Kobe Bryant: LA Lakers win NBA star’s farewell game

Kobe Bryant went out firing in his final NBA game, giving the Los Angeles Lakers one more dazzling display of offence to close out his 20-year career.

Scoring 60 points – off 50 shots – Bryant brought his playing career tpo an end on Wednesday night with the Lakers beating the Utah Jazz 101-96.

Bryant hugged former teammate Shaquille O’Neal in the final seconds and scored 23 points in the final quarter.

“Man, I can’t believe how fast 20 years went by,” he said, with a towel draped over his shoulders.

“It’s crazy, absolutely crazy to be standing here on the same court with you guys, with my teammates behind me.

“I appreciate the journey we have been on. There have been a few ups and downs but the most important part is that we all stayed together throughout. All I can do here is thank you guys for all the years of support, all the years of inspiration. This has been unbelievable. I can’t believe it has come to an end.”

It was a storybook finish, the sixth 60-point game of his career. It also was the most shots taken by anyone in an NBA game in the past 30 seasons.

He retires as the NBA’s third-highest all-time scorer and won five championships.

Jordan Clarkson chipped in 12 points for the Lakers and was the only Los Angeles player to reach double figures other than Bryant.

Trey Lyles had 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Jazz, who lost their bid for a post-season berth before tip-off when the Houston Rockets claimed a win over the Sacramento Kings for the final seed in the Western Conference.

Golden record