2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season explained

The 2001–02 NBA season was the Lakers' 54th season in the National Basketball Association, and 42nd in the city of Los Angeles.[1] The Lakers entered the season as the two-time defending NBA champions, having defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in five games in the 2001 NBA Finals, winning their thirteenth NBA championship.

Off-season

During the off-season, the Lakers signed free agents, All-Star guard Mitch Richmond and Samaki Walker,[2] [3] [4] [5] and acquired Lindsey Hunter from the Milwaukee Bucks.[6] [7] [8] For the season, they added new logo changed from a lighter purple to a darker purple still remained with the gold and black color. They remained in use as of 2023.

Results

The team got off to a fast start winning their first seven games, leading to a successful 16–1 start after a nine-game winning streak between November and December, and holding a 33–13 record at the All-Star break.[9] The Lakers finished second in the Pacific Division with a 58–24 record.[10] Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal were both selected for the 2002 NBA All-Star Game, in which Bryant won MVP honors despite being booed by the hometown crowd in Philadelphia,[11] [12] [13] [14] but O'Neal did not participate in the All-Star game due to an injury for the second year in a row.[15] [16] [17]

After sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers, 3–0 in the Western Conference First Round of the playoffs,[18] [19] [20] [21] then defeating the 2nd-seeded San Antonio Spurs, 4–1 in the Western Conference Semi-finals,[22] [23] [24] [25] the Lakers were pushed to the brink once more in the Western Conference Finals by the top-seeded Sacramento Kings, trailing 3–2,[26] [27] [28] but managed to win the series in seven games.[29] [30] [31] [32] Game 6 of the Lakers-Kings series was one of the most controversial games in NBA history, due to the calls made by the referees (most of which were to the detriment of the Kings), and with the Lakers winning, 106–102 at home.[33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on June 2 brought in a total of 23.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched Western Conference Finals game in NBA history.[39] [40] The Lakers then went on to win the NBA Finals, defeating and sweeping the New Jersey Nets in four straight games for their second three-peat in franchise history, the first since 195254. The season marked the third and last of the Lakers' three-peat championships into the new millennium. O’Neal was named Finals MVP for the third straight year.[41] [42] [43] [44] [45]

Player statistics

Bryant averaged 25.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while O’Neal averaged 27.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game, and Derek Fisher provided the team with 11.2 points per game. In addition, Rick Fox contributed 7.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, while Robert Horry provided with 6.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and Walker averaged 6.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.[46] Both Bryant and O'Neal were named to the All-NBA First Team, while Bryant was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Shaq finished in third place in Most Valuable Player voting with 15 first-place votes (696 points),[47] [48] and Kobe finished in fifth place in MVP voting with 1 first-place vote.[49] Bryant also finished tied in third place in Defensive Player of the Year voting.[50] [51]

Aftermath

Following the season, Richmond retired ending his fourteen-year career in the NBA,[52] and Hunter was traded to the Toronto Raptors.[53] The Lakers would not win another title until 2009, in which they defeated the Orlando Magic in five games. As of 2024, the Lakers are the most recent NBA team to have accomplished a three-peat.

Draft picks

See main article: 2001 NBA draft.

Regular season

Record vs. opponents

2001–02 NBA records
width=100TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMEMMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAWAS
Atlanta2–2 2–2 3–1 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 1–3 0–2 2–1 1–3 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 1–1 0–3
Boston2–2 2–1 2–2 4–0 0–2 2–0 2–2 1–1 0–2 3–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–3 1–1 3–1 4–0 3–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–1 3–1
Charlotte2–2 1–2 4–0 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–0 2–2 0–2 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 3–1
Chicago1–3 2–2 0–4 1–3 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 2–0 0–4 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–2 0–2 0–4 3–1 0–3 1–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 1–3
Cleveland1–3 0–4 1–3 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 3–1 3–1 2–0 1–3 2–2 1–3 0–3 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 0–2 1–2
Dallas2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 2–2 1–3 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 3–1 1–3 3–1 1–1 3–1 1–1
Denver0–2 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–4 0–2 1–3 2–2 0–2 1–3 1–3 3–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 0–4 0–4 3–1 1–1 1–3 0–2
Detroit3–1 2–2 3–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–1 2–2 1–1 3–1 3–1 2–2 2–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 3–1 1–1 4–0
Golden State0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 3–1 1–1 1–3 0–2 2–2 1–3 3–1 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–4 2–2 0–4 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–4 1–1
Houston1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 1–3 0–4 1–3 0–2 1–1 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–3 0–4 0–4 2–2 1–1 2–2 1–1
Indiana3–1 0–3 1–3 4–0 2–2 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–0 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–3 1–1 1–3 2–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–1 3–1
L.A. Clippers1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 3–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 1–1 1–3 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 3–1 1–3 1–3 1–3 1–3 1–1 0–4 1–1
L.A. Lakers1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 3–1 4–0 2–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–2 3–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 3–1 2–0
Memphis0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–4 1–3 0–2 1–3 3–1 1–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 0–2 0–4 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–2 1–3 0–4 0–4 1–1 3–1 0–2
Miami1–3 1–3 0–3 3–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 1–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 3–1 0–2 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–3 0–2 2–2
Milwaukee3–1 3–1 2–2 2–2 1–3 0–2 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 0–2 1–2 1–3 2–1 1–3 0–2 0–2 0–2 2–0 0–2 4–0 2–0 3–1
Minnesota2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 1–1 2–2 2–2 4–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 2–0
New Jersey1–2 1–3 3–1 4–0 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–1 1–1 4–0 3–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–1 3–1
New York3–1 0–4 2–2 1–3 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 3–1 0–2 0–4 0–4 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 3–0 1–1 1–3
Orlando3–1 1–3 1–3 3–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 2–0 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 1–2 1–1 1–3 4–0 3–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 3–1 1–1 2–2
Philadelphia3–1 3–1 3–1 2–1 3–0 1–1 1–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 0–2 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 0–2 2–3
Phoenix1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 4–0 2–2 1–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–1 2–2 0–2
Portland1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–2 2–0 2–2 3–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–2 1–3 3–1 1–1 1–3 2–0
Sacramento2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–3 4–0 2–0 4–0 4–0 0–2 3–1 1–3 3–1 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–2 3–1 2–2 2–0 4–0 1–1
San Antonio2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 4–0 2–0 4–0 4–0 1–1 3–1 1–3 4–0 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 3–1 3–1 1–3 2–2 1–1 4–0 2–0
Seattle2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–3 1–3 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 3–1 1–3 4–0 0–2 2–0 2–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–2 2–0 1–3 1–1
Toronto4–0 2–2 2–2 4–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 0–4 1–1 2–2 0–3 1–3 3–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–2
Utah1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–3 3–1 1–1 4–0 2–2 1–1 4–0 1–3 1–3 2–0 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 3–1 0–4 0–4 3–1 1–1 2–0
Washington3–0 1–3 1–3 3–1 2–1 1–1 2–0 0–4 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–2 1–3 0–2 1–3 3–1 2–2 3–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–1 0–2

