Lakers' Kobe Bryant gives advice, shoes to Warriors stars

KGO logo
Friday, January 15, 2016
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, right, greets Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) prior to an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, right, greets Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) prior to an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, in Oakland, Calif.
AP Photo/Ben Margot

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- On Thursday night, the Golden State Warriors faced the Los Angeles Lakers and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant for the last time at Oracle Arena. The Dubs cruised to a 116-98 victory, but it wasn't just another game; it was a chance to capture the spirit of true sportsmanship.

Before he walked through the tunnel and out of Oracle Arena for the final time, Kobe Bryant stopped for a quick chat with Stephen Curry.

Curry congratulated Bryant, who offered his own kind words.

"He told us to chase history, keep doing what we're doing," Curry said. "He's a guy that's won multiple championships, knows the grind it takes to get that done. So, he's just passing the torch."

And after the game, Draymond Green tweeted a photo of Kobe's shoes that he gifted to the Warriors star. On one he wrote "Kobe 24" and on the other, "To Draymond: Keep making history."

Bryant had eight points, six rebounds and three assists in 27 1/2 minutes. It was the Lakers' final regular-season visit to Oracle Arena, and Bryant plans to retire after the season.

"This place has always been a special place to play," Bryant said. "They've always been great fans. To have that appreciation from them tonight was pretty awesome. I was really stiff, but I thought it was the right thing to do, go back in the game and play and try to enjoy it one more time."

Bryant received many a hug at midcourt from the Warriors prior to the opening tip and again after the final buzzer before walking through the tunnel to roars from the crowd. He started despite a sore right shoulder and a right Achilles tendon strain and made his first shot. He left to a warm ovation with 3:04 to play, saying "thank you" and waving.

In honor of Bryant's five NBA titles, the Warriors gifted him a five-day Napa Valley vacation with five wineries and five restaurants included. He also received a five-liter bottle from Amuse Bouche winery featuring a special label with his jersey.

Click here for full coverage on the Warriors.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.