Bryant wins one last time in Boston

In what ended up being one of the most epic championship series in sports history, the Lakers outlasted Boston and captured their 16th NBA Title.

Bryant (15 points, 5/18 FG) had another woeful shooting night but was extremely active on the boards (11 rebounds) and played some tenacious defense for a 37-year-old. Guard Jordan Clarkson had 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting against Boston for his sixth 20-point outing of the season.BUZZER BEATERS 1. The crowd chanted “Kobe!” After icing the ankle, Nance Jr. played for 7 minutes, 33 seconds in the third quarter before resting in the final period.

The confusing thing for my youngest was the fact that there were so many Lakers fans in the crowd that he wasn’t sure what to cheer for. And it’s a weird feeling, walking across the center court, looking down at that logo.

It’s safe to say he is undoubtedly the most decorated player in franchise history – but is he the best?

As if it could stop him from playing one last time here. “It’s got to be on us getting better”, coach Brad Stevens said.

Bryant received a huge ovation when he was announced for the starting lineup and touched his chest before waving to the fans. “So I don’t think they really understand how much they meant to my career”.

Jae Crowder has never been one to shy away from a challenge since being traded to the Celtics last December. “He’s brought a lot to the National Basketball Association, and everyone respects what he does and what he did”. Bryant said he could hear the haunting percussion through the walls in the locker room and knew that game time was near.

“For the second half of my career, the most important piece is that we lost in 2008”, Bryant said. Turns out they can run plays rather than just isolation sets in the final minute, and at the end of regulation and overtime it was Butler stepping up and finishing, such as hitting a crucial three in the final minute of regulation to help force OT.

San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge had his way down low, scoring 21 points and 12 rebounds in a 112-79 rout of the Suns.

Nerlens Noel led the way with a season-high 20 points and nine rebounds, while Ish Smith had 18 points and nine assists.

In other games: the Orlando Magic rallied past the visiting Brooklyn Nets 100-93; the Toronto Raptors held off the visiting Washington Wizards 94-91; and the Portland Trail Blazers bounced the visiting Denver Nuggets 110-103. Reserve Austin Rivers added 22 points and Chris Paul posted a double-double with 19 points and 11 assists.

Kemba Walker scored 29 points for the Hornets (17-14), who will be without centre Al Jefferson for at least six weeks following arthroscopic right knee surgery.