Game log

Pre-season

|- style="background:#fcc;"| 1| October 7| Golden State| L 89-99| Kobe Bryant (30)| Robert Horry (7)| Kobe Bryant (5)| Stan Sheriff Center (Honolulu, HI)
10,300| 0-1|- style="background:#fcc;"| 2| October 9| Golden State| L 88-113| Lindsey Hunter (13)| Dickey Simpkins (9)| Isaac Fontaine (4)| Stan Sheriff Center (Honolulu, HI)
9,227| 0-2|- style="background:#cfc;"| 3| October 16| Golden State| W 114-97| Kobe Bryant (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Bryant & Hunter (6)| Centennial Garden (Bakersfield, CA)| 1-2|- style="background:#fcc;"| 4| October 19| Phoenix| L 101-112| Kobe Bryant (25)| Fox & O'Neal (6)| | San Diego Sports Arena (San Diego, CA)| 1-3|- style="background:#fcc;"| 5| October 20| Sacramento| L 104-109| Kobe Bryant (30)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| 3 players tied (4)| Thomas & Mack Center (Las Vegas, NV)
17,982| 1-4|- style="background:#cfc;"| 6| October 23| Memphis| W 128-94| Kobe Bryant (24)| Samaki Walker (10)| Kobe Bryant (9)| Arrowhead Pond (Anaheim, CA)
17,457| 2-4|- style="background:#cfc;"| 7| October 25| Milwaukee| W 109-107| Shaquille O'Neal (31)| O'Neal & Walker (7)| Bryant & O'Neal (5)| Staples Center
15,062| 3-4|- style="background:#cfc;"| 8| October 26| Phoenix| W 90-71| George & O'Neal (15)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Staples Center
16,287| 4-4

