Wednesday, 13 April 2016

BASKET BALL ICON, KOBE BRYANT BOWS OUT WITH EMOTIONAL FINAL GAME FOR LA LAKERS; HIS STELLAR CAREER IN NUMBERS

Ruthless. Self-determined. Outspoken. Winner. For 20 years Kobe Bryant has symbolised the NBA - transcending the sport to unprecedented levels.
After being handed the baton from Michael Jordan as basketball's flagship player, not only did Bryant accept the changing of the guard, he ran with it at the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now at the age of 37, the finish line on his illustrious career is within sight. On Wednesday night, Bryant will don the famous purple and gold uniform for the last time against the Utah Jazz.
Kobe Bryant will wave goodbye to a glorious 20-year career in the NBA on Wednesday night

In November, the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard  announced his decision to retire at the end of the season


The 37-year-old will leave as a five-time NBA winner - pictured celebrating his fourth championship in 2009

His last NBA championship followed in 2010 - with a series win over the Boston Celtics


The guard (left) replaced Michael Jordan as the NBA's flagship player after the Chicago star's retirement

Jordan is guarded by Bryant during a NBA encounter at the Staples Center

Bryant's last match will come against the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center - his home for the past two decades



Bryant has been been married to his wife, Vanessa since April 2001 - with the pair having first met in 1999
Bryant has been been married to his wife, Vanessa since April 2001 - with the pair having first met in 1999
The Staples Center, the arena which he has illuminated for over two decades, a fitting finale for one of the greatest-ever on a basketball court.
Bryant has been writing headlines in the NBA since he was drafted in 1996.
He earned national recognition at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, in the Philadelphia suburb of Lower Merion.
His achievements there saw him create NBA history as he became the first guard to ever be taken out of high school.
Chosen as the 13th overall draft pick, Bryant's future could have been a lot different after he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets.

Credit; Reuters

No comments:

Post a Comment