He came in as he left, on his own terms.
No one sat him down to tell him he was being released. No one told him that he wasn’t good enough to play. His bite still matched his bark, still willing to make the kill … even if it would take him a second to strike. He was never asked to step away from the city that gave him a chance in 1996.
As he walked into the locker room he called home on April 13, 2016, for the final, he smiled as he was greeted by the media as if it was just another day. But it wasn’t another day. It was a wonderful day, a glorious day ... a final day.
A smile protruded across his face as he laced up his size 14 shoes for shoot-around, the Staples Center began to fill up with fans. Fans who saw the dark days of the gold and purple to the fair-weather fans and everyone in between. A Snapchat filter filled over millions of mobile devices taping every minute of his final day as a Laker, with the chants of his name filling the arena.
As the final minutes filled the shot clock, he stepped onto the court. There was no tomorrow for him. The Lakers were the furthest thing from king of the playoffs. But yet, his smile was contagious as he jumped from the three-point line to seal the deal.
For some, it was just another game. For many, it was Kobe Bryant’s final shot, and the Lakers won their final game against the Utah Jazz 101-96.
He shot, he scored. He scored and then scored again. The one known as “Black Mamba” said his goodbye in style on his home court. 60 points, 60 final points that measure along the careers of the greats, like Barkley, Magic, Larry, Kareem and the one and only Michael Jordan.
"I gave my soul to this game," Bryant said. "There's nothing else I can give.”
But what else can we ask for? A 37-year-old going on 17 playing one final time. His venom hasn’t dried out, but yet, his passion is still there. Bryant, one of the greatest players of our generation made his piece Wednesday night as he walked away from the game he loved most.
"Tonight was trying to go out and play hard and try to put on a show as much as I possibly could," he said.
As he smiled and hugged his wife and daughter, “Kobe” began chanting over the Staples Center one final time. It was there, amongst the fans who called him bust. The fans who said he’d never amount to the next level. The fans who gave up on him; he greeted his long-time hero. A 7-foot monster who helped get the career started. Shaquille O’Neal greeted his old teammate one final time on the court they won back-to-back championships with.
"Tonight was trying to go out and play hard and try to put on a show as much as I possibly could," he said.
What will we remember most about Kobe? His five NBA Championships, which he was named MVP twice. His 33,000+ points along with 18 All-star appearances. His ability to make a game exciting while adding depth.
No, what I will remember most is his ability to shake off a terrible game and play a team like nothing happened the night before. That was Kobe for you: calm, collective, in control.
There are few players who names will forever be enshroud in the world of sports across the world, Kobe is one them. Few players will ever be able to say they were given a chance to stay with the same organization for their entire careers. Even fewer can say they were there through the good, the bad, the ugly and even the horrifying times.
Then on one night, one final night; Kobe did what he does best; put on a show, one final time.
" God, I love you guys," Bryant said to the 30,000 fans who gathered to say their goodbyes. Then before leaving, he smiled and said: "What can I say? Mamba out!"
Bryant walks away this week and the audience screams “Thank you Kobe." But as he says goodbye, we say thank you. Thank you for the memories. For the career, for every game you played hurt or tired. You made the game something worth watching every night. Celebrities adored you, coaches appreciate you, young kids across America wanted to be you.
And for that, the young generation can thank the one and only number 24.
