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player ready...Kobe Bryant looked at ease remembering his 20-year NBA career Sunday night.
The characteristically stern future Hall of Famer joked about his Chicago memories with the press, recalling, “getting schooled by a baseline dunk the first time I matched up with [Michael Jordan].”
In just a couple hours, he’d step on the United Center court, playing against the Bulls for the last time as an NBA superstar and Los Angeles Laker.
His affable tone was typical for his farewell tour. Even though the Lakers are the second-worst team in basketball at this point in the season and his final season isn’t the championship run his fans wanted, Bryant’s soaking up every moment. He was all smiles on the court and off despite the fact the understaffed Bulls defeated his Lakers 126-115. Bryant ended his career at the United Center with a 6-9 record.
While the red carpet has been rolled out for Bryant at every road stop this season, his time in Chicago’s been highlighted by memorable games and the two times (in 2004 and 2007) it looked like he’d be traded to the Bulls.
“I did think [I was going to become a Bull],” he said. “My wife and I were planning travel arrangements to come out to Chicago to look at homes and schools. Then Shaq [Shaquille O’Neal] requested a trade [in 2004] and then that went off the table.”
It was also special for Bryant to reuinite with his former teammate and friend Pau Gasol.
“I tried everything under the sun to convince him to stay [with the Lakers],” Bryant said.
As a lifelong Bulls fan, I never really rooted for Bryant. But I remember countless times where I’ve sat mouth agape watching the now-37-year-old destroy opposing defenses (hero ball!) and box scores (the 81-point game!).
After Jordan’s dominance and six championships with the Bulls, Bryant’s Lakers seemed poised to take the throne. While he never matched Jordan’s greatness on the court (just look at these advanced metrics), he came close to matching him in championships (five).
Bryant’s unrelenting drive and astounding work ethic was the stuff of legend and it showed. No player seemed to thrive more on the scorn of opposing fans and because of that, no player was more thrilling to watch.
As of Saturday night, tickets on StubHub were $146 for standing room only while courtside seats ran $7,383 each. On Sunday, a number of fans waited outside the United Center more than an hour before the doors opened.
“He’s the best player alive right now,” said Nick, a 29-year-old Bulls fan who was wearing a Bryant No. 8 jersey.
“I was going to buy tickets regardless, but as soon as he announced he was retiring I got tickets right away,” said Jesús, a 25-year-old die-hard Lakers fan. “I was born here in Chicago but I’ve always been a Kobe fan first.”
Watching Bryant play now isn’t the same awe-inspiring experience it’s historically been. He hasn’t been the same since tearing his Achilles tendon in April 2013. His field-goal percentage has declined to an asoundingly low 35 percent in 2015-16, despite his shot attempts not dipping dramatically.
That didn’t really matter though, because all eyes were glued to Bryant with every shot and possession. Toward the end of the game a “we want Kobe!” chant echoed through the arena, and fans got their wish. Coming off a minor injury (a dislocated finger), Bryant had a pretty good game, going 8-for-20 from the field and scoring 22 points with one assist and four rebounds in 27 minutes.
Even though Bulls fans have spent most of Bryant’s career either hoping he doesn’t surpass Jordan’s records or wishing he became a Bull, the audience didn’t mind as Bryant went on a roll early in the second half. After all, Sunday was mostly about respecting one of the best players to play the game and in return, Bulls fans got a win and a thrilling show.
@joshhterry | [email protected]
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