When Kobe was drafted in June of 1996 Bill Clinton was President, the first season of The Daily Show started, the first Mission Impossible was finishing up its box office run, and D'Angelo Russell was 4 months and 3 days old. Now something you'll hear a lot and have been hearing a lot is how Kobe has been the heart and soul of this team for 20 years, well that's not exactly true. When Kobe was drafted we also signed a guy named Shaquille O'Neal that bridged the gap between Magic Johnson and a skinny kid coming out of high school. It's hard to really piece it together, but Magic played his final game on May 2nd, exactly 55 days before we traded for Kobe's draft rights. At just 17 years old Kobe wasn't ready to lead us anywhere and certainly wasn't our heart and soul, but he was still Kobe even back then. Even at the draft, just watching this young man he exuded what everyone would come to realize was uniquely him, uniquely Kobe: he was interesting. Everything Kobe has done from that first game as a rookie to his last game tonight has been, at its most basic level, interesting. There was something even then where you just had to watch because boy he was going to do something extraordinary. Back when he was drafted he was going to jump out of the gym. Woo boy you know what I'm talking about too because he had some of the nastiest dunks on opponents the NBA has ever seen. Then as he got older it was that zone he could enter that was something like Terminator meets the NBA. He could light up a scoreboard like a Christmas tree and leave opponents absolutely demoralized. I think Jalen Rose is most famous for letting Kobe drop 81 points on him, not for being part of the Fab Five out of Michigan. He scored 50 points four times in a row. Four times. LeBron James has had nine 50 points in his entire career. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jerry West had 50 four times in their entire careers. Shaq and Wade had three each... Kobe Bryant has scored 60 points four times in his career. The list of people who have scored 60 more than once in the NBA is four players long: Wilt, Elgin, Michael, and Kobe. There's no doubt in my mind Kobe is the most explosive offensive player I've ever witnessed. Kobe could shoot outside, he could drive, he could pull-up, he could fly for a dunk, he could post you up, he could finish through contact... It was just truly remarkable. Then it became about his footwork and his precision. Everyone knows Kobe for his Black Mamba mentality, but honestly that came later in his career during his second run. He had lost some of his pep and athleticism, but he became this clinical, tactical genius that just found every weakness in the defense and attacked it. He was more careful about when and where he struck, but when he found the spot he could exploit boy did he take it to you. This version of Kobe was probably the best because he was the most focused, even if he wasn't going to posterize you and your teammates. I know most of you can remember Kobe dancing left, then dancing right, stepping back, then hitting a bank shot past Manu Ginobili who had bit on the step back. the footwork was just gorgeous. After the Mamba came Vino, born out of necessity. This was Kobe's last chance at being who he was and that was a guy who could surprise you. There's an old fighting trick an older opponent can use where he'll lull you to sleep by looking tired and frail at times, but he's just playing to your confidence. Kobe late in his career had some of the most impressive poster dunks he'd ever had even though he wasn't getting nearly the lift he enjoyed in his youth. His elevator didn't go to twelve anymore, but it got high enough. High enough to show the world he was still a force to be reckoned with. Lastly came April 12th and Kobe after his Achilles injury. This was maybe the most "Kobe" of all his seasons with the team. This was him at maybe his most interesting... Could he do it? Kobe was the King of Injuries, could he conquer one of the most serious injuries in all of sports? The answer was... kind of. He was never the same guy. Kobe's field goal percentage plummeted, he couldn't defend people the same dogged way he used to, and he certainly couldn't rise up like he used to in his youth. And yet... still he was fascinating. Still he was worth watching because there were times when he could dial back the clock. I remember him shocking Matt Barnes against the Clippers with a sick reverse dunk. I remember thinking "How the hell is that man doing this? Can he still be Kobe?" The reality is Kobe was never Kobe again at all. The last three years have been one long, extended march towards retirement through three unfortunate seasons one after another after another. The Kobe we've seen this season has given us those same jaw dropping moments albeit fewer and fewer. The days of him getting the ball with 5 seconds left and doing something extraordinary with it are over. On April 6th Kobe dances left, then dances right trying to free himself of DeAndre Jordan. Jordan is the kind of guy Kobe used to be able to blow right past easily, but at this point Kobe ends up stepping back and pump faking. Jordan doesn't bite even a little bit and Kobe gets blocked easily. There's nothing for Kobe to do but smile ruefully, knowing deep down that not too long ago he could have had his way with Jordan on the court. Of course, that's just Kobe's perception. The truth is it really was a long time ago. Kobe is retiring tonight. It's his final game and for 20 years we've gotten to watch maybe the most interesting basketball player that ever lived walk off the court the way he wants to. On the surface it's a tough day, but like Kobe I've come to terms with it. It's time. He's not Kobe like we know him anymore and we're not the Lakers like he's known us. After 20 years it's the right time to go and when it's all said and done, even this last night will be captivating. Whether he's throwing up airballs or ending with a game winning jumpshot, I'll be there watching. Thank you Kobe for all you've done for us. I'm proud of you for bringing something unique and memorable to this franchise. I'm deeply thankful for the impact you've had on the lives of fans and players alike. I know it's said all the time for all kinds of players, usually untruthfully, but there'll never be another player quite like Kobe Bryant. You can take that any way you want, good or bad. Kobe has given us a concretely "Kobe" career, outside the shadow of Jordan or Magic or any of the past legends. Thank you Kobe. Good luck in retirement.
