Mamba Out! Kobe’s Last Ride

Wednesday night the world said goodbye to Kobe Bryant. Only Kobe Bean Bryant could overshadow the Golden State Warriors getting historical win number 73 on the season to set an NBA record. But, the Black Mamba did some of his own record setting in the final game of his 20-year NBA career.

Kobe hit the Utah Jazz for a hot 60 – you know the team that he once launched X airballs against during his first playoff series – and got the Lakers the W to finish a career. In pure Kobe fashion, he went out shooting on 50 shots and scored 23 points in the fourth quarter.

Let’s look at some of our favorite moments of the night.

Kobe arrived to the arena wearing all black.

He made ESPN pay for bumping him to ESPN 2.
Kobe and Vanessa got rings.

Magic Johnson said Kobe was the greatest Lakers’ star ever

All the celebs and Kobe’s former teammates were in the building. Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie, Jay Z, School Boy Q, David Beckham, Steve Stoute, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Adam Levine, Holly Robinson Peete, Kareem Rush, Ronny Turiaf, Devean George, Mark Madsen, Shaq and others.

 

 

 

 

Kobe inspires the arrogant to dream higher

 

 

the price

Kobe’s 60

He said he knows he gave it all, so he has no problem walking away.

Even Shaq had to tell Kobe he’s a bad mutherf**ker. Remember, last week on TNT, Shaq challenged Kobe to go for 50.

His last words were Mamba Out.

Player Reactions

Steph Curry

First let me say congrats to Kobe on an unbelievable career. 20 years! You set he bar on the court for our generation. Thank you. And 60….for real? This is how I’d look At you after tonight. #MambaOut

Kobe’s final play was an assist. That’s what you call irony! Now the pressure is on the Lakers

Vanessa Bryant posted this photo with a caption that expressed all the sacrifices her family made for the game of basketball.

This is it!!! Today’s the day!!!! My family and I are so excited. So happy to hear, “the 4th and FINAL period” one last time. My girls and I are so happy to have Kobe home more often. We’ve all sacrificed so much time, birthdays, holidays, family functions and special events to be there for Kobe. I really want to thank my daughters, Natalia and Gianna, for being patient and understanding how much hard work, sacrifice and dedication it takes to see their dad accomplish so many great things. Kobe has an incredible work ethic and amazing drive to be the best at whatever he sets his mind to and with that comes many sacrifices. We’re thankful for everything the Lord has blessed us with. The road hasn’t always been easy. We’ve had our ups and downs, but I’m so thankful we managed to persevere against the odds. We couldn’t have done it without our faith and God’s grace. We’re so happy to have seen the amount of joy Kobe brings to his fans and the city of Los Angeles. My daughters and I have been present at many of Kobe’s Make-a-Wish meet and greets, and words cannot explain how much joy he brings to people that are going through really difficult times in their lives. I thank all those beautiful families that have allowed us to share in those joyous moments. All of that really helped put things into perspective for me as a wife and mother. We must always remember that when life gets tough, there is always someone facing much more difficult times in their lives. And, in those hard times, we can be each other’s strength, and remember that it’s in the trials of life that God grows us even more! Thank you all for your amazing love and support for our family in all times! We will forever be grateful!! With Love, Vanessa Bryant

Kobe’s daughters were amazed by his 60 point performance. They had no idea that their dad uses to do this on the regular.

 

Nike doing what Nike does, putting together one of the greatest send-off commercials ever.

Embrace the hate of a legend. There will never be another like number 8/24.