Today marks the last day of Kobe Bryant’s basketball career. He will be known for his dedication to the game, unparalleled skills and work ethic. Our Five Things to Know is about the master of the pump fake, the $4 million apology gift and a legendary career – Kobe Bryant.
See you in the senior basketball leagues,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Five things to know about Kobe Bryant
At age 6, Young Kobe moved to Italy for his father’s career. His father Joe “Jelly Bean” Bryant played in the NBA and in Europe. Kobe’s favorite sport is soccer, not basketball like you might’ve guessed. He’s a big fan of Italy’s AC Milan.
Kobe (nickname Black Mamba) was drafted right out of high school in Philadelphia by the Charlotte Hornets as the #13 pick in the 1996 NBA draft. He was then traded to Los Angeles Lakers where he spent his entire career.
Kobe went to prom with singer Brandy in 1996. According to her, he was late picking her up.
He apparently loves music because he met his wife Vanessa while recording a rap song. (She was a backup dancer working in the same building). They were married when he was 22 and she was 19. The couple has two daughters.
By the numbers - Five NBA Championships, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 2008 NBA MVP, 18-time all-star, leading scorer in Los Angeles Lakers history and 1996 High School Player of the Year. There are more accolades than we have space to mention. Now that’s a career.
MLB (MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL)
Leaving fans in the dark. The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most popular teams in the league, so why are fans in the dark when it comes to watching their games on TV? There is a big dispute between cable companies that is keeping the team off the TV and there’s no sign of hope for screen time anytime soon.
I got it! Normally we wouldn’t encourage grown men to bring their glove to the stadium to catch fly balls but this Tigers fan was determined to have a big day. He caught five foul balls for little Tiger fans.
NBA (National Basketball Association)
Pick your poison. Tonight you will be forced to make a choice between Kobe Bryant’s last game as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers or the Golden State Warriors playing to take home the single season win record at 73. Both games start at 7:30 pm (EST) with the Lakers playing the Utah Jazz on ESPN2 and the Warriors playing the Grizzlies on ESPN.
NHL (National Hockey League)
- No playoffs eh? The NHL playoffs start tonight and for the first time since 1970 there are no Canadian teams in the playoffs.
- What are the odds? According to vegasinsider.com these teams are favored to win the Stanley Cup. 1. Washington Capitals 2. Chicago Blackhawks 3. Pittsburgh Penguins
- Show me some hockey. Here’s a link to the TV schedule and the playoff bracket.
- Who to watch. Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane is the first American born player to lead NHL in scoring.
Overtime
Los Angeles Clippers saved their best halftime performance for the end of the season. Aye Chihuahua.
Sideline stat
Kobe Bryant holds the second highest single game scoring performance with 81 points against Toronto Raptors in 2006. (For comparison sake – the Lakers scored a total of 79 points as a team in Monday night’s game against the Thunder).
Coaches’ Corner
What is the Stanley Cup? The Stanley Cup is the trophy awarded to the NHL Champions, the team that wins the NHL playoffs.
