[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Once in a life time talent. I got an 8 jersey from way back 4th grade framed. Got love for you bro. 

[IlladelphParticipant]

This season I sort of turned against Kobe and the Lakers management for transforming this season into Kobe’s Farewell Tour.  But, as the season progressed I stopped thinking that way, and instead starting thinking about so many events in my life that I connect a Kobe moment to.  For example, I remember the Dwight Howard dunk and what was going on in my life at the time.  Or the chips with Shaq.  Or his Yao Ming, or Steve Nash dunks.  Or so many buzzer-beaters.  Or just cool plays that no one else will probably remember but for whatever reason I thought they were cool.  When I really started thinking about it, whether you are a Kobe lover or hater, he has been a big part of the game we love for so long that it seems almost incomprehensible that next year he won’t be wearing a Lakers uniform, and doing his thing.

Yesterday I watched a few "farewell Kobe" videos, and ESPN had a great one written by the talented, and under-rated, Scoop Jackson.  Kendrick Lamar performed it as a spoken word thing laid down as the soundtrack.  You can find it on ESPN, or youtube, wherever.  It’s called "Fade to Black" I think.  It was pretty powerful, and it really reminded me how Kobe Bryant has been so important to not just the game of basketball, but in my life as well.  Looking back, I’d say that we were all pretty fortunate in being basketball fans during the Kobe Era.  He really took the entire league to the next level.  I will definitely miss number 8/24.

[IlladelphParticipant]

This season I sort of turned against Kobe and the Lakers management for transforming this season into Kobe’s Farewell Tour.  But, as the season progressed I stopped thinking that way, and instead starting thinking about so many events in my life that I connect a Kobe moment to.  For example, I remember the Dwight Howard dunk and what was going on in my life at the time.  Or the chips with Shaq.  Or his Yao Ming, or Steve Nash dunks.  Or so many buzzer-beaters.  Or just cool plays that no one else will probably remember but for whatever reason I thought they were cool.  When I really started thinking about it, whether you are a Kobe lover or hater, he has been a big part of the game we love for so long that it seems almost incomprehensible that next year he won’t be wearing a Lakers uniform, and doing his thing.

Yesterday I watched a few "farewell Kobe" videos, and ESPN had a great one written by the talented, and under-rated, Scoop Jackson.  Kendrick Lamar performed it as a spoken word thing laid down as the soundtrack.  You can find it on ESPN, or youtube, wherever.  It’s called "Fade to Black" I think.  It was pretty powerful, and it really reminded me how Kobe Bryant has been so important to not just the game of basketball, but in my life as well.  Looking back, I’d say that we were all pretty fortunate in being basketball fans during the Kobe Era.  He really took the entire league to the next level.  I will definitely miss number 8/24.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 There was a great article on ESPN yesterday detailing the grind that Kobe put himself through to literally will the Lakers into the playoffs during the final weeks of the 2012-13 season, which will ultimately go down as one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. During that period, Kobe literally drove himself past the point of exhaustion, basically refusing to ever come out of a game and barely being able to stand or walk afterwards. Although he ultimately accomplished his goal, he paid a huge price for it in the end as his Achilles snapped. He was so locked in and obsessed at that point he even tried to play through that. To me, this encapsulated the best and worst of Kobe in a nutshell. The fact that he was willing to put himself through that lengths no other player would go to at that stage of his career and the fact that he didn’t trust his coaches, teammates or anyone else to get the job done.

Everyone knows the real Kobe Bryant exited the building for the last time on April 12, 2013. The version we have seen since than has just been a mirage, a shell of his former self. To his credit, a part of him had to know when he tore the Achilles at his age, that he would never be the same again. He could have easily called it a career, as he really had absolutely nothing left to prove at that point. About 99% of players would have. He could have easily opted to hang it up after any of the injuries he has suffered since then and no one could have blamed him. However, the fact that he was willing to go through hell just to come back in a diminished state and go out on his own terms speaks volumes to what a competitor he is. 

 

 

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 There was a great article on ESPN yesterday detailing the grind that Kobe put himself through to literally will the Lakers into the playoffs during the final weeks of the 2012-13 season, which will ultimately go down as one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. During that period, Kobe literally drove himself past the point of exhaustion, basically refusing to ever come out of a game and barely being able to stand or walk afterwards. Although he ultimately accomplished his goal, he paid a huge price for it in the end as his Achilles snapped. He was so locked in and obsessed at that point he even tried to play through that. To me, this encapsulated the best and worst of Kobe in a nutshell. The fact that he was willing to put himself through that lengths no other player would go to at that stage of his career and the fact that he didn’t trust his coaches, teammates or anyone else to get the job done.

Everyone knows the real Kobe Bryant exited the building for the last time on April 12, 2013. The version we have seen since than has just been a mirage, a shell of his former self. To his credit, a part of him had to know when he tore the Achilles at his age, that he would never be the same again. He could have easily called it a career, as he really had absolutely nothing left to prove at that point. About 99% of players would have. He could have easily opted to hang it up after any of the injuries he has suffered since then and no one could have blamed him. However, the fact that he was willing to go through hell just to come back in a diminished state and go out on his own terms speaks volumes to what a competitor he is. 

