With All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal sidelined early in the season after an off-season right foot and toe surgery,[2][3][4] the Lakers got off to a terrible 3–9 start.
However, the Lakers would recover from their slow start, and hold a 24–23 record at the All-Star break,[8] ninth place in the Western Conference at the time, and out of playoff position.
[11] Kobe and Shaq were both named to the All-NBA First Team, and were both selected to play in the 2003 NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta.
The season was overshadowed by the death of long-time Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn, who died after a fall in the summer of 2002.
[29][30][31][32] To pay tribute, the Lakers donned an alternate white uniform, which can be only worn on Christmas and Sunday home games.