NBA legend Kobe Bryant will play his final game for the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, bringing an end to his storied career in LA’s regular-season finale against the Utah Jazz.
Kobe, of course, is a renowned soccer fan, having fallen in love with the game while living in Italy – where his father played pro basketball – as a kid.
He even made it to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, attending the US’s Round of 16 loss to Ghana just days after leading the Lakers to the 2010 NBA title. Former MLS digital video guru Scott Riddell was at that match, stationed just a few seats away from Kobe as Landon Donovan buried a penalty to make it 1-1.
That video got us thinking about the two LA legends, and their respective send-offs. Both Kobe and Landon each had some memorable moments on their farewell tours, with Donovan winning MLS Cup at home in his final match ever. Kobe won’t match that (the Lakers have one of the worst records in the NBA), but he was feted at every arena he played in this year.
So, which icon had the better farewell tour? LD or Mamba? Let us know what you think – vote in the poll below:
