VIDEO: Kobe embraces LeBron while exiting final game in Cleveland
In years past, a LeBron James-Kobe Bryant matchup would draw a certain level of hype and intrigue with two of the NBA's elite going toe-to-toe on the hardwood.
That's no longer the case. Bryant, 37, is no longer one of the more dominant competitors in the league as his legendary career winds down over these final months. If anything, his ongoing farewell tour is a way for fans and players alike to pay their respect to "The Black Mamba," rather than watch him perform at the highest level.
Related: Kobe gets standing ovation from LeBron, Cavs in Cleveland
Bryant made his final appearance in Cleveland at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday, with his Los Angeles Lakers losing 120-111 to the hometown Cavaliers. He scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds in 33 minutes of action, while James had a near triple-double of 29 points, 11 assists, and seven boards.
With 40 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the result no longer in doubt, Bryant exited the floor to a standing ovation, hugging James before joining the rest of his team on the sidelines.
LeBron hugs Kobe as he checks out of the game, fans chant Kobe's name pic.twitter.com/osLe2nexFr
— The Cauldron (@TheCauldron) February 11, 2016
Related: Kobe reflects on LeBron before final matchup in Cleveland
"That's how it's supposed to be," James said of the ovation Bryant received after the game. "A guy like that has done so much for this league, for the Lakers organization, for all the fans around the world that have watched him over the last 20 years. That's the reception he should get. He's well-respected, not only here in Cleveland, not only in Los Angeles, but all over the world."