Last week the late great Kobe Bryant celebrated two different anniversaries. In honor of the occasion, Sir Charles In Charge took a look back at Kobe’s farewell NBA game.
Last Monday, the NBA celebrated an important milestone; the fourth anniversary since Kobe Bryant’s last game. The reason this year hit harder for many is obvious, this was the first year Kobe was not here to celebrate and look back on the achievement.
Before viewing a few social highlights from this year, let’s go back to the historic day in 2016 and view a few posts from the original day.
Starting with a recap of what a day it was in Los Angeles:
Just a regular day in LA
NBC4 News at 5 & 6: Wild pursuit ends in rooftop selfies, fans gather for Kobe's final farewell, & more https://t.co/T7pv9CWmrN
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) April 13, 2016
K
https://twitter.com/alithealynn/status/720400544917925890?s=20
O
Fans in attendance at tonight's game will also receive a commemorative Kobe Bryant book. (Via @Lakers) #MambaDay pic.twitter.com/wUH7xnx6u1
— KCAL News (@kcalnews) April 13, 2016
B
Fans signing farewell card for Kobe Bryant outside Staples Center. #MambaDay pic.twitter.com/qvr9qhsU1R
— stan verrett (@stanverrett) April 13, 2016
E
Scottie Pippen says Kobe's work ethic makes him 2nd only to MJ in recent NBA history. pic.twitter.com/NP4DAnBUxv
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 13, 2016
One last time
Kobe Bryant's locker gets dressed one last time. #ThankYouKobehttps://t.co/OOkTipY4Eb
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 13, 2016
Always a little time for perspective
Before his final game, Kobe Bryant puts his amazing career in perspective! #ThankYouKobe #ThisIsWhyWePlayhttps://t.co/teV9AL2vJl
— NBA (@NBA) April 13, 2016
Salute from the peers
Kobe's peers wish him a fond farewell! #ThankYouKobe https://t.co/L6njssiFJO
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) April 13, 2016
Back to the present day
The WNBA has officially announced the Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award, which will recognize an individual or group who has made significant contributions to the visibility, perception and advancement of women’s and girls’ basketball at all levels. pic.twitter.com/UjsmV8l8Bt
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 18, 2020
We see you, Gigi
"Work hard. Never settle. Use that Mamba Mentality."
— ESPN (@espn) April 17, 2020
Vanessa Bryant thanks the WNBA for honoring Gigi, and shares some wisdom for the 2020 draft class. pic.twitter.com/CwvyxqG0fi
Kobe Bean Bryant
Remembering @kobebryant on Mamba Day. The best to ever put on a @Lakers jersery#mambaday #lakers #HallOfFame #20years pic.twitter.com/53Wuu41jNH
— Kevin Chenault Jr. (@LockDownKev_13) April 16, 2020
A little inspiration for the week
This is pretty interesting
Highest Paul Pierce ever finished was also 7th, if you’re curious https://t.co/9K5loeSZtp
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) April 16, 2020
Nothing but love
Good Times (for Lakers fans)
Relive Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals tonight at 6:30 PT on ESPN. #LakeShow2010 pic.twitter.com/A2mGfkFf42
— Crypto.com Arena (@cryptocomarena) April 15, 2020
Excellent question
“Who’s guarding @SHAQ ???” Is the question that will end EVERY debate. https://t.co/LYfVlJPmXB
— BEAN 🏁🏁🏁 (@MGRADS) April 16, 2020
Hate is such a strong word
Kd is gonna really, really hate this book pic.twitter.com/uleFrBxTcn
— no_funk36 (@P_Funk36) April 15, 2020
Yay for high fives
Then & Now ⏪#NationalHighFiveDay pic.twitter.com/U7FWJCkXIe
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) April 16, 2020
Oh, the irony
Does the theme for field day at my son's school this year fit the definition of ironic? pic.twitter.com/uYeRcEzHbh
— Daryl Morey 🗽🏀 (@dmorey) April 17, 2020
Can’t believe it’s been a year since this happened
Flashback Friday. T-shirting the arena last year for round one. Man, I miss #playoffSZN 💙🏀 pic.twitter.com/ZSDhwo4FFc
— Erin Oldfield (@erinoldfieldokc) April 17, 2020
I think there’s a chance everything is on the table
Summary of Adam Silver’s presser.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) April 17, 2020
Reporter 1: Is this idea on the table?
Silver: Everything is on the table.
Reporter 2: What about THIS idea? Is it on the table?
Silver: Yes. Everything's on the table.
Reporter 3: What about THIS one, though?
Silver: It’s also on the table
A little perspective makes it even crazier
Blake Griffin played 18 games this season and made almost twice as much as Scottie Pippen did in that 7/$18 million deal
— Duncan Smith (@DuncanSmithNBA) April 20, 2020
Yes, yes it would be
Kawhi and the Clippers winning a championship inside an empty stadium is such a Clipper move LOLOL https://t.co/wfzZFERrPZ
— $ (@got__kash) April 15, 2020
Simple question, with no wrong answer
What VERY SPECIFIC thing do you miss about sports the most? Be as specific as possible.
— Steve Braband (@stevebraband) April 15, 2020
Wouldn’t have been the first time…
Today would have been the final day of the Pelicans season. Could have had a lot on the line tonight against the Spurs
— Jake Madison (@NOLAJake) April 15, 2020
Back in 2015, everything came down to the final day of the regular season. For the Oklahoma City Thunder to get into the playoffs they required a win versus the Minnesota Timberwolves and Pelicans loss against the Spurs.
Oklahoma City took care of their end of the bargain. Then, it came down to the waning moments in Nola, ultimately the Pels prevailed. Securing their first trip to the postseason since 2012. Whereas the Thunder missed out on the NBA’s second season for the first time since their inaugural season in OKC.
In the end, it did not matter, as the Pelicans fired Monty Williams 27 days later after his Pelicans lost in the quarterfinals at the hands of the eventual champion Golden State Warriors.
This is what friends are for
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_JWR9ND-MU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Get it, GIRL!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_LuLdEjjfP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Vanessa Bryant shared some really good content over the weekend. On Saturday, she celebrated her wedding anniversary with some flowers courtesy of Kobe’s former teammate and close friend Pau Gasol. Then on Sunday, she shared a feel-good video of her daughters and their cousins dancing to We Rock from the Disney Channel Original Movie Camp Rock.
It’s important to find things to smile at right now. The above clip featuring the precious Bianka Bryant stealing the show with some sweet dance moves is guaranteed to get a grin out of anyone!