Regular season

|- style="background:#cfc;"| 1| October 30| Portland| W 98–87| Bryant & O'Neal (29)| Shaquille O'Neal (18)| Shaquille O'Neal (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 1–0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 2| November 1| @ Utah| W 105–101| Kobe Bryant (39)| Rick Fox (8)| Kobe Bryant (8)| Delta Center
19,539| 2–0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 3| November 2| Phoenix| W 117–94| Shaquille O'Neal (36)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Kobe Bryant (9)| Staples Center
18,997| 3–0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 4| November 4| Utah| W 100–96| Kobe Bryant (38)| Shaquille O'Neal (8)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 4–0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 5| November 9| Memphis| W 100–86| Shaquille O'Neal (20)| Shaquille O'Neal (8)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 5–0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 6| November 11| Orlando| W 108–95| Shaquille O'Neal (38)| Shaquille O'Neal (18)| Kobe Bryant (8)| Staples Center
18,997| 6–0|- style="background:#cfc;"| 7| November 15| @ Houston| W 98–97 (OT)| Kobe Bryant (31)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Rick Fox (6)| Compaq Center
16,285| 7–0|- style="background:#fcc;"| 8| November 16| @ Phoenix| L 83–95| Shaquille O'Neal (28)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Kobe Bryant (5)| America West Arena
19,023| 7–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 9| November 18| Sacramento| W 93–85| Kobe Bryant (29)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Kobe Bryant (8)| Staples Center
18,997| 8–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 10| November 20| @ L.A. Clippers| W 98–93| Kobe Bryant (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Kobe Bryant (12)| Staples Center
20,316| 9–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 11| November 21| @ Denver| W 89–68| Kobe Bryant (24)| Bryant & O'Neal (13)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Pepsi Center
19,521| 10–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 12| November 23| Golden State| W 106–90| Kobe Bryant (28)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Rick Fox (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 11–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 13| November 25| Denver| W 105–98| Kobe Bryant (25)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 12–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 14| November 27| Milwaukee| W 104–85| Kobe Bryant (33)| Samaki Walker (11)| Shaquille O'Neal (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 13–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 15| November 30| @ Seattle| W 107–92| Kobe Bryant (30)| Slava Medvedenko (7)| Robert Horry (8)| KeyArena
17,072| 14–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 16| December 1| Minnesota| W 102–76| Shaquille O'Neal (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (9)| 3 players tied (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 15–1|- style="background:#cfc;"| 17| December 5| Dallas| W 98–94| Shaquille O'Neal (46)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Rick Fox (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 16–1|- style="background:#fcc;"| 18| December 7| @ Sacramento| L 91–97| Shaquille O'Neal (31)| Shaquille O'Neal (16)| Shaquille O'Neal (5)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 16–2|- style="background:#fcc;"| 19| December 11| Seattle| L 93–104| Shaquille O'Neal (37)| Shaquille O'Neal (16)| Derek Fisher (8)| Staples Center
18,997| 16–3|- style="background:#cfc;"| 20| December 14| L.A. Clippers| W 110–80| Shaquille O'Neal (28)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 17–3|- style="background:#cfc;"| 21| December 16| Golden State| W 101–85| Kobe Bryant (28)| Shaquille O'Neal (7)| Shaquille O'Neal (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 18–3|- style="background:#cfc;"| 22| December 20| @ Houston| W 107–101| Kobe Bryant (27)| Shaquille O'Neal (14)| Bryant & Horry (5)| Compaq Center
16,285| 19–3|- style="background:#fcc;"| 23| December 21| @ Memphis| L 108–114| Kobe Bryant (36)| O'Neal & Walker (9)| Bryant & Fox (6)| Pyramid Arena
19,405| 19–4|- style="background:#cfc;"| 24| December 25| Philadelphia| W 88–82| Samaki Walker (18)| Bryant & Horry (11)| Kobe Bryant (9)| Staples Center
18,997| 20–4|- style="background:#fcc;"| 25| December 26| @ Golden State| L 90–101| Kobe Bryant (39)| Slava Medvedenko (8)| Kobe Bryant (5)| The Arena in Oakland
20,036| 20–5|- style="background:#fcc;"| 26| December 28| Toronto| L 86–89| Kobe Bryant (26)| Samaki Walker (14)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 20–6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 27| December 30| Houston| W 114–90| Bryant & Fox (16)| Robert Horry (11)| Kobe Bryant (11)| Staples Center
18,997| 21–6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 28| January 2| @ Denver| W 87–86| Kobe Bryant (28)| Samaki Walker (11)| Rick Fox (6)| Pepsi Center
17,932| 22–6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 29| January 4| Phoenix| W 118–86| Shaquille O'Neal (24)| Samaki Walker (10)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 23–6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 30| January 6| @ Toronto| W 109–89| Kobe Bryant (31)| Samaki Walker (10)| 3 players tied (4)| Air Canada Centre
19,800| 24–6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 31| January 8| @ Detroit| W 121–92| Shaquille O'Neal (28)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Kobe Bryant (6)| The Palace of Auburn Hills
22,076| 25–6|- style="background:#cfc;"| 32| January 9| @ Indiana| W 109–90| Kobe Bryant (31)| Samaki Walker (13)| Derek Fisher (6)| Conseco Fieldhouse
18,345| 26–6|- style="background:#fcc;"| 33| January 11| @ Minnesota| L 102–120| Shaquille O'Neal (29)| Samaki Walker (9)| Rick Fox (9)| Target Center
19,806| 26–7|- style="background:#fcc;"| 34| January 12| @ Chicago| L 104–106 (OT)| Derek Fisher (28)| Robert Horry (13)| Kobe Bryant (9)| United Center
23,147| 26–8|- style="background:#cfc;"| 35| January 14| Memphis| W 120–81| Kobe Bryant (56)| Robert Horry (11)| Rick Fox (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 27–8|- style="background:#fcc;"| 36| January 16| Miami| L 96–102| Kobe Bryant (29)| Samaki Walker (13)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 27–9|- style="background:#cfc;"| 37| January 19| @ San Antonio| W 98–81| Kobe Bryant (28)| 3 players tied (7)| Kobe Bryant (5)| Alamodome
33,544| 28–9|- style="background:#fcc;"| 38| January 22| Denver| L 91–107| Shaquille O'Neal (40)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 28–10|- style="background:#fcc;"| 39| January 23| @ L.A. Clippers| L 90–95| Kobe Bryant (27)| Samaki Walker (12)| Derek Fisher (5)| Staples Center
20,309| 28–11|- style="background:#cfc;"| 40| January 25| San Antonio| W 94–91| Kobe Bryant (27)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 29–11|- style="background:#fcc;"| 41| January 27| @ Philadelphia| L 87–93| Shaquille O'Neal (26)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Rick Fox (6)| First Union Center
