The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night at the Staples Center with Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki going head-to-head for the last time. Although Bryant’s longevity is impressive to say the least with the superstar playing in his 20th NBA season, Nowitzki isn’t far behind with the German forward in his 18th season in the league.
Heading into this showdown between Bryant and Nowitzki, Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle talked about what it means to see these two legends battling it out one last time. Carlisle said tonight’s game will be historic and expressed the organization’s respect for the Lakers star via Dwain Price of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Carlisle on Kobe-Dirk's last game: "It’s a historic moment 4 our league and 4 our team, because we have such great respect for Kobe Bryant."
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) January 26, 2016
Nowitzki also showed his respect for Bryant by agreeing with Kevin Durant’s recent assessment of the future Hall of Famer’s legacy via Price:
Dirk on Kobe: “I think KD (Kevin Durant) said it best. For our generation, (Bryant) was our Michael Jordan.''
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) January 26, 2016
It may only be midway through the season for the Lakers and Mavericks, but Tuesday will be the final time these two teams square off. Dallas won the two previous meeting and will look to pull off the sweep on Tuesday night on the road in Los Angeles.
Bryant’s farewell tour will continue Thursday with Pau Gasol’s Chicago Bulls coming to Los Angeles to face the Lakers. This matchup will also be an emotional one for Bryant as he faces Gasol for the final time at the Staples Center.
