Do Kobe Bryant a favor and spare him the pregame testimonials, the gold-plated plaques, the sporty cars and easy chairs. Just deposit his check, give him the ball and get in his way.
Or so he says.
“The biggest sign of respect to me would be to approach it just like it was any other game and try to kick our butts just like it was any other game,” he said. “Those are the things I hold extremely dear.”
Dear Lord, will the Nets ever win a game? Their season’s record fell to a New Jersey throwback 0-6 when they were beaten by Bryant and his previously winless Los Angeles Lakers, 104-98, Friday night at Barclays Center, in Game 1 of his purported farewell swing through New York.