Despite the test of time and a struggling Lakers season, the “Black Mamba” makes black history by proving he’s still got it going on after 16 years in the game.
At a crucial point in the Lakers vs. Nets game last night, Kobe Bryant dove above and beyond to slam a game changing dunk over Kris Humphries and Gerald Wallace. The game finished in a 92-83 win for the Lakers, with the crowd chanting “M-V-P!” for Bryant and his timeless brilliance.
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Bryant is the first shooting guard to be taken right out of high school. He was the 13th overall draft pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996. At the time, he was the youngest starter, as well as the youngest player to ever play in an NBA game. Bryant’s parents had to cosign his contract with the Lakers, since he was only 17 at the time. Since then, he has become one of the premiere shooting guards in the league, appearing in All-NBA, All-Star, and All-Defensive teams. He formed a legendary center-guard combo with Shaquille O’Neal to lead the Lakers’ Three-Peat from 2000-2002. Today, he is still carrying the Lakers, no matter what kind of season they’re having.
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After last night’s game, Kobe talked to the NYT about basketball after all these years, “From my perspective, it’s pretty damn cool,” Bryant said with a chuckle and a broad smile. “I enjoy it immensely.”
All hail the Black Mamba!
