Things to Know: Lakers at Hawks

The game was close the rest of the way and was decided in the final minutes. After announcing his retirement earlier this week, everyone was hoping that the Black Mamba will repeat his past performance one last time and this probably was the match in which Bryant showed his class.

Bryant’s decision to announce that he will retire after this season somehow eases the burden off him but not on the Lakers.

Two games into a farewell tour that’s already included an emotional night in his home city, a visit to the White House and a vintage performance, Kobe Bryant is still getting used to all the love. But on Thursday he went on to score 31 points including 10-of-24 from shooting and 4-of-11 from 3 pointers much to the thrill of the crowd and his teammates. “There is no way we should be 18, (19) points to a team that has 15 losses”.

Bryant’s lovely poem described his love for the game of basketball, but how it is time to call it a career, as his body can no longer handle it.

“The last couple of minutes, we tried to get to him”, Lakers coach Byron Scott said via USA Today.

It’s noble for Bryant to ignore coach Bryon Scott’s foolish views on three-pointers and lead the charge on that front-eight of the past nine National Basketball Association champions have led all playoff teams in attempts and makes, after all.

In a career defined by incredible moments and amazingly timed shots, Kobe’s had a tough go the first few months of the season. On the other hand, if someone is left off the team, like Kawhi Leonard or Paul George – and I’m just using names – for that goal, then you have to weigh that fairness, to some degree. Bryant finished with 34 points; his free throws helped the Lakers pull out a 118-116 victory. G Nick Young did not play for the first time this season. The Atlanta Hawks, in association with the Atlanta Zoo, have named their black mamba after Bryant, as the Lakers come to Atlanta tonight for Bryant’s final appearance there.

Wizards: Host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.