Bryant kicks off goodbye tour in Philly

Posted November 30, 2015 6:00 am

By ROB MAADDI

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Kobe Bryant's farewell tour begins in the city that loves and hates him.

Bryant will play his first road game since announcing he'll retire after this season in his hometown Tuesday night against the winless Philadelphia 76ers (0-18).

The five-time NBA champion's relationship with Philly fans has been turbulent throughout his 20-year NBA career in Los Angeles. Some love him. Some hate him. Regardless, nearly everyone respects his superstar talent.

There's no doubt Bryant will get a rousing ovation in an arena where he's heard mostly boos over the past two decades. People don't come to watch the Sixers, who've lost an NBA record 28 straight games and are one defeat away from breaking the league record for most losses to start a season. Fans come to see marquee opponents, and nobody fills the seats like Kobe.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after missing a three-point shot against the Indiana Pacers during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. Indiana Pacers won 107-103. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo) The Associated Press

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