Here’s what it looked like when Kobe Bryant played his final game in Sacramento
By Hector AmezcuaSacramento Bee file
Legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant made his final court appearance in Sacramento when the Los Angeles Lakers played the Kings on Jan. 7, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena in Natomas. The Kings won 118-115. Here are the photos and videos Bee photographer Hector Amezcua captured that day. Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. He was 41
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) is introduced at the beginning of the game. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) stands up to acknowledge the fans. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) stands for the national anthem for the last time at Sleep Train Arena against the Sacramento Kings as their championship banners hang behind him. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) hugs Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) before their game. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) talks with Chip Schaefer, director of sports science for the Kings. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) looks back after a Sacramento Kings basket against the Lakers. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) drives to the basket. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) hits a basket against the Kings. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Kobe Bryant fan Shelby Kelch, of Sacramento, holds a Bryant poster during his last game. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) joins fans in congratulating teammates as they take the lead against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) during his final play at Sleep Train Arena. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) makes himself heard by referee Eli Roe (44) after he felt he was fouled by Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) on his final play in the fourth quarter. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Sacramento Kings General Manager Vlade Divac talks with retiring Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after his last game at Sleep Train Arena on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 in Sacramento. Divac was traded by the Lakers to the Charlotte Hornets for Bryant in 1996. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Fans give Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) a farewell after his final game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) walks to a press conference with French train heroes Anthony Sadler and Spencer Stone after Bryant played his last game at Sleep Train Arena. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
French train hero Anthony Sadler, of Sacramento, has a jersey signed by Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) after the Lakers game against the Sacramento Kings. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) talks during a press conference following his team’s 118-115 loss against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) speaks at a press conference after his team’s 118-115 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) signs autographs after his team’s 118-115 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) shares moment with Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) after he held a press conference to talk about his last game as a Laker in Sacramento. Hector Amezcua Sacramento Bee file
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves to crowd after his team’s 118-115 loss against the Sacramento Kings. Hector Amezcua hamezcua@sacbee.com
This story was originally published January 27, 2020 at 1:00 PM.
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