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WATCH: In his final game, Kobe Bryant reminded us all what a gigantic legend he is

Published 08:30 14 Apr 2016 BST

Updated 08:31 14 Apr 2016 BST

Patrick McCarry
WATCH: In his final game, Kobe Bryant reminded us all what a gigantic legend he is

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Always leave them wanting more.

Kobe Bryant is now a former NBA player. After 20 years and a heap of individual and team honours, the 37-year-old has hung up his cleats. Utah Jazz v Los Angeles Lakers The lead-up to Bryant's final game made Ireland's 'Thank You Brian [O'Driscoll]' fanfare look like a soggy streamer and a deflated, dog-chewed balloon. Everybody that is anybody in US sport paid tribute to the 18-time All-Star as he prepared to hit the court one last time. Ahead of the game against Utah Jazz, Bryant was welcomed by another Lakers greats, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal. As for the game itself, Bryant lit it up. He scored 60 astounding points as he rolled back the years. Utah threatened to spoil the party - leading 75-66 going into the last quarter - but Bryant wasn't having it. He kept finding points from outside and inside the paint. In the end, the Lakers won 101-96 and Bryant got a winning send-off. Rest them dogs Kobe.

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WATCH: In his final game, Kobe Bryant reminded us all what a gigantic legend he is