20,909| 29–12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 42| January 29| @ Atlanta| W 127–93| Kobe Bryant (32)| Samaki Walker (12)| Fox & Hunter (4)| Philips Arena
19,742| 30–12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 43| January 30| @ Orlando| W 111–93| Shaquille O'Neal (30)| Shaquille O'Neal (14)| Rick Fox (5)| TD Waterhouse Centre
17,248| 31–12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 44| February 1| @ Memphis| W 100–85| Shaquille O'Neal (26)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Rick Fox (7)| Pyramid Arena
19,405| 32–12|- style="background:#cfc;"| 45| February 3| @ Dallas| W 101–94| Shaquille O'Neal (31)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Robert Horry (8)| American Airlines Center
20,179| 33–12|- style="background:#fcc;"| 46| February 6| Chicago| L 89–97| Kobe Bryant (38)| Samaki Walker (14)| Rick Fox (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 33–13|- align="center"|colspan="9" bgcolor="#bbcaff"|All-Star Break|- style="background:#cfc;"|- bgcolor="#bbffbb"|- style="background:#cfc;"| 47| February 12| Washington| W 103–94| Kobe Bryant (23)| Kobe Bryant (11)| Kobe Bryant (15)| Staples Center
18,997| 34–13|- style="background:#cfc;"| 48| February 14| @ Seattle| W 92–87| Kobe Bryant (23)| Fox & George (8)| Kobe Bryant (10)| KeyArena
17,072| 35–13|- style="background:#fcc;"| 49| February 15| Atlanta| L 90–93| Kobe Bryant (21)| 3 players tied (7)| Kobe Bryant (10)| Staples Center
18,997| 35–14|- style="background:#fcc;"| 50| February 17| @ Portland| L 105–111| Kobe Bryant (28)| Robert Horry (8)| Lindsey Hunter (7)| Rose Garden
20,580| 35–15|- style="background:#fcc;"| 51| February 19| Boston| L 108–109| Kobe Bryant (27)| Shaquille O'Neal (17)| Lindsey Hunter (9)| Staples Center
18,997| 35–16|- style="background:#cfc;"| 52| February 21| @ Cleveland| W 104–97| Kobe Bryant (32)| Bryant & Horry (6)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Gund Arena
20,562| 36–16|- style="background:#cfc;"| 53| February 22| @ Charlotte| W 96–94| Shaquille O'Neal (31)| Rick Fox (11)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Charlotte Coliseum
23,799| 37–16|- style="background:#cfc;"| 54| February 24| @ New York| W 107–91| Shaquille O'Neal (30)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Bryant & O'Neal (5)| Madison Square Garden
19,763| 38–16|- style="background:#cfc;"| 55| February 26| @ Milwaukee| W 99–89| Shaquille O'Neal (28)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Bradley Center
18,717| 39–16|- style="background:#fcc;"| 56| February 27| @ Minnesota| L 101–112| Shaquille O'Neal (27)| Shaquille O'Neal (8)| Kobe Bryant (11)| Target Center
19,769| 39–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 57| March 1| Indiana| W 96–84| Shaquille O'Neal (33)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Robert Horry (6)| Staples Center
18,897| 40–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 58| March 3| Houston| W 95–79| Shaquille O'Neal (36)| Shaquille O'Neal (14)| Shaquille O'Neal (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 41–17|- style="background:#cfc;"| 59| March 5| New Jersey| W 101–92| Shaquille O'Neal (40)| Robert Horry (13)| Horry & O'Neal (4)| Staples Center
18,997| 42–17|- style="background:#fcc;"| 60| March 6| @ Utah| L 84–92| Shaquille O'Neal (28)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Bryant & Hunter (4)| Delta Center
19,911| 42–18|- style="background:#cfc;"| 61| March 10| New York| W 117–103| Shaquille O'Neal (40)| Robert Horry (13)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 43–18|- style="background:#cfc;"| 62| March 12| Charlotte| W 107–66| Kobe Bryant (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Bryant & Richmond (4)| Staples Center
18,997| 44–18|- style="background:#cfc;"| 63| March 14| @ Golden State| W 110–102| Shaquille O'Neal (40)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Bryant & Fox (6)| The Arena in Oakland
20,042| 45–18|- style="background:#cfc;"| 64| March 15| L.A. Clippers| W 98–92| Kobe Bryant (33)| Shaquille O'Neal (13)| Fox & Horry (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 46–18|- style="background:#cfc;"| 65| March 17| Dallas| W 105–103| Shaquille O'Neal (28)| Bryant & O'Neal (9)| Kobe Bryant (11)| Staples Center
18,997| 47–18|- style="background:#fcc;"| 66| March 19| @ Dallas| L 98–114| Shaquille O'Neal (32)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Horry & Richmond (4)| American Airlines Center
20,112| 47–19|- style="background:#fcc;"| 67| March 20| @ San Antonio| L 90–108| Kobe Bryant (20)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Brian Shaw (5)| Alamodome
30,775| 47–20|- style="background:#cfc;"| 68| March 22| Detroit| W 94–82| Shaquille O'Neal (28)| Horry & Walker (10)| Kobe Bryant (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 48–20|- style="background:#cfc;"| 69| March 24| @ Sacramento| W 97–96| Kobe Bryant (29)| O'Neal & Shaw (7)| Shaquille O'Neal (6)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 49–20|- style="background:#cfc;"| 70| March 26| Cleveland| W 121–116| Shaquille O'Neal (19)| Shaquille O'Neal (8)| Robert Horry (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 50–20|- style="background:#fcc;"| 71| March 27| @ Phoenix| L 106–118| Kobe Bryant (36)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Robert Horry (6)| America West Arena
19,023| 50–21|- style="background:#cfc;"| 72| March 29| Portland| W 91–79| Bryant & O'Neal (34)| Samaki Walker (17)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 51–21|- style="background:#cfc;"| 73| March 31| San Antonio| W 96–95| Kobe Bryant (31)| 3 players tied (9)| Robert Horry (4)| Staples Center
18,997| 52–21|- style="background:#cfc;"| 74| April 2| @ Washington| W 113–93| Shaquille O'Neal (22)| Shaquille O'Neal (18)| Kobe Bryant (6)| MCI Center
20,674| 53–21|- style="background:#fcc;"| 75| April 3| @ New Jersey| L 92–94| Kobe Bryant (33)| Samaki Walker (14)| Bryant & Shaw (3)| Continental Airlines Arena
20,049| 53–22|- style="background:#fcc;"| 76| April 5| @ Boston| L 81–99| Kobe Bryant (26)| Robert Horry (9)| 5 players tied (2)| FleetCenter
18,624| 53–23|- style="background:#cfc;"| 77| April 7| @ Miami| W 96–88| Shaquille O'Neal (40)| Bryant & O'Neal (11)| Robert Horry (7)| American Airlines Arena
19,600| 54–23|- style="background:#cfc;"| 78| April 9| Utah| W 112–82| Bryant & O'Neal (22)| Robert Horry (11)| Kobe Bryant (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 55–23|- style="background:#cfc;"| 79| April 11| Minnesota| W 96–83| Shaquille O'Neal (32)| Samaki Walker (10)| Derek Fisher (4)| Staples Center
18,997| 56–23|- style="background:#fcc;"| 80| April 14| @ Portland| L 120–128 (2OT)| Shaquille O'Neal (36)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Kobe Bryant (9)| Rose Garden
20,580| 56–24|- style="background:#cfc;"| 81| April 15| Seattle| W 111–104| Shaquille O'Neal (41)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Brian Shaw (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 57–24|- style="background:#cfc;"| 82| April 17| Sacramento| W 109–95| Bryant & O'Neal (21)| Samaki Walker (15)| Kobe Bryant (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 58–24

