Grateful Kobe enjoying final NBA season

OAKLAND, California—At every stop, in every road arena, Kobe Bryant is reflecting on 20 years of memories and many great basketball games.

He’s enjoying every second of this farewell ride despite all the losing, which isn’t exactly how he intended to go into retirement.

The 37-year-old Bryant returned to Oracle Arena, the site of his first career 50-point game, but his Los Angeles Lakers lost 116-98 to the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors late Thursday.

“This place has always been a special place to play,” Bryant said. “They’ve always been great fans. To have that appreciation from them tonight was pretty awesome. I was really stiff, but I thought it was the right thing to do, go back in the game and play and try to enjoy it one more time.”

During pregame introductions, the Warriors showed a tribute from Lakers Hall of Famer and Golden State executive Jerry West with a highlight video on the main scoreboard.

Fans in the sellout crowd, including retiring Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson, Oakland quarterback Derek Carr and Oakland Athletics manager Bob Melvin, chanted “Kobe! Kobe!” before a rousing ovation when his name was called. Bryant waved, tipped his head and clapped his hands in appreciation.

He left to a warm ovation with 3:04 to play, saying “thank you” and waving after scoring eight points on 4-for-15 shooting to go with six rebounds in 27 1/2 minutes.

In honor of Bryant’s five NBA titles, the Warriors gifted him with a five-day Napa Valley vacation with five wineries and five restaurants included. He also received a five-liter bottle from Amuse Bouche winery featuring a special label with his jersey.

“He was fixated in not having a career. He was fixated on having an incredible career,” West said during a news conference.