Los Angeles Lakers fan Alex Babers of Houston holds up a sign supporting Kobe Bryant near the end of the game against the New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans on Friday night, Nov. 7, 2003. The The Hornets won 114-95, giving the Lakers their first loss of the season.
Los Angeles Lakers fans, sporting Kobe Bryant's name spelled on their shirts, cheer for the Lakers against the New Orleans Hornets, Friday night, Nov. 7, 2003, in New Orleans.
Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal (34) is congratulated by teammate Kobe Bryant (8) after O'Neal made a free throw late in the second half against the New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans on Friday night, Nov. 7, 2003. O'Neal scored 21 points in the Lakers' 114-95 loss. Bryant had 11 points.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives on New Orleans Hornets guard Steve Smith during the first quarter at the New Orleans Arena, November 7, 2003. New Orleans defeated the Lakers 114-95.
New Orleans Hornets' P.J. Brown is fouled by Los Angeles Lakers' Karl Malone (11) during the second half Friday night, Nov. 7, 2003, in New Orleans.
Actually Malone slapped PJ Brown with his mailbox and then said to him, you may have had the better of me tonight, but I'm wearing the purple and the gold and will have a ring in June....SMACK..SMACK