Kobe Bryant is honored before an NBA basketball game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020.
Kobe Bryant makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant thanks the crowd after a tribute video as he makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant greets fans as he leaves the court after an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, April 8, 2016. The Pelicans won 110-102. Bryant says he will be retiring at the end of the season, thus his last NBA game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Kobe Bryant is honored before an NBA basketball game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020.
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER
Kobe Bryant makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Michael DeMocker
Kobe Bryant thanks the crowd after a tribute video as he makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Michael DeMocker
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant greets fans as he leaves the court after an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, April 8, 2016. The Pelicans won 110-102. Bryant says he will be retiring at the end of the season, thus his last NBA game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Kobe Bryant had more mileage on his body than almost any other player in NBA history when he played in New Orleans for the final time. The Lakers legend was sixth all-time in minutes on April 8, 2016 — his last game at Smoothie King Center.
If Bryant felt weary from two decades of the NBA grind, he didn’t show it. After the game, he stayed in the locker room and signed every jersey, picture and basketball passed his way.
The death of NBA icon Kobe Bryant hit Louisiana athletes hard as news broke that the 41-year-old died in a helicopter crash in California Sund…
“The last game he played here, he stood in that locker room and signed every piece of memorabilia and anything that everybody wanted,” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said. “He never left until he signed for every person that wanted it. That’s the side of him people didn’t see. This was going to be the last game in this building. From the ushers, to the coaches to everybody. I took a picture with him because I really wanted to have that. That’s the respect that I had for him.”
It was Bryant’s fourth-to-last NBA game. Less than a week later, Bryant memorably scored 60 points on 50 shots in his final game.
On Sunday, Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Five people were confirmed deceased, including Gianna, the retired NBA star’s 13-year-old daughter.
Across 20 seasons, Bryant won five championships, was twice named Finals MVP, won one regular-season MVP and made the All-Star Game 18 times. He scored 48,643 points, fourth-most all-time.
Gentry followed Bryant’s brilliant career closely. The two even had their shares of battles. Gentry was the head coach of the 2009-10 Suns team that won 54 games and advanced to the Western Conference Finals, where they fell to the Bryant’s Lakers in six games.
Kobe Bryant thanks the crowd after a tribute video as he makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Advocate photo by ROD WALKER -- Kobe Bryant fans were out in force for his final game in the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. Top row, from left: Rizgar Haji, Ahmed Mohamed, Dewar Mohamed and Reno Haji. Bottom row: Nick and Donyale Garrett
New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) looks at Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. (Michael DeMocker, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant waves as he leaves the court after an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, April 8, 2016. The Pelicans won 110-102. Bryant says he will be retiring at the end of the season, thus his last NBA game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER Friday February 15, 2008 Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Gerald Green, and Amare Stoudemire, get pointers from Billy Puckett, right, director of construction for Habitat for Humanity, as players from the NBA help rebuild a home in eastern New Orleans on Friday.
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER Friday February 15, 2008 Kobe Bryant of the L.A. Lakers helps rebuild a home in eastern New Orleans on Friday. Bryant wears a special cast, bottom left, on his right hand which is injured.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Friday, April 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant greets fans as he leaves the court after an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, April 8, 2016. The Pelicans won 110-102. Bryant says he will be retiring at the end of the season, thus his last NBA game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves to the crowd during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Friday, April 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Kobe Bryant makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant thanks the crowd after a tribute video as he makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) has nowhere to go against New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Fans turn out in force for Kobe Bryant's final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant greets Toney Douglas after the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant thanks the crowd after a tribute video as he makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant and Ryan Anderson share a laugh after the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant hots a three over New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) as he makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott congratulates Kobe Bryant as he leaves the court during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant greets Anthony Davis after the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Kobe Bryant makes his final appearance in New Orleans during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Friday, April 8, 2016. (Photo by Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives as New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) defends during first half action at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. (Photo by Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) works to get by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during first half action at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. (Photo by Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)
New Orleans Pelicans guard Austin Rivers (25) fouls Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during first half action at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. (Photo by Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) prepares to pass the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guard Eric Gordon (10) and forward Anthony Davis (23) defend during first half action at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. (Photo by Brett Duke, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts after he was called for traveling during the second half of an NBA basketball game Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, in Los Angeles. The Suns won 112-106. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Advocate staff photo by ELIOT KAMENITZ-- Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) sinks two points in the second half pass the defense of New Orleans Pelicans forward Luke Babbitt (8) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) as they play at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014.
Advocate staff photo by ELIOT KAMENITZ--Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drops in a basket while New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) watches as they play at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2014.
New Orleans Pelicans' Austin Rivers, right, drives past Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
New Orleans Pelicans' Austin Rivers, bottom, drives past Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) holds up the game ball and acknowledges the crowd during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves after passing Michael Jordan on the NBA all-time scoring list in Minneapolis, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) works against New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. (Michael DeMocker, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune)
Actor Mark Wahlberg (at left) watches Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. (Michael DeMocker, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. (Michael DeMocker, Nola.com / The Times-Picayune)
Associated Press photo by JONATHAN BACHMAN -- Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives against New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham during the second Wednesday in the Smoothie King Center.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives against New Orleans Pelicans guard Quincy Pondexter (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, in New Orleans. The Pelicans won 96-80. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
“He was all about winning championships,” Gentry said. “The individual accolades and the numbers didn’t mean anything for him. He was all about winning championships. That’s just the competitiveness he had. That’s what I’ll always remember. He competed at such a high, high level every time he was out there. He’s just going to be missed.”
Bryant had four daughters with his wife, Vanessa. He was reportedly flying to Gianna’s basketball game when the accident occurred.
Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
“He was turning his daughters into the same competitors and basketball players he was,” Gentry said. “It was just good to see. I think he was in a great place in his life in retirement and everything. Doing a lot of things that helped him complete his life away from basketball.”