Golden State Warriors: Lakers to retire Kobe Bryant’s jersey against Dubs
The Golden State Warriors will be in attendance when the Los Angeles Lakers retire the legendary Kobe Bryant’s jersey at Staples Center.
As if tickets to see the Golden State Warriors in the Staples Center weren’t going to be expensive enough, the Los Angeles Lakers fans are going to have to take out a loan to watch the two teams go head-to-head on December 18. According to TMZ Sports, the Lakers are set to retire at least one of Kobe Bryant’s numbers against the Warriors. It will cost a pretty penny to get in if that’s the case.
According to the report, the Lakers sent a letter to season ticket holders, alluding to a big surprise on that date. TMZ Sports, reportedly, has learned that the night will feature a ceremony for the recently retired legend. It’s unknown if Los Angeles will be commemorating both no. 8 and no. 24 on that night or just one of them.
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Bryant played 67 games against the Golden State Warriors in his career. He averaged 27 points, more than five rebounds, and nearly five assists per game against them. He also produced countless highlights against the team.
The beginning of the end for the shooting guard also happened against the Warriors. In 2013, the Lakers were fighting for a playoff spot. With two games left in the season, the team couldn’t afford to lose.
Bryant scored 34 points in a win, but he tore his Achilles that night. He tried to drive against Harrison Barnes but crumpled to the floor just after starting his move. He sunk two free throws and helped the Lakers clinch a playoff spot, beating the Dubs in a close one. Nothing was ever the same for the Black Mamba after that, though.
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Holding this ceremony against the Warriors is an interesting choice. The Lakers would have sold tickets regardless because Golden State has become must-see entertainment. The energy would have been there especially considering the fact that the Warriors haven’t had much success down in Staples when it’s decorated in purple and gold.
Still, the atmosphere will be absolutely electric on that night. The Warriors will certainly want to ruin the Lakers’ fans night.