August 24 has officially been dubbed Kobe Bryant day by Los Angeles officials, a nod to both of his numbers (8 and 24). It also happens to be just one day after his birthday (Happy 38th, Mamba). A celebration will be held at City Hall at 10 a.m., but the Internet's the place to be to enjoy the best of Kobe.
There are many things we could pick to celebrate the five-time NBA champion. The 81-point game will be a legend that is passed on between generations of hoops fans. The title runs with Pau Gasol were sweet redemption after a fall from grace for both the franchise and the Mamba himself. The three-peat with Shaq featured some of the most dominant basketball we’ve ever seen. Heck, a mixtape of his footwork over the second half of his career is enough to work in this spot.
But this year, his final outing is what stands out as the crowning jewel. It was a moment in time that played out like a story book and ended with a mic drop. 60 points, insane moments, and an emotional goodbye to one of the greatest to ever do it. Perfection encapsulated in his final 42 minutes in the NBA. Enjoy it:
Mamba out.