I have no words, but I'll try. I grew up with the Mamba and his work ethic is something I'm continuously striving to achieve. There will truly be no other like him and in that way, basketball will never be the same for me. I was notoriously tough on Kobe cause early on he convinced me that he would always become the closest thing to basketball excellence! I appreciate his legacy and the great journey he took Laker fans on! Thank you Kobe and you will never be forgotten! Your fans, your haters, the Lakers and Basketball as a whole will miss you tremendously! #Gr8nessNever24get
All I know is Mr. Bryant (and Eminem for that matter) helped get me thru troubling times during my mid-teens and now well into midlife adulthood. Whenever things with my family turned sour (which was quite often back then) during the mid-90's and early 2000's, I can always relate to the Lakers and Kobe for that matter to put things in perspective; to have that one positive thing in my life. For something to cheer on. Even in the dark days after the Shaq trade, he never failed to entertain... for us to marvel at his amazing feats both individual and team wise. I am honored to witness the Kobe-era from start to end. Twenty years went by so fast and I'm glad I was there to witness all of them historic events - from the draft and tonight to see one of the NBA's last breed of true hardwood assassins. And to be able to share and show him to my now 4-year old daughter - the man who her dad cheered on to get thru life to where he is now. The man who told me "F*** what everybody says! Keep going. Do work and do your best! That's all that matters!" So as I sit here decked in full gold Lakers gear in the middle of a workplace in a country that doesn't care about sports unless it's hockey... it's emotional for me right now to look back at all his accomplishments. We'll miss you Black Mamba. Thank you!
Dear Kobe, It’s been 20 years, I was 3 when you were drafted. I’ve been through high of highs and low of lows but the one constant has been Kobe Bean Bryant and the Lakers. A lifetime of watching you comes down to 48 mins, one last game against the same team you airballed four times so long ago. That was my earliest memory of you. A couple years later I watched you and Shaq carry the Lakers to a three-peat. I was more aware then, and I knew we were instore for something special. I was 11 by the time it was the Kobe-era, that’s when most of my Kobe memories take place. I can’t make a top-10 list of Kobe plays because theres too many. 81, 62 in 3 quarters, 61 at The Garden, 12 threes, that span of games of 35 point average, 4 50 point games in a row, countless clutch shots and game winners, monster blocks, insane passes, those spurts of defense where the other team’s player got shut down, stepping up and carrying team USA that one summer against Spain for the Olympic gold medal, the torn Achilles freethrows, the list goes on and on and on. My favorite moment will always be game 7 against Boston in 2010. That game was so important. Catching Kareem and Magic in championships and getting revenge on the franchise’s biggest rival. But more importantly, that year, that was the best Kobe I’ve watched. You developed your game every summer, transitioning from an explosive and athletic player to a finesse, post up, foot work player. You developed your leadership too, moving on from being the cocky a****** to finally trusting the team. All that development came down to one game, win or go home. You had a terrible shooting game, but being classic Kobe, went to work at everything else, grabbing 15 boards and eventually won the game and your 5th ring. Thank you Kobe for making me love basketball. There were stretches of my life where I scheduled everything around Laker games. I can only wish I can replicate a percentage of your psycho hardworking mentality to my everyday life. That’s what made Kobe special. I never watched MJ, Magic or Kareem play so Kobe will always be my GOAT. This truly is the end of an era. There will always be more talented players but there won’t be another with the same killer mentality, the drive to always be best and actually putting in the work to get there. The league and the media never truly gave you the appreciation you deserved over the years, they won’t know what they had until its gone. You are the last of a breed and the last player that truly appreciated the history of the game. Can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us.
