Lakers Podcast: Celebrating Kobe Bryant, NBA’s Potential Return Plans, HORSE Falls Short

Trevor Lane
3 Min Read
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

When Kobe Bryant took the floor for the final game of his incredible career, fans knew it was going to be something special.

But no one would have ever predicted that it would become one of the most amazing moments in the Los Angeles Lakers illustrious history. In his swan song, Bryant put on a display for the ages, scoring 60 points in a comeback win against the Utah Jazz.

On this episode of the Lakers Nation Show, they get together on the four-year anniversary of Bryant’s retirement to discuss what it was like watching his final performance unfold. After spending two decades enjoying his exploits in purple and gold, it was only fitting that they spend time adding context to his last game.

The game itself played out like a microcosm of Bryant’s career with a slow start eventually giving way to a finish that fans will never forget.

As a rookie, Bryant launched multiple airballs in the 1997 NBA playoffs against the Jazz, but remained unfazed and went on to become one of the greatest players of all-time. His final game started the same way with some bad misses as the usually unflappable Bryant looked to settle his nerves. From there, he locked in and came out to thrill fans one more time.

As the game went on, it was apparent that he was giving Lakers fans everything he had left. After doing all he could to stay on the floor in the months leading up to the end, Bryant completely emptied the gas tank in a way that fans haven’t seen before. He gutted out his last performance and created an unforgettable moment that will be treasured forever.

After celebrating Bryant, they dig into what has been revealed about the NBA’s plan to return to the court. With the season suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the NBA has put together a plan of how to get players back up to game condition once they are told that it’s safe to do so. That’s been a concern of many players and trainers, who have been away from their practice facilities for over a month now. Trying to ramp things back up too quickly could increase the risk for injury, so it’s important that a plan be in place to gradually ease them back into top-level competition.

Finally, while the effort was appreciated, ESPN’s HORSE competition fell flat. What can be done in the future to provide entertainment while fans wait for the NBA to return?

Trevor Lane is a longtime NBA and Los Angeles Lakers fan who had the good fortune to grow up during the glory days of the Showtime Lakers, when Magic Johnson, Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and the rest ruled the Great Western Forum. He has written about basketball, soccer, fantasy sports, MMA, and even pro wrestling over the course of his career, but the spectacle that is the Lakers is his true passion. He made the leap into podcasting for Lakers Nation and provides voice-over analysis for our YouTube channel. With a who's who of stars gracing the Lakers lineup over the years, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal, Pau Gasol, and many others, the Lakers always provide plenty to talk about. When he isn't writing or recording, Trevor can be found spending time with his wife and daughter or on the sidelines for one of the youth teams he coaches. Outside of the Lakers, Trevor is a supporter of the LA Galaxy, US Soccer, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Contact: trevor@mediumlargela.com
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