Vintage Kobe pours in 28 points in nail-biting loss to Kings

Fans of smart, clean basketball were likely forced to avert their eyes Thursday night as two struggling teams took the court in California's capital.

The Sacramento Kings hosted the Los Angeles Lakers in what started out as a lopsided affair but wound up being quite the thriller in the end.

Kobe Bryant's final game in Sac-Town did not disappoint, as the "Black Mamba" stole the show with a vintage 28-point performance.

The 37-year-old made history on this night as well, becoming the youngest player to reach 33,000 points.

Related: Kobe continues to lead All-Star balloting by healthy margin

However, Bryant's efforts - supported by impressive contributions from D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Lou Williams - were all for naught as the Lakers lost 118-115, dropping their second consecutive game and falling to 8-29 on the season.

Despite the win, Kings head coach George Karl has reason to be upset with his squad - they lost a 27-point lead as the Lakers went on a 46-18 run during the second half.

Big man DeMarcus Cousins had a monster night - 29 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists - as five of his teammates scored in double figures; Rudy Gay (18), Quincy Acy (18), Ben McLemore (16), Kosta Koufos (14), and Marco Belinelli (11).

To make matters worse for the Lakers, the near-victory may have come at a cost, as Russell injured his right ankle on a crucial scoring drive late in the fourth quarter.

The rookie went to the locker room and did not return to the game.

The Kings (15-21) currently sit half a game out of the playoff picture, trailing the 15-20 Utah Jazz.