NBA and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant (nicknamed Black Mamba) will end his basketball career this week as the regular season comes to an end. With the Lakers standing no chance of making the NBA Playoffs, the final game against Utah Jazz will be the last the world sees of Bryant after he announced his retirement in November last year.
Since then, every game has basically been part of his farewell tour. The 37-year-old has received standing ovations at stadiums across the country as basketball fans tried to get a final glimpse of the five-time NBA Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist for the US basketball team.
Not to be left out, even FC Barcelona came out with a video tribute as Bryant starts a new chapter in his life. It is well known that Bryant is a Barcelona fan and has even met the players at the Camp Nou during his vacations. From Ronaldinho to Gerard Pique, Bryant has met and interacted with them all.
“I love FC Barca, everyone knows that,” Bryant had said once. “They’ve been my favourite team for a long time.”
The club’s official YouTube channel uploaded a video with some of his best plays on a highlight reel with messages from the likes of Andres Iniesta and Pique.
“It’s easy to define Kobe Bryant and highlight things about him,” Iniesta said. “I’d define him as a leader – a unique player, an incredible talent and a player who, in the difficult moments, takes on the responsibility of the team.”
Pique was also full of praise for the legend who has lasted 20 seasons in the league after joining the NBA straight from high school.
“I think he is one of the best players in the history of basketball,” he said. “He’s a legend with five rings (championships).
“It’s inspiring for all the other athletes who watch him play and how he leads his team.”
