The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Farewell Tour is officially underway and resumes Wednesday afternoon against the Washington Wizards
For a team who is notorious for spurning their “prodigal son” whenever he comes home, the City of Brotherly Love did their best to make up for lost time, showering Kobe Bryant with love and affection Tuesday night when he returned for the final time in his illustrious 20 year career.
The Philadelphia 76ers opened with an impressive tribute video, a personal gift delivered by none other than legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving himself, but what most surprised Kobe was the cheers from the fans.
Kobe introduced in Philadelphia! #LALatPHI https://t.co/YXU2Hdn1Sv
— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2015
Kobe started off the game hot, with 13 points in the first quarter on 5-for-10 shooting, but quickly cooled down missing 14 of his next 16 shots, finishing with only 20 points.
In typical Byron Scott fashion, he admitted that some of Kobe’s shots were “ill-advised”, but basically that fans are just going to have to deal with it.
"Yeah, there’s going to be some games like that that you’re just going to live and die with it. You just hope that you don’t die too much. You hope that you can live a little bit more. Yeah, there’s going to be some nights like that."
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Considering the Lakers are currently 2-15, they are currently leaning more so towards the “dying” end of the spectrum, but that’s fine. This season was never about winning games, it was about developing the youth and celebrating Kobe, both of which are happening.
With each passing game, rookie stud D’Angelo Russell and sophomore sensation Jordan Clarkson are making strides to reaffirm GM Mitch Kupchak‘s belief that they are the back court of the future.
Wednesday night the Lakers look to end their losing streaking against the Wizards but will have a tough time doing so on the road in Washington DC.
The Wizards are currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference at (7-8) and are desperate to prove detractors wrong. John Wall was never one to abide by the mercy rule, so don’t expect Washington to do Los Angeles any kindnesses.
Los Angeles Lakers at Washington Wizards
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 2
Start Time: 4 PM PT
Location: Washington DC
Arena: Verizon Center
TV Info: TWC Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, 1330 AM ESPN Deportes
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Washington Wizards -10
Moneyline: Washington Wizards -650, Los Angeles Lakers +475
O/U: 202
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers:
None
Washington Wizards:
Out: Alan Anderson (ankle)
Questionable: Nene (left calf), Gary Neal (groin), Drew Gooden (calf, back)
Prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers struggle to corral opposing back courts and the Wizards have arguably the second best one in the league. Bradley Beal and John Wall are averaging 20 and 19 points respectively, so expect them to continue to expose the Lakers young guards.
Next: Jahlil Okafor on Seeing Kobe 'Like A God Kind Of
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