrannido156]

Is not superteam if they are old.

[@MrTrueCaller619]

I like the hit em up instrumental Jonny, nice video as always .

[@jared_deraj]

There's a potentially massive butterfly effect if he didn't tear his achilles, it's actually pretty crazy. He might even still be alive.

[@K3andK4]

Thanks Jonny! We for sure missed out on a playoff run and a few more good Kobe years simply because of the decision to not rehire Phil Jackson

[@youngmoneyclutch]

history seems to repeat itself with new lakers coaches being chosen over vet coaches with playoff/finals experience and then the preferred playstyle of said coach is forcing the old guys to carry the load due to having practically no offensive knowledge😂

[@Gandalf_the_Gold]

Man this is my favorite Kobe season because I watched more of him in 2013 than any other year cause i was a young 13 or 14 year old lakers fan. I watched him win in 2010 and have been a fan ever since. 2013 was on of his best years it almost seemed he was entering another prime this video made me realize how much I wish Phil had been coaching like pau looked like he was on his way to retire and then when he went too the bulls he had maybe his best individual season ever with good coaching and no injuries that dou could have lasted until like 2015 effectively I think

[@ajatathemu]

I remember telling my friend who’s a lakers fan. “You’re done!” 😂

[@dimikxx]

Great retrospective video. I was in attendance at the LAL at Nets game in Barclays and witnessed that poster dunk on kris humphries and Gerald Wallace. I agree with the sentiment that this season / injury was the “end”. Thought the same thing watching that game live. During The post game locker room interview, Kobe had tears in his eyes. These young guys these days don’t have that type of heart. #mambaForever 🐍 Video idea: the 2010-11 Mavs run. The narrative being that dirk and Mavs are perennial playoff chokers. Then went and beat Kobe, gasol, Westbrook, KD, James harden, wade, Lebron, Bosh.

[@chrisuncleahmad666]

Instead of the risky D’Antoni hire, why not just ride it out with Bernie Bickerstaff? As Jonny mentioned, he went 4-1 in his 5 games. He earned the right to finish out the year plus he had plenty of coaching experience from his days in Denver and Seattle. 3 HC’s in 1 years is bonkers.

[@bryantnonya8704]

2013 is my favorite season watching Kobe Bryant because he showed so much drive and determination up until the Achilles injury. Like that dunk over the whole Brooklyn nets team, the trick play against the hornets where he lined everyone up on the opposite side of the Court and got open for an easy fast break down at the other end to win the game! You would be hard-pressed to find a more interesting season for a non-championship team ever in the history of basketball because the expectations going into the season we're very high for the Lakers...

[@alexsmith3598]

I mean Pau Gasol was a good stretch 4 at mid range. I wish people just let the players play more. Like there were always floor spacers that could hit from 16-20 feet or whatever. And it's valuable. An open jumper from there has to be as valuable as a contested 3 from the right player.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

D'Antoni didn't know how to use him. Pau got better at shooting later on in his career but at the time he was still primarily operating out of the post.

[@alexsmith3598]

@@CrazyxEnigma I mean yeah, but he was also a mid-range pick and pop player. Like he wasn't a bruiser for sure, he was versatile and held his own which is perfect by me. 3s are cool but if a defense is literally designed to give you mid-range, it's a good shot because it's open. You don't want to step inside the line, but players play and coaches teach.

[@Blackenedification]

You have to admire Kobe pure will and determination when playing basketball

[@clarissawestbrook2203]

This was another insightful video

[@Spenwrath-]

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EPISODE!

[@Chuck_A_Luck_Stank]

Management was incompetent this year. They did not have a plan. This happens often with them when they are not winning. Amounts to gambling. But they get lucky every 7 to 8 years, decade to decade. That's crazy. That's the Lake show.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Your acting like the Lakers had been run that way for decades when that isn't true. When Jerry Buss bought the team he rarely interfered in Basketball decisions and let guys like Jerry West make the decisions he stuck to business. Jerry West was the GM making the decisions for close to twenty years and in that time we missed the playoffs once. After he left in 00 Mitch Kupchak who had been his assistant for a long time took over and it mostly continued as was, again in the time Kupchak was in charge until Buss' health declined we missed the playoffs once. Things didn't go in to the shitter until Jerry Buss died and his kids squabbled among each other.

[@copernic7511]

Bad team management is one of the most frustrating things to watch (along with bad officiating).

