Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, was an absolute force in the NBA playoffs. Over his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe faced off against almost every team in the league, leaving a trail of unforgettable performances and clutch moments. With 5 NBA championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) and 2 NBA Finals MVP awards (2009, 2010), Kobe’s playoff resume is packed with highlights.
- Kobe Bryant vs. Boston Celtics – 6-7 (1-1 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Brooklyn Nets – 4-0 (1-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Dallas Mavericks – 0-4 (0-1 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Denver Nuggets – 12-5 (3-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Detroit Pistons – 1-4 (0-1 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Houston Rockets – 11-5 (3-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Indiana Pacers – 4-1 (1-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – 8-4 (2-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. New Orleans Hornets – 4-2 (1-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7-7 (2-1 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Orlando Magic – 4-1 (1-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Philadelphia 76ers – 4-1 (1-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Phoenix Suns – 12-11 (2-2 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 16-5 (5-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Sacramento Kings – 11-5 (3-0 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. San Antonio Spurs – 18-12 (4-2 in series)
- Kobe Bryant vs. Utah Jazz – 13-11 (3-2 in series)
He played in 220 playoff games, scoring a total of 5,640 points (averaging 25.6 points per game), and ranks fourth all-time in playoff scoring. In this article, we’ll break down Kobe’s playoff record against each NBA team, digging into his best games, key stats, and how he consistently rose to the occasion.
Kobe Bryant vs. Boston Celtics – 6-7 (1-1 in series)
2008 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Celtics 2-4
2010 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Celtics 4-3
In the 2008 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against their historic rivals, the Boston Celtics. Despite Kobe’s impressive efforts, averaging 25.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, the Lakers fell to the Celtics in six games. The series was a hard-fought battle, but Boston’s strong defense and balanced attack ultimately overpowered the Lakers, securing a 4-2 victory and denying Kobe another championship.
Kobe and the Lakers sought redemption in the 2010 NBA Finals, where they met the Celtics once again. This time, Kobe was determined to come out on top, and he delivered an unforgettable performance throughout the seven-game series. Averaging 28.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, Kobe led the Lakers to a thrilling 4-3 series victory. His clutch performances, particularly in Game 7 where he scored 23 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, were pivotal in securing the championship. Kobe’s efforts earned him the Finals MVP award, adding to his legacy as one of the greatest playoff performers in NBA history.
Kobe Bryant vs. Brooklyn Nets – 4-0 (1-0 in series)
2002 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Nets 4-0
In the 2002 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced the New Jersey Nets. Kobe was instrumental in the Lakers’ dominant sweep, securing their third consecutive championship. Throughout the series, Kobe averaged 26.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 3, where he scored 36 points to lead the Lakers to a commanding victory. This series showcased Kobe’s ability to perform at the highest level when it mattered most, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch playoff performer.
Kobe Bryant vs. Dallas Mavericks – 0-4 (0-1 in series)
2011 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Mavericks 0-4
In the 2011 Western Conference Semifinals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite Kobe’s efforts, the Lakers were swept by the Mavericks in four games. Throughout the series, Kobe averaged 23.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. The Mavericks’ strong team play and exceptional three-point shooting proved too much for the Lakers. This series marked a surprising and abrupt end to the Lakers’ hopes for a three-peat, as the Mavericks went on to win the NBA Championship that year.
Kobe Bryant vs. Denver Nuggets – 12-5 (3-0 in series)
2008 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Nuggets 4-0
2009 Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Nuggets 4-2
2012 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Nuggets 4-3
In the 2008 Western Conference First Round, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the Denver Nuggets with a 4-0 sweep. Kobe was in top form, averaging 33.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 2, where he scored 49 points, leading the Lakers to a commanding victory and setting the tone for the rest of the series.
The 2009 Western Conference Finals saw Kobe and the Lakers face the Nuggets once again. This time, the series was more competitive, but Kobe’s brilliance shone through as he averaged 34.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. His 35-point performance in Game 6 helped the Lakers close out the series 4-2, propelling them to the NBA Finals where they would go on to win the championship.
