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Kobe Bryant: Looking back at Kobe’s top 8 game-winners

By Corey Ghee

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 18, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) /
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3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz, 4/13/16

You just knew he’d go out with a bang.

Down 10 with three minutes left, the stage was set for Kobe Bryant to go out as only he could. After scoring his 50th point, he’d split a double-team and sink a mid-range jumper to trim the lead to four. He’d then sink a contested 3 over Trey Lyles which sent the Staples Center crowd into a frenzy. Jay-Z and Jack Nicholson were in awe. You could see the fatigue on the Mamba’s face, but he wasn’t finished just yet.

After a missed 3, Kobe would get an opportunity to win this game climatically and he’d do just that, connecting on a pull-up over Lyles to give the Lakers the lead. Staples was as loud as it’d been in years, there was so much electricity in the arena. Off of pure adrenaline, Kobe would sink two free throws to complete the 60-point game.

His final NBA stat would ironically be a touchdown pass to Jordan Clarkson, and after the slam, he embraced his young teammates, guys who no doubt grew up idolizing him. He found Shaq and checked out one final time. This was a special moment in basketball. This was the most impressive farewell ever. This was a storybook, it won’t be topped.