Now that Kobe Bryant had made it official is hanging them up after 20 seasons as a Lakers after the 2015-16 season, it was inevitable that a traveling farewell tour would ensue as organizations around the NBA would present Kobe parting gifts to commemorate the last time he would play in their city.
The 76ers and his hometown of Philadelphia presented Kobe with a framed Lower Merion high school jersey, the Wizards gave a video tribute and their fans chanted “Ko-Be” throughout the game, and now the Atlanta Hawks have announced how they will honor Kobe’s career: by naming their Black Mamba snake at Zoo Atlanta Kobe. They will also donate to Zoo Atlanta in Kobe’s name.
The Hawks host the Lakers tonight.
Zoo Atlanta issued a statement on the naming which included this humorous statement:
“Mr. Bryant is a legend on the court, and the black mamba is a legend in the wild.”
There will most assuredly be some interesting ways that teams will choose to honor Kobe’s legacy but this one will be hard to top.
