Last week, Kobe Bryant finished his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers in dramatic fashion with the five-time NBA champion torching the Utah Jazz for 60 points at the Staples Center. Bryant’s incredible farewell performance caught the attention of the entire country as well as Kobe fans around the world with many marveling at his ability to finish his career in such a way.
Among the many superstar athletes and celebrities to react to Kobe’s 60-point performance on social media was Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook took to Snapchat last Wednesday night after Bryant had surpassed the 50-point mark against the Jazz, via Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman:
Russell Westbrook with about the same reaction most had when watching Kobe last night pic.twitter.com/vfBskpGE68
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 14, 2016
Bryant got off to a slow start against the Jazz missing his first five shots. It seemed as though Kobe had no energy left and no lift in his 37-year-old legs, but then the face of the Lakers franchise turned things around. Kobe scored 22 points in the first half and erupted for 38 in the second half while leading Los Angeles to a win over Utah.
Before facing the Jazz on Wednesday, Bryant played the last away game of his 20-year career against the Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. Following the loss to the Thunder, Kobe had high praise for Westbrook claiming he sees “a ton” of similarities between himself and the UCLA product.
With Bryant now retired, the Lakers brass will look for the next face of the franchise with Westbrook being a distinct possibility in the summer of 2017. Westbrook’s teammate, Kevin Durant, is also a potential target for the Lakers this summer when the one-time NBA MVP hits the free-agent market in July.
Los Angeles Lakers(96) - Minnesota Timberwolves(103)