Kobe Bryant Discussion: Mamba Out!

Phil: Damn, why did I let her get away.
Kobe: You done messed up.

 

Nice to see comparisons to an all time great.

 

Any chance to disrespect the Kang I am unable to pass up.

 

One year ago today. Never forget. One of the greatest players of all time goes out exactly like only he could. Miss you Kobe! We will always miss you.

 

I'm 22 years old. Meaning I grew up with Kobe basically. I was fortunate enough to watch this legend in his prime. Number one reason I became a Lakers fan and a basketball fan in general. I don't have kids currently, but one day when I do I look forward to telling them about Kobe Bryant and all the incredible things I witnessed from the man. You talk about a guy who routinely took over games single handily. He flat out willed not only himself, but his teammates at times to victory. I don't know that you put him over MJ, but I do know it's at least a discussion. Kobe was that good.

I really wish I could've seen that last game live. Just one of many reasons I wish I lived in Los Angeles, but was very fortunate to see one of Kobe's last performances in San Antonio. Lakers are down big and Kobe pretty much single handily brings them all the way back and they fall just short against a far superior team. Just like the old days. His body clearly was on it's last legs, but it was amazing how Kobe still found a way to have these flash back moments. That 60 point game was just unbelievable to witness. I've got no shame in admitting I teared up. Dude meant and still means so much to me.

I'll forever be thankful and appreciate for Kobe. He wasn't the perfect person and at times not even the perfect player although pretty damn close, but you wanna talk about a guy with heart, with so much passion for the game of basketball, who worked so unbelievably hard, and with all the criticism he faced during his career he always rose above it. It was so sweet seeing him win back to back championships and finally putting to bed the notion he couldn't win without Shaq.

That last championship against Boston was incredible. Best moment as a sports fan for me. As I mentioned being a younger fan I never witnessed the Magic/Bird rivalry and never really got to witness that classic Lakers/C Bags rivalry until I was in about 7th grade. That year we had pulled off one of the great trades finally pairing up Kobe with an elite Robin in Pau and everything had come together. Team was playing so well and they ran into the C Bags and they just embarrassed us. Then two years later to get the opportunity to face them again and show how much they had grown and for Kobe to make amends for a tough series for him was awesome.

Amazing career. Amazing player. There will never be another Kobe Bryant. Good for him that he's enjoying life after basketball. He certaintly deserves that.

 

^ still gives me chills, i know every second of this game. My wife mutes the tv and tells me to do the commentary. I know every line, word for word LOL.

 

Will never forget Shaq saying he asked me for 40 and the mother****** went for 60.

Great to see those guys embracing each other at the end.

Obviously they're never be the best of friends, but it's good to see them come a long way from their days of being at each other's skin.

Two of the five best players to play in this league the last three decades IMO.

 

Love it!!

 

Spoiler

 

I would so like to know how Kobe really feels about Lebron.