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Kobe Bryant: 5 Things We’ll Miss Most About The Mamba

By Carter Johnson

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Bryant played his last game as a Laker and retired from basketball. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Bryant played his last game as a Laker and retired from basketball. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Lakers Kobe Bryant celebrates his game–winning shot in overtime against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the Western Conference NBA Playoff first round at Staples Center Friday night April 28, 2006. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Lakers Kobe Bryant celebrates his game–winning shot in overtime against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the Western Conference NBA Playoff first round at Staples Center Friday night April 28, 2006. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) /

The Clutch Factor

Finally, we’ve gotten to the trait I’ll miss most about Bryant — arguably the one that is the cornerstone of his legacy.

Regardless of how you feel about Bryant or his reputation, no one can deny that Kobe and clutch will forever be synonymous.

The guy gave us more game winners than we can count and had an incredible sense of the moment, never disappointing when the lights shined the brightest. Even in his last hurrah, Bryant found a way to score 23 fourth quarter points and, in true Kobe fashion, hit the go ahead bucket and the game-clinching free throws.

Everyone remembers where they were when they saw a Kobe Bryant game-winner, whether it be the game-clinching three in double overtime in Portland in 2003 or the overtime fadeaway in Phoenix in the 2006 Playoffs or the leaner over Dwyane Wade in 2010. Those moments weren’t just amazing; they were simply magical for everyone who got to be a part of them and witness them.

Bryant will be remembered and sorely missed for many things, including his will, intelligence, toughness, work ethic and monumental performance in the biggest of moments. In the Black Mamba, the game is saying goodbye to a true icon who was the face of an entire generation.

More hoops habit: 50 Greatest NBA Players Not in the Hall of Fame

So here’s to you Kobe. Thanks for giving your all to us and to the game we both love.

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