Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Welcomes Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade Into Retirement

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The previous era of NBA superstars are practically all done now that Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade finished up their Hall of Fame careers.

With Kobe Bryant along with the likes of Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Manu Ginobili, Tracy McGrady and others already calling it a career, the last remaining star seems to be Vince Carter who continues to amaze at 42 years old.

Both Wade and Nowitzki went out in style in their final games as well. Wade dropped a triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists while Nowitzki dropped a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds while knocking down one last fadeaway in the closing seconds.

Following both of their final games, Bryant took to Twitter to congratulate both on their outstanding careers and welcomed each into the Rocking Chair Club:

Bryant has undoubtedly had many great battles with each player and a ton of memorable moments. He has always enjoyed playing against those who gave him the biggest challenges and these were certainly two of their toughest.

One of the most popular game-winners Bryant ever hit was over Wade in a 2009 regular season game. He also famously scored 62 points in three quarters against Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks in 2005. Of course, Nowitzki would get his revenge when the Mavericks swept the Lakers on their way to an NBA championship in 2011.

Players always recognize the other greats who they battled against and Bryant made sure to show his respects to a pair of all-time greats.

Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.