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NBA -- D-Rose gives high praise to retiring Kobe
By Anthony Rozic
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 24 Feb 2016
CHICAGO -- Words are often hard to find when talking about the greatness of Kobe Bryant.
But when the face of the Lakers franchise visited the United Center for the last time on February 21, Bulls star Derrick Rose made a very apt description. In a video tribute during players' introductions, he described Kobe as "the Michael Jordan of our generation."
Hard to argue.
Not only is Kobe an 18-time All-Star, he ruled the NBA universe for the most part of the 2000s, guiding the Lakers to five championships, including a rare back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.
Injuries have since slowed the 37-year old Bryant, who is entering his 20th season as a Laker. Clearly, his best hoops years are behind him now, but he can still put on a show, although not as consistently as he used to. And that's why fans still show up in hordes to watch him these days.
These days, fans come mainly to thank Kobe for the memories and for helping make the NBA what it is today, a beautiful game populated by likable stars.
Such was the case at the United Center last Sunday when a standing room only crowd of 23,143 showed up. They cheered, they chanted and they clapped for Kobe Bryant.
Kobe didn't disappoint, scoring 22 points on 8-for-20 shooting. He missed 6-of-7 triples but made 5-of-7 free throws. The Lakers lost, 126-115, thanks largely to Rose, who sizzled with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
But in defeat, Kobe won the hearts of fans who bade him a fond, heartfelt farewell as he heads into retirement at season's end.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Anthony Rozic.
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