To a one of a kind Laker great, Having supported the Los Angeles Lakers for a near four decades, I have never come across a player who donned The Golden Armor quite like Kobe Bean Bryant. He is as revered by his generation much like Jerry West both as a player or icon. He had the cold, machine like efficiency of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He treated Laker fans with scoring assaults that bettered Elgin Baylor in his heyday. Defensively in his prime when he took on the challenge, he could shut down any scoring whiz kid to nothing as well as Michael Cooper did. He did not have Magic Johnson’s smile or infectious joy while playing but he was the opposite who terrorized defenses and even his own teammates to win. A scowl with fangs protruding in place of disarming grins. Resiliency? Check. No player I have ever witnessed came back from injuries such as a badly sprained ankles, broken finger, exploded Achilles and torn rotator cuff to will himself and play the game he loves. Any other NBA player who has undergone such adversity would have been exposed as mere mortals. Doug Collins once said you have to kill him to get him off the floor...on your shield and sword in hand. Real talk... Although Jordan was whom he was always compared to, Bryant's myriad of injuries makes His Airness’ Flu Game look like a sneeze. His was one game, Bryant's was large portions of seasons lost. To be fair, Jordan had a foot injury but nothing that could be termed debilitating or career threatening at the time. Passion for the game? Check. Bryant is aware of his peers past and present. He is a student of the game. As hackneyed and clichéd that phrase is, in Bryant’s case it is true in every sense. Devouring tapes of his opponents, figuring out matchups, possible scenarios, in game tendencies, strengths and weaknesses of everyone involved. He had the innate and the cerebral to go hand in hand with the physical. No stone unturned or source tapped for that edge...that advantage. Dedication to his craft? Learning how to split double teams while working out with the 76ers as a high schooler? Never heard that before. Picking the brain of Michael Jordan on the nuances of the game on to being the next fire breathing Dragon after him. Consulting Gary “The Glove” Payton on defensive pointers. Olajuwon on post up moves? He wanted to be better and be the best. There is also his maniacal dedication to fitness...to be in the best physical condition possible. The insane volume shooting drills, the legendary workouts. Stu Lantz once said nobody could out-prepare or out-work him. Yes, maybe he is probably from another planet. Obsession? If anyone could not match his intensity or fanatical attention to detail, they can always find the gym door to the street. You may not have his talent nor skill but he demanded that you come to his level. To hell with hurt feelings, weak psyches or indignant fans. You may hate me but you will have to respect me was his mantra. For every Parker, there’s a Fisher. For every Kwame Brown, there’s a Gasol. At his prime zenith was post-O’Neal when he had to learn to lead while being himself. I doubt even the venerable Magic Johnson would have dragged the motley crew of unproven players Bryant’s had from 2005 to 2007 to even contending to heights they have experienced. The will to win? That trio of ill-fated air-balls against Utah? Not deterred. I doubt he even remembers O’Neal consoling him afterwards only summoning whatever is within to never shy from failure, look fear in the eye and say “I’d do it again” consequences be damned. That 81 point outburst will always be notable because no one seems to remember or care outside of being wowed by the event that the Lakers were down double digits. The accounts of his superhuman efforts to propel his squad to a 28-12 record within one game of the playoffs? Saying he’s giving his all and then some doesn’t seem enough. Game 7 in the 2010 Finals will always be a testament of this mindset. Horrible shooting but the 15 boards, 10 assists and 2 blocks? Those can’t be dismissed. To this fan, THAT game will one I will always cherish. Everything expended and nothing left on the floor for all the marbles. Given who it was against makes it that more special. There will NEVER be another one like Bryant just like there will never be another Russell, Jordan, Johnson, Bird or Abdul-Jabbar. In essence, he had the ability, hunger and drive inherent in those NBA legends but ran hotter by several degrees. It has been an honor/pleasure to have watched you morph from a hyper teen brimming with confidence and bravado to 20 years on an accomplished sure fire future Hall of Famer. You at peace with knowing that you are leaving the game in the hands of capable individuals such as Curry, Durant, Westbrook to name a few. You’ve had your pratfalls personally and professionally but those were only to remind the sports crazed public that you are indeed human. Thank you forever 8/24.
