Written by Erika Johnson for tonight's Bucks Game Program
One of the greatest basketball players of all time will play his final game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center tonight. During his 20 seasons in the league, Kobe Bryant has poured his heart and soul into the NBA game, showing his teammates, opponents and fans what a true professional looks like.
Bryant entered the 1996 NBA Draft directly out of his days at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pa. At 18 years old, he was originally selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick in the draft, and was later acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac on July 11, 1996.
The 6-6 guard has played his entire career with the Lakers, displaying his loyalty to the organization while bringing numerous successes. A five-time NBA Champion, Bryant helped deliver titles to Los Angeles in the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010 seasons. He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2009 and 2010, and also earned the crown as the NBA’s MVP during the 2007-08 campaign.
Bryant, who has led Los Angeles to 15 playoff appearances, is the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history and ranks third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He is an 18-time NBA All-Star who was voted a Western Conference starter in each of those contests.
His ability to destroy defenses and frustrate opponents will never be forgotten. Bryant went berserk on Jan. 22, 2006, in a game vs. the Toronto Raptors, scoring a career-high 81 points on 60.9 percent (28-of-46) shooting from the field and 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from 3-point range. His 81 points marked the second-highest point total in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point outing on March 2, 1962.
So far in his 20 NBA seasons, Bryant has played 31 games (28 starts) against the Milwaukee Bucks. He holds career averages of 24.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 36.6 minutes per game vs. the Bucks. Bryant has shot 43.7 percent from the field and 91.9 percent from the free throw line against Milwaukee throughout his career. His 91.9 percent free throw mark is his highest against any opponent.
He has scored in double figures in 30 of his 31 games vs. the Bucks, while posting 20+ points 24 times and 30+ 11 times. His career-high scoring outing against Milwaukee came on March 24, 2006, when he dropped 43 points and was a perfect 14-of-14 from the free throw line. His high at the BMO Harris Bradley Center came on Dec. 16, 2009, when he tallied 39 points and was yet again scorching hot from the line, knocking down all 12 attempts. Bryant notched one career triple-double against the Bucks in Los Angeles on Nov. 24, 2002, finishing with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.
Bryant has left a lasting impression on the Milwaukee Bucks organization just as he has the entire NBA. Bucks players who have shared the court with him describe it as a true honor that cannot be matched. Head coach Jason Kidd, who has squared off against Bryant many times during both his playing and coaching days, has the utmost respect for the future Hall of Famer.
“It’s sad to see him leave and we are all going to miss him,” Kidd said. “He has been a major icon for our game and his work ethic is like no other. He spent a lot of time working on his game both physically and mentally, and that really separated him from the rest. He wanted to be the best, and it showed.”
As the farewell tour of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant makes its stop in Milwaukee tonight, the Bucks will honor his storied career and celebrate the mark he has made on the league.
PHOTOS: 20 Years of Kobe