 

 

 

[Stop_basketball_nonsenseParticipant]

 I’m 25 years old and without a doubt Kobe was the best/most competitive player through my years. Ai was my idol & dirk was my favorite player throughout my years on my favorite team, but Kobe embodied the 2 most significant qualities in sports the most profoundly, winning & having fun playing the game. He will always be slighted for how he used his influence to shove Shaq out of LA, but when you consider what he did for the Lakers after that proving the Lakers management made the right decision you understand his belief in himself. Now you have the opposite, guys joining up for super teams without that much belief in themselves. So.many game winners, hated moments, people questioning whether his way of playing allowed others to want to play with him, and he still ended his career with 5 rings. during this time only the spurs with.Duncan,parker,ginobli&,coach pop have only achieved this level & Kobe never had that level of support through his career in its entirety. 

Farewell black mamba a true.basketball warrior. he understood offense & defense & was a superstar, last of a during breed.

 

[Stop_basketball_nonsenseParticipant]

 I’m 25 years old and without a doubt Kobe was the best/most competitive player through my years. Ai was my idol & dirk was my favorite player throughout my years on my favorite team, but Kobe embodied the 2 most significant qualities in sports the most profoundly, winning & having fun playing the game. He will always be slighted for how he used his influence to shove Shaq out of LA, but when you consider what he did for the Lakers after that proving the Lakers management made the right decision you understand his belief in himself. Now you have the opposite, guys joining up for super teams without that much belief in themselves. So.many game winners, hated moments, people questioning whether his way of playing allowed others to want to play with him, and he still ended his career with 5 rings. during this time only the spurs with.Duncan,parker,ginobli&,coach pop have only achieved this level & Kobe never had that level of support through his career in its entirety. 

Farewell black mamba a true.basketball warrior. he understood offense & defense & was a superstar, last of a during breed.

 

[HitsterParticipant]

Kobe has an ego, maybe sold his team mates down the river a few times but had an amazing will to win and the game to back it up. For 15 years of his career he was an elite Franchise Level player and the fact that he sits 3rd on the all time scoring list at a shade under 25ppg says it all. But for a couple of late injury hit seasons he would have been nearer to 36,000 points and had a career average of over 25ppg.

The most impressive thing for me was the amount of years he played at the top of his game averaging over 27ppg in his mid 30’s etc.

This is the right time for him to bow out, he has his titles, his legacy, he’s not within reach of Kareem’s points record. The injuries and father time have taken the edge off his game this year and why would Kobe want to ride shotgun to try for extra titles on a reduced salary. He leaves as the highest paid current NBA player which is also good for his ego.

My memory of him will always be the 81 point game vs Toronto, thanks for all the greatness Kobe.

No doubt early next years, there will be teams trying to tempt Kobe back for a play off run but as he has publically stated this is his last season, I think he’ll stay retired which is the right decision IMO.

[HitsterParticipant]

Kobe has an ego, maybe sold his team mates down the river a few times but had an amazing will to win and the game to back it up. For 15 years of his career he was an elite Franchise Level player and the fact that he sits 3rd on the all time scoring list at a shade under 25ppg says it all. But for a couple of late injury hit seasons he would have been nearer to 36,000 points and had a career average of over 25ppg.

The most impressive thing for me was the amount of years he played at the top of his game averaging over 27ppg in his mid 30’s etc.

This is the right time for him to bow out, he has his titles, his legacy, he’s not within reach of Kareem’s points record. The injuries and father time have taken the edge off his game this year and why would Kobe want to ride shotgun to try for extra titles on a reduced salary. He leaves as the highest paid current NBA player which is also good for his ego.

My memory of him will always be the 81 point game vs Toronto, thanks for all the greatness Kobe.

No doubt early next years, there will be teams trying to tempt Kobe back for a play off run but as he has publically stated this is his last season, I think he’ll stay retired which is the right decision IMO.

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 ESPN spent 15 minutes breaking down whether or not Kobe would cry in his final game. Yeah I’m ready for it to be over. 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 ESPN spent 15 minutes breaking down whether or not Kobe would cry in his final game. Yeah I’m ready for it to be over. 

[cavairo7Participant]

I think Dominique Wilkins said it best today: Kobe is "the last of the Mohicans"

[cavairo7Participant]

I think Dominique Wilkins said it best today: Kobe is "the last of the Mohicans"

[iguapops420Participant]

 Nobody put more effort to perfecting their craft as Kobe. I’m personally quite emotional as he’s been a consistent stable for me. Thanks Kobe. You’re the greatest ever to me.

[iguapops420Participant]

 Nobody put more effort to perfecting their craft as Kobe. I’m personally quite emotional as he’s been a consistent stable for me. Thanks Kobe. You’re the greatest ever to me.

[llperez]

You busted your ass and put in the work. You entertained and you won. I rode with you through ups and downs. Thank you Kobe Bryant

[llperez]

You busted your ass and put in the work. You entertained and you won. I rode with you through ups and downs. Thank you Kobe Bryant

[Author]

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