In the 2012 Western Conference First Round, the Lakers faced a tough challenge from the Nuggets. Kobe’s leadership and scoring ability were crucial in the seven-game series, where he averaged 29.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. His memorable 43-point game in Game 5 gave the Lakers a 3-2 series lead. The Lakers ultimately won the series 4-3, showcasing Kobe’s resilience and determination in high-pressure situations.
Kobe Bryant vs. Detroit Pistons – 1-4 (0-1 in series)
2004 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pistons 1-4
In the 2004 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Detroit Pistons. Despite Kobe’s efforts, the Lakers were defeated by the Pistons in five games. Throughout the series, Kobe averaged 22.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. The Pistons’ stifling defense, led by Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace, proved to be too much for the Lakers. Kobe’s standout performance came in Game 2, where he scored 33 points, including a game-tying three-pointer to send the game into overtime, leading to the Lakers’ only win of the series. This loss marked a significant setback for the Lakers and was a pivotal moment in Kobe’s career.
Kobe Bryant vs. Houston Rockets – 11-5 (3-0 in series)
1999 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Rockets 3-1
2004 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Rockets 4-1
2009 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Rockets 4-3
In the 1999 Western Conference First Round, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers took on the Houston Rockets. Kobe played a crucial role in the series, averaging 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 3, where he scored 33 points to help the Lakers secure a critical win. The Lakers ultimately won the series 3-1, marking one of Kobe’s early playoff successes.
In the 2004 Western Conference First Round, Kobe and the Lakers faced the Rockets again. This time, Kobe averaged 24.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, leading the Lakers to a 4-1 series victory. His standout performance came in Game 1, where he scored 31 points to set the tone for the series. The Lakers’ strong performance continued throughout the series, advancing them to the next round.
In the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals, the Lakers faced a tough challenge from the Rockets. The series went to seven games, with Kobe averaging 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 2, where he scored 40 points to lead the Lakers to victory. The Lakers ultimately won the series 4-3, showcasing Kobe’s leadership and clutch performance under pressure. This victory was a key part of the Lakers’ journey to winning the NBA Championship that year.
Kobe Bryant vs. Indiana Pacers – 4-1 (1-0 in series)
2000 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Pacers 4-2
In the 2000 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Indiana Pacers. Despite suffering an ankle injury in Game 2, Kobe’s impact on the series was undeniable. He averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 4, where he scored 28 points, including several clutch baskets in overtime, to lead the Lakers to a crucial victory. The Lakers ultimately won the series 4-2, securing their first championship of the Kobe-Shaq era. This victory marked the beginning of a dynasty, with Kobe playing a key role in their success.
Kobe Bryant vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – 8-4 (2-0 in series)
2003 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Timberwolves 4-2
2004 Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Timberwolves 4-2
In the 2003 Western Conference First Round, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kobe played a critical role in the series, averaging 32.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 4, where he scored 39 points to help the Lakers secure a crucial win. The Lakers ultimately won the series 4-2, showcasing Kobe’s scoring prowess and ability to lead his team in high-pressure situations.
In the 2004 Western Conference Finals, Kobe and the Lakers met the Timberwolves once again. This time, Kobe averaged 24.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, leading the Lakers to another 4-2 series victory. His standout performance came in Game 2, where he scored 27 points to help the Lakers take a 2-0 series lead. The Lakers’ victory in this series propelled them to the NBA Finals, further cementing Kobe’s legacy as a clutch playoff performer.
Kobe Bryant vs. New Orleans Hornets – 4-2 (1-0 in series)
2011 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Hornets 4-2
In the 2011 Western Conference First Round, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers went head-to-head with the New Orleans Hornets. Kobe played a crucial role in the series, despite dealing with an ankle injury. He averaged 22.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. One of his standout moments came in Game 5, where he not only scored 19 points but also made several key defensive plays that helped secure the win for the Lakers. His leadership and resilience were on full display, guiding the Lakers to a 4-2 series victory and advancing them to the next round of the playoffs.
