Kobe Bryant fans from Italy paid $8,500, quit jobs to go to 76ers game

When Kobe Bryant announced over the weekend that he is retiring at the end of the season, ticket prices for Lakers games at all venues went through the roof. Tickets for Tuesday night’s game against 76ers — Kobe’s last in Philadelphia — were said to be going for upwards of six times face value.

Two fans from Italy who were sitting courtside at the Wells Fargo Center can attest to that. They held a sign claiming they spent a total of $8,500 (each?) and quit their jobs to watch their “hero” play his last game in Philly.

Two guys sitting courtside at Lakers-Sixers game tonight flew in from Italy pic.twitter.com/MCfoOyQnGd

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 2, 2015

Kobe was born in Philadelphia, moved to Italy for several years and then returned to play high school ball in Philly. You can understand why Tuesday night’s game was so meaningful, though we wouldn’t blame you if you have a more difficult time understanding why someone would QUIT THEIR JOB to witness it.

The Sixers held a nice ceremony for Bryant before the game. You can see a video of that here.