"Ko-be! Ko-be! Ko-be!" the crowd chanted as Kobe Bryant stepped through the entryway onto a stage filled with smoke and dancing spotlights, the final player to be introduced Sunday night at the Air Canada Center.
"An 18-time Western Conference All-Star!" the announcer bellowed. "A four-time All-Star Game MVP! The league's MVP in 2008! A two-time Finals MVP and a five-time NBA Champion! With the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryyyyyyyant!"
More after the jump!!!
Bryant smiled as his accolades were rattled off, his hands remaining in the pockets of his warm-up suit. Not long after, Lakers legend Magic Johnson walked to half court, stood in the spotlight and spoke about Bryant's storied career. He also introduced a tribute video featuring Bryant's highlights, Bryant's voice and the voices of today's players too:
"Kobe, the road has come to the end," said Indiana Pacers forward Paul George. "You've been an unbelievable mentor to me."
"Thank you for everything you've done for this league," said Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond. "[You're] the reason I play so hard."
"There's not a lot of guys who come around like Kobe," said Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul. "The game is going to miss you."
"I'm just proud to be your friend, be your brother," said Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol.
"Kobe, you did all you could for the game and being a champion forever, a walking legend, we appreciate you," said Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant.
"Kobe Bean," said Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, "salute, my brother."
When the video finished, the spotlight fell again on Johnson, who declared, "There will never be another Kobe Bryant. Can all of us get on our feet and let him hear it one more time? Kobe Bryant!"
"Guys, I mean," Bryant began, searching for the right words, "I, uh. I just want to, uh, want to thank you for all your support for all these years."
The 37-year-old said he has been fortunate to play the game that he loves for more than half his life. He said it was a thrill to play in an All-Star Game alongside players who, during his very first one in 1998, were younger than his two daughters -- Gianna, 9, and Natalia, 13 -- are now. He said he has enjoyed passing on knowledge. He said he hoped today's players could play 20 seasons too.
"Thank you so much," Bryant told the crowd, "and now I've got to go get loose."
Congratulations Kobe. We wish you the best!!!
credit~ESPN
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