On April 13, 2016, the basketball world stood still as Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA, played his final game for the Los Angeles Lakers. The night was filled with emotion, nostalgia, and an unforgettable performance by Bryant, who scored 60 points to lead the Lakers to a comeback victory over the Utah Jazz. But what many fans didn’t know were the untold stories behind the scenes, some of which have recently been revealed by D’Angelo Russell, a former teammate and now a star in his own right.
Russell, who was in his rookie season during Kobe’s farewell tour, recently opened up about the behind-the-scenes moments that made the night even more special. He recalls the atmosphere in the locker room before the game, describing it as electric yet solemn. “Everyone knew it was a historic night,” Russell shared. “But there was also a sense of disbelief that it was actually happening. Kobe was our hero, our mentor, and knowing it was his last game put a weight on everyone’s shoulders.”
According to Russell, Kobe’s pre-game routine was as meticulous as ever. “He was locked in,” Russell said. “You could see the focus in his eyes. He didn’t talk much, but his presence was enough to motivate us all.” Russell also mentioned how Kobe took the time to speak to each of his teammates individually before the game, offering words of wisdom and encouragement that still resonate with Russell to this day.
One of the most touching moments, according to Russell, happened after the final buzzer. “After the game, Kobe was emotional, but he tried to hide it,” Russell recalled. “He thanked everyone in the locker room, from the players to the staff, and he told us to carry on the legacy. That was a moment I’ll never forget. It was the passing of the torch, in a way.”
Russell also revealed that Kobe’s legendary performance that night was even more impressive considering the physical pain he was in. “Kobe was battling injuries all season, but he never showed it,” Russell said. “That night, he gave everything he had left. It was like watching a superhero in real life. We were in awe.”
In the years since Kobe’s final game, Russell has gone on to establish himself as a key player in the NBA, but he credits much of his growth to the lessons he learned from Bryant during that unforgettable season. “Kobe taught me what it means to be a professional, how to handle pressure, and the importance of hard work,” Russell reflected. “Those are lessons that I carry with me every day, on and off the court.”
As fans continue to celebrate Kobe Bryant’s legacy, stories like those shared by D’Angelo Russell add depth to the legend, reminding us all of the profound impact Kobe had on his teammates, the game, and the world.
