Phil Jackson's New York Knicks are in Los Angeles, making for one last Kobe Bryant-Carmelo Anthony game to enjoy. The matchup doesn't have the marquee pop of LeBron James, who put on a show with the Black Mamba on Thursday, but it's another significant piece in the puzzle of Kobe's career.
Bryant's always seemingly had a soft spot for 'Melo, who were Western Conference rivals for quite some time in the late 2000's. They also spent time together on Team USA, and are now both disciples of Phil and the Triangle. Anthony's time with the Denver Nuggets always seemed to hit a hiccup -- in the form of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol -- during the playoffs. There were some unforgettable battles between the teams, though it's strange to think that era is officially "back in the day" now.
Kobe's status is in the air, though with two days off and the Melo Man in town, it's hard to imagine he'll sit out a "big" game for the farewell tour.
The Knicks are trying to ride out the end of their own disappointing season. The bright side for the franchise is the sudden rise of Kristaps Porzingis, who's a far-more ready product than anticipated even after rave reviews of his pre-draft showcases.
Toss in Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, and we might just have ourselves a fun Sunday afternoon game to close the weekend out with. With 16 games left in the season, enjoy them while you can.
Time: 6:30 p.m. PT
TV: TWCSN, MSG