8 Most Memorable Kobe Bryant Games

After tearing his achilles in 2013, Kobe Bryant struggled to regain his old form. He was only able to manage appearances in six games the next season and less than half the year after. He announced that the 2015-16 season would be his last. Limited to 28 minutes per game, Kobe tried his hardest just to appear in as many games as he could. Knowing this would be fans' last chance to watch him, he managed 66 games.

Gone were his pals Gasol, Fisher, and Odom. Metta World Peace had returned as a player/coach. Former teammate, Byron Scott was brought in to coach a Kobe-friendly team without playoff hopes. They would struggle to 17 wins that season with the likes of Roy Hibbert, Nick Young, and a lot of youth. This was his farewell tour.

His final game in Staples Center would be against Gordon Hayward and the Utah Jazz with nothing on the line but history. Starting with 15 points in the first quarter, the announcers and the crowd started getting a sense that this would be no ordinary last game. After years of criticism for his ball-dominant style of play and lack of passing, no one wanted Kobe to do anything but shoot. He had 37 points going into the 4th quarter, and everyone was losing their minds.

Pouring in 21 more throughout the 4th, Kobe needed two more points to get to 60. He'd get his chance with a foul call with 14 seconds left on the clock. He drilled the first free throw. In a subtle show of class, Hayward purposely committed a lane violation during the 2nd shot. Just in case Kobe missed it, he'd have another chance. He didn't need it. And in the last 8 seconds of his career, Kobe did the "last thing he would ever do". Pass.

Thanks for the memories Kobe. Rest in peace.

"Mamba Out" ~Kobe