[@ValerianTheBarbarian]

Your recollection of the time the team was put together was wildly different to mine. Everyone I knew at the time viewed the Nash trade as an absolute disaster and were very cautious about Howard because of the injury. The coaching changes I think everyone was clear are a disaster and we will all never knew what would have happened if Jackson was hired instead.

[@twilitezn]

Yeah, same here...I was like, "FOUR picks for Nash...NOW???", man we got fleeced....and I NEVER wanted Dwight (even pre-injury), because how he had openly turned us down when we had previously tried to trade for him (Summer of 2011 I believe)...I was like, "...that boy don't want it (the smoke)!"....the trade(s) I WANTED (2011-12) were : - trade Bynum to the Sixers for Iguodala and a pick - trade Odom & whatever we needed to ATL for Josh Smith Those two trades alone would've given us an immense boost. (1) Iggy : gives Kobe the Pippen-like teammate he NEVER had; an elite defender, who was also one of the smartest players in the league, AND you could run the Triangle through him as a secondary ballhandler. (2) Again, good defender, elite athlete and rebounder...gives us a finisher on the break...more importantly, it allowed Pau to SWITCH....on offense, Pau was a C, while on defense, he could play against less physical PFs....Josh had proven that he was great in post defense against power players (he had a low base), while, on offense he could play more wing and cut. Obviously, we still would've needed more to fit around our backcourt (starting PG, backup SG), but our front court would've been set with Pau, Iggy, Josh, & Metta - they would've been WAY more athletic AND interchangeable....and our team defense would be massively improved, as we could play against big OR small teams....and Kobe's workload would've been decreased bc of Iggy....also, Phil HAD to coach this team.

[@soulofamerica]

The Harsh truth is even if age 34 Kobe made it through the 2013 Playoffs & NBA Finals, he was headed for major injury sometime at age 35. The Mamba would not give his body enough nightly rest and off-season R&R to heal. Its why LeBron has gone a lot longer without major injury. MJ taking off 20 months off from basketball (while still staying in shape) at ages 30-31 enabled him to return to the NBA fully healed to perform at MVP level at ages 32-35.

[@Davivd2]

Yeah that achilles game was something else. What an absolute legend. This dude didn't even know what the word quit means. I've seen hundreds of Kobe's games and this one was one of the best for sure. Sadly, it was something that the coach should have seen coming and flat out vetoed Kobe even playing. The Lakers should have wrote off the seasons and taken their medicine for putting together a bad team. Kobe's ankle started having problems in the Sacramento game a few nights before. Hindsight being 20/20 it was probably partially torn for like a week.

[@Galaxis_Gunner]

Great OldSchool Video as always 💯

[@Kodreanu23]

Very nice video. Thank you!

[@alexgrissom3513]

6:06 whenever I see Kobe’s crown tattoo all I can think about is his autopsy sketch

[@Hendrix.Robinson]

I miss that man 🙏🏾 Mamba forever.

[@Johnny-kv7mh]

Another 1 🏀🎥 🔥🔥🔥👌🏾

[@TheMassiveGamer]

If they acquire Phil (or had CP3), I think Kobe gets 7 rings. In regards to hiring Phil, the offense and defense is better, Kobe and Dwight beef is pushed to the side, Phil knows how to load manage the older team (which he did during the Bulls stint), and Lakers win the chip. I say 7 rings, because the Lakers go through the West (have a tough series or two; notably, against the Spurs) and we finally get the Kobe vs Lebron finals. I think in the Finals it goes to 7 games (being one of the most physical finals, since '10 since it's Bron vs Kobe), but the Laker's experience and the genius of Phil gives them the edge to win (even though that Miami roster is more well rounded than before). The following season, it's the same. Dwight tests free agency but decides to stay since they won, Nash decides to have another go at it but takes a reduced workload, Kobe is still Kobe, and the Lakers begin making acquisitions to build around Dwight though Kobe is still the head. They go through the West in the playoffs, where they match up against Miami (with a more declined Dwayne now) and edges them out, beating them again--but in game 6. After that, Kobe retires, Dwight gets the team, Phil has his 13th ring, Bron goes to Cleveland, and everything else more or less plays out similar.

[@CrazyxEnigma]

Unless we get CP3 I don't think the team ends up winning even if you just sub Phil for D'Antoni. Kobe never tears his Achilles though and Kobe would age much more gracefully likely extending his career.

