The Houston Rockets' James Harden scored 30 points that gave the Los Angeles Lakers a devastating defeat with 126-97, on Dec. 12, Saturday.
According to ABC News, Kobe Bryant scored 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Lakers. Interestingly, the home crowd seemed to be filled with Bryant's fans more than the Rockets' fans, despite the team's big win. The fans even cheered for Bryant's name everytime he touched the ball as the final seconds ticked away.
There's no doubt that Harden had a fantastic game. He reminded the fans in the building not to forget about Bryant's outstanding abilities, on a night when Bryant displayed flashes of his old self.
"He looks like he's found his groove, and I've always liked him as a player, even when he was in college," Bryant said, referring to Harden. "Now here in the pros, he's developed his midrange game, so now he can shoot the 3, he can get to the basket, he's got the pullup, and he looked terrific," ESPN quoted him as saying.
Harden was seven when Bryant started his career in NBA in 1996. He talked about looking up to Bryant as a kid growing up in Los Angeles. Now, as a professional, he said he was watching as the crowd gave Bryant loud cheers, shouting his name.
Bryant shared a long embrace with Harden, the young star player is trying to take over the game. He did not even mind the fans who were cheering for Bryant.
"Nah, that's a legend," Harden said. "It's his last year out. I was cheering his name too. It's once in a lifetime chance you're going to see this guy play again. I haven't had the chance to see Michael [Jordan] play in person, but he's our modern Michael, and for him, for this to be his last year, he did what he did."
Harden will see Bryant three more times, and he will treasure every moment.