The “retirement tour” passes through DC tonight, where Bryant will play his last game at the Verizon Center against the Wizards (barring an extremely improbably Lakers-Wizards Finals). John Wall was equally impressive coming oh so close to a triple double with 34 points, 11 assists, and 7 rebounds but it wouldn’t be enough as the Black Mamba stole the show. Hey…
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For a guy who supposedly doesn’t like assists, Kobe Bryant just gave a HUGE one to the Philadelphia 76ers – ’cause the team is expecting its 1st sellout of the season Tuesday night… thanks to KB.
He is still shooting 15 points per game on average though. Washington returned home after snapping a season-high four-game losing streaky Tuesday by beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 97-85. D’Angelo Russell scored 13 points before sitting out the end of the fourth quarter.
But die-hard Wizards fans may still have a vested interest in catching the game, if only to reminisce over what nearly happened in Bryant’s prime.
Bryant added, “I sincerely appreciate the bad as much as I do the good, and hopefully the players coming up now understand that – understand that it’s a journey, it’s a cycle, you can’t take things personal”. While Kobe wasn’t presented with a framed jersey or anything, the Wizards made a decision to thank Bryant for all his years in the league, with a nice message on the video board at center court.
Lakers: “It seems like every day our world is getting crazier, for whatever reason. This is insane, ‘” Bryant said, via Press of Atlantic City. Wizards coach Randy Wittman on preparing to face Bryant as a head or assistant coach throughout his stellar career.
Jordan Clarkson tried to keep the Lakers alive in the second half and finished with 19 points for the game. Reserve guard Gary Neal remains plagued by a groin injury and power forward Nene has missed two games with a calf issue. Washington plays host to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
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The Lakers may be in the midst of one of their worst seasons in franchise history, but once it runs its course, the only major change will be the departure of Kobe Bryant.
