Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers – 1/1/16 NBA Pick, Odds, and Prediction

During that time, Celtics fans only cheered for Bryant when he collected fouls or missed shots. “[Hornets coach Dave] Cowens told me he didn’t want me”, Bryant said, according to ESPN, after a 108-98 defeat to the Hornets Monday.

Bass says he embraced rebuilding with both Lakers, Celtics: The man faces his former National Basketball Association team with the same fanfare that many would describe Brandon Bass himself. “The history I think is what makes this city different than all the rest”. You know what I’m saying? “What kind of dad does that?'” he recalled. “I know he’s going to be very professional when he’s out there”. I became extremely comfortable. “I had to work twice as hard being undersized, anyway”.

“I’ve never even known that he knew of my existence!” Bryant tied as the Lakers’ fourth-highest scorer of the game, while taking the most shots. He even received “M-V-P” chants.

Los Angeles Lakers’ Louis Williams (23) passes over Boston Celtics’ James Young (13) and Amir Johnson during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game in Boston on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015. “It’s going to happen”.

The unique environment is what defined Wednesday night’s chapter of the longstanding rivalry, as fans filled TD Garden to witness Kobe Bryant’s 23rd and final game in Boston.

The Lakers used the motivation from their loss at the hands of the Celtics to come back stronger than ever and win their 15th Title against the Orlando Magic in 2009.

While the Celtics and Lakers are navigating rebuilds, to varying degrees of success in recent seasons, Bryant said he is certain the rivalry will shine again.

“Just tried to cherish it as much as possible”, he said. Trivia: The Celtics selected Antoine Walker in the 1996 draft instead of a 17-year-old Kobe Bryant. Bryant, asked how big a role Boston has played in his story, said, “For the second half of my career here, it’s the most important piece”. “I was determined and said, ‘Listen, I have to figure a solution and do whatever is necessary”. Reserve Evan Turner added 20 points and Jae Crowder contributed 17 for Boston.

The Celtics were fresh of a 66-win season after a summer of adding Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to form “The Big Three” with Paul Pierce. Lakers’ other two future stars – Julius Randle (15 points, 12 rebounds) and D’Angelo Russell (16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) – also had fine outings as Lakers posted an all-round effort for their sixth win of the season. She was mad. I showed her the video of us losing to the Celtics and me walking off the court crying.

They did, though Bryant said the 2008 Finals loss still stands out more. And as it has been all season for him, what the fans wanted and what he can deliver is just a few turn-back-the-clock moments a night. That’s just how sports are.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: “This place is always special to me”. “Why would you do that to me?!” “If you lived in Boston, a lot of the memories aren’t good ones”.