April 13th, 2016. A date we as basketball fans will always remember. This wasn’t just another regular season game; it was the highly anticipated curtain call for a legend – Kobe Bryant would be playing his last game in a Lakers uniform. Despite the Lakers sitting at 16-65, no one cared about the team’s record. Everyone just wanted to see what the Black Mamba would do one last time on an NBA floor. Would the Utah Jazz spoil the legend’s farewell? Or, will Kobe show the world one more time why he’s one of the best players in the league?
A City Holds Its Breath
The Staples Center buzzed with a unique energy that night. It was a bittersweet atmosphere. Fans adorned in Lakers jerseys, some with tears welling up, chanted Kobe’s name, their voices echoing a collective tribute to their star player going into the sunset.
60 Points. 🤯
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 13, 2024
Mamba Out. 🐍
8 years ago today…
Kobe Bryant put together an iconic 60-point performance in the last game of his NBA career! pic.twitter.com/lyEyx9QF4a
Let the Game Begin
The game itself started rough for Kobe. He missed his first five shots, leaving fans wondering if his last game would be a flop like other legends did. However, this was Kobe Bryant. He’s the embodiment of resilience. At the 5:11 mark of the first quarter, he made a ten-foot jump shot to get on the scoring sheet. He gradually found his rhythm, silencing doubters with his signature fadeaway jumpers and fierce determination.
8 yıl önce bugün: Kobe Bryant, parkeye son kez çıktı ve Jazz potasına 60 sayı attı.
— Do Deka (@dodekabasket) April 13, 2024
"MAMBA OUT!" 💛💜pic.twitter.com/xSiSUj6aYQ
Just Keep Feeding Him
It was clear the game plan was to just keep getting the ball to Kobe. Only one player finished with double-digits for the Lakers (Jordan Clarkson, 12 points). The stat sheet said it all, as Bryant finished with 50 shot attempts. 50. You would think he would have a good amount of points with that many attempts. Right, you are.
With just six minutes of rest the entire game, Bryant would end up with 60 points. Whether it was from beyond the arc (six three-pointers made), the free throw line (10-12 from the stripe), or just simple two-pointers, he made his mark in NBA history.
🗓️ Il y a 8 ans, jour pour jour, Kobe Bryant jouait le dernier match de sa carrière.
— 50 Nuances 🇺🇸🏀 (@50NuancesDeNBA) April 13, 2024
Un départ en beauté, 6️⃣0️⃣ points, la victoire face au Jazz…et un moment spécial, qui restera gravé dans les mémoires.pic.twitter.com/cL1H2N9I32
This game goes beyond the stat line for Kobe. It was a testament to his unwavering dedication, his relentless pursuit of excellence. He willed himself to greatness, not for personal glory, but to give the fans a night they would never forget.
A Poignant Farewell
With seconds remaining on the clock, the inevitable arrived. The final buzzer sounded, sealing Kobe’s fate as a former Laker player. The Lakers would win 101-96 over the Jazz, adding more joy to the night for fans across the world. Tears were flowing, both happy and sad.
This was it, though. I would be lying if I said I didn’t tear up myself. The crying intensified once he went to center court and addressed the crowd one last time.
His voice thick with emotion, the legend thanked the fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. His final words, “Mamba Out,” became a poignant farewell, a mic drop you would say.
On this day 6 years ago, Kobe Bryant stepped on the floor for the final time. We'll never forget the "Mamba Out" speech 🙏
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 13, 2022
Even though the Warriors were breaking the all-time wins record at the time, everyone tuned in to watch Kobe drop 60 on the Jazz 🔥pic.twitter.com/kGII3rvhXR
For me and many others, Kobe Bryant was the reason why I fell in love with the game of basketball. His mentality, success, and dedication to the game are what makes him stand out from everyone else. Bryant’s death years later still shakes many of us to the core, as unexpected and sad as it was.
But, one thing is for certain. Bryant will always remain a legend in our hearts. This 60-point game will be a core memory etched into fans’ brains forever.
Thank you, Kobe Bryant.
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Featured Image: Harry How/Getty Images
