Kobe Bryant: 'Mamba Out' in Greatest Final Game in NBA History

Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players in Lakers history, ended his legendary career with a 60-point game Wednesday.

With less than a minute to go in the come-from-behind victory over the Utah Jazz, Bryant made a three-point shot to tie the game, and he carried the team to a 101-96 victory as a celebrity-studded, sold-out crowd at Staples Center went wild.

At 37, Bryant became the oldest player to ever score 60 points in a game.

"Scoring 60 points in his last game is the greatest final performance that I've ever seen in sports," tweeted Magic Johnson.

After hugging teammates past and present, Bryant addressed the crowd.

“I can’t believe how fast 20 years went by. This is crazy,” he said. “I grew up a diehard, I mean a diehard Laker fan... to spend 20 years here, you can’t write something better than this."

Bryant, drafted 13th overall, played 20 years with the Lakers, winning 5 championships. His 20 years with a single team is an NBA record. He was twice named NBA Finals MVP. The 18-time All-Star ranks third all time for points.

“I am more proud about the fact that, not about the championships but about the down years because we didn’t run. We didn’t run. We played through all that stuff. We got our championships and we did it the right way,” he said. “All I can do is thank you guys, thank you guys for all the years and support. Thank you for all the motivation. Thank you for all the inspiration.”

As many in the crowd cheered through tears, Bryant couldn’t help but laugh. “The thing that had me cracking up all night long was the fact that I go through 20 years of everybody screaming to the pass the ball, and then the last night they’re like, ‘don’t pass it,” he laughed.

Bryant ended his speech with a heartfelt thank you.

“You guys will always be in my heart, and I sincerely, sincerely appreciate it. No words can describe how I feel about you guys,” he told the crowd. “Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys. What can I say? Mamba Out.”

Photo: Wikimedia Commons