Epic November!

On November 23, 1998, Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Kobe scored 53 points, shooting 23 of 39 from the field and 8 of 12 from three-point range.

Lakers 112:87 Portland Trail Blazers.

"Kobe has once again reached a level no one else has touched. I would call him the strongest guard in the league." — Portland Trail Blazers coach Mike Dunleavy.

"Europe? All the guards in Europe combined don't have as much talent as Kobe." Sabonis praised him. Having played from the Soviet Union to Europe, then from Europe to the NBA, Sabonis had seen countless players of every kind. But a player like Kobe, with the performances he had put on this month, was something Sabonis had never seen before!

On November 26, 1998, Lakers vs. Timberwolves: Kobe scored 50 points, shooting 17 of 35 from the field and 12 of 14 at the free-throw line.

Timberwolves 103:117 Lakers.

"Fine! I admit it—I came fully prepared for this game!"

"But it was useless. Kobe beat us up like we were college students, grinding our faces into the floor."

"The Timberwolves' goal this year is the Western Conference Finals. Why? Because the Lakers have Kobe."

Garnett put up a spectacular 31 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks, and 1 steal, but the Timberwolves were still shot to death by Kobe.

"I learned a lot from Kobe during the offseason. His fighting spirit benefited me immensely." After being thoroughly dealt with by Kobe, Commissioner Marbury had already understood what being politically correct meant.

This season, Marbury had also successfully become a top-tier 20+7 guard. The Golden Generation of 1996 was gradually maturing and taking over the league.

On November 29, 1998, Lakers vs. Knicks: Kobe scored 60 points, shooting 20 of 37 from the field and 17 of 18 from