Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant made some consolatory history Thursday during a frustrating final season, becoming the third player in the NBA to reach 33,000 career points.
The NBA on TNT reported the news of Bryant's milestone amid the Lakers' game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena:
Bryant scored 18 points in the first half of his final game in Sacramento. His squad trailed 69-48 at the break.
The Lakers entered Thursday's contest with an 8-28 record. Bryant was averaging 17.2 points per contest—but on an average of 17.2 field-goal attempts.
It isn't exactly the swan song Bryant was hoping for to cap off an epic career that's featured five NBA championships. He probably deserves better. Nevertheless, he refuses to give up, which was evident in his hot opening half against the Kings.
Part of the reason L.A. hasn't been able to surround Bryant with better supporting talent is his massive contract. The Lakers will have more roster flexibility when Bryant retires to surround their young core of Jordan Clarkson, D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle.
A coaching change may well be in order because of Byron Scott's inability to bring about progress to one of the Association's pre-eminent franchises.
Bryant has already cemented himself as an all-time great, but his relentless competitive fire is still on display amid a compelling NBA farewell tour.
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