Skip to content

Comparing Kobe's final game to other NBA legends

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The basketball world knew exactly when Kobe Bryant's last game in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform would be following his retirement announcement in The Players' Tribune in November.

The 2015-16 campaign will forever be remembered as "The Black Mamba's" farewell tour from the league, with his 60-point night against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday perfectly wrapping up his Hall of Fame career.

Not every player walks off into the sunset under that kind of spotlight, though, with many leaving with little or no fanfare.

Here's a look at how the numbers from Kobe's career-closer compare to those of some of the league's other all-time greats:

Final games of NBA legends

Player Team Date Opponent Minutes Points FGM-A Rebounds Assists
Kobe Bryant Lakers 4/13/2016 Jazz 42 60 22-of-50 4 4
Michael Jordan Wizards 4/16/2003 76ers 28 15 6-of-15 4 4
Larry Bird Celtics 5/17/1992 Cavaliers (PS) 33 12 6-of-9 5 4
Allen Iverson 76ers 2/20/2010 Bulls 29 13 5-of-13 1 3
Reggie Miller Pacers 5/19/2005 Pistons (PS) 33 27 11-of-16 2 2
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Lakers 6/13/1989 Pistons (PS) 29 7 2-of-8 3 3
Charles Barkley Rockets 4/19/2000 Grizzlies 6 2 1-of-3 1 1

(courtesy: Basketball-Reference.com, PS = Playoffs)

Bryant's legendary performance crushed the previous record for most points scored in a player's career finale, which was held by someone you probably didn't expect.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox