Skip to main content

Bryant kicks off goodbye tour in Philly

  • Author:
  • Publish date:

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Kobe Bryant's farewell tour begins in the city that loves and hates him.

Bryant will play his first road game since announcing he'll retire after this season in his hometown Tuesday night against the winless Philadelphia 76ers (0-18).

The five-time NBA champion's relationship with Philly fans has been turbulent throughout his 20-year NBA career in Los Angeles. Some love him. Some hate him. Regardless, nearly everyone respects his superstar talent.

There's no doubt Bryant will get a rousing ovation in an arena where he's heard mostly boos over the past two decades. People don't come to watch the Sixers, who've lost an NBA record 28 straight games and are one defeat away from breaking the league record for most losses to start a season. Fans come to see marquee opponents, and nobody fills the seats like Kobe.

--

Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP-RobMaaddi

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.