Kobe struggles as Lakers go down 103-91 to 76ers ending their 18 game losing streak.

Los Angeles (AFP) - The Philadelphia 76ers' historic and agonizing losing streak finally ended as Kobe Bryant suffered more defeat with the Los Angeles Lakers in his first road match since announcing his plans to retire.




One more defeat for the Sixers on Tuesday -- 0-18 heading into the game -- would have given them sole possession of the record for the worst start to a season in NBA history.
They had already set a record for the longest losing streak in the history of the NBA, with 28 defeats stretching over last season and the current campaign.
But a 23-point haul from forward Robert Covington laid the foundation for a deserved 103-91 Sixers victory as Bryant and the Lakers tumbled to 2-15, the worst record in the Western Conference.
Jerami Grant and Nerlens Noel added 14 points apiece while rookie Jahlil Okafor was one of three Philadelphia players to finish with 12 points.
"I'm pleased for the city," Sixers coach Brett Brown said. "We don't want the streak continuing. .... Obviously, this is a relief on many levels."


Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a missed shot in the game against the Philadelphia 

Bryant meanwhile was the top scorer for the Lakers, producing 20 points, two assists and five rebounds.
Bryant's haul also featured four three-pointers. But the 37-year-old's effort was in vain, and his final numbers were just 7-for-26 from the floor.
"God knows I can't sustain that level of energy for 48 minutes like I used to," Bryant said.
On Sunday, Bryant triggered an outpouring of tributes after confirming that his glittering 20-year career in the NBA would end at the end of this season.

- Kobe emotional -

But it promises to be a long goodbye for the veteran superstar in every sense, with the Lakers inexperienced roster a pale imitation of the five NBA championship-winning teams Bryant played on during the previous decade.
Yet none of that mattered in Philadelphia. The home fans gave him a standing ovation as he took to the court for the warm-up and again when his name was introduced.
Bryant's coach from school basketball was also on hand to present a framed jersey from his prep years.
"I'm not the most emotional person," Bryant said. "I try not to be. But that got to me."