[@BenDovahkin]

Dude was an animal. He was actually built different.

[@MAED_Media]

One your best Jonny

[@McGomezAddams]

A month ago I told you that your intro song reminded me of 2pac's Hit em up and here you go using it as a background LMAOOOOO

[@Mrballerize]

Of all the bad things the front office did that season, not bringing back Phil was arguably the worst mistake. I actually think Kobe might have not gotten injured, had they chose Phil to coach in the 12-13 season.

[@shure81]

I'll never ever ever understand how they passed on Phil Jackson. It's baffling

[@atlien1988]

Nah nan, I knew this team was doomed from the start. PGs that could attack the paint was always our Achilles heel & he Steve was never a great defender. The the icing on the cake was when Jim Buss hired D'Antoni. Dude said he couldn't wait to put Pau on the perimeter shooting threes 😭😭😭.

[@melvinhhcp3615]

Facts

[@NumunuBeats]

Always love your videos Johnny. Especially when they’re about my LAL. I distinctly remember this awful, disappointing season. I knew from days 1 that Mikes “Doo Doo” Brown and Antoni were awful choices. Hell, Bickerstaff was the best of those coaches. I remember wishing they’d have just hired him. I also have always wondered how Kobe or any basketball player could play in low top sneakers. I’ll forever blame them as much as Antoni running him into the ground. Keep up the good work.

[@OrionOodama]

Phil Jackson is the right fit for the 2012-13 Lakers. If not mistaken, the decision to hire Mike D'Antoni boiled down to two scenarios: - Jerry Buss wants to relive the "Showtime era" using D'Antoni's "7 seconds or less" philosophy, but forgotten it is only applicable to young and athletic nucleus, not for the big and aging. That system did not prove to be as a championship formula, only league's darling but never get the job done (see 2004-08 Phoenix Suns). - Jackson and Jeanie Buss broke up or no longer in a relationship, so personal matters could play a factor. Then again, winning could set aside personal differences like what happened to Shaq and Kobe. Remember Phil was swept by the Mavs then took a year off. A recharged Phil could also mean re-motivated and have the fire again to turn this talented but aging and injury-prone Lakers into an interesting team that arguably resembling of the 1997-98 Bulls or another form of "The Last Dance" from a coaching standpoint.

[@JoshDin4Real]

Great video

[@williamhoward1268]

Totally forgot about this team. This was what came about from the Chris Paul veto. They should of went with Phil Jackson probably would of gotten a chip.

[@EdbergTan]

This was the true end to Kobe's illustrious career, with Jim Buss and Mike D' Antoni running Kobe to the ground. You know the Mamba would not say no to doing whatever it takes to win, even if it costs him the rest of his career. Along with the failed CP3 trade before this one, Laker's fate as an organization was done when Kobe tore his Achilles. What a warrior. RIP Mamba.

[@shaynewilliams3755]

Jonny better turn that music in the back bro 😂 don't hide that

[@zonars9610]

As a laker fan, I can hear johnny's hurt from his voice 😢

[@kura00skyline48]

The year we’re the lakers made one of, if not the greatest mistake moves for a franchise… As a die hard laker fan, I know 13 or 14 year old me was hyped up knowing the names we got. But now as 2024, this was the beginning of the dark days for the franchise, the window was closing, they got very desperate as the previous 2 failures were apparent from getting swept by Dallas in 2011, and getting bested in 5 to OKC in 2012. That’s when I knew, we were not gonna win another championship with this Core. The window was shutting down and shutting down fast. And they paid the price DEARLY for that 2013 season.

[@Chuck_A_Luck_Stank]

Kobe is the Batman of NBA history.

[@fel4822]

Batman was never second to Superman don't play Bruce like that

[@Jovon-_-]

He’s black panther

[@cresv422]

One thing thats funny is we also had Antwan Jamison on that team

[@boutdatlife313]

Hit ‘em up!

[@217ShowOffBoii]

I believe Kobe would've had a 25 ppg season in 2014 and 2 more seasons as a 20-23 pt scorer after that under Phil. An ugly ending to his elite level of play but a beautiful ending to his story.

[@dimitriclarke4296]

This is why he is the greatest to me

[@williamcorliss9664]

Just wanna help the video 🎉🎉🎉

[@Davivd2]

Anyone else predicting that this seasons Phoenix Suns will play out like the 2013 Lakers did? Putting together great pieces, isn't the same thing as putting together the right pieces. I feel like Phoenix is about to learn the hard way.

