We share our personal memories and goodbyes for Kobe Bryant ahead of his final NBA game
Kobe Bryant will play his final NBA game of his career on Wednesday night as the Los Angeles Lakers welcome the Utah Jazz to STAPLES Center. It’s been something that Lakers fans have been expecting for the past few months since the 20-year veteran announced that this would be his final season—but that still hasn’t fully prepared anyone for the finality of the moment actually being here.
This isn’t just another player in the NBA hanging up his Nikes; this is an all-time great in the league saying that he will never play in this league ever again. That’s something that reverberates throughout the NBA, but even more resoundingly through the hearts of Lakers fans.
As we’ve seen time and again over this season and over the course of Kobe’s career, he has meant so much to others in a number of different ways. He’s one of the most complex athletes and celebrities of all times as there are layers upon layers regarding his character in juxtaposition with his greatness on the court and the traits that led to him being that great.
So rather than trying to find one all-encompassing way to say goodbye from Lake Show Life, we instead asked our staff writers to write their final thoughts and memories about Kobe Bryant and reflect on what he’s meant to them personally.
These are those reflections.
Next: Jeremy Rucker, Staff Writer