| |
|
NBA -- Lakers fall in Kobe's final Xmas Day game
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 27 Dec 2015
CHICAGO -- In his 20 decorated seasons in the NBA, Kobe Bryant had appeared in a record 16 Christmas Day games. His last one was early today at the Staples Center and it left little memories for the five-time champion's scrapbook.
The 37-year old Bryant who will be retiring at season's end, made only 4-of-10 field goals and settled with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes and four seconds of action. He sat out the entire fourth quarter as their crosstown rivals, the L.A. Clippers hung on to a 94-84 triumph in front of 18, 997 fans at the Staples Center.
"There's a little mixed emotions, honestly. I mean, I'm so used to playing on Christmas it's kind of become part of our family routine," the 17-time All-Star told NBA.com. "I'm just very, very thankful to be able to play this many games on Christmas. Growing up and watching the Bulls and the Knicks and all those great games on Christmas Day, having been a part of this for many years has been cool."
With the latest setback, the Lakers fell to 5-25, last place in the Western Conference.
Chris Paul guided the Clips with 23 points and six dimes while Blake Griffin and Jamal Crawford each had 13. The Clips entered the final 12 minutes with an 85-57 advantage, which proved more than enough to hold off the Lakers who made a great fourth quarter run.
D'Angelo Russell led all Lakers with 16 while Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle contributed 11 apiece. The Lakers converted only 32 of 77 field goals (41.6 percent) and 7-of-23 triples (30.4 percent). They also missed 12 of their 25 free throws.
Photo: In his final Xmas Day game, Kobe Bryant managed just 12 points as his Lakers fell to the Clippers, 94-84 at Staples Center.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 16 FEBRUARY 2026: Ajagba, Dzambekov, Ruiz Register Stoppage Wins in Zuffa Event
By Eric Armit, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026Mexican government and WBC join forces to create mega-project “Boxing for Peace”
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026All eyes on GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026WBC Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios Locked in for Ryan Garcia Showdown February 21 at T-Mobile Arena
, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Dana White mocks traditional boxing promoters: "No contest, it's like hitting babies"
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026LEIGH WOOD OUTLINES PLAN OF ATTACK FOR SOLD OUT REMATCH AGAINST JOSH WARRINGTON
, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Cain Velasquez released from a California State prison
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026Patrick Rivera wins Pacman's Cue Club 10-Ball Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 17 Feb 2026Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor Fighting again in Detroit this Sunday on Claressa Shields’ card
, Tue, 17 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES Gabriela Tellez Ready to Make a Statement This Friday in Orlando
, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 16 Feb 2026Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
, Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
, Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
, Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
, Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
, Thu, 12 Feb 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
