CHARLOTTE, N.C. >> The words sounded powerful as they blared through the loudspeaker. They also became powerful for Kobe Bryant, whose competitiveness, skills and mannerisms partly stemmed from the man who delivered a passionate tribute.
“Kobe, sorry I couldn’t be here tonight,” Charlotte owner and former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan said in a taped 100-second tribute before the Lakers’ 108-98 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday at Time Warner Cable Arena. “But I wanted to congratulate you on an unbelievable career.”
Bryant’s career speaks for itself, his five NBA championships and third place on the league’s all-time scoring list ensuring a positive road reception during his 20th and final NBA season.