On This Day: Kobe Bryant Kicked Off His Fourth Championship Run with a 20 Point Statement Win
On October 28, the Los Angeles Lakers opened their season with a dominant 96-76 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at the Staples Center, and that night served as the launching pad for Kobe Bryant’s fourth championship-push with the franchise.
At 30 years old, Bryant came into the 2008-09 season with high expectations, eager to translate regular-season success into a title run. The Lakers entered the game looking to make a statement — and they did just that. The 20 point margin (96-76) underlined their intent from the very first night.
Bryant led the way, recording 23 points on 9 of 17 shooting and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line.The game flow illustrated how Bryant took over: after Portland cut into the lead earlier, Kobe responded by attacking the rim and scoring the game’s next nine points, re-establishing a commanding edge for Los Angeles.
The significance of this win goes beyond the numbers. Coming off a loss in the 2008 Finals, the Lakers knew that each regular-season opening night mattered, setting the tone for what they hoped would be a championship season. And for Bryant, this game signalled a renewed sense of urgency. The league-official “Today in NBA History” notes: “Bryant’s fourth run to an NBA championship began with a statement, as the 30 year old led the Lakers to a 20-point Opening Night victory over Portland.”
What made the moment especially meaningful:
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It was the beginning of the 2008-09 campaign in which the Lakers would compile a 65–17 record — the best in the Western Conference.
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Bryant would go on to earn his first Finals MVP as the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic to claim the 2009 NBA Championship, marking his fourth ring.
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This Opening Night performance foreshadowed the leadership and intensity Bryant brought during the playoffs — the very definition of the “Mamba Mentality.”
In short, when Bryant and the Lakers took that court on October 28, they didn’t just win a game — they sent a message. The 20 point victory wasn’t merely about opening night; it was about signalling that this team and its leader were here to win. From that moment on, the Lakers were on a mission — and Kobe was ready to lead them there.
