Kobe Bryant Proving Impact In Final Season

No Place Like Home

Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers hall of famer Julius Dr. J Erving (L) presents Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) his Lower Merion high school uniform prior to the game at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Poetically, the first away game the Lakers played was in Bryant’s hometown of Philadelphia against the 76ers.

Once upon a time, Kobe and the Lakers triumphed over Allen Iverson and the 76ers in the NBA Finals.  But on this night, the city of brotherly love showered the Black Mamba with applause.

The 76ers played a tribute highlighting his start at Lower Merion High School while acknowledging his accomplishments in the NBA.

During player introductions, a usually subdued affair for the visiting team, the Wells Fargo Center gave Bryant the star treatment with a rousing breakdown of his career.

The biggest honor came when Bryant received a framed replica of his Lower Merion jersey presented by his former high school coach Gregg Downer and 76ers legend Dr. J.

Unfortunately, Kobe’s homecoming did not equate into a victory for the Lakers as the 76ers won their first game of the season.

While the city of Philadelphia was ready to honor Kobe, the 76ers needed the victory in order to prevent having the worst start in NBA history.

Next: Game 2: Washington D.C.