Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestEmail to someone

On April 13, 2016, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant played in his 1,346th and final regular-season game. Before Bryant took the court, he received a retirement ring from Lakers owner Jeanie Buss. Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers slapped out the the national anthem on his electric bass, and then No. 24 put on a show of his own scoring 60 points after starting oh-for-five.

A photo posted by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers) on

Bryant finished his career with the third most points scored in NBA history, more than a 1,000 points ahead of Michael Jordan. Even with LA having signed LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers will always be Kobe’s team as he helped lead the Purple and Gold to five titles. In addition to the banners, the Black Mamba left behind a treasure-trove of quotes for future players to aspire.

KOBE BRYANT’S TOP 10 QUOTES

With so many quotable quotes to chose from, it’s as difficult to settle on a top ten, but we gave it a go nonetheless. As Bryant himself would say, “If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail.”

''I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.''

– Kobe Bryant

''The last time I was intimidated was when I was 6 years old in karate class.''

– Kobe Bryant

''Losing is losing, there aren't different degrees of losing. You either win a championship or you're s---.''

– Kobe Bryant

''Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.''

– Kobe Bryant

''Better learn not to talk to me. You shake the tree, a leopard's gonna fall out.''

– Kobe Bryant

''The only thing I'm afraid of is bees. I don't like bees. I'm allergic to them.''

– Kobe Bryant

''I can't relate to lazy people. We don't speak the same language. I don't understand you. I don't want to understand you.''

– Kobe Bryant

''Christmas morning, I'm going to open presents with my kids. I'm going to take pictures of them opening the presents. Then I'm going to come to the Staples Center and get ready to work.''

– Kobe Bryant

''I love going one-on-one with someone. That's what I do. I've never lost. It's a whole different game, just to have them right in front of you and be able to do whatever you want.''

– Kobe Bryant

Kobe Brayant aka "Black Mamba" quote about being the next Michael Jordan

''I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan. I only want to be Kobe Bryant''

– Kobe Bryant