Dear Kobe, I was just a youngster the first time I watched you play. I remember it was against the Spurs in the playoffs. You absolutely demolished them. As great as the Spurs were and still are they had no answer for you. It was just incredible seeing someone especially so young I think you were as old as I am now 21 and you just took over games. People always had this ridiculous misconception that Shaq carried you and that you were just some sidekick. I'd love to ask Coach Pop one day if he thought you were. Despite that non sense I had no doubt you'd take on that challenge of winning without Shaq. Those were some rough three years or so. Following Shaq's departure. I remember being so livid that we had surrounded you with players like Kwame Brown and Smush Parker. Still you didn't cry about it. You went out there and still somehow someway carried those teams to the playoffs and damn near beat one of the best teams in the NBA in 2006. You were unbelievable that season. I mean 81 points seriously dude? I still can't believe it. As crazy as it sounds 61 in three quarters against a team that made the Finals that season might of been just as impressive. The kind of hot streaks you got in. There were normal zones and then there was Kobe Bryant zones. The team may not have been very good outside of you, but even still I'd pay big bucks to go see you play. Who wouldn't wanna see the baddest man in basketball do the unthinkable and improbable every single night? Players aren't supposed to get that hot from the field like you often would. But then again you weren't human in your hay day. Hell you weren't even human even as some of your athleticism started to diminish. You still found ways to dominant. I thought 2013 was just as impressive. The team got off to a horrific start. 17-25 I believe. You were 34 years old at the time. Yet what did you do? You carried that team to the postseason. You were playing like 45 minutes a game up until your injury during that month. Even Michael Jordan said that was ludicrous. It was just incredible seeing a dude with seventeen years of mileage still being able to play at such a high level, such an efficient level. I remember you guaranteed the team would make the playoffs and you fulfilled that. It's unfortunate you got hurt. It really is because I think that series with San Antonio could've been epic. We could've gotten to see two true legends face off one more time in the playoffs, but it wasn't to be. In that game that you got hurt you did something that not many others could do if any. You stood up and took those free throws after tearing that Achilles. That right there just showed all the toughness, the tenacity, the incredible competitiveness, and your just pure heart. There's so many amazing moments, but my favorite for me was by far the win against the Boston C Bags. As a fan I wanted it so bad. I can't even imagine how bad you wanted it. We saw it in your eyes. The scowls, the incredible focus and demeanor, he'll Chris Rock was trying to get your attention and you didn't hear a single word. That's how locked in you were. I've watched that series over and over. By far my favorite moment as a Lakers fan. I was so pissed off like you couldn't believe after Game 5. You just had a game for the ages. One of the best in Finals history. Pau, Ron, and the rest were no shows which was very dissapointing and you reportedly lit into them afterwards and rightfully so. Things started to look like 2008. Bynum was in and out of the lineup and even he was in didn't look nearly like he did the first two games. What I loved is the next game you guys showed why you were better than 08. Much better. There was no panic. Game 6 was one of the greatest defensive performances of all time. The C Bags went from scoring at will to not being able to get anything going. I thought you and Pau set the tone. Pau was dominant down low. Thought he responded great to the challenge that Garnett had brought to him. He protected the paint. Was a monster on the boards as he was in Game 7. You did an excellent job disrupting their flow and not giving Rondo any open passing lanes. Ron did a phenomenal job on Pierce as he did the entire series and finally got going offensively. Pierce couldn't do anything against him on isolations and when they tried pick and rolls the team defense was excellent. Game 7 was the ultimate struggle. You yourself it was a big Tim struggle for you offensively, but like any great player you did other things by rebounded like a mad man with 15 boards. 