Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks

Celebrities, athletes reflect upon Kobe Bryant's career

ajc.com

Credit: J Pat Carter/Getty Images

Credit: J Pat Carter/Getty Images

By Cox Media Group National Content Desk
April 13, 2016

ExploreTrending on Facebook
ExploreMore popular and trending stories

After 20 years, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant is set to play the final game of his career Wednesday night.

Known as the “Black Mamba,” Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers will face the Utah Jazz at home to finish the season.

After entering the NBA directly from high school, Bryant went on to become one of the league’s premier players, winning five championships, being an 18-time All-Star and ranking third for all-time scoring leader.

Explore>> Read more trending stories

Bryant announced his retirement plans in November 2015 via a poem entitled, "Dear Basketball."

The accolades are already pouring in from fellow athletes and celebrities on social media.

About the Author

Cox Media Group National Content Desk
More Stories

Keep Reading

Hawks guard Trae Young (left) drives with the ball while defended by Grizzlies guard Javon Small in the first half Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. Young scored 11 poiints with eight assists. (Nikki Boertman/AP)

Credit: AP

Hawks’ offense clicks in second exhibition game against Grizzlies

Atlanta led by as many as 17 points in the exhibition win over a short-handed Memphis team. Jalen Johnson had a team-high 20 points and seven rebounds for the Hawks.

Hawks take a step and other observations from exhibition against Grizzlies

Despite a woeful shooting night, Trae Young facilitates Atlanta's offense with eight assists in win over Memphis.

Hawks employ balancing act in setting rotations for exhibition games

The Hawks are using exhibition season to test out certain lineups, but they're also forced to balance health concerns for their star players.

The Latest

Grizzlies guard Javon Small (center) drives against Hawks guard Keaton Wallace (right) in the first half Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. Wallace had a solid all-around game with six points, seven assists, two rebounds and three steals. (Nikki Boertman/AP)

Credit: AP

Hawks take a step and other observations from exhibition against Grizzlies

Hawks’ offense clicks in second exhibition game against Grizzlies

Hawks guard Trae Young teams up with rappers Quavo, 2 Chainz in new song

Featured

A native of Columbus and a fine arts graduate of Clark Atlanta, Amy Sherald was chosen as the official portrait artist of former first lady Michelle Obama. On the same week that the portrait was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, it was also announced that Sherald was awarded the High Museum's 2018 David C. Driskell Prize. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Credit: Andrew Harnik

High Museum to showcase Amy Sherald’s uncensored retrospective next summer

Georgia-born Amy Sherald gained national attention when she pulled her solo National Portrait Gallery exhibit, citing censorship. Atlantans will get to see it in its entirety.

Police, GBI investigating off-duty officer killing man near Buckhead bar

An Atlanta officer responding to a "disruptive patron" call at the 5 Paces Inn shoots the man after seeing him take an item he believed to be a gun from a car, GBI says.

Monday madness guide: Falcons, Hawks to bring traffic to downtown Atlanta

Expect packed MARTA trains and traffic snarls around State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Big crowds of Bills fans are expected to descend on the city.