In the wake of Kobe Bryant wrapping up his Hall of Fame career with a scintillating, 60-point outburst reminiscent of yesteryear, it’s fair to wonder how his career would have played out had he not been traded for Vlade Divac on the night of the 1996 NBA Draft. Yes, he hoisted up more shots than any player in the last 33 seasons, but nothing could have been more fitting for the shot-happy five-time National Basketball Association champion. The Lakers’ official account disappeared at one point, with game updates switching to an alternative account. Tickets for the game were sold for up to $27,500 (£19,300). Bryant hugged former teammate Shaquille O’Neal in the final seconds and scored 23 points in the final quarter.
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Having struggled on his farewell tour, the 2008 NBA MVP, who announced his retirement in November previous year, turned back the clock with 50 shots at the Staples Center, the most in a game since Michael Jordan (49) in 1993. In the video player above, ABC7’s Mayde Gomez shows us the celebration for the Black Mamba. Of his performance he said: “It’s hard to believe it happened this way”. “The thing that had me cracking up all night long was the fact that I go through 20 years of everybody screaming to pass the ball and on the last night they’re like ‘Don’t pass it!'”
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, 37, retired from the National Basketball Association on Wednesday and he did it in style. You’ll always be in my heart, and I sincerely, sincerely appreciate it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Will Steph Curry be one of them when his career winds down?”All I can do here is thank you guys for all the years of support, all the years of inspiration”.
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He told the crowd: “I think the most important part is that we all stayed together throughout”. He said, “I’m more proud, not of the championships, but of the down years”.