15 boards by a two guard hell by anyone is impressive. It was an ultimate test of wills who wanted those boards more and it had to be a total team effort and not just on Pau and Bynum. The C Bags had that thirteen point lead, but the defense which led to some transition bucks got you guys back in it. As a fan I was so proud because after being labeled soft a few years prior you pretty much beat Boston at their own game. Can't forget Fish's contributions either. Man that dude was unbelievably clutch. Willed us down the stretch in Game 3. I always admired the relationship you two had. Hearing the old stories about how you two used to battle and compete in practice as y'all both came into the league in the same year. Fish was always one of my favorites because he worked his tail off much like you did even though he had nowhere near the talent level, but from a competiveness stand point he never gave an inch. Tough as nails. Such a gritty defender as well. Even though people were always on him even in those last two postseason runs he had to defend some of the best point guards and still was able to hold his own. That final shot by Ron Artest was amazing for many reasons. First and foremost it was one of the most clutch shots in Lakers history. A shot that was needed with Boston closing in. Second people always criticized you for not trusting your teammates and in one of your biggest moments you took the double team and found Ron and thirdly after everything he had gone through personally and how hard he worked himself to get to that point and to see that hard work rewarded was just great to see. That was just the best memory for me. To beat a hated rival. How difficult it was. That's something that'll stick with me forever. To this day that is still my favorite championship team. Not just that series, but also leading up to it. I still remember people writing you off. Saying you were done. You struggled early in that opening round against OKC and you got a one drained and you went on to have one of your better postseason runs. You were magnificent against Utah. Fitting that your final game was against them. From those three air balls to seemingly obilerating them every time to see them. In the next round getting revenge against Phoenix. Hitting those ridiculous shots in Game 6 with two guys draped on you. That final shot over Grant Hill who couldn't have played better defense. I remember being so happy when we got Pau Gasol because I knew it meant we were back. I agree with what you said when you said he's one of the most unappreciated players. One of the most skilled big men in history. For a guy who was labeled soft which I always thought was silly he always rebounded like a monster in those title runs. Going to him down the stretch especially in that Game 7 against the C Bags. He was also outstanding defensively whether you talk about that series against KG. Guarding guys like Amare, Boozer, Dwight, Nene, and Yao all throughout those two postseasons. Absolutely deserving of getting his number retired one day. He changed everything. One of the great trades ever. You demanded that trade a year prior and he was exactly the kind of guy you wanted. A guy you deserved to be able to play with. I'm glad management finally got their s*** together because it was ashame what they put around you the first few years after Shaq. I wish you could've won one or two more and got to six or seven, but at the end of the day it just wasn't in the cards. The fact that I know you tried everything you could to get it done and your body simply couldn't take it anymore really just exemplified how great you're. Most players who tear an Achilles retire and I don't think anyone could fault them for that. You kept coming back. From that, a severe knee injury, the shoulder, and managed to make it to two decades. You persevered through every challenge on and off court. That's what I take away most from you. No matter how difficult it was you tackled it, you never let anything get you down, and you fought like the warrior you're. Giving up isn't even in your vocabulary. That's something I take to heart and everyone should. I didn't just look up to Kobe Bryant the basketball player, but also the human being. Everything you went through and here you're all these years later still as strong and tough as ever and whatever you chose to do next you'll be excellent at. You have that kind of drive and work ethic which I know will always be there you'll be great as whatever you do. It's been a fun, incredible ride Kobe. I will always be grateful and thankful for all these memories, for giving me someone to look up to and being about as good an idol as there is out there, and for always, always giving it your all. No matter the circumstance. You gave it your best and to me you always will be the best. Thank you Kobe and good luck to you.
