Lakers games of Christmas past

2009

Cleveland 102, Lakers 87

Kobe Bryant shoots poorly, Lamar Odom is ejected and Staples Center fans boo the home team’s uninspired play. LeBron James has 26 points and nine assists for the Cavaliers. In June 2010, the Lakers win another title with a Game 7 victory over Boston.

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2008

Lakers 92, Boston 83

Lakers end the Celtics’ winning streak at 19 games and go on to defeat Orlando in five games in the 2009 Finals.

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2007

Lakers 122, Phoenix 115

No defense in this game. Kobe Bryant has 38 points, Andrew Bynum scores 28, and the new-look Lakers stretch their wings. In June 2008, the Lakers lose in six games to Boston in the Finals.

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2006

Miami 101, Lakers 85

The Lakers are flat and Dwyane Wade pours in 40 points. Phoenix eliminates the Lakers in five games in the first-round of the 2007 playoffs.

2005

Miami 97, Lakers 92

Bryant and Odom miss three-pointers late and the Heat holds on. The Lakers lose to Phoenix in seven games in the first round of the 2006 playoffs.

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2004

Miami 104, Lakers 102

Bryant gets 42 points, but former teammate Shaquille O’Neal gets the win. Lakers finish 34-48 and miss the playoffs.

2003

Houston 99, Lakers 87

Bryant makes nine of 26 shots. Steve Francis leads the Rockets with 22 points. Detroit beats the Lakers in five games in the 2004 Finals

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2002

Sacramento 105, Lakers 99

It’s the twilight of an intense rivalry; the Lakers beat Sacramento in seven grueling games in the 2002 playoffs. In May 2003, the Spurs eliminate the Lakers in six games in the Western semifinals.

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2001

Lakers 88, Philadelphia 82

Shaq is out with an injury, Kobe scores only 12, while Allen Iverson pours in 31, but the Lakers overcome a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Lakers win the 2002 title, sweeping New Jersey.

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2000

Portland 109, Lakers 104

Shaq and Kobe combine for 61 points, but a late offensive foul call on Bryant nullifies a potential three-point play. The Lakers win another title, beating the 76ers in five games in the 2001 Finals.

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1999

Lakers 99, San Antonio 93

O’Neal gets 32 as the Lakers edge the defending champions. Phil Jackson wins his first title with the Lakers as they defeat Indiana in six games in the 2000 Finals.