5 Unforgettable Facts About Kobe Bryant's Last Game: The Night The 'Mamba Out' Scored 60 Points

The final chapter in one of basketball's most legendary careers remains one of the greatest individual performances in sports history. On April 13, 2016, a date etched forever in the minds of Los Angeles Lakers fans and NBA enthusiasts worldwide, Kobe Bean Bryant stepped onto the court for the last time. This game was not just a retirement ceremony; it was a vintage, jaw-dropping display of the "Mamba Mentality," culminating in a spectacular 60-point explosion that defied logic and age.

Even today, in late 2025, the game against the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) is discussed with reverence. It was a perfect, improbable ending to a 20-year journey, a spectacular farewell that transcended the sport and delivered a final, emphatic message: the Black Mamba always hunts until the very last second. Here is an in-depth look at the night Kobe Bryant said, "Mamba Out."

Kobe Bean Bryant: A Complete Profile and Career Milestones

Kobe Bryant’s career was a masterclass in dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey from being the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft to becoming a global icon is a testament to his "Mamba Mentality."

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• Full Name: Kobe Bean Bryant
• Born: August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Position: Shooting Guard (SG)
• Draft: 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft (Charlotte Hornets, traded to the Los Angeles Lakers)
• NBA Career: 20 Seasons (1996–2016), all with the Los Angeles Lakers
• Father: Joe "Jellybean" Bryant (former NBA player)
• Key Career Achievements:
  • 5× NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
  • 2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)
  • 1× NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) (2008)
  • 18× NBA All-Star
  • 15× All-NBA Team selection
  • 12× NBA All-Defensive Team selection
  • 2× NBA Scoring Champion
  • 4× NBA All-Star Game MVP
  • Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2020)

His partnership with Shaquille O'Neal led to a historic three-peat (2000–2002) under legendary coach Phil Jackson. Even after the dynasty ended, Kobe cemented his legacy by leading the Lakers to two more championships in 2009 and 2010, proving his ability to win as the undisputed leader.

The Statistical Anomaly: 60 Points on 'Mamba Day'

The final game on April 13, 2016, against the Utah Jazz was a statistical anomaly that perfectly encapsulated Kobe's career: high volume, clutch performance, and a refusal to quit. The Lakers were a struggling team that season, but on this night, the focus was purely on the farewell of the Black Mamba.

The atmosphere at the Staples Center was electric, with a star-studded crowd including Jack Nicholson, Jay-Z, Kanye West, David Beckham, Snoop Dogg, and Magic Johnson, all witnessing the "Greatest Goodbye" in person.

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Kobe's Final Game Box Score: The Incredible Numbers

Kobe played 42 minutes, more than he had in any game that season, demonstrating his sheer will to perform for the fans one last time.

• Total Points: 60 (An NBA season-high for him)
• Rebounds: 4
• Assists: 4
• Steals/Blocks: 1 steal, 1 block
• Field Goals (FG): 22-of-50 (44.0% shooting)
• Three-Pointers (3Pt): 6-of-21 (28.6% shooting)
• Free Throws (FT): 10-of-12 (83.3% shooting)

The 50 shots attempted were the most by any player in a game since 1983. This high volume was necessary to overcome a 15-point deficit in the second half. In the final quarter, Kobe scored 23 points, single-handedly erasing the Jazz’s lead and delivering the Lakers a 101-96 victory.

The game-winning shot came with 31.6 seconds left, a signature pull-up jumper over the Jazz's Rodney Hood, giving the Lakers the lead for good. This performance made Kobe the oldest player in NBA history (at 37 years and 234 days) to score 60 or more points, a record that still stands today.

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"Mamba Out": The Emotional Farewell and Lasting Legacy

The final moments of the game were pure theatre. After hitting a final free throw to reach 60 points, Kobe was substituted, receiving a thunderous ovation from the sold-out crowd of 18,997. The Lakers' young core, including D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson, watched in awe as their veteran leader delivered one final lesson in greatness.

The emotional crescendo came during his post-game speech at center court. Addressing the crowd, Kobe thanked the fans for their support over two decades, acknowledging the highs and the lows. He spoke about the journey, the pain, and the ultimate reward of playing for the purple and gold.

He famously concluded his speech with the two words that instantly became a global rallying cry for his fans and a symbol of his retirement: "Mamba Out."

The Impact on Teammates and Opponents

The Utah Jazz, who were fighting for a playoff spot, were criticized by some for allowing Kobe to take so many shots, but their players, like Trey Lyles and Jeff Withey, admitted the moment was bigger than the game. The respect was mutual, as Kobe had just delivered a performance that elevated everyone in the arena.

For his former and current teammates, the game served as a powerful reminder of the "Mamba Mentality." Former teammate Shaquille O'Neal, sitting courtside, famously challenged Kobe before the game to score 50 points, only for Kobe to exceed it by 10, a final playful jab at their legendary rivalry/friendship.

Kobe Bryant’s last game wasn't just a win; it was the ultimate mic drop. It was a perfect, self-authored ending to a legendary career, ensuring that the "Mamba Out" moment would be remembered not with a whimper, but with an explosive, 60-point roar that continues to inspire millions globally.