Kobe Bryant vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7-7 (2-1 in series)
1998 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. SuperSonics 4-1
2010 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Thunder 4-2
2012 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Thunder 1-4
In the 1998 Western Conference Semifinals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Seattle SuperSonics. Although Kobe was still developing into the superstar he would become, he contributed significantly to the Lakers’ 4-1 series victory. Kobe averaged 10.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, showing glimpses of his potential.
In the 2010 Western Conference First Round, Kobe and the Lakers took on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kobe’s experience and clutch performances were key in the Lakers’ 4-2 series win. He averaged 23.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, with a standout performance in Game 6 where he scored 32 points to close out the series.
The 2012 Western Conference Semifinals saw Kobe and the Lakers face a much-improved Thunder team. Despite Kobe’s impressive efforts, averaging 31.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, the Lakers were defeated 4-1 by the Thunder. Kobe’s best performance came in Game 5, where he scored 42 points in a valiant effort to extend the series. However, the Thunder’s young stars proved too strong, marking the end of the Lakers’ playoff run that year.
Kobe Bryant vs. Orlando Magic – 4-1 (1-0 in series)
2009 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. Magic 4-1
In the 2009 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Orlando Magic. Kobe was exceptional throughout the series, leading the Lakers to a 4-1 victory and securing his first NBA championship without Shaquille O’Neal. He averaged 32.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 1, where he scored 40 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists to set the tone for the series. Kobe’s dominant play earned him the Finals MVP award, highlighting his leadership and clutch performance in capturing his fourth NBA title.
Kobe Bryant vs. Philadelphia 76ers – 4-1 (1-0 in series)
2001 NBA Finals: Lakers vs. 76ers 4-1
In the 2001 NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers. Kobe was outstanding throughout the series, averaging 24.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 2, where he scored 31 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to help the Lakers bounce back from their only loss of the series. The Lakers ultimately won the series 4-1, with Kobe’s all-around contributions playing a crucial role in securing his second NBA championship.
Kobe Bryant vs. Phoenix Suns – 12-11 (2-2 in series)
2000 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Suns 4-1
2006 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Suns 3-4
2007 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Suns 1-4
2010 Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Suns 4-2
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers first faced the Phoenix Suns in the 2000 Western Conference Semifinals, where Kobe played a pivotal role, averaging 21.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. The Lakers won the series 4-1, with Kobe’s standout performance coming in Game 2 with 25 points, helping to set the tone for their championship run that year.
The 2006 Western Conference First Round was a dramatic seven-game series where, despite Kobe’s heroic efforts, the Lakers were ultimately defeated by the Suns 4-3. Kobe averaged 27.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, including a memorable 50-point performance in Game 6 that forced a Game 7. The following year, in the 2007 Western Conference First Round, Kobe averaged 32.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, but the Lakers were again bested by the Suns, this time in a 4-1 series loss.
In the 2010 Western Conference Finals, Kobe and the Lakers sought redemption against the Suns. Kobe was spectacular, averaging 33.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 6, where he scored 37 points and grabbed 6 rebounds to close out the series. The Lakers won the series 4-2 and went on to win their second consecutive NBA championship, with Kobe earning Finals MVP honors.
Kobe Bryant vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 16-5 (5-0 in series)
1997 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Trail Blazers 3-1
1998 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Trail Blazers 3-1
2000 Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Trail Blazers 4-3
2001 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Trail Blazers 3-0
2002 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Trail Blazers 3-0
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers first faced the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1997 Western Conference First Round, where Kobe, in his early years, contributed significantly to the Lakers’ 3-1 series victory. He averaged 8.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, showing flashes of his future greatness. In the 1998 Western Conference First Round, Kobe’s role expanded, and he averaged 17.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, leading the Lakers to another 3-1 series win.
The 2000 Western Conference Finals was a memorable and hard-fought series, with Kobe averaging 20.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His clutch performance in Game 7, where he scored 25 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists, helped the Lakers overcome a 15-point deficit to win the game and the series 4-3. This victory was a crucial part of the Lakers’ run to their first championship of the Kobe-Shaq era.
