Kobe Bryant plays final NBA game with LA Lakers

 

The Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is preparing to bid farewell as the NBA regular season draws to a close on Wednesday.

 

Bryant will play his 1,566th and final game as the Lakers host the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center for what is certain to be an emotionally charged occasion. He announced his retirement in November, and has spent a 16-65 season with the Lakers.

 

A sell-out 18,000-capacity crowd packed with celebrities will be on hand to salute the last game of the 37-year-old Bryant's two-decade career.

 

Around 30 of Bryant's former teammates from different generations led by Shaquille O'Neal will be in attendance to honor the star while Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Flea will play the national anthem.

 

It remains to be seen how much game time Bryant will receive on Wednesday, although Lakers coach Byron Scott has indicated he will be given as much time as possible before signing off.

 

Byrant said he was looking forward to his farewell but hinted the occasion may get to him. "So far, I've been pretty cool about everything," said Bryant. "I've been very thankful about everything. I've been very happy about everything. It hasn't really hit me yet. We'll see if it does."