Kobe Bryant announced his 20th season would be his final in the NBA on Sunday, prior to the Lakers’ game at Staples against the Pacers. Fittingly, Los Angeles’ first road game since that day was in Philadelphia and, as expected, the Sixers gave the future Hall of Famer a warm reception.
Bryant, of course, was born in Philadelphia and his father (Joe “Jellybean” Bryant) played for the Sixers from 1975 through 1979. Prior to tip off, Julius Erving and Gregg Downer, the head coach at Lower Merion high school where Kobe attended, presented Bryant with a No. 24 jersey.
When it was time for his introduction, Bryant not surprisingly received a standing ovation.
Finally, there was this tribute video to Bryant.
While this certainly won’t be the last ceremony Kobe Bryant receives as his farewell tour extends across the country, it will likely be among the more special since it took place in his hometown. Well indeed by the Sixers.
