On Sunday, Kobe Bryant announced this season would be final one via a poem written for The Players Tribune. That same day, the Lakers played a home game against the Pacers. Those who attended the game were given a special souvenir.
Upon entering Staples Center, fans received the above pictured letter. It reads:
When we first met I was just a kid. Some of you took me in. Some of you didn’t. But all of you helped me become the player and man in front of you today. You gave me confidence to put my anger to good use. Your doubt gave me determination to prove you wrong. You witnessed my fears morph into strength. Your rejection taught me courage.
Whether you view me as a hero or a villain, please know I poured every emotion, every bit of passion and my entire self into being a Laker. What you’ve done for me is far greater than anything I’ve done for you. I knew that each minute of each game that I wore purple and gold. I honor it as I play today and for the rest of this season.
My love for this city, this team, and for each of you will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey.
His final NBA season will be Kobe’s 20th with the Lakers. For everyone who remembers Bryant at his peak, watching him this season has been difficult. Father Time is undefeated and it’s obvious he has laid a hand on Bryant.
However, from now until the end of the season, the focus won’t be as much on Bryant’s production on the court. It will, instead, be a celebration of one the great careers the league has ever seen as Bryant makes his way around to NBA arenas for the final time.
Photo via: Twitter/ArashMarkazi
