By: Jason Gabriel, Al Manara Magazine-Dubai
LOS ANGELES – The last game of Kobe Bryant’s legendary career was a phenomenal. The entire night was a tribute to Bryant, who is retiring after 20 seasons, five championship rings and 18 ALL-Star Selections with the Lakers. He was the fifth player in NBA history to play 20 seasons in one franchise team.
The final points of his remarkable career were two game-sealing free throws to give him 60 points. 101-96 as the Lakers take victory over the visiting UTAH Jazz.
Kobe came up with fifth highest-scoring game of his career and became the oldest player to score 50 points in NBA records. He also had four assist and four rebounds.
“What else can I say?” Bryant said. “Mamba out.”
In his last game, Bryant was the best player on the floor. He hit shot after shot after shot in the fourth quarter. It was a simply a vintage performance, one of many reasons to love Kobe. The “M-V-P” chants that echoed throughout the arena whenever Bryant stood at the free-throw line sounded tremendous. The Lakers sacrificed an entire season to satisfy the greatest player in their franchise’s history.
“The perfect ending would have been a championship,” Bryant said. “But tonight was (me) trying to go out, play hard and try to put on a show as much as I possibly could. It felt good to be able to do that one last time.”
Fans lucky enough to get inside Staples Center greeted him with ovations at every opportunity. Magic Johnson pays a pregame tribute by calling Kobe “The greatest to wear the purple and gold.”
“I think the most important part is that we all stayed together throughout. You’ll always be in my heart, and I sincerely, sincerely appreciate it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys.” Bryant said after blowing kisses and pounding his heart.
The Lakers sprayed him with champagne in the locker room, but he didn’t like it. “That’s only for championships.”
It was still one last classic from the Black Mamba.