Scoop B: Happy 39th Birthday Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant turned 39 today. Photo Credit: Turner

Retired NBA player Kobe Bryant turned 39 today.

The retired 20-year NBA veteran with career averages of 25 points, 4.7 assists and 5.2 assists per game retired last season with arguably the best finish of his career against the Utah Jazz.

Yup, a 60 point game in a 101-96 win against Utah at Staples Center.

Bryant, the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft out of Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, PA, is the only player in NBA history to spend 20 seasons with one team. Bryant earned five championships during his career.

Kobe Bryant & Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson Discuss Legacy.

? Happy 39th Birthday @kobebryant. This was one of my favorite #Kobe moments. #respect ????? #Lakers

A post shared by ? Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson (@scoop_b) on Aug 23, 2017 at 8:43am PDT

Many compare Bryant’s game to Michael Jordan. Jordan got the chance to close his career on his terms while with the Chicago Bulls; retiring twice and winning championships both times. Retired NFL player Peyton ended his similarly when he and the Denver Broncos captured Super Bowl 50.

Could imagine Bryant riding off in the sunset like that?

“It would have been amazing,” Bryant told me.

Added Bryant:

“But you know, it just wasn’t meant to be. But at the same time, I couldn’t complain about it. I’ve enjoyed winning to the tune of five championships and been very fortunate to have those. Most players haven’t been able to get one. So, you gotta be able to take the good with the bad.”

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#Kobe #Kobe Bryant

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Brandon Robinson

Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson is a managing editor and columnist at RESPECT Magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @ScoopB and Instagram: @Scoop_B. As a 12 year old, he was a Nets reporter from 1997-1999, co-hosting a show called Nets Slammin' Planet with former New Jersey Net Albert King and Nets play-by-play man Chris Carrino. He's also been a writer and radio host at CBS and a staff writer at The Source Magazine. He's a graduate of both Eastern University and Hofstra University. You can catch him daily on the Scoop B Radio Podcast. Visit ScoopBRadio.com to listen. For inquiries and to contact Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson visit ScoopB.com