Los Angeles, CA – The winning most franchises in NBA history collide for a regular season matchup the just happen to be legend Kobe Bryant last in the series. The Boston Celtics defeated Los Angeles Lakers 107 – 100 tonight in front of the Staples Center sell out crowd. Kobe played 33 minutes and scored 34 points in a losing effort.
The Laker home crowd was treated to a big dose of Kobe who looked great coming off of three days rest and little extra juice because it’s Boston. You could tell right away Kobe was looking to score with his two daughters and wife sitting courtside to watch. After 20 years, two NBA Finals meetings and countless major moments, Kobe Bryant cherished the history of the Los Angeles Lakers’ rivalry with the Boston Celtics.
With Boston sitting in 4th place in Eastern Conference they need to get tonight win while they jockey for playoff position. The Lakers went down by as many 17 in first half but found the mojo to battle back and make it a tough victory for Boston. Isaiah Thomas lead Boston with 26 points and hit few key shots when needed to hold back an upset on an emotional night. Boston forward Jae Crowder helped out with 22 points of his own.
Tonight’s contest vs Kobe was won by second chance points, and fast break points which Boston had the advantage. After the first quarter was over Lakers 32 year Trainer Gary Vitti had a send off from the fans and was presented a personalized Laker Jersey.
Kobe spoke about his farewell tour, “Coming into tonight there are three home games left, now two. To the extent that my body will allow me, I am going to do my best to give the fans what they came to see.”
So next up for the Lakers and Kobe will be a back to back hallway series versus the Clippers before closing out with Utah at home on April 13th.
