This Day in Lakers History: Bryant’s 40 Points Highlight NBA’s Return to Post-Katrina New Orleans
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NEW ORLEANS — On March 8, 2006, the Los Angeles Lakers helped usher professional sports back to a recovering New Orleans, edging the Hornets 113-107 in the first NBA game played in the city since Hurricane Katrina.
A capacity crowd of 17,744 packed New Orleans Arena for the nationally televised matchup, which opened with an emotional pregame ceremony. Former Hornets owner George Shinn, initially unsure the city could host the event, watched lines wrap around the building before tipoff.
The Lakers started Smush Parker, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Brian Cook and Chris Mihm. New Orleans countered with rookie Chris Paul, Kirk Snyder, Desmond Mason, David West and P.J. Brown.
Los Angeles led 28-24 after one quarter and took a six-point advantage into halftime. The Hornets trimmed the margin to five entering the fourth, setting up a back-and-forth finish.
With the score at 81-80, Bryant seized control. The guard poured in 18 of his game-high 40 points in the final period, guiding the Lakers to victory. Odom added 18 points, 17 rebounds and six assists.
Paul paced New Orleans with 22 points, 10 assists and three steals. The Hornets committed 13 turnovers that led to 27 Lakers points, a decisive factor in the outcome.
While the home team fell short on the scoreboard, the night marked a significant milestone for a city still rebuilding, offering residents a powerful symbol of progress just over six months after the storm.
Source: Lakers Nation