Playoffs

|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| April 21| Portland| W 95–87| Kobe Bryant (34)| Shaquille O'Neal (9)| Rick Fox (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| April 25| Portland| W 103–96| Shaquille O'Neal (31)| Shaquille O'Neal (14)| Kobe Bryant (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 2–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| April 28| @ Portland| W 92–91| Kobe Bryant (25)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Bryant & O'Neal (7)| Rose Garden
20,580| 3–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| May 5| San Antonio| W 86–80| Shaquille O'Neal (23)| Shaquille O'Neal (17)| 3 players tied (4)| Staples Center
18,997| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 2| May 7| San Antonio| L 85–88| Kobe Bryant (26)| Robert Horry (11)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 1–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| May 10| @ San Antonio| W 99–89| Kobe Bryant (31)| Shaquille O'Neal (15)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Alamodome
35,520| 2–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| May 12| @ San Antonio| W 87–85| Kobe Bryant (28)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Shaquille O'Neal (5)| Alamodome
32,342| 3–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 5| May 14| San Antonio| W 93–87| Kobe Bryant (26)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Rick Fox (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 4–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| May 18| @ Sacramento| W 106–99| Kobe Bryant (30)| Shaquille O'Neal (9)| 3 players tied (5)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 2| May 20| @ Sacramento| L 90–96| Shaquille O'Neal (35)| Robert Horry (20)| Fisher & Horry (4)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 1–1|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 3| May 24| Sacramento| L 90–103| Kobe Bryant (22)| Shaquille O'Neal (19)| Brian Shaw (7)| Staples Center
18,997| 1–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| May 26| Sacramento| W 100–99| Shaquille O'Neal (27)| Shaquille O'Neal (18)| Robert Horry (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 2–2|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc"| 5| May 28| @ Sacramento| L 91–92| Kobe Bryant (30)| Robert Horry (11)| 3 players tied (3)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 2–3|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 6| May 31| Sacramento| W 106–102| Shaquille O'Neal (41)| Shaquille O'Neal (17)| Bryant & Horry (5)| Staples Center
18,997| 3–3|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 7| June 2| @ Sacramento| W 112–106 (OT)| Shaquille O'Neal (35)| Rick Fox (14)| Bryant & Fox (7)| ARCO Arena
17,317| 4–3|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 1| June 5| New Jersey| W 99–94| Shaquille O'Neal (36)| Shaquille O'Neal (16)| Kobe Bryant (6)| Staples Center
18,997| 1–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 2| June 7| New Jersey| W 106–83| Shaquille O'Neal (40)| Shaquille O'Neal (12)| Shaquille O'Neal (8)| Staples Center
18,997| 2–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 3| June 9| @ New Jersey| W 106–103| Kobe Bryant (36)| Shaquille O'Neal (11)| Derek Fisher (6)| Continental Airlines Arena
19,215| 3–0|- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc"| 4| June 12| @ New Jersey| W 113–107| Shaquille O'Neal (34)| Shaquille O'Neal (10)| Kobe Bryant (8)| Continental Airlines Arena
19,296| 4–0

NBA Finals

Summary

The following scoring summary is written in a line score format, except that the quarter numbers are replaced by game numbers.

align=left width=28%Teamwidth=6%Game 1width=6%Game 2width=6%Game 3width=6%Game 4width=6%Wins
Los Angeles (West)991061061134
New Jersey (East)94831031070

Aspects

Amid tensions between co-captains Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant, the franchise had another stellar season, finishing 58–24 (.707), good for second in the Pacific Division and earning the third seed in the Western Conference. Bryant and O'Neal were voted starters in the 2002 NBA All-Star Game, where Bryant won the game MVP trophy in his hometown Philadelphia.[54] The duo appeared on the All-NBA First Team and Bryant was honored with an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection.

