Kobe Bryant was not able to come away with a NBA title during the 2007-2008 seasons, but he was able to come away with a regular season MVP award, and led his team to the NBA finals- only to fall in a six game series to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics blew the Lakers away in the final game 131-92, but it was not because of Kobe Bryant not playing up to par.

With Boston defenders intent on making things difficult for their opponents in (Lakers Jerseys) all series, long it was difficult for Los Angeles players to find a way to score. Bryant was swarmed by numerous Celtic defenders including Rajon Rondo, Eddie House, and most importantly the excellent defensive presence of Paul Pierce. The Celtics were known for their defense during their entire postseason run, shutting down the Lakers, after knocking off Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit.

In all six games, Bryant played 40+ minutes, taking anywhere from 19 to 26 shots in a game. Kobe scored 36 points in game three, which was the Lakers first win in the series, and he also added 25 in the game five win, which sent both the Lakers and the Celtics back to Boston, where the series was finished. In that game three win for the Lakers, Kobe shot 12-20 from the field, adding 11 for 18 from the free throw line. He also grabbed 7 rebounds in that game.

Despite the 97-91 loss in game four, Kobe achieved his fourth double double in the postseason, dishing out 10 assists, while scoring 17 points. In the six game series Bryant averaged 25.6 points per game, along with 4.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Due to the Boston defense, which allowed 93.8 points per game in the six game series- Kobe only shot 40.0% from the field, which was 6% lower than his season average.

Kobe gave his best attempt at his fourth NBA title, but the Celtics defense, along with their three-headed scoring monster was too much for the Lakers. Hopefully with a productive off-season the determined men in Lakers Jerseys can group together a squad that puts them in the finals, and over the top during the 2008-2009 season.