PHILADELPHIA — 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.
With the 76ers, Eagles and Flyers all struggling, Bryant’s return was a hot topic on sports radio on Monday.
“I always enjoyed watching Kobe play and consider him one of the greatest ever, but he didn’t want to play for the Sixers, so I held that against him,” said longtime Philadelphia sports fan John Passero.