Nike responds to Kobe Bryant’s letter to game of basketball

It’s been months since Kobe Bryant penned a heartfelt letter to the game of basketball to announce his retirement,  but die-hard fans have yet to move on.

In response to the beautiful piece first released by the Player’s Tribune, one of Bryant’s biggest admirers, Nike, wrote a letter to the Laker legend on behalf of the game of basketball.

He has given the game everything.

Now it’s giving back.

This is Basketball’s letter to @KobeBryant. pic.twitter.com/UYXJYHAuXf

— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) August 11, 2016

The post was captioned, “He has given the game everything. Now it’s giving back,” while showing a black-and-white image of “The Black Mamba” appearing to enter the hardwood.

The heartfelt message dwelt on Bryant’s ups and downs throughout his storied career, including battling adversity and his record-breaking moments.

Near the end, Nike glorified Bryant’s undeniable stamp on the game of basketball. “I have inspired many but been inspired by few,” it said.

“P.S. I didn’t think you had 60 in you. But I was wrong before,” referring to Bryant’s swan song where he dropped a staggering 60 markers against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.

Check out the full letter below.  Khristian Ibarrola

“Dear Kobe,

I got your letter.

As I’m sure you are aware,

you were not the first to fall in love with me.

There were others who professed and proclaimed.

Some burned bright.

Most burned out.

I watched them all come and go.

Because I’ve seen it all.

Every game.

From peach baskets to the present.

See, I know what greatness looks like.

I know what it takes.

I know it’s not for everybody.

So yeah, I was skeptical.

Skeptical a kid from Lower Merion would take me to places I’d never been.

Skeptical your game could inspire nations and generations.

So I tested you.

From Day 1, I tested you.

I threw everything I had at you.

I wanted to see if Draft Day would destroy or drive you.

I wanted to see if those airballs in Utah would be a shot to your confidence.

I wanted to see if broken bones and banged up knees and separated

shoulders and torn tendons would lessen your love.

They deepened it.

You didn’t have to tell me you loved me.

You showed me.

You showed us.

I have inspired many but been inspired by few.

Thank you,

Basketball

P.S.

I didn’t think you had 60 in you. But I was wrong before.”