Wizards center Marcin Gortat also expressed his praise for Bryant, saying, “It felt bad that we lost, but I’m glad to have lived and played during his legacy”.
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Bryant, who played in Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia and was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, scored 20 points but struggled again from the field making just 7-of-26 field goals.
After the lead switched sides eight times in the fourth quarter, Bryant drained his fourth 3-pointer for a 101-99 lead.
We spoke to reps at the Wells Fargo center – where the Sixers ball – who tell us the fans have been clamoring for tix to the Sixers vs Lakers game ever since Kobe’s retirement announcement. There’s no telling exactly how much is left in the tank for the next five months, but on Wednesday, Kobe was Kobe.
After Philadelphia answered, Bryant wasn’t about to let anyone steal his moment.
“We’re lucky it was a four-point game”, coach Randy Wittman said.
The young duo of Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell continues to improve, despite the Lakers’ record, but the offense is coming on more quickly than the defense.
His homecoming game spoiled, Bryant said one final goodbye to Philadelphia, which is winless no more.
Scott said some of Bryant’s shots were “ill-advised”.
Bryant’s teammates were unable to pick up the slack, as the Lakers blew a 14-point lead to hand the Philadelphia 76ers their first win of the season, thus avoiding the NBA’s unprecedented 0-19 start. Kobe Bryant scored a team-high 31 points, coming up big for the Lakers down the stretch.
Coach Byron Scott said the plan is for Bryant to start as many games as possible, regardless of the schedule, and adjust accordingly if fatigue sets in. “The amount of adoration I have for this city means everything to me”.
The Magic almost led the entire game, Minnesota scored the first basket of the game but was never able to regain the lead after that. The respect that Bryant is receiving right now, and will continue to get throughout the year, will become an emotional ride for all National Basketball Association fans who grew up watching him. He scored 20 points. Kobe was someone that I just always kind of wanted to be like and play like.
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– Lou Williams returned to the lineup after missing the last two games following the death of his father.
