Kobe Bryant: A Look Back at His Third NBA Championship

Kobe Bryant, Champion: NBA Finals 2002 (Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Jersey Nets)

The term "three-peat" was first used in sports by Pat Riley, who coached the Los Angeles Lakers during their attempt to win a third consecutive championship in the 1988-1989 season. They came up short that year, losing in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons (who would be attempting the three-straight feat two seasons later). 

However, Riley's dream was not realized by a team until the 1992-1993 season, when the Chicago Bulls won their third straight. The Bulls repeated this accomplishment in the 1997-1998 season. 

The common factor between the two Chicago three-peats had been Phil Jackson coaching great players. That scenario seemed to be playing out again in...

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