If you were under the impression that Kobe Bryant was influential, he was much more than that. Not only was Bryant the premier star of his era, but when he played, basketball fans around the world stopped to watch him perform his craft.
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The distinctive difference between Bryant and other NBA champions was that the Black Mamba earned his stripes. This is not to say that certain others stars took the easy route ahead.
Bryant’s success was a testament to his impeccable work ethic and mettle. It enabled him to be a prolific scorer, leading adequate rosters to successive NBA championships. In particular, his latter two titles.
It was his final act that garnered the attention of millions worldwide. And in typical Kobe fashion, the five-time NBA champion dropped a vintage performance leaving his peers and fans awe-struck. In fact, his display was so great, it piqued the interest of renowned artist Kendrick Lamar.
The last decade saw Lamar affix himself as the greatest of his generation. His albums have been critically acclaimed and he has scooped up multiple Grammys.
When Lamar witnessed Bryant’s last feat, he was left astounded.
Kendrick Lamar speaks about Kobe Bryant’s 60-point brilliance!
In 2017, Bryant and Lamar both made a rare appearance together at ‘Complexcon’. The pair sat down for an interview with Complex News’ Jinx.
As they delved into detail on a number of subjects, one that specifically stood out was Bryan’s final showing. Lamar shared his reaction at the time to watching Bean’s 60-point blockbuster.
Lamar said:
“We didn’t actually know what was happening until the final moment..I mean, you’re in it, we’re watching him.. like okay 34 points okay, 40 points..Okay, this is a Kobe night, it’s his last night. It’s a switch that’s starting to happen now, it’s da*n near a glitchand me and ‘Schoolboy Q’ looking at each other like, ‘Is this really happening?’..Everybody is just appalled..but we looking like, Da*n he’s really about to do this on his final game. That’s a different type of fu**ing greatness.”
Needless to say, Lamar and his mates were left bedazzled by Kobe Bryant’s eminence. So much so that, he took inspiration in the manner in which Bryant showcased his finger and desire to go out on the top.
Also read: “You changed me!”: Magic Johnson Recalls how he Softened up Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in his Rookie Year
Kobe Bryant put up a masterpiece in his final outing!
Bryant had a stellar NBA career when it was all said and done in 2016. Five NBA championships, Two NBA Finals MVPs, One NBA MVP, and 18 All-Star selections amongst other innumerable accolades.
Even then, during the tough twilight days of his career, his confidence and skill never wavered. His final NBA match was slated against the Utah Jazz.
Kobe scored a stupendous 60 points on 50 attempts from the field, converting at 44%(22/50). A fitting end to a legend of the game.