Entering the 2001–02 season, the New Jersey Nets were enduring a three-year playoff drought and had a 73–141 record over that span. In 1999, the Nets hired Rod Thorn as team president and immediately, he hired the recently retired Byron Scott to coach New Jersey. Thorn then dealt for Stephon Marbury in a three-team trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves, trading Sam Cassell away to the Bucks.[55] Due to the Nets' 31–51 season in 1999–00 season, they had the first overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft, which they used to select power forward Kenyon Martin out of the University of Cincinnati.[56] Despite the reshuffling of the roster and a Rookie of the Year season for Martin, New Jersey struggled, ending the season with a 26–56 (.317) record, and were bestowed the 7th pick in the upcoming draft.

With another lottery pick, Thorn dealt it to the Houston Rockets for draftees Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins and Brandon Armstrong.[55] The next day, Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo announced a franchise-shaking trade; Phoenix would swap their point guard Jason Kidd for his New Jersey counterpart Stephon Marbury.[57]

With the Princeton offense installed from the coaching staff,[58] the Nets rebounded to a 52–30 (.634) mark, a twenty-six-win improvement from the last season, and clinched the number-one seed in the Eastern Conference. Kidd finished the season awarded with first team spots on both the All-NBA[59] and All-Defensive Teams[60] and was selected for his fifth All-Star game. He also finished runner-up to San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan in the Most Valuable Player voting.[61] Richard Jefferson was an All-Rookie second team selection and Thorn, the architect of the franchise's resurgence, was awarded NBA Executive of the Year.[62]

Game One

Wednesday, June 5, 2002, 6:00 at the Staples Center.

Los Angeles's Staples Center sold out for the inaugural game of the 2002 NBA Finals, with nearly 19,000 on hand. The Nets trotted out a lineup of Kidd, Kittles, Martin, Van Horn and MacCulloth to hold up against the two-time defending and heavily favored champions. The Lakers brought out Derek Fisher, Rick Fox, Shaquille O'Neal, Robert Horry, and Kobe Bryant, who drew the assignment of guarding Kidd. New Jersey head coach Byron Scott, a member of the Showtime Lakers, received a standing ovation.

Taking advantage of a late arrival to the arena by New Jersey, L.A. dominated the first 17 minutes of play with a 42-19 score by the 6:41 mark in the second quarter. From that point on, the Nets went on a 17–6 to close the lead to a respectable 12. They had no answer for O'Neal, however, who had bullied MacCulloth into 16 points and 6 rebounds by half-time. The Nets outscored the Lakers in the third but stood steadfast as Bryant scored 11 of his 22 in the third.

New Jersey battled back, coming as close as three several times in the final quarter. Desperate to take the lead, they utilized the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy midway in the fourth. It backfired, as O'Neal was 5–8 from the free throw line and had 16 points and 9 rebounds in the period alone.

New Jersey was doomed by their late start and poor shooting. The Nets, who shot 45% from the field and 74% on free throws were 39% and 57% respectively.[63] Kidd finished with a triple–double, the 26th in Finals history and the first since Charles Barkley's in the 1993 series.

Recap

align=left width=16%Teamwidth=6%1st Qt.width=6%2nd Qt.width=6%3rd Qt.width=6%4th Qt.width=6%Total
New Jersey1422273194
Los Angeles2919242799

Game Two

Friday, June 7, 2002, 6:00 at the Staples Center.

The second game was more of statement as the Lakers clobbered the Nets by a score of 106-83 thanks to Shaquille O'Neal's 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Recap

align=left width=16%Teamwidth=6%1st Qt.width=6%2nd Qt.width=6%3rd Qt.width=6%4th Qt.width=6%Total
New Jersey2122182283
Los Angeles27222829106

Game Three

Sunday, June 9, 2002, 8:30 at the Continental Airlines Arena.

Game Three would prove to a hard fought game (much like the first game of the series) as the Lakers and Nets would trade leads throughout the game but thanks to Kobe Bryant's 36 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks the Lakers prevail by a score of 106-103 to take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Recap

align=left width=16%Teamwidth=6%1st Qt.width=6%2nd Qt.width=6%3rd Qt.width=6%4th Qt.width=6%Total
Los Angeles31212628106
New Jersey23233225103

Game Four

Wednesday, June 12, 2002, 9:00 at the Continental Airlines Arena.

Despite this being a hard fought battle (much like the previous game and as well as the first game of the series) the Lakers still won game four and the championship, giving Phil Jackson his Red Auerbach-tying ninth title and the Lakers their third consecutive title (and fourteenth overall) making them the fifth team to win three consecutive titles and denying the Nets their first ever championship since the franchise moved to East Rutherford.

