LA Sports: The 10 greatest sports moments of the decade

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant addresses the crowd at halftime as both his #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseys are retired at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images) /

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5. Kobe Drops 60: Mamba Out!

Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant culminated his 20 year NBA career with the Lakers by giving fans one more thrill. In his final game in front of a packed house at the Staple Center, Bryant used a 23 point fourth quarter to help the Lakers make a comeback and win 101-96 against the Utah Jazz.

Bryant’s 23 points in the fourth quarter outscored the whole Jazz team and their 21 points, a fitting end to Bryant’s career as one of the all-time great scorers in NBA history. Bryant had been on a farewell tour since announcing his retirement in November of the previous year. His last game was much anticipated and lent itself to a playoff atmosphere as thousands of Lakers fans watched outside of the arena as in it.

By scoring 60 points Bryant became the oldest to achieve that at 37 years and 234 days old, it was the fitting end for Bryant who retired as the Lakers all-time leading scorer it also ended an era of greatness for the Lakers who won five NBA titles in Bryant’s 20 seasons with the team but were on their way to a worst 17-65 record.

Despite the terrible season, Kobe Bryant went out a winner scoring points as he always had.

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