(The Sports Xchange) – Magic Johnson posted a letter to fellow Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who was set to end his illustrious 20-year NBA career last night.
Bryant, a five-times NBA champion, will play his final game when the Lakers host the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.
Johnson posted the letter on his website, writing that Bryant will be remembered as one of the all-time greats of the game:
“For 20 years, I’ve watched you dominate the game of basketball. From the Great Western Forum to the world famous Staples Center, you have dedicated your life to becoming one of the greatest players this game has ever seen,” Johnson wrote, in part.
“Through your commitment to success, outstanding work ethic, and winning attitude, each year you perfected your abilities beyond expectation.
“You will join a legendary list of Laker greats and Hall of Famers. Their jerseys hang proudly from the rafters in Staples Center and soon yours will shine next to them; from Gail Goodrich, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain to Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy and Shaquille O’Neal. … I’ve enjoyed every minute of your career. Thanks for all the fantastic memories. There will never be another Kobe Bryant!”
Bryant finishes his career third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone. He is third in postseason scoring, trailing Michael Jordan and Abdul-Jabbar.
Between 400 and 500 media members were issued credentials to cover Bryant’s final game, including about 60 international media members.
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The Sacramento Kings plan to fire coach George Karl after the season finale, according to reports.
The Sacramento Bee reported that Karl’s dismissal will be announced today.
Karl nearly lost his job in November after a public dispute with center DeMarcus Cousins.
The Kings are 33-48 with one game remaining and will miss the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season.
The 64-year-old Karl will receive the remaining $6.5 million guaranteed from his four-year contract with the Kings, according to ESPN.
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The Detroit Pistons signed guard Lorenzo Brown to a contract.
The 6-foot-5, 189-pound Brown signed two 10-day contracts with the Pistons this season (March 18 and March 28) but did not appear in a game. He also signed to two 10-day contracts with the Phoenix Suns earlier this season and averaged 2.5 points and 1.4 assists and 7.6 minutes in eight games.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers recalled center Sasha Kaun and guard Jordan McRae from the Canton Charge after they played in Game One of the NBA Development League Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday.
The Cavs also signed guard Dahntay Jones, who has appeared in 43 games (39 starts) for the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBA D-League.
