Only a few players have been as influential as Kobe Bryant, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers star. The Black Mamba showcased his remarkable work ethic and determination, captivating millions of fans worldwide. His illustrious career stands as a testament to why Kobe is considered one of the all-time greats to grace the game.
Though it was sad to hear the announcement of his retirement in March 2016, he didn’t retire without leaving a fascinating story for the generation to come—a story well shared by his former teammate and friend.
Shaq challenged Kobe to score 50 in his final game
Before his final game in the NBA, Kobe Bryant appeared on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” where his former teammate Shaquille O’Neal challenged him to score 50 points in his last career game. Bryant dismissed the idea, saying, “Absolutely not.” Fast forward to Wednesday, Bryant exceeded the challenge by concluding his career with 60 points on 50 shots in the Lakers’ victory over the Utah Jazz.
On April 13, Utah became Bryant’s final opponent. It was a celebratory occasion, with many celebrities and former NBA stars present to witness the end of something extraordinary. Bryant led the Lakers to an improbable 101-96 win, delivering an incredible 60-point performance. For someone who “just didn’t want to play bad” in his last game, he left the game in style.
In an interview after the game, Shaq revealed what he told Kobe to do. In a tweet, @Rachel__Nichols stated, “Just spoke to Shaq – he said ‘I challenged him to get 50, and the mother****er got 60.’” For someone who scored 81 points in a game, 62 points in just three quarters, and achieved twenty-five 50-point games, it’s no surprise that he concluded his career with one of the greatest performances ever.
Kobe Bryant’s generous gesture after his final game
On April 13, 2016, the basketball world witnessed the curtain call of one of the greatest players in NBA history as Kobe Bryant bid farewell to the game in an unforgettable manner. While many were downcast to witness their idol gradually stepping away from the league, Bryant’s last year surprisingly became a delightful experience for fans.
However, this perception shifted during his retirement tour, as he wore a big smile in every game and played for the sheer joy of it. “Mamba” made special efforts to fulfill everyone’s wish for a personalized autograph. In Paul George’s podcast, Lou Williams shared his last experience involving Kobe.
“I just remember (Kobe’s) last game that he scored 60 men. He was so gracious to everybody bro. I’m glad that was my last memory of him. It was stuff literally stacked up the ceiling that security wanted signing, people that worked in the arena, equipment people, people’s families and friends.” Lou William said.
Even though Kobe Bryant retired from the game a while ago, his legacy continues to make headlines.