Long time lurker, first time poster. I had an account on the old Club Laker forums, but am just now signing up on here. Anyway, I just felt like today I had to share with my purple and gold brethren the post I have plastered all over social media today. So, here goes... If you grow up in Kentucky, you're more than likely a basketball fan and if you know my family, you certainly know that's the case with us. Well, when my dad was growing up, this place was C Bags country and almost everyone rooted for Boston. That is, except for him. Amazed by the play of Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he became a loyal Lakers fan. Those guys inspired him on and off the court and because of that, he passed his Laker fandom on to my brother and I. I was too young to really know anything about the sport at the time, but at five years old I can remember us wearing Laker uniforms playing around the house as "Shaq Daddy and Kobe Bryant". Well, as I grew older, I started to play and study the game myself like most kids here do. Before you knew it, I had latched on to Kobe like my father did with the Lakers of his generation. Just like he looked up to Magic, Worthy, and Kareem, I looked up to Kobe. Whether it be playing the sport or in everyday life, I've idolized Kobe as much as anyone possibly could. I used to mimic his moves when we'd play pickup on the goal at home. I took game-winners (and still do) with him on video games. I memorized every word of Lil Wayne's song about him and sang it nonstop. I tuned in to watch him every time the Lakers were on national TV, even if it meant going crazy in my grandparents' living room when we won game four in 2006. Or cussing up a storm when we got down early against Boston in game seven in 2010. Or being speechless when we came back to win the championship that same game and watching him celebrate on the scorer's table afterwards with "I Love L.A." blasting in the background. In times when I'd get down, I'd pull up some of his highlights and be mesmerized by his mentality, toughness, and ability, completely forgetting about the current situation. When I'm stressed or aggravated, I always ask myself "What would Kobe do?" then continue to press on and succeed because that's exactly what he'd do. Kobe Bean Bryant has no earthly idea who I am, but he's impacted my life in a way that's hard to describe, even in a long-winded post such as this one. So, #ThankYouKobe. Thank you for everything you've given to the Los Angeles Lakers these past twenty years. Thank you for all of the memories you have given your fans across the globe, just a few of which are shown here. Thank you for all of the game-winners, rage faces, dunks, championships, and every other spectacular thing you done on the basketball floor. Thank you for getting me through some of the toughest times of my life. Thank you for inspiring us all to believe in ourselves and become the best we can be. I know it's a cliche thing to say, but you truly are the Michael Jordan of our generation. One of these days, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to have a child of my own. I don't know if they'll even like to play basketball, but I can guarantee they'll be a Lakers fan. Why? As the greatness of the Showtime Lakers enabled my dad to pass his fandom to me, the legend of Kobe Bryant will allow me to do the same for them. And if their favorite Laker happens to be as special as mine was, the family tradition is in great hands. Here's to you, Mamba. I hope you enjoy your retirement as much as I have your career. You certainly deserve it. You may not lace up your sneakers anymore after tonight, but you'll never be forgotten, because heroes come and go, but legends live forever. Once again, #ThankYouKobe. Thank you for everything.
Wow, time does fly. Kobe, no words can ever express the appreciation and respect that I and millions of Lakers fans and non fans have for you. You were and are a true superstar in every sense of the word. While I was in high schokI will always remember being in my living room while watching the Lakers-Portland series Game 7; we made a furious comeback in the 4th quarter and it was the Kobe to pass Shaq that prompted me to flip over a piece of furniture in excitement and anticipation for the eventual victory and our oopportunity at winning it all. I wish you the best in your life afterwards; I am sure you'll be great at whatever you decide to embark upon.
Repost I hit the gym tonight Over at 24 Hour Fitness As I went to grab a locker Odd behavior I did witness Among the wall of lockers End caps were out of space If I grabbed one in the middle Would I remember the place? I immediately scanned for locker numbers Placed at the top of every door The two first numbers that came to mind? Were 8 and 24 Not a birth month And not a birth year Jerseys #'s of a hometown athlete That had that extra gear That for 20 fleeting and glorious years Of maniacal work and perspiration Provided millions of worldwide fans Countless memories and inspiration Love him or hate him Or anywhere in between There's no denying the impact Of the one and only Kobe Bean Like my Dad loved Mickey's #7 And some cherished 32 or 23 How can you explain these random numbers That are now ingrained in me? You might not be a superhero And you might not be a god But whenever I see numbers 8 or 24 I will tip my hat and nod You have my deepest respect Kobe For your drive and dedication For many stretches of my life Basketball was my medication Witnessing you play Was like watching poetry in motion Several times a game You had me bursting with emotion. I never knew when And I never knew how But if I dared to turn my eyes away I'd risk missing that moment that made me say wow Schedules were changed And altered were plans So I could watch you play live With millions of other fans Clock counting down And I'm holding my breath This ending inching near Feels kind of like a death These final moments I savor As almost a granted favor When you bust out your old unstoppable moves To give NBA youngins one last flash or flavor Of what we've experienced for years Causing opponents fans' tears The joy of hard fought victory The toast of frosty beers You've given all you had I can't ask any more But I will always smile when I realize You made my favorite numbers 8 and 24
The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways (Plato, Apology). This could be the end of my Lakers fandom. I almost don't remember what it was like to watch basketball before Kobe, and I don't want to think about basketball after Kobe.
