NBA: 76ers end losing streak [VIDEO]

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – The Philadelphia 76ers’ historic and agonizing losing streak finally ended Tuesday as Kobe Bryant suffered more defeat with the Los Angeles Lakers in his first road match since announcing his plans to retire.

One more defeat for the Sixers on Tuesday — 0-18 heading into the game — would have given them sole possession of the record for the worst start to a season in NBA history.

They had already set a record for the longest losing streak in the history of the NBA, with 28 defeats stretching over last season and the current campaign.

But a 23-point haul from forward Robert Covington laid the foundation for a deserved 103-91 Sixers victory as Bryant and the Lakers tumbled to 2-15, the worst record in the Western Conference.

Jerami Grant and Nerlens Noel added 14 points apiece while rookie Jahlil Okafor was one of three Philadelphia players to finish with 12 points.

”I’m pleased for the city,” Sixers coach Brett Brown said. ”We don’t want the streak continuing. …. Obviously, this is a relief on many levels.”

Bryant meanwhile was the top scorer for the Lakers, producing 20 points, two assists and five rebounds.

Bryant’s haul also featured four three-pointers. But the 37-year-old’s effort was in vain, and his final numbers were just 7-for-26 from the floor.

”God knows I can’t sustain that level of energy for 48 minutes like I used to,” Bryant said.

On Sunday, Bryant triggered an outpouring of tributes after confirming that his glittering 20-year career in the NBA would end at the end of this season.