The Los Angeles Lakers claimed their third consecutive victory Sunday night thanks to a 100-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, avenging a loss earlier in the season. However, the win took a backseat to Kobe Bryant and his passing of Michael Jordan for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
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The Wolves honored the Laker legend after the made free-throw with a temporary stoppage in play, so the 19-year veteran could soak in the moment. All signs point to Kobe leaving the league after next season and fans are cherishing some of his last great accomplishments.
With Bryant on the verge of retirement, he is doing some reflecting on his own and compared himself to another Hall-of-Fame athlete that decided to call it quits via Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report:
KB on Jeter: “I guarantee you our competitive spirit is exactly the same. He just hides it better–or chooses to hide it. I don’t hide it.”
— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) December 15, 2014
Derek Jeter was respected by fans and players of every MLB team and his retirement was celebrated by all those who watched the sport. Jeter also has five championship rings and although he is equally as competitive as Bryant, the Yankee shortstop is definitely not as outspoken as Kobe is.
In the final months of Jeter’s career, all sports followers showed their appreciation for what he meant to baseball. From inspiring commercials to the various celebrations at MLB stadiums, Jeter’s farewell was nothing but perfection. Even though Kobe is a very polarizing figure, we should be expecting the same kind of treatment when the Black Mamba wears the purple-and-gold for the final time.
[divide]Kobe Bryant Passes Michael Jordan On NBA All-Time Scoring List
