Lakers-Magic: The Black Mamba Turns Kobe-Haters into Motivators

Kobe Bryant sent a message to detractors who doubted his ability to win a fourth championship, and his first without Shaquille O’Neal.

The Black Mamba is going to strike early and often, using all his potency to acquire the title he failed to capture after being thwarted by the Boston Celtics in last year’s NBA Finals.

The relentless serpent attacked the Orlando Magic from all angles in a 100-75 Lakers win in Game One.

Bryant proved that this was an entirely different year for his team and his seriousness resulted in his first 40-point game in his sixth Finals appearance.

For all the Kobe-haters who felt the Lakers would falter if he shot 30-pl...

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