Durant and fellow Thunder star Russell Westbrook paid tribute to Bryant prior to the Lakers legend’s final road game Monday night in Oklahoma City. OKC’s dynamic duo gave Bryant a photo book with personal notes from every Thunder player, per the Oklahoman’s Anthony Slater.
MORE: A look back at Kobe’s career | Kobe’s retirement tour
Bryant scored 13 points in only 19 minutes of play as the Thunder crushed the Lakers 112-79. Durant had a game-high 34 points, and Westbrook finished with 13 points, 14 assists and 10 rebounds for his 18th triple-double of the season, tying Magic Johnson for the most triple-doubles in a single season over the last four decades.
None of the numbers really mattered, though. Not on this night. It was all about Durant and Westbrook taking on the “Black Mamba” one last time.
GENTILLE: ESPN should have picked Kobe over the Warriors’ chase for 73
Durant and Westbrook are two of the few remaining stars who could adequately fill the void left by Bryant. They are as talented as they are ruthless, aiming to not only beat their opponents but destroy anything in their paths.
It made sense for this to be Kobe’s final game outside Staples Center. Get your tissues ready, Lakers fans. You’ve only got one left.
