They weren’t disappointed, as Bryant put up 60 points to lead the Lakers to a 101-96 comeback victory over the Utah Jazz.
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Bryant, 37, played the final game of his 20-year career Wednesday, ending an era with five championships, 18 All-Star game appearances and way too many outsiders’ opinions, pro or con, to ever tally.
Kobe’s final words to the crowd: “Mamba out”.
In a letter entitled “Dear Kobe” on The Players’ Tribune website – where Bryant announced his retirement in November a year ago – the NBA praised the icon for his “passion, commitment, and dedication to basketball”.
Golden State rocked the National Basketball Association last night picking up their 73rd win of the season to perhaps become the greatest team in National Basketball Association history.
Speaking of the game, Kobe said, “The coolest thing is that my kids actually saw me play like I used to play”.
The Laker comeback was inspiring and driven nearly single-handed by vintage, prime cut Bryant, and his LA family was there to see it.
Kobe Bryant’s Tribute Mural near Staples Center. Watching Kobe, the viewer shoots every shot, dribbles every dribble and feels every drive to the basket, and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
NBA Legend, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers hug after Bryant’s final game, April 13, 2016, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. He scored 60 points, going 22 of 50 from the field, and shot a very ugly 6 of 21 from three.
Bryant provided one last outstanding performance on the court.
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“Thank you for playing the game the way it was meant to be played. I can’t believe it has come to an end”, he said, before gold and purple confetti descended from the ceiling.
