Kobe Bryant entered the NBA in 1996 as an explosive shooting guard out of Lower Merion High School.Tim Duncan joined the league the next year after averaging 16.5 points and 12.3 rebounds per game over four seasons at Wake Forest. Despite takingdifferent paths to legendary status, these two future Hall of Famerswould battleseveral times Blank Jersey over the nexttwo decades.Spurs-Lakersmight not jump to the top of the list when ranking NBA rivalries, but consider this Bryant or Duncan capturedthe NBA title in 10 out David Peralta Jersey of the last 17 seasons. That level of excellence created amutual respect, and that respectwas on full display asBryant stepped on the floor in San Antonio for the final Arizona Diamondbacks Jersey time.MORE: | Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Gregg Popovich all honored Bryant in a tribute video prior toSaturday night's game."Whether he was up 20 or down 10 or whatever it may be, hewas someone you had to keep an eye on, you had to worry about, you had to fear, because he was going to bring it," Duncan said.Thank You, . San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) "Kobe, it's been a pleasure watching you all these years," Popovich said."Your competitivene s is inspiring. I hope that you're as succe sful in Matt Szczur Jersey your next life as you've been in your first one. Good luck to you, man."The Spurs moved to 28-0 at home with a . Bryant led the Lakers with 25 points, but he shot 9 Steven Souza Jersey -for-28 from the field. After an introduction like that, you knew Kobe was going to come out firing. I'm sure the Spurs expected nothing le s.