Kobe cheered, scores 18 in possible MSG finale
Los Angeles Lakers coach Byron Scott said Sunday that Kobe Bryant told him he might retire after this season.
Byron said Kobe recently told him, “Coach, again, this might be my last year, so, if possible, I would like to try to play every game."
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) November 9, 2015
"That's the first time that he hinted to me that this might be his last year," Scott said before the Lakers dropped to 1-5 with a loss to the New York Knicks. "He really wants to play every single game."
Related - Kobe: 'If you asked me today, this would be my last year'
Given the ineptitude of the Knicks, it's been a long time since Madison Square Garden was truly the "Mecca of Basketball." Still, fans in New York understand the game and appreciate those who've carried it. It's why the crowd there used to cheer for Michael Jordan despite the legend regularly torching the Knicks.
That's why Bryant got the same treatment Sunday in what could've been his final game at the storied arena.
Kobe Bryant getting introduced.
Crazy amount of #lakers fans at MSG! pic.twitter.com/8HiPVHbQFu
— rob (@R0BaTO) November 8, 2015
Bryant scored his first NBA point via a free throw in MSG on Nov. 5, 1996. Entering Sunday's game, Bryant averaged 30.7 points in 15 career games at the Garden, the highest among active players. His 61-point performance there on Feb. 2, 2009 remains a record for a visiting player.
On Sunday, Bryant scored 18 points on 6-of-19 shooting, with two rebounds and three assists. It was his worst performance at the famed arena since his second season in the league in 1998.
The Lakers lost 99-95, and Bryant walked off the floor - perhaps for the last time.
After the game, Bryant was asked by a throng of media what his legacy would be, if in fact this is his last season.
"A talented overachiever," the noted type-A personality said. "I've really worked my butt off every single day to make sure I left no stone unturned and try to push it as much as I possibly could."