Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant played his last career game against the Kings in Sacramento on Thursday night, which the Kings won 118-115.
Scores of players from different NBA teams-DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay just to name a few-and many others of Kobe’s acquaintances from his many trips to Sacramento over the last 20 years lined the narrow hallway leading to the bus ramp. He posed for pictures, signed T-shirts, laughed and mugged for the cameras.
Bryant stated that he didn’t want or need a farewell tour of any kind. He also stated that he would much rather hear boos than cheers so as to fell the reality of the end, rather than a staged retirement party.
“I wasn’t expecting this kind of reaction, to be truly honest,” he said. “But it’s been pleasantly surprising to me to be able to have this experience. And to be honest with you, it feels good. It feels damn good.”
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The Lakers came back from a 27-point deficit against the Kings to tie the game at 115. Rajon Rondo then scored a three-pointer with 21.7 seconds left to play to win Sacramento the game. The Lakers have now fallen to 8-29 and remain in last place in the Western Conference.
Bryant had 28 points in nearly 31 minutes in his last game. He announced in November that he would retire after the season with his five championships, two Olympic gold medals, 17 All-Star berths (and counting) and one MVP award.
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