Dirk Nowitzki played his final game as a Dallas Maverick last night, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the team's 105-94 loss against the San Antonio Spurs. The 21-year veteran received a lot of appreciation and well wishes from fans and his fellow players. He was also congratulated by some of the guys he went up against in the past, including Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Both Nowitzki and Bryant spent at least two decades with their respective franchises and never played for another team. They had countless battles with one another and were considered by many as arguably the best players in their positions during their primes.

In his five title runs, Bryant never had a chance to face Nowitzki, but when Kobe was attempting the second three-peat of his career back in 2011, it was Dirk who sent his dreams crashing to the ground. The Mavs swept the Lakers in the Western Conference semi-finals and went on to win the championship that year.

Bryant recently admitted that he once recruited Nowitzki to play with him in Los Angeles, although he added that he knew the German would refuse. Nowitzki said that he still doesn't know what he will do after retiring from the NBA, but the 40-year-old forward said he's glad his playing career is finally over and he can rest.