[@MerkhVision]

Yeah, a real team is more than just a group of individuals.

[@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303]

Aaaaand you got it right

[@Davivd2]

@@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303 Haha thanks for noticing. Most of the other comments that I made about the Suns over the season got downvoted and flamed. I can't really feel like I should get any sort of credit for predicting this. To me, the Suns season seemed pretty obvious. I'm not a basketball guru. I'm just a guy whose been watching for 30 years.

[@camillaquelladegliaggettiv4303]

@@Davivd2 they should blow the team up now that their players still have some value. And they won't. Suns fans are in for years of pain

[@midnightlumina7]

For sure, Kobe wouldn't have been pushing 40+ minutes to drag the Lakers into the Playoffs with Phil in. Just goes to show that Jim Buss's Ego was the biggest obstacle during that season.

[@Supersonic35_7]

KOBE!! 🔥🔥🔥 🐍

[@everythingiseverything777]

If he doesn’t get injured I think he’s career ends closer to Wade’s. Definitely out of his prime but still a productive role player that can offer great moments sporadically.

[@MarkLaw13]

Hey Johnny have you ever done Phil Jackson vs Gregg Popovich? Im with Pops cos I'm a Spur but what's your take? Also, I dont mind you doing a top 10 coach in history and what makes them unique, distinctive to others

[@jonnyarnett]

I’ve thought about it! I might just end up doing that. Ranking coaches is really tough, because there’s so many different variables, and so much of their leadership goes unseen by basketball fans. I still might do it, but yeah, I’ll make it clear that I don’t think the list is an objective fact or anything 😂

[@nicholashackie1407]

​@jonnyarnett video idea for you if you haven't done one already, how about a video highlighting how you feel kobe and mjs career...stats and accolades, would be if they did switch eras.

[@turbo8628]

​@@jonnyarnett i think this is a great idea, although it is a tough assignment. Is the best coach the one who has the biggest win ratio, the most championships, the most dominant team, the best team to watch, or oversees the team that exceeds expectations? It's a team sport, and like many other team sports, the focus for the majority of people always seems to be the indivodual players with the manager being an afterthought or even forgotten by a lot of fans. Btw, i don't even follow basketball, you just make great content 👍

[@TheJohnWick1]

We lit!!!!

[@jasonjenkins8910]

It's crazy to think that Jordan,Shaq, and Kobe only have one championship without Phil Jackson as coach. Them picking Diantoni over Phil was their biggest mistake that year. Kobe had to be livid.

[@rashadcotton3260]

No lies told

[@DanButton89]

If you have all the pieces there but they don't work together, hire Phil Jackson, can't put it simpler than that.

[@RushNZ]

Holla if you spent the whole 17 minutes of this video rapping the lyrics to Hit Em Up lol

[@shade0180]

Wait that was against Steph GSW?? dang feels like the true passing of the torch. From MJ to Kobe to Curry.

[@NinShrewz]

I’ve said this the last 10-11 years and I’ll continue to say it. I do NOT care about the team record. Kobe Bryant was the MVP of the 2012-13 season and nothing can change my mind

[@lakernation26]

He did not have a better season than Lebron 💀💀💀y’all need to stop that, Bron was killing it that year and way more efficient than kobe

[@NinShrewz]

@@lakernation26 Kobe was the heart and soul of the Lakers that season. He literally gave everything including his Achilles that season to win. Definition of Most Valuable Player

[@lakernation26]

@@NinShrewz no that is not sir, Lebron was a BETTER PLAYER than kobe that year. Lebron was different in 2013 you kobe fan boys need to stop

[@footyroll8678]

just being heart and soul means nothing. 2012-13 lebron played at a level kobe never did. he was litteraly a top 2-3 player ever along with steph 16 shaq 2000 and jordan 91. it would be a disgrace to give mvp to someone else and it was a disgrace bron did not win unanimous mvpo that season. thats how dominant bron was just1 vote shy@@NinShrewz

[@footyroll8678]

plus i am pretty sure if u replace kobe with melo or kd that year lakers would have done better. its not kobes fault he were in a trash team and had to overwork @@NinShrewz

[@Freethinkerfranceofficial]

Not hiring Phil is the stupidest move you can ever make as a management. Kobe wouldn't have to go down with that Achilles because of that overload that he has to go through. Kobe is such a warrior for him f*ck load management. RIP black mamba!

