This Day in NBA History, January 7

This day in 2003 was a mixed bag for me. Coming off their third straight championship, the Los Angeles Lakers did not get off the starting line well, finding themselves under .500 (14-20) in early January 2003. On this night, they hosted the Seattle Sonics (16-16). Lakers fans were irritated and somewhat concerned at their level of play, but as the three-time defending champions, how much should we really complain? We expected them to right the ship in time for the playoffs, and all would be well. This matchup quelled the concern for one night, as they knocked off the Sonics, 119-98. It was this night on which Kobe Bryant set the NBA records for threes made in a game (12, later matched by Donyell Marshall). His 12-18 shooting beyond the arc will always be etched in my memory, as I’ll never forget receiving the text alert stating that Kobe had broken the record. My dad and I were at the vet, waiting to hear what was wrong with my dog, Max. Getting the text at that time, with th...