After 20 years of blood, sweat and five championship rings, Kobe Bryant has received thanks from the NBA, one last time.
Bryant's illustrious career came to a stylish end on Wednesday, with the 37-year-old posting a remarkable 60 points in the Lakers' 101-96 comeback win over the Jazz. He turned back the clock in his finale with 50 shots at the Staples Center, the most in a game since Michael Jordan (49) in 1993.
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As Bryant prepares for life off the court, the NBA posted a letter to the 18-time All-Star on the Players' Tribune, which read: "Dear Kobe, Thank you.
"Thank you for your passion, commitment and dedication to basketball.
"Thank you for showing us that 24 is not just the number on your jersey, but the number of hours in a day you must devote to basketball to be the best.
"Thank you for giving and giving and giving.
"Thank you for pushing through even when your body was screaming 'No', but your mind and your heart kept saying 'Yes'.
"For the games that you refused to lose, and those that you always seemed destined to win.
"Thank you for your endless drive.
"For competing with ruthless ambition and playing with reverence and respect.
"For showing us that there’s no such thing as magic but only hard work.
"Thank you for making us smile, laugh, yell, cry, jump out of our seats and chew on our jerseys.
"Thank you for playing the game the way it was meant to be played.
"Thank you for teaching us to believe in ourselves even if nobody else does.
"For 20 years you gave our game all you had, and we are eternally grateful.
"Thank you for loving basketball. Sincerely, NBA."