How do you say goodbye to a legend? I've done it before. First with Kareem in 89. Then with Magic in 92. Worthy. Shaq. And now Kobe Bean Bryant.
This is definitely the hardest since Magic announced that he had HIV. Kobe has meant so much to The Laker Nation. He literally gave us his all. He dedicated his life to being the best basketball player that he could be while honoring the iconic Purple & Gold jersey with all of its rich history. Was he perfect? No. Was he the best? Debatable but probably no. But he was ours. He brought great pride to our great franchise. 5 Championships (bringing us 1 behind the hated Celtics)
But now what? With Kobe retiring he's leaving a great big fat question mark over our franchise's future. Now what? He's gave and meant everything to The Lakers these past 10+ years. And there's no clear cut player to pass the torch to. And that makes his goodbye that much more painful.
He's the last great Laker. And he will be missed.
Thank you Kobe for the championships! Thank you for 81! Thank you for not being the most freakish atlhletic basketball player ever yet STILL through your relentless competitive spirit becoming one of the greatest of all time. We lived that hard working under-dog spirit with all your drive through you. Thank you for giving Laker Nation everything you had; your sweat, blood, tears, achilles...
You made it through your 20th season. I hope that you enjoy the memories. We love you. And we're going to miss you. And it's o.k. if you shed a tear or two.
Goodbye to the greatest
MAMBA OUT!!!