Where were you when Kobe Bryant played his final NBA game? Even though the woeful Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs months ago and the Utah Jazz had no benefit to win, Kobe put on a performance. A performance that puts the cherry on top of Kobe’s iconic and historic career.
In 1996, Kobe Bryant, was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th pick overall. The Charlotte Hornets has no intentions of signing or drafting the teenager out of Lower Merion High School. He was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Back in 1996, I was old enough to remember watching the draft that night Kobe was drafted.
A 17-year-old (yes, 17-year-old!) kid from a Philly suburb was thrust in the NBA. His dominance in high school spurned his decision to jump college all together. Who would’ve thought Kobe Bean Bryant, the wide-eyed teenager would eventually become one of the greatest ball players ever?
I’ll always remember the Finals of 2004 between the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe was teamed up with legends, Gary Payton, Karl Malone and Shaquille O’Neal. He was in his prime then, still donning the “#8“. This was the end of his first stint of championship appearances. I remember how fearful I was for the Pistons to go up against Kobe Bryant. He was “the man”, “the second coming of Jordan”, “The Best Player in the NBA”. The Pistons were able to defeat the Lakers in 5 games in what was called “The Five Game Sweep”. But let’s not overshadow the Black Mamba’s great career with a recollection from 2004. 
It was great to the league honor Kobe Bryant the way they did. The near-season long Kobe farewell tour was more about him than the Lakers. The fans packed into NBA arenas not to watch the Lakers but to see Kobe. Fans, no matter who your favorite team or player is, watched as Kobe ended his career Wednesday night in front of his home crowd. The same crowd that watched him achieve greatness for the past 20 years. Despite his 50 attempted shots, he scored 60 points in a winning effort. Sixty!
His point total was the most for any player in his last career regular season game. The Lakers stormed back, thanks to Kobe, to beat the Utah Jazz, 101-96. It was great to see Kobe and Shaq embrace each other at the end of the game. Their animosity towards one another was a part of the reason why Shaq left LA to pick up a championship in Miami. From Derek Fisher, Robert Horry, Devean George to Snoop Dogg, Jack Nicholas and Jay-Z, all were in attendance to see the Mamba’s last game.
Kobe leaves his mark on the game. One of the best in his era, one of the best Lakers player ever. A 5-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, 15-time All NBA Player, 12-time All Defensive Team, 1 regular season MVP and 2 Final MVPs. Kobe’s name is synonymous with success. It’s tough to see such a great player move on, but it was destined to happen eventually. 
Kobe may be one of top five players to ever play the game. His skill and knowledge of the game trumped others. He stood out among the rest. He was the best player in the league at one time. Maybe one of the most feared players in the league as well.
Kobe put on a good show for 20-years. He had his ups and downs with the Lakers but managed to be up more than down. He leaves the game, third on the list of “most points scored.” He leaves the game a legend. The one who proceeded Jordan as the “great one”.
Thank you Kobe!
Josh Blake Writes 