It was only fitting that on Throwback Thursday, the Kings would almost choke and lose a 27 point lead to Kobe and the Lakers. It was also fitting that 37 year old Kobe Bryant, in his final game at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, would throw down a surprising alley-oop dunk and go off on the former "rival" for 28 points (10 of 18 shooting) in 3 quarters on a Throwback Thursday. And since its' 2016 and not 2001, it was only fitting that the Lakers got the L and the Kings pushed their win streak against the Lakers to 5 - longest in franchise history.
"Kobe was amazing; I tip my hat to him. He had a great game and gave the crowd what they wanted," said Ben McLemore. "Defending him in his final game in Sacramento was an honor. It's something I will remember forever."
Kings GM Vlade Divac also celebrated Throwback Thursday by reminding Kobe of a moment he will always remember forever.
"He gave me a Charlotte Hornets jersey. No. 8. It's awesome," said Bryant. "He has a great sense of humor and is a real practical joker. It goes well with my sarcasm."
Earlier this week, Divac said he was "devastated" when he was traded to the Hornets for the draft rights of Kobe Bryant back in 1996 and thought about retiring or vetoing the trade. Thankfully for everybody, Kobe became part of a dynasty in LA and Divac went to Charlotte which led him to Sacramento where he now happily is the franchise's GM.
Now let's just hope Kobe doesn't miss the next few games because the last time he dunked he missed 3.