In the 2001 and 2002 Western Conference First Rounds, the Lakers faced the Trail Blazers again and swept them both times, 3-0. Kobe was dominant in these series, averaging 25.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in 2001, and 26.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in 2002. These performances solidified Kobe’s reputation as a clutch playoff performer and helped the Lakers on their way to consecutive championships in both years.
Kobe Bryant vs. Sacramento Kings – 11-5 (3-0 in series)
2000 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Kings 3-2
2001 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Kings 4-0
2002 Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Kings 4-3
In the 2000 Western Conference First Round, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers faced a tough challenge from the Sacramento Kings. Kobe averaged 27.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in the tightly contested series. His standout performance came in Game 5, where he scored 25 points and helped the Lakers secure a narrow victory to win the series 3-2, advancing to the next round.
The 2001 Western Conference Semifinals saw Kobe and the Lakers dominate the Kings, sweeping the series 4-0. Kobe was spectacular, averaging 33.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. His most notable performance came in Game 4, where he scored 48 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, leading the Lakers to a decisive victory and showcasing his ability to take over games in the playoffs.
The 2002 Western Conference Finals was a classic seven-game series between the Lakers and the Kings. Kobe played a crucial role, averaging 27.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 7, where he scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, helping the Lakers secure a 4-3 series victory. This win propelled the Lakers to the NBA Finals, where they went on to win their third consecutive championship.
Kobe Bryant vs. San Antonio Spurs – 18-12 (4-2 in series)
1999 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Spurs 0-4
2001 Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Spurs 4-0
2002 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Spurs 4-1
2003 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Spurs 2-4
2004 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Spurs 4-2
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers first faced the San Antonio Spurs in the 1999 Western Conference Semifinals, where the Lakers were swept 4-0 by the eventual champions. Despite the loss, Kobe averaged 21.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, setting the stage for future battles against the Spurs.
The 2001 Western Conference Finals saw a dominant Lakers team sweep the Spurs 4-0, with Kobe playing a crucial role by averaging 33.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. His standout performance came in Game 4, where he scored 45 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading the Lakers to the NBA Finals and eventually securing their second consecutive championship. In the 2002 Western Conference Semifinals, Kobe and the Lakers continued their dominance over the Spurs, winning the series 4-1. Kobe averaged 26.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, with a notable performance in Game 4 where he scored 28 points and added 8 rebounds.
In the 2003 Western Conference Semifinals, the Spurs managed to defeat the Lakers 4-2 despite Kobe’s efforts, where he averaged 32.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. The 2004 Western Conference Semifinals was a different story, as Kobe and the Lakers overcame the Spurs 4-2. Kobe averaged 26.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, with a standout performance in Game 5, scoring 42 points to help the Lakers take a 3-2 series lead. The Lakers went on to win the series and advanced to the NBA Finals once again.
Kobe Bryant vs. Utah Jazz – 13-11 (3-2 in series)
1997 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Jazz 1-4
1998 Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Jazz 0-4
2008 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Jazz 4-2
2009 Western Conference First Round: Lakers vs. Jazz 4-1
2010 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers vs. Jazz 4-0
Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers first faced the Utah Jazz in the 1997 Western Conference Semifinals, where the Lakers were defeated 4-1. Despite the loss, Kobe showed promise as a young player, averaging 8.2 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. The following year, in the 1998 Western Conference Finals, the Jazz once again bested the Lakers, sweeping the series 4-0. Kobe, still developing his game, averaged 10.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in this series.
The Lakers and Jazz met again in the 2008 Western Conference Semifinals, where Kobe was in his prime. He averaged 33.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, leading the Lakers to a 4-2 series victory. This victory marked a significant turnaround from their earlier playoff encounters. In the 2009 Western Conference First Round, Kobe continued his dominance, averaging 27.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game as the Lakers won the series 4-1.
In the 2010 Western Conference Semifinals, Kobe and the Lakers swept the Jazz 4-0. Kobe was exceptional, averaging 32.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. His standout performance in Game 4, where he scored 32 points, helped the Lakers secure the sweep. This victory was part of the Lakers’ journey to their second consecutive NBA championship.
