We’re dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on the Kobe Bryant chapter of NBA history. Wednesday was a significant piece of those final pages.
The Los Angeles Lakers star was welcomed with open arms — quite literally — by the Cleveland Cavalier fans and players during his final visit to The Land.
Kobe first captivated fans with his showcase in the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest (in Cleveland), when the then 18-year-old officially put himself on the map.
Farewell @KobeBryant. #TheLand will never forget these moments.#CavsLakers #KB20https://t.co/L9YI1waXF6
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 11, 2016
They repaid him with plenty of love Wednesday night in the Cavs’ 120-111 victory over L.A.
Bryant and LeBron James shared a moment before the game.
Kobe Bryant signs and gives his kicks to LeBron James. Real recognize real. #Respect #KB20 pic.twitter.com/1j4e3HaMXw
— NBA SKITS (@NBA_Skits) February 11, 2016
The fans got their chance, too, as they nearly blew the roof off the arena during Bryant’s chilling introduction.
These @kobebryant intros are pretty cool … #KB20 https://t.co/KmvlVoKQsL
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 11, 2016
James, who finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists in the victory, was asked postgame about the evening.
Hear from @KingJames after tonight's win and what he had to say about Kobe Bryant's last visit to Cleveland. https://t.co/uTvelXdMnQ
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 11, 2016
Bryant was, unsurprisingly, grateful.
"Appreciate the amount of respect that the fans gave me tonight" –@kobebryant https://t.co/X6YJeaQB7R
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 11, 2016
Bryant finished the game with a respectable 17 points, and though the two teams will play again next month, Wednesday offered James and all of Cleveland a chance to contribute to Bryant’s farewell tour.
Either way, the night was one we’ll always remember.
Thumbnail photo via David Richard/USA TODAY Sports Images
