Durant and Thunder thump Lakers as Bryant sits out with sore shoulder

That included spinning around Lakers forward Julius Randle on a baseline drive that he finished off with a dunk.

“What you’ve done for me is far greater than anything I’ve done for you”, Bryant wrote.

“It would be a attractive thing personally to finish my career on the worldwide stage”.

Even during his late-career struggles with the foundering Lakers, Bryant’s fans have remained devoted to the 6-foot-6 star who won titles alongside Shaquille O’Neal in 2000, 2001 and 2002 before teaming with Pau Gasol for two more in 2009 and 2010.

Anthony made 12 of 20 shots from the field and helped the Knicks lead for the final 38-plus minutes on a night when they shot 50 percent from the floor.

“Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in the history of our game”, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “I’ve never seen so many “24” jerseys in (road) arenas”. It’s how do I impact the generation of players coming in by what I have done. “I don’t think the basketball gods have treated me unfairly”.

The Lakers rookie point guard got teed up during the Lakers’ 107-87 loss to the Rockets for leaving the bench to celebrate Bryant’s dunk over Houston’s Clint Capela, the Los Angeles Times reported. He is the all-time leader in scoring for games on the holiday.

Inhibited by injuries in recent seasons, Bryant is now suffering with a sore right shoulder, and his performances have not been up the standard his fans have grown accustomed to during his stellar career. The Thunder flirted with breaking their record for margin of victory, which is 45 points.

I would have loved to play overseas for a season. The body won’t let me. “No matter who it is – I try not to worry about it and just play my game”. They play with no joy half the time and without any urgency, especially when they’re away from home (And they’ve been away a lot).

Bryant has averaged only 16.7 points on 33.9 percent shooting, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 30.8 minutes per game.

“He’s a tremendous player”.

Bryant also zeroed in on the Lakers’ front office. The heckling got on his nerves during a game on Tuesday in Sacramento, as rumors are flying that he might be traded or that he is unhappy and not really trying.

“If you don’t win a championship the season is a failure”.

Bryant, who spent some of his youth in Italy, said he plans to be a global ambassador for the sport, naming Singapore and Africa as two of his planned destinations.

Bryant said talent is one thing, but Simmons’ drive and passion for the game will define if he is a success in the National Basketball Association or not.