On April 13, 2016, stars from all around the world descended upon Staples Center, marking the passing of nearly ten years. It was the final game for Kobe Bryant. Almost everyone was present when Kobe decided to hang up his boots after a career spanning more than 20 years. When Kobe’s name banners fell from the ceiling and supporters began chanting his name, they held their breath. In keeping with his pledge to Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe rained down a massive 60 points. It was a timeless game, a classic.
Among the attendees were a number of dignitaries and celebrities, including Grammy Award winner Kanye West. The two became good friends after appearing in a Nike advertisement together.
Ye, who attended the Black Mamba’s final game, tweeted a photo of his ticket stub with the comment,
“At the God’s last game”.
In the Lakers locker room, Bryant and Kanye had a hug following Kobe’s last game. Even while other well-known people attended the event, including Shaquille O’Neal, Jack Nicholson, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and David Beckham, nobody seems to have captured the moment with Kobe as well as West did. We are all simply happy that Kayne didn’t play a “2009 VMAs” trap on Bryant during his parting speech—however deep that connection went is a mystery.
Though it may sound exaggerated, calling Kobe a “God” is nothing new. “Yezus” has been referring to himself by that name for a while.