Kobe Bryant's farewell tour around the NBA is starting to wind down and I will be one of the few people on the planet that believes the end cannot get here fast enough. Kobe Bryant came into the NBA out of high school in Philadelphia and was drafted in the first round, 13th overall, by the Charlotte Hornets. He refused to play for the Hornets and demanded to be traded to one of three NBA teams. A trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was worked out and a star was born. There is no denying Kobe's talent and his place in NBA history.
When he announced that this would be his final NBA season an amazing transformation occurred. Bryant suddenly has the congeniality of a game show host, granting interviews and clowning around in front of the cameras. His last appearance in Charlotte really caught my attention. These were the same fans he refused to play in front of to start his career but the same fans that he did not want to miss seeing him play his last time in Charlotte. In a tribute fitting for his final season, Michael Jordan recorded a message that was played for Kobe. Kobe went out and shot 5 for 20 from the field, including 3 for 12 from the three-point line.
The Los Angeles Lakers have sacrificed this season in order for Kobe Bryant to say his good bye's and to receive all of the accolades. He has played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers and that is a rarity these days in any sport. The Lakers are not a good team this season and Bryant is shooting a career low .355% from the field. He has already played more games this season that he has in the previous two seasons combined. When he scored 38 points the other night that was the lead story on the majority of the sports highlights shows. I will be glad when the spotlight fades.
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