Among Kobe Bryant’s many records and milestones, the one he reached Wednesday night was personally significant.
Bryant tipped off his 20th season with the Lakers in the team’s regular-season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center, setting an NBA record for most seasons played with one franchise.
“That’s probably the most special one to me,” Bryant said after the Lakers’ 112-111 loss. “I’ve always dreamed about being with one organization and being with this organization as a kid. I’ve been in this jersey for more than half my life. That’s crazy.”
Bryant surpassed John Stockton, who played for the Utah Jazz from the 1984-85 season until his retirement after 2002-03. Only four other players in NBA history have played 20 seasons: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Garnett, Robert Parish and Kevin Willis.
“It’s unbelievable,” coach Byron Scott said before the game in addressing Bryant’s impending mark. “I don’t know if we’ll see that one again, either.”
Bryant had 24 points on 8-for-24 shooting in the loss, missing his final eight shots down the stretch as Minnesota rallied.
