The Los Angeles Lakers will conclude their NBA season on Wednesday night when they host the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center. You may be asking, why should South Dakotans care?
Not only is this the last game of the LA Lakers 2015-16 season, but also it’s the end of an era, as one of the greatest of all-time, Kobe Bryant, will play his final game of his pro-basketball career.
He has spent his entire career with the Lakers. The Charlotte Hornets drafted Bryant at No. 13 overall in the 1996 NBA draft, but because Charlotte had already agreed to trade their draft selection to Los Angeles – their pick sent Bryant to the west coast.
Here are some of Bryant’s career highlights and awards.
According to NBA.com, here are the 10 greatest performances of Kobe Bryant’s career.
- 81 Points vs Raptors, January 22, 2006
- The most points Bryant ever scored in a game
- 62 Point vs Mavericks, December 20, 2005
- All points came in the first three quarters
- 28 Points vs Pacers, 2000 Finals Game 4
- 22 points came in the second half
- Shaquille O’Neal fouled out
- 45 Points, 10 Rebounds vs Spurs, 2000 WC Finals Game 1
- 61 Points vs Knicks, February 2, 2009
- The most points ever scored by one player at MSG
- 48 Points, 16 Rebounds vs Kings 2001 WC Semi’s Game 4
- 49 Points, 10 Assists vs Nuggets 2008 WC 1st Round Game 2
- 20 First Quarter Points and 19 Points in the games final seven minutes.
- 24 Points vs Suns, 2006 WC 1st Round Game 4
- Tied the game with a bucket right before the end of regulation.
- Hit a three-pointer at the buzzer in OT to win the game.
- 45 Points (12 3-pointers) vs SuperSonics, January 7, 2003
- 55 Points vs Wizards, March 28, 2003
There are plenty of other games/performances that could be added to this list, but then the list would never end.
Most will agree that Bryant isn’t the best basketball player of all-time, but he’s no doubt one of the best shooters to ever play the game. Tonight's game featuring the Utah Jazz @ LA Lakers is at 9:30 pm CT on ESPN 2.
Today is Kobe Day, and everyone is wanting to wish Kobe Bryant a sincere farewell.
Teammate. Friend. Brother. @kobebryant you changed the game & my life. My farewell https://t.co/MjYTuGymzZ#mambadaypic.twitter.com/RGEkvSnXjZ
— DerekFisher (@derekfisher) April 13, 2016
Kobe Bryant says farewell to a road arena for the final time#MambaFarewellCountdownhttps://t.co/02Fr1WKSd9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 12, 2016
One of the toughest I ever guarded @kobebryant#respect#MambaDaypic.twitter.com/4oSpK5uQli
— Ty Lawson (@TyLawson3) April 13, 2016
As @kobebryant says goodbye to the game, the basketball world remembers his legendary NBA career.https://t.co/NFBECMJs9W
— USA TODAY Sports (@USATODAYsports) April 13, 2016
Can’t help but notice you look good in @Dodgers gear, @kobebryant. Just sayin’ … #MambaDayhttps://t.co/jR1aS6dqHJ
— MLB (@MLB) April 13, 2016
