ESPN: Dr. J roused the Philly diehards into an appreciation for the city’s last championship team. Kobe Bryant riled up those Sixers fans simply by touching the ball.
The 76ers could only wish to matter as much as those two greats.
On a night Julius Erving and Philadelphia’s 1983 championship team was honored, Andrew Bynum and the Lakers stole the show. Bynum scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Lamar Odom had 21 and 11 to lead Los Angeles to a 106-101 win over the Sixers on Friday night.
“We got the ball in people’s hands and they delivered,” coach Phil Jackson said.
Bryant, the Lower Merion High grad who was typically booed all game, was held to 19 points. Bryant failed to thrill his hometown fans, but he did leave Philly with a more memorable keepsake: the Lakers’ first regular season win in the city since February 2000.
“It’s always special coming here,” said Bryant, still bothered by a groin injury. “Every time I come here, I realize how much I miss it. It’s always fun.”
The experience would have been more fun for Bryant had he caught up with Erving. Bryant wanted to chat with the Hall of Famer he patterned his game after in his formative years.
Continue reading ‘Lakers spoil reunion of Sixers’ title team behind Bryant, Bynum’
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