Recap

align=left width=16%Teamwidth=6%1st Qt.width=6%2nd Qt.width=6%3rd Qt.width=6%4th Qt.width=6%Total
Los Angeles27312629113
New Jersey34232327107

Player statistics

Season

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
80 80 38.3 .469 .250 .829 5.5 5.5 1.48 .44 25.2
70 35 28.2 .411 .413 .847 2.1 2.6 .94 .13 11.2
82 82 27.9 .421 .313 .824 4.7 3.5 .82 .26 7.9
82 1 21.5 .411 .371 .675 3.7 1.4 .87 .51 7.1
81 23 26.4 .398 .374 .783 5.9 2.9 .95 1.10 6.8
82 47 19.7 .382 .380 .500 1.5 1.6 .80 .23 5.8
59 5 11.0 .452 .000 .648 2.7 .7 .27 .22 2.8
21 0 5.0 .571 .000 .250 1.2 .3 .00 .24 1.2
71 6 10.3 .477 .000 .661 2.2 .6 .41 .15 4.7
67 66 36.1 .579 .000 .555 10.7 3.0 .61 2.04 27.2
3 0 4.0 .500 .000 .750 .7 .7 .67 .00 1.7
64 2 11.1 .405 .290 .955 1.5 .9 .28 .09 4.1
58 0 10.9 .353 .330 .692 1.9 1.5 .43 .05 2.9
69 63 24.0 .512 .000 .667 7.0 .9 .41 1.28 6.7

Playoffs

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
19 19 43.8 .434 .379 .759 5.8 4.6 1.42 .89 26.6
19 19 34.2 .357 .358 .786 3.3 2.7 1.00 .05 10.2
19 19 34.3 .482 .349 .755 5.4 3.4 1.11 .32 9.8
19 0 17.2 .365 .229 .733 3.6 .6 .58 .53 5.0
19 14 37.0 .449 .387 .789 8.1 3.2 1.74 .84 9.3
18 0 7.3 .311 .276 .000 .4 .6 .11 .00 2.0
7 0 1.4 .000 .000 .000 .3 .0 .00 .00 .0
7 0 3.0 .600 .000 .000 .6 .0 .00 .00 .9
19 19 40.8 .529 .000 .649 12.6 2.8 .53 2.53 28.5
2 0 2.0 1.000 .000 .500 .5 .0 .00 .00 1.5
19 0 12.5 .333 .281 1.000 1.8 1.6 .26 .32 2.9
19 5 12.6 .462 1.000 .765 4.1 .2 .11 .32 3.3

