Bryant finished with 18 points, far off the 30.7 per game he had been averaging here and fewer than half the 40 or more he managed on three occasions during a series of highlights in the arena.
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Now 37 years old and in his 20th pro season, Bryant might retire after the season. This season, however, gave Bryant a 32.1 percent from the field, averaging at least 16.2 percent points and 3.8 percent on rebounds per game.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ five-game road trip resumes with a showdown against the young Orlando Magic on the tail end of a back to back for the Purple and Gold. The Suns were leading the Lakers 96-95 late in the fourth quarter, with the shot clock off. Everyone inside Staples Center knew Bryant would receive the ball for a potential game-winning shot.
He said, “It would mean the world to me to be around those guys”. TNT color commentator Hubie Brown yelled above the crowd’s cheers.
The Lakers won the game and eventually won the series in five games. I’ve said it so many times, I’m here, and I’m a Laker for life. “He’s earned the right to go out whenever he wants to go out”. Lakers coach Byron Scott said he didn’t put him back in because the game got out of control. He’s been a great competitor.
“But the expectations that they have for me, they’re actually something that I appreciate”, Bryant clarified. “So I’ve always admired that about him”. Lou Williams and Metta World Peace each scored 14 for the Lakers, who played with Bryant sitting out somewhat unexpectedly to rest.
If basketball fans in Miami came to see Kobe Bryant one last time, they were undoubtedly disappointed considering he spent the night on the bench in a sharp three-piece suit. Similar to what the former Chicago Bull and Washington Wizard Michael Jordan, this last season could be an official send-off for the former Most Valuable Player and 5-time National Basketball Association champion.
Lastly, NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin analyzed Kobe’s current state and he agrees that it might be the best time for Kobe to call it quits.
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In August, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo revealed that he had spoken with Bryant – who previously said he would not be participating in Rio – about the possibility of being a part of the team.
