Once the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Pau Gasol on Feb. 1, 2008, they quickly caught fire.
They went on a 10-game winning streak that spanned much of the month, and after three and a half years of purgatory, happy days were here again for the team and its fans.
After that winning streak was snapped, the Lakers hosted the Dallas Mavericks on March 2, and both teams were entangled in a fierce contest.
Although Dirk Nowitzki shot just 10-of-26, he shined brightly in the fourth quarter with 12 points. But so did Kobe Bryant, who had 22 points in that span on a 4-of-5 effort from the field and 13-of-13 stretch from the free-throw line.
The game went into overtime, and although both superstars played well in that extra period, Bryant and the Lakers emerged victorious, 108-104.
It took 52 points, 11 rebounds and four assists from the Black Mamba to deliver a win, but it was well worth it, as the win helped L.A. finish first in the Western Conference by a slim margin.
