Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant walks off the court after finishing his last NBA basketball game before retirement, against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, in Los Angeles. Bryant scored 60 points as the Lakers won 101-96. AP
Kobe Bryant walked away from the sport of basketball the only way Kobe Bryant knows how—a winner.
His 60 points against the Utah Jazz was his most this season, and fifth-highest in his career, and even if the Los Angeles Lakers failed to enter the playoffs, it was still an exit befitting a legend.
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“Last night was the final chapter to an incredible story,” Bryant posted on his Twitter account.
It was an incredible journey for Bryant, who came straight out of high school to the NBA. He had finished his career third all-time in scoring with 33,643 total points behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone and a spot above Michael Jordan. He won five NBA championships, was named MVP once, Finals MVP twice and appeared in the All-Star Game 18 times.
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Bryant also tied Abdul-Jabbar and Tim Duncan for the most All-NBA selections with 15.
“I walk away at peace knowing my love for the game and this city will never be broken,” Bryant said.