TORONTO — Kobe Bryant was showered with love on Valentine’s night as the NBA had a going away party for one of its biggest stars.
Bryant, who announced his retirement earlier this season, played in his final NBA All-Star Game. But Bryant couldn’t win a record fifth MVP Award in his finale.
As he has been for most of his 20th NBA season, Bryant wasn’t sharp but he went out on top. The West team trounced the East, 196-173, Sunday night at the Air Canada Centre in the highest-scoring All-Star Game in NBA history.
An 18-time All-Star, Bryant attempted some of his trademark turnaround jumpers and even threw up a skyhook that wasn’t close.