feature-image

Getty

feature-image

Getty

The 2016 NBA season marked the end of a legacy. After playing for the Los Angeles Lakers for around two decades, NBA legend Kobe Bryant announced his retirement after the season.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

After his retirement, like many other stars, Kobe shifted his focus to his business empire. Moreover, he was also involved in various other activities post-retirement, like writing books.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

During one of his promotional appearances with Millionaire TV host Ellen DeGeneres in 2018, audiences around the world witnessed the Mamba play basketball again. However, it was not in a actual game. In fact, the two celebrities indulged in a fun little spinoff of the popular game ‘Connect Four’.

ADVERTISEMENT

While Ellen converted her first attempt at the game, Bryant missed his shot by a mile. After missing the shot, he joked and said that this was the reason why he isn’t coming back from retirement. “See, this is why I’m not coming out of retirement,” as the Los Angeles Lakers legend put it.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Although Bryant did not make his comeback in the league, one of his idols certainly did. It is none other than Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. The six-time NBA champion came back to play after retiring on two occasions. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Kobe Bryant retired as an All-Time legend

Lakers legend Kobe Bryant officially retired on April 2016. A few months prior, the veteran announced to the world that he will retire at the end of the season.

READ MORE: Biggest Fleece of All Time”: Rare Michael Jordan Photo Resurfaces as NBA World Celebrates His $6 Million Historic Decision

ADVERTISEMENT

During his final 2015-16 season, the Lakers finished last in the Western Conference! Playing his final game, Kobe and the Lakers faced the Utah Jazz at home with Bryant taking the stage for one last time. In his signature Mamba style, the five-time NBA champion left the league with a bang.

Kobe scored 60 points in his final game to mark the end of a glorious career. 

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

Imago

Moreover, he has two Finals MVP awards and a regular season MVP award. Kobe retired with an average of 25.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in 20 seasons with the Lakers.

WATCH THIS STORY: How has Stephen Curry Progressed On NBA 2K over the years? 2k23 Rating & More

ADVERTISEMENT

What is your favorite memory of Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments down below.

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Abhinava Ghosh

1,823 Articles

Abhinava Ghosh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports with a wealth of experience covering the league. He has written over 1400 articles for EssentiallySports, showcasing his expertise in analyzing and reporting on NBA trade rumors, injury updates, and the ever-changing dynamics of the league. He had successfully covered the entire Kevin Durant trade saga at Brooklyn, which led to the basketball legend’s move to the Desert. He also kept our readers updated on the Brittney Griner situation throughout her exile in Russia. One of Abhinava's proudest moments came in 2015 when the Golden State Warriors won the NBA title after 40 years. As a lifelong fan of the Dubs, Abhinava was thrilled to see his team reach the pinnacle of the sport, but he remained objective and professional in his reporting.

Know more

ADVERTISEMENT