Vanessa Bryant’s Kobe Bryant tribute on Instagram may put the present LA Lakers team to shame. After all, a 41-point blowout loss is unacceptable for a team with any sort of championship aspirations. Despite starting the season well, the last few weeks have unveiled the Lakers’ shortcomings and fans expect better. Vanessa’s intent, however, did not seem to add insult to injury to the Lakers’ 134-93 loss in Miami on Wednesday.

Just hours after the Purple & Gold’s embarrassing loss, the 42-year-old celebrated 15 years since the iconic moment when Kobe Bryant left us all speechless with one of the most incredible buzzer-beaters in NBA history. Vanessa shared the IG post from kobe.showcase in her story, featuring the said iconic shot. “15 years ago today Kobe hit one of the most clutch game-winners ever,” read the caption to the post, topped off with a GOAT emoji.

If you’re a basketball fan, chances are you remember exactly where you were when this moment happened. It was December 5, 2009, and the defending champion Lakers were locked in a nail-biter with Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat. This wasn’t just any game—it was two legends going head-to-head, trading clutch plays like it was a heavyweight fight.

Late in the fourth quarter, it looked like the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak was over. With the Lakers down 2 with 10 seconds remaining, they had no choice but to foul Wade. He made both, pushing the lead to 4 points. However, Derek Fisher made a three on the other end to cut down the lead to just 1. After fouling Wade again, the Flash only managed to make 1 out of his 2 free throws. With 3.2 seconds on the clock, it provided the Lakers a glimmer of hope.

And when Kobe’s on the court, hope is all you need. They got the ball to their closer. You’ve probably seen the clip—the Lakers icon dribbling to his left, Wade guarding him like a shadow. Somehow, Bryant launched a ridiculous off-balance floater while fading away. The ball kissed the backboard and dropped in.

While the current Lakers faced an embarrassing defeat last night at the hands of the same opponents Kobe put to the sword 15 years ago, it incited a sense of nostalgia for the LA faithful. Truly a moment to be remembered even after decades, but not surprising considering who was responsible for it.

Why is Kobe Bryant considered one of the greatest game-winners

A lifelong Laker, Kobe wasn’t just a basketball player; he was a force of nature who thrived when the pressure was at its peak. With career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, along with five NBA championships, his resume speaks for itself. But what made Kobe truly special?

His work ethic and mentality, yes, but also his ability to deliver in the clutch. Think this: as per Give Me Sport, over his 20-year career, Bryant drained 2,447 clutch shots. Clearly, the Black Mamba lived for those moments when the game was on the line.

And while he has many iconic buzzer-beaters, who can forget the one against Portland in 2004? Double overtime, the clock ticking down, and Kobe Bryant, calm as ever, nailed the game-winning three. It was moments like these that cemented his legacy, which not just Vanessa, but we all are still celebrating.