As a life long Celtics fan, I detest Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. However, even I was in awe at Bryant’s farewell performance last night. Bryant scored 60 points in his final game. It was truly impressive. The only way he could have scripted it better was if the Lakers won a championship (thank goodness they didn’t).

Last night was a harsh reminder that time flies. I remember when Bryant was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Twenty years later and Bryant put on a performance for the ages in his final game.

I know some people knocked the Lakers for letting Bryant take every shot but WHO GIVES A SHIT! It was his night. Do you think the Lakers win the game if Bryant doesn’t score 60 points? NO! They probably lose by 20 to a depleted Jazz team. The Lakers won only 17 games this season for a reason. THEY SUCK! People need to get over themselves. The guy was a great player. Let him have his moment. Like him or not, he’s earned it.

I know people around here have a hard time tipping their hat to opposing players but I don’t have a problem doing that. I respect Kobe and what he’s done for the NBA. He was a great player. Like him or not, you can’t take that away from him.

It’ll be interesting to see where history places Kobe among the all-time greats. That’s a debate for another time. I think he’s the second greatest pure scorer of all-time behind Michael Jordan. He did more with his shot selection than any other player in this generation. That’s why he’s the third leading scorer of all-time. The guy was a great player. I’m glad he went out with one more great performance.