Kobe Bryant Proving Impact In Final Season

One Last Mo’Town Memoir

Dec 6, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Fans cheer for Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) after making a basket during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 111-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Much had been made of Bryant’s return to Detroit.

Specifically, whether the loss to the Pistons in the 2004 Finals was the one game(s) he wished he could have back.  A victory would have been the fourth straight for Bryant and Shaq during that era.

The Black Mamba stated that he had made peace with the outcome, claiming he had given it his best effort and that it simply “wasn’t in the cards” to win that year.

On this night, an ailing Bryant had only five points during a four quarter drubbing at the hands of the Pistons. Regardless, Detroit followed suit in playing a tribute to #24 before the game by proclaiming all of his career accomplishments during player introductions.

When the Mamba finally made his first shot in the third quarter, he was met with cheers of “Kobe” from the crowd at the Palace.

Bryant did not play in the fourth quarter of the Lakers losing effort.

Next: Game 5: Toronto