Kobe Bryant loses final game in Sacramento

The Los Angeles Lakers almost gave Kobe Bryant a fitting end in his final game in Sacramento against his rival Kings, which had memorable clashes with the NBA veteran who’s retiring at the end of the season.

The Lakers battled back from 27 points down and even grabbed the lead late but the Kings avoided the collapse by winning 118-115 on Thursday night (Friday in Australia).

DeMarcus Cousins came up big for the Kings posting a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds with 7 assists. Sacramento’s franchise player shot an efficient 8-of-12 from the field and 11-of-13 from the free throw line.

Cousins had major help in this one with five other Kings finishing in double figure scoring. Rudy Gay and Quincy Acy had 18 points each and starting shooting guard Ben McLemore turned in a rare good game with 16 points. Off the bench, Kosta Koufus and Marco Bellineli added 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Kobe Bryant scored 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting but was not inserted back into the final quarter when the Lakers made their rally. The Lakers trailed, 102-86 at the end of the third quarter.

D’Angelo Russell had a career-high 27 points but it went for naught as the Lakers turned the ball in the crucial final minutes of the game. Jordan Clarkson had 20 points including a pair in the final 1:34 that gave the Lakers a 115-113 lead.

However, a basket from Rajon Rondo, who had 9 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists and 4 steals plus free throws from Cousins proved to be the difference-maker for the Kings.

Sacramento faces league-best Golden State Warriors on Saturday at home while the Lakers take on West powerhouse squad Oklahoma City Thunder.