Los Angeles Lakers

Celtics' GM Ainge trolls Kobe when asked about retirement gift

Published Dec. 4, 2015 3:57 a.m. ET

foxsports

Though the rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers dates back over a half-decade, the two winningest franchises in NBA history haven't had a relevant moment against each other in about five years. Still, the bad blood runs deep.

When asked on the 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich radio show if the Celtics plan on honoring Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant during his final season, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he isn't big on farewell tours, according to CBS Boston:

Then Ainge got some jabs in. He was then asked if he thought Bryant was a top-10 player of all-time, to which he said Bryant was in the discussion. He was also asked if he would rather have rather drafted Bryant or Tim Duncan, to which he swiftly replied, "Tim Duncan."

When Kobe makes his final trip to Boston on December 30, don’t expect the Celtics to celebrate (at least not in the way other NBA teams are).

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge told 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich there haven’t been any internal talks for Kobe’s last visit to Boston, and it doesn’t sound like Ainge really wants to celebrate a man who has played his entire career for the Celtics’ chief rival.

“I’m not a big fan of the farewell tours,” Ainge told Toucher & Rich. “I like the guys who walk away at the end of the season. But you can’t take away from Kobe, he’s had a great career.”

Ainge wasn't the only Celtics higher-up in on the fun.

Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck was also asked what the Celtics plan on doing on Dec. 30 when the Lakers come to town. He had an idea, but Bryant likely wouldn't be pleased, via Chris Forsberg of ESPN:

It's safe to the Celtics don't like Kobe and the Lakers all that much, and the feeling is probably mutual.

Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck on @FelgerAndMazz asked what team will do for Kobe on last visit. Jokes they should show clips from 2008 Finals.
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) December 3, 2015