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Lakers: Best and Worst of 2016

By Christian Rivas

April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) is hugged by team mates after scoring a basket against Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) is hugged by team mates after scoring a basket against Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) shoots to score a basket against Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) shoots to score a basket against Utah Jazz during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The worst: Saying goodbye to the Mamba

What is there to say that hasn’t been said about Kobe Bean Bryant? Five championship rings, two Finals MVPs, one league MVP, 18 All-Star game selections, three Olympic gold medals and 20 years with the Purple and Gold.

Bryant embodied what it meant to be a Laker. Clutch. Unafraid of taking the big shots and taking over games. The man scored 81 points in an actual, real life NBA game. Fans were lucky to have him as long as they did. Now with the Kobe Bryant era over in Los Angeles, the team can look to the future, but Bryant had to leave on his terms and that he did.

The best: Kobe’s 60 point grand finale

Vintage Kobe Bryant. The Mamba left everything out on the floor in his final game with the Lakers. While it was only the 17th win of a dreadful season, it is a game fans from all over the world will never forget. 60 points to lead the Lakers to a victory and wrap up what was a legendary career for a sports icon. Words do the Mamba’s finale no justice and I’m getting choked up writing this. Just watch the video.

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