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Today is anniversary of Kobe’s 81 point game, why not relive it? (VIDEO)

Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic, 2009 NBA Finals

Basketball: NBA Finals: Closeup of Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant (24) on court before Game 2 vs Orlando Magic. Los Angeles, CA 6/7/2009 CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images) (Set Number: X82547 TK1 R1 F81 )

Sports Illustrated/Getty Images

It was Jan. 22, 2006. The Lakers were actually struggling against the Toronto Raptors, trailing by 14 at the half on their home court. This was a Lakers team that started Kwame Brown and Smush Parker (I still say getting this team to the playoffs was one of Phil Jackson’s great coaching jobs), so if they wanted scoring they could turn to Kobe Bryant and... basically just Kobe Bryant.

So Kobe decided to put the Lakers on his back and carry them offensively — to the tune of 81 points.

It was a legendary game, and what makes it special is this wasn’t fluff, garbage-time points at the end of the game — if Kobe doesn’t take over this game the Lakers lose.

Enjoy this trip down memory lane. Unless you’re a Raptors’ fan, then sorry.