LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 6: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the national anthem before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 6, 2016 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

Lakers Say Kobe Bryant's Last Game Will Be a 'Zircus,' Pull out All the Stops

Katie RichcreekApr 9, 2016

The Los Angeles Lakers are (understandably) out of actual words to describe Kobe Bryant's final game.

"The game is going to be a 'zircus'—a zoo and a circus," Lakers publicist John Black told the Los Angeles Times' Mike Bresnahan.

"Zircus" might even be an understatement.

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The team has denied hundreds of requests for media credentials to his final contest at Staples Center, which Bresnahan estimated typically accommodates 600 media members for NBA Finals games.

"It's absolutely unprecedented for the regular season," Black said. "Is it NBA Finals levels? Yes. It might be even bigger than that."

The Lakers will be pulling out all the stops for the Mamba's farewell, bringing in about 30 of his former teammates, including Shaquille O'Neal.

As for the pregame festivities, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea will perform the national anthem, followed by a special tribute video.

[Los Angeles Times]