Lakers' Kobe Bryant gives advice, shoes to Warriors stars

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.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.