[@jgalvez99]

This one made me cry a little. Jim & Mitch fucked up as always and I too believe it cost them wins, forcing Kobe to go all out.

[@HeroinChrist]

Who forced him to “go all out” in that Colorado hotel?

[@HeroinChrist]

Made me cry a little 😭

[@AngeloRyanMaalat]

I think if Phil signed, Dwight extended, and Kobe didn't play 46 minutes a night. Lakers would have won in 2013 or 14. The spurs wouldn't have known how to deal with Dwight and Pau if they were coached right. And Kobe would have still been a 27pt scorer. I blame Jim Buss.

[@michaelbarnes2126]

They should have hired Phil Jackson and let Dwight sit in the beginning of the season.

[@MusicLover-my6fo]

If Mike D'Antoni's coaching style is what really lead to the demise of the Lakers from 2013-2019, I see now why James Harden could never have won a championship in Houston.

[@crazypr2996]

The most kobe moment fr fr, never gave up, his body did :(

[@kajuan2g6]

11:31 I cant watch anymore. Still a unhealed wound. Sorry I just cant.

[@redbogaming6009]

Good video can you do a video about the 2002 kings getting rob and if that laker team shouldn’t win that championship.

[@jonnyarnett]

I’ll write it down on my to-do list. I’ve talked about that series in several videos, but never done a deep dive video focused specifically on it.

[@facelessandnameless]

I still think the narrative of the Kings getting robbed has been way overstated. The only questionable game was game six. And even so there were other games where the Kings got favorable calls, like the end of game 5.

[@melvynsngltn27]

Garbage. Sacramento shouldn't of won game 5

[@Rakven]

The Lakers had a poorly constructed roster that year but Phil at the very least would have squeezed a few more wins out of them for sure. No way Kobe would have had all that responsibility solely on him with Phil Jackson running the team.

[@KaYoceeBeats]

Am I just now noticing that you got music playin in the background

[@CrazyFoo501]

Yeah this team had a lot of issues that could have been solved with better coaching of course injuries put a wrench in that season People think Nash was a disaster because of his age which was a factor but his injury problems started when he got slide tackled and broke his leg which would derail almost anybody's seasons. There was a 23 game stretch in December 22nd to February 5th where Nash averaged 12.5 ppg 8.1 apg on 54% fg, 46% 3pt, 90% ft where we saw glimpses of what a healthier Nash could do, but he never fully recovered. I respect Nash and think he's deserves more credit for his effort Dwight was someone who unfortunately never recovered from his back surgery. The 1st half of the season was not good for him but after the All-Star break he stepped up his game and at least looked like close to a Top 10 player and as a Laker fan I think our fanbase was too harsh on him, even if the way he carried himself could have been handled way better on his part as well. D'Antoni's treatment of Gasol was criminal and we saw what he could still do with a better coach on the 2015 Bulls despite being older. Once D'Antoni reluctantly gave up his spread 4 offense, Gasol actually started to ball playing in the high post. Sure he still wasn't scoring a lot but in that new role he was in as a facilitator opened so many offensive options for the Lakers and they started to look like a serious contender. And I mean what else could be said about Kobe? He put it all on the floor and carried the Lakers on his back. He averaged 37 ppg, 6.3 rpg 5 apg 2.7 spg, 1.7 bpg on 49% fg, 35% 3pt, 89% ft in the last 3 games of his prime. Kobe was going to do whatever it took to win but it's still frustrating D'Antoni would play him when were up by double digits as if we were down 15. Dahntay Jones was also directly responsible for shortening Kobe's prime and sabotaging whatever chances the Lakers had left by intentionally injuring Kobe and lead up to the Achilles Tear. Come playoff time Kobe was out, props to Nash and Metta for trying but those guys were playing through injures that severely limited them. To make matter worse Blake and Meeks got injured to leaving Morris, Goudelock, and Duhon as our backcourt. Had the roster been healthier and better coached they would have been a serious championship threat. Think of it this way: a froncourt of David West/Roy Hibbert and older Tim Duncan/Tiago Splitter/Boris Diaw took Heat to the limit. Once Gasol was moved away from the 3pt line to the high post Gasol and Dwight were the most dangerous front court in the league.

[@davidhutson2846]

#2 ahead of you know who. 😊

[@adamsunderland0823]

This feels like It just happened. But it's ancient history.