Bryant ‘s double-double carries Lakers past Celtics

He shot just 10-of-38 over the last two games, although the second game featured some clutch shots in an upset of the Boston Celtics.

There is obviously a great chance that Kobe Bryant gets cheered as he is one of the greatest players of all time.

Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 24 points and seven assists, while Jae Crowder added 17 points and five rebounds. 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. The Celtics won the first time, 4-2, and the Lakers won the second, 4-3.

Bryant already announced his plans to retire after this season – his 20th – all with the Lakers.

His favorite color is green.

When the Celtics were competitive with their big four, Bryant and the Lakers were still one of the best teams in the game. With winning basketball back in Boston and Kobe Bryant playing for the Lakers, the sport’s biggest rivalry was back at full strength.

“Their roster was a mixture of young players, veteran players, nasty, tough players”, Bryant said.

“I think a lot of people have always thought that he and I have always had this rivalry, and it’s the most ridiculous thing”. Philadelphia has just three wins all season but two have come over the last three games – road victories at Phoenix and Sacramento.

While it seems foolish now, the Hornets claimed that they never had any intention of even drafting Bryant. The crowd was gone by then and the building was quieter than he usually experiences it, though it still echoed with the memories of 19-plus years. It was part of the Celtics’ first of three court surfaces; the current floor was installed before this season.

“Our focus can’t be on (Kobe)”.

“I think it should be like that”.

Well on pace for a third straight losing season, the Lakers (5-27) are even further removed from their halcyon days.

Prior to the game, Bryant spoke at length in a press conference including his memories competing against the team that set out to “Beat L-A”.

Bryant loves the boos because it encourages him to be better. “He’s put in 20 hard years and he’s given everything he’s got every single night”. “I’m grateful for the city of Boston and the fans and the organization”. All that changed in 2007 after Boston made several deals to acquire All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to go along with homegrown All-Star Paul Pierce.

The Lakers led 104-102 in the late stages of the fourth quarter, and as the shot clock winded down, old Celts friend Brandon Bass found Bryant beyond the 3-point line.