Philadelphia 76ers Pay Respect to Kobe Bryant's Career With Pregame Tribute

On what will certainly be Kobe's final trip to the Wells Fargo Center.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead

Now that Kobe Bryant'smade it clear that this is his final season, teams can officially put together their personalized Mamba tributes. Tonight, Philadelphia began the farewell tour before the Lakers and Sixers tipped off as this would appear to be the Lakers' last visit to Eastern Pennsylvania barring simultaneous 40-game win streaks. Philadelphia obviously has a special connection to Kobe, he was born there and played high school ball in a nearby suburb. Besides having his name chanted by a fan base that has had no other opportunities to cheer this season, he was given a special "Dear Kobe" tribute from the city that got to see him first:

View this video on YouTube

youtube.com

He also was given a framed version of his Lower Merion high school jersey from the school's head coach and Dr. J:

Still, perhaps the greatest tribute of all was the lowly 76ers themselves, as they spotted Kobe three three-pointers on the game's first three possessions, allowing him to finish the first quarter with 13 points (a season high):

[via Twitter, YouTube, Vine, Philadelphia 76ers]

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com

Latest in Sports