Award winners

Legacy

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2001-02 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats - Basketball-Reference.com. Basketball-Reference.com. 27 April 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180424181059/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2002.html. 24 April 2018.
  2. News: Brown . Tim . Walker, Richmond Top Laker List . Los Angeles Times . July 7, 2001 . May 28, 2022.
  3. News: N.B.A.: ROUNDUP; Richmond Goes West to Lakers . The New York Times . July 21, 2001 . May 28, 2022.
  4. News: Former Wizards G Richmond Signs with Lakers . The Washington Post . July 21, 2001 . October 24, 2022.
  5. News: Plaschke . Bill . It Could Be a Rich Deal for Lakers . Los Angeles Times . July 24, 2001 . May 5, 2023.
  6. News: Brown . Tim . Trade to L.A. Lifts Hunter Out of Funk . Los Angeles Times . July 3, 2001 . October 25, 2022.
  7. News: Lakers Trade Foster for Hunter . Deseret News . June 29, 2001 . July 24, 2021.
  8. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; Jordan Against the New Generation, Lakers Against the World . The New York Times . October 30, 2001 . July 16, 2022.
  9. News: NBA Games Played on February 7, 2002 . Basketball-Reference . September 11, 2022.
  10. Web site: 2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results. Basketball-Reference. June 21, 2021.
  11. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; As Fans Show No Love, Bryant Shows No Mercy . The New York Times . February 11, 2002 . July 26, 2021.
  12. News: Wyche . Steve . Jordan's All-Star Effort Is No Slam Dunk . The Washington Post . February 11, 2002 . November 26, 2022.
  13. News: Patrick . Dan . Booing Kobe? I Don't Get It . ESPN . February 11, 2002 . July 26, 2021.
  14. News: NBA & ABA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award Winners . Basketball-Reference . November 29, 2022.
  15. News: NBA.com Staff . 2002 NBA All-Star Recap . NBA.com . September 13, 2021 . May 4, 2023.
  16. Web site: 2002 All-Star Weekend - at Philadelphia: February 8-10 . Eskimo North . May 4, 2023.
  17. Web site: 2002 NBA All-Star Game: West 135, East 120 . Basketball-Reference . November 24, 2021.
  18. News: Associated Press . N.B.A.: ROUNDUP; Lakers and Mavs Advance . The New York Times . April 29, 2002 . July 24, 2021.
  19. News: Brown . Tim . Portland Stoppers . Los Angeles Times . April 29, 2002 . June 2, 2022.
  20. News: L.A. Lakers 92, Portland 91 . United Press International . April 29, 2002 . November 26, 2022.
  21. Web site: 2002 NBA Western Conference First Round: Trail Blazers vs. Lakers . Basketball-Reference . May 4, 2023.
  22. News: Arkush . Michael . PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers Stick to Script and Eliminate the Spurs . The New York Times . May 15, 2002 . July 24, 2021.
  23. News: Brown . Tim . Kings Get the Kings . Los Angeles Times . May 15, 2002 . June 2, 2022.
  24. News: L.A. Lakers 93, San Antonio 87 . United Press International . May 15, 2002 . November 26, 2022.
  25. Web site: 2002 NBA Western Conference Semifinals: Spurs vs. Lakers . Basketball-Reference . May 4, 2023.
  26. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; With Late Shot, Bibby Puts Kings Step from Finals . The New York Times . May 29, 2002 . January 11, 2022.
  27. News: Booth . William . Lakers Pushed to Brink . The Washington Post . May 29, 2002 . May 4, 2023.
  28. News: Kreidler . Mark . No Need to Fear, Underdog's Here . Los Angeles Times . May 30, 2002 . May 29, 2022.
  29. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers Remain West's Royalty . The New York Times . June 3, 2002 . May 28, 2022.
  30. News: Brown . Tim . An Epic Hurdle . Los Angeles Times . June 3, 2002 . May 28, 2022.
  31. News: Wilbon . Michael . Lakers Toe the Line in Game 7 . The Washington Post . June 3, 2002 . November 26, 2022.
  32. Web site: 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Kings . Basketball-Reference . May 4, 2023.
  33. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; Lakers vs. Kings, Game 7: Time for Winning, Not Whining . The New York Times . June 2, 2002 . December 31, 2021.
  34. News: Wilbon . Michael . Officials' Work Is Disturbing . Los Angeles Times . June 2, 2002 . May 28, 2022.
  35. News: Wilbon . Michael . Lakers Hang on Tight to Force Kings to Game 7 . The Washington Post . June 2, 2002 . October 20, 2022.
  36. News: Sheridan . Chris . 2002 Lakers-Kings Game 6 at Heart of Donaghy Allegations . ESPN . June 10, 2008 . May 4, 2023.
  37. News: Beck . Howard . Series in 2002 Was Rigged, Says Disgraced Former NBA Referee . The New York Times . June 11, 2008 . May 13, 2023.
  38. News: Goldman . Tom . Ex-Referee Says 2002 NBA Playoff Was Rigged . NPR . June 12, 2008 . June 26, 2021.
  39. Web site: Schneider. Michael. Adalian. Josef. Playoffs power Peacock. Variety. June 9, 2002. October 15, 2021.
  40. Web site: NBA Conference Finals Ratings History (2000–present). Sports Media Watch. October 15, 2021.
  41. News: Associated Press . Lakers Sweep Nets for Another Title . The New York Times . June 13, 2002 . May 28, 2022.
  42. News: Brown . Tim . O'Neal Is a Three-Peat MVP as Lakers Finally Cut Down the Nets . Los Angeles Times . June 13, 2002 . May 28, 2022.
  43. News: Wyche . Steve . O'Neal, Lakers Cut Down Nets . The Washington Post . June 13, 2002 . July 2, 2022.
  44. News: L.A. Lakers 113, New Jersey 107 . United Press International . June 13, 2002 . May 4, 2023.
  45. Web site: 2002 NBA Finals: Nets vs. Lakers . Basketball-Reference . May 4, 2023.
  46. Web site: 2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. June 21, 2021.
  47. News: Associated Press . Duncan Wins Close MVP Race . Los Angeles Times . May 10, 2002 . July 13, 2022.
  48. News: Duncan Edges Kidd to Capture NBA MVP . The Washington Post . May 10, 2002 . May 4, 2023.
  49. News: 2001–02 NBA Awards Voting . Basketball-Reference . December 28, 2021.
  50. News: Associated Press . Ben Wallace Named NBA's Top Defender . Deseret News . April 21, 2002 . May 5, 2023.
  51. News: Associated Press . Pistons' Wallace Wins Award in a Landslide . ESPN . April 23, 2002 . October 20, 2022.
  52. News: Heisler . Mark . West Capsules in Predicted Order of Finish . Los Angeles Times . October 28, 2002 . October 20, 2022.
  53. News: Brown . Tim . Lakers Still Real Deal . Los Angeles Times . June 27, 2002 . October 20, 2022.
  54. http://www.nba.com/games/20020210/WSTEST/recap.html West Wins! Kobe Stakes Claim in All-Star Lore
  55. http://www.nba.com/nets/history/trade_history.html Nets Trade History
  56. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2000/nba_draft/news/2000/06/28/nba_draft/ Holding to form: Nets take Martin with first pick
  57. https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/suns/2001-06-28-trade.htm Kidd, Marbury primary players in trade
  58. Web site: The New York Times. PRO BASKETBALL; Nets Get a New Read From the Old School. Liz Robbins. 2002-02-02. 2009-05-16. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20080908012026/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/playoffs/news/2002/06/05/nets_sider_ap. 2008-09-08.
  59. https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/stories/2002-05-01-all-nba.htm Bryant, McGrady are first-time All-NBA selections
  60. https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/stories/2002-04-30-defensive.htm Payton ties mark with ninth All-Defensive slot
  61. https://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/spurs/2002-05-09-duncan-mvp.htm It's official: Duncan captures MVP award
  62. http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/2002/05/22/2002-05-22_title_goes_to_one_sharp_thor.html Title goes to one sharp Thorn: Nets GM honored as wheeler-deeler
  63. Web site: Sports Illustrated. Nets' slow start costs them dearly in Game 1. Associated Press. 2002-06-06. 2009-05-16. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20080908012026/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2002/playoffs/news/2002/06/05/nets_sider_ap. 2008-09-08.