I apologize for the long wall of text. But I worked on this last night. But here we go.... Dear Kobe, When I first saw you play I was pretty young. I was born into a family of Laker fans, and the Lakers were all that I knew growing up. Watching you win the slam dunk contest, and watching you grow into the player that you became. From 1999-2001, those were some of the best memories of a championship dynasty that I ever witnessed. I was blessed to be a fan during those times. Countless memories were made during the 3 peat era. Battles against the Pacers, Sixers, Nets, and Blazers. But they were extra special whenever we played against the Sacramento Kings. Those were some of the best, and excited games I have ever watched. You were dominant, you showed relentless aggression to achieve greatness. Those 3 championships showcased how hard you worked, that all the injuries, blood, sweat, and tears all lead to the pinnacle of the NBA world. But you did not stop there. You pushed to become greater. From there you would continue to rise, continue to show that you weren’t just some Michael Jordan clone, that you wanted to be greater than him. Heading into the mid 2000s, you continued to show the world that you were the best. Countless games scoring 40+, 50+, and even getting to 60 points. 62 points, in 3 quarters! Are you kidding me? If Phil kept you on the court I’m sure you would have gotten at least 70. You continued on. Even though we saw all those high scoring games, you went even further, reached even deeper, and you showed the world. You gave us the 2nd highest scoring game ever seen in the history of the NBA. 81 points. Sit back and think about that number. 81. 81 points in a single game. You had 55 points in the second half, alone. Those are numbers no one can even fathom to believe. But you continued to rise. Winning league MVP came next. Granted, I believed you should have won the year before, to become back to back MVP, but I digress. You showed the world that you simply were the best. The best in the league, the best in the world. But you did not stop there. Night in and night out you gave us your all, but you could not do it alone. When Pau came, I knew things would change for the better, and it sure did. You guys meshed so well together. It was like watching poetry on the court. The synergy you guys had was off the charts, and it was some of the most fun I had watching basketball. From Lamar Odom, to Sasha Vujacic, to Fisher, Ariza, and Bynum. But you and Pau were the centerpiece, but you, Kobe, were the heart and soul of those teams. You played with fire, and that inspired the rest of the team. It inspired all of you to win back to back titles. And again, you showed the world your greatness. Even after those championship teams were dismantled, and players moved on, you continued to rise. Night in and night out, you poured your heart and soul into the game, to the team, to the city. You put the fear of god into every single opponent that stepped on the court. Every arena knew that you were a cold blooded killer, a black mamba. They feared you, they hated you, but that only made you stronger. You feasted off the hate, and the fear. When the worst happened, the injury, the tear. I feared the worst. But you didn’t show it. You sat there fighting through the pain, like you always have. You did not go to the bench, you were not taken out on a wheelchair, or a stretcher. You got up, sunk those 2 free throws, and walked out on your own 2 feet. Relentless, fearless, cold blooded. You were an assassin. A torn Achilles, and you managed to walk all the way to the locker room. We all knew, we all knew that things would change. Achilles injuries are no joke. But we all had hope because you always fought through the pain. You always fought through injuries, and we, as Laker fans hoped that the next day you would be back in the gym getting ready for the next game. It didn’t happen. You were gone for a long time. But when you came back you showed that you could still do it, but injuries kept accumulating. And the man that we all knew was a shell of his former self. But you always gave us hope, and we kept the faith. Until this day we still do. 20 years in the league. You gave 20 years of blood, sweat, and tears to this Lakers organization, to the city, to the fans, and myself. I am blessed to have witnessed 20 years of memories that I will never forget. We knew this day was going to come, but we didn’t want it to come so soon. I am 24 years old. The Lakers and you, Kobe, are all that I have ever known. You are my idol, my hero, my inspiration. You are the reason I fell in love with basketball. I will always remember going to the park and trying to emulate your fadeaway. Every single moved, I studied, and practiced. When I look back, I will tell my children, and grandchildren about you. About your greatness. You are not Michael Jordan. You are Kobe Bryant. Thank you, thank you for everything you have done for the city, for all the memories you gave me. Thank you for giving me an escape. Every time I watched you, I knew you were going to do something amazing, and you never failed to do so. As your career comes to a close, you leave us knowing that you gave it your all, and you leave the game knowing that you cannot give any more. Your legacy will forever live on, and everyone will remember who you are. Vino, the Black Mamba, Champion. But most importantly, they will always remember, Kobe Bryant. #MambaOut
