The Atlantic

Kobe Bryant’s Last Game

After 20 years in the league, the Lakers great bids farewell to the NBA tonight.
Source: Tom Szczerbowski / USA TODAY Sports

Twenty years ago, Kobe Bryant made his NBA debut as an 18-year-old fresh out of high school. He went scoreless in the game. Tonight, the five-time champion, third-all-time leading scorer, and 18-time All Star will play the last game of his career in what is sure to be an emotional send-off to the Los Angeles Lakers great.

Bryant, known, the Black Mamba, and the Lakers face off against the Utah Jazz at home to end the season. He announced his retirement in last November, in part writing, “My heart can take the pounding / My mind can handle the grind / But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.”

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