Looking Back at Kobe Bryant?s Historic 60 Points in His Final Outing With the Lakers

Widely regarded as one of the greatest farewell games ever, Kobe Bryant ended his journey as a Laker on a high. The legendary superstar left behind a legacy on and off the court, and will be remembered forever. Featuring in the same side for two decades, Kobe was the poster boy of LA. Do you remember his final match for Los Angeles Lakers? Let’s go back in retrospect.

When Kobe Bryant dropped 60 points and bid the game adieu

Every time Kobe stepped onto the court, he gave nothing short of 100%. However, his retirement was imminent. A minor drop in level and the age factor caught up to the ‘Mamba’ towards the end of his career. Yet, the icon managed to drop a sensational performance in his farewell match. On April 13th 2016, the #24 bullied the Utah Jazz and scored 60 dominant points. It was a tearjerker of a night, in both happy and sad ways.

The stands were sold out to pay tribute to one of the sport’s finest. In an array of jump shots and flashy movements, Bryant lit up the arena packed with purple and gold. The Lakers eventually triumphed 101-96, but the night was about anything but the result. It was a momentous occasion to honor a player who had left his heart and soul on the court. Following his final match, the ever-so-hilarious Kobe said,?“The thing that had me cracking up all night was the fact that I had to go through 20 years of everybody screaming to pass the ball, but during the last night they’re like don’t pass it!”

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Black Mamba’s immaculate achievements at LA

Kobe Bryant began his path to glory way back in 1996. Playing as a small-forward, he was picked up by the Lakers in the 1st Round of the ’96 Draft. Within his second year itself, the Philadelphia-born gem was showcasing why he belongs in the league. He went on from there to lead the side to multiple title reigns, and became the gold standard for forwards in the future. He played for 20 years, but left memories that will last for all eternity.

Across the course of his career, Kobe averaged 25 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists. An absolute gentleman of the game, he had the ‘Mamba mentality’ on the court and sheer kindness off of it. He won the Championship on five occasions, was a 2-time Finals MVP, and an 18-time NBA All-star. Aside from his quality, the loyalty he showed to his franchise makes him what he is. And all these great moments perhaps came flashing back as the Mamba departed in 2016.

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The great Kobe Bryant will live in our hearts forever. He is undoubtedly one of the guys that everyone is fortunate to have seen play. Do you consider him as the greatest player of all time? Regardless, though he is not with us physically, he will be watching on from above. Kobe ‘Black Mamba’ Bryant; then, now, and forever!