Kobe Bryant went out last night on a high night scoring
60 points against the Utah Jazz. A
horrible season for Bryant (17 ppg/35% shooting) can now be forgotten. While he did stay two years too long, Kobe is
no doubt one of the greatest of all-time.
Third all-time in points scored, 1 NBA MVP, 5 NBA championships, and 2
NBA Finals MVP trophies. There is no
arguing how great he was. The numbers
don't lie nor did the eye test. Watching him you knew he was one of the great scorers of all-time. There were greater players
but he will deserve his spot among those greats of the game. Maybe a top 15 guy? Let the discussions begin...
By announcing before the season that he was retiring,
Kobe was able to get a farewell tour out of the deal as well. That cumulated in a farewell by the Los
Angeles Lakers and their fans that would only happen in L.A. It was over the top but it was Kobe. He was always a guy front and center. There is nothing wrong with that. He was a great polarizing personality for the
league for 20 seasons. No matter why he
was in the news it was good for the NBA.
Seemingly the bad guy but he didn't care. What was refreshing this year was being able
to see Kobe as we haven't before.
Knowing this was his last he was much more relaxed at times which is a
side you rarely saw in past seasons. I'm
glad I've been able to watch him over the years. His was a great run.
Don't follow basketball anymore... but when I did... Kobe was my favorite player. Glad to see him go out with a bang. I'll remember those last few minutes of his final game for the rest of my life.
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