Home thank you be prepared who tested included assessment CMAVA of his own poetry with the words Dear Kobe. They got me, said postgame on Dec. 1. I wasn't expecting that type of reaction and ovation. It was emotional for me, and I deeply appreciate beyond belief. From there, received a bit of everything from each team. Some were expansive, like the Utah Jazz who gave him outdoors-themed plethora that included a decade pass to the all of the country's National Parks and a pair of custom skis. Others dabbled creativity, such as the Hawks collaborating with Zoo Atlanta to change the name of its actual black mamba snake to Kobe. Even the hated Boston Celtics offered a token of respect for the whom they faced the 2008 and 2010 Finals, presenting with a piece of their famed parquet floor like they had done for another iconic Laker, -Jabbar, 27 years earlier. 's presence warranted extended pregame introduction just about every city, but the Chicago Bulls took it a step further when Pau Gasol whom calls his brother appeared on the jumbo screen on Feb. 21. Ladies and gentlemen, Gasol said a prerecorded segment. It is honor to introduce to you for the last time at the United Center, former teammate and friend, from Lower Merion High School, No. 24, Kobe While the rest of the jumped to honor he gave back to his peers his own way. A common image throughout the became with a pen and pair of shoes hand, leaving his signature for a fellow From LeBron and Durant to and players with millions of fans themselves waited after for to ink some kicks for them. He left a personal message for each one. The generosity of 20th- even seeped into the audience, as he occasionally threw his shooting sleeve into the stands before walking off the court. A couple of boys even received the shoes right off of the legend's feet. He put his Hancock on his purple and white set of sneakers after they correctly guessed that his dog is named Crucio after a spell from the Potter novels. Another boy, whose family had come all the way from Denmark to one more time, was brought to tears after the superstar made sure that he ended up with his sleeve. It's fun to put a smile on their faces and hopefully have this be experience that they'll for a time to come, said following the game on 27. After all, knows what it means to receive something from one's childhood hero. During the All- Break Toronto, was given, as a retirement gift, two full sets of 30 Air sneakers one to auction for and one to keep. The sender? himself. obe stared up to the 32 x 28 foot version of himself from yesteryear on the Air Canada Centre video board. Welcome to the Kobe Show, his afro-wearing teenage self said to the sold-out All- crowd. watched the video tribute before taking introduction from his friend, and fellow Lakers legend, Magic As he walked to center court, proclaimed, There never be another Kobe Certainly 's fellow All-Stars agreed, as the entire weekend Toronto revolved around giving him one last farewell among the league's best. the months before the spectacle, 's global fanbase made itself clear: No matter his rising age or dwindling efficiency, his followers wanted to him shine one more time. received nearly 1 million All- votes, leading the league for the fourth time his career. His massive haul even eclipsed the combined totals of fellow Conference starters Durant and Westbrook the days leading up to the game, every player was peppered with questions about how had impacted them. Some recalled watching him as a kid. Others compared him to Everyone had a story relating back to the retiring superstar. Having a relationship with one of heroes, one of role models as a basketball player, meant a lot, Dwyane said. To be able to pick up the phone reach out to him means a lot. It means more than the words that even he can say. did his part once the game tipped off, providing 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists the Conference's victory. To be able to pick up the phone reach out to him means a lot. It means more than the words that even he can say Dwyane But the exhibition was much more than stats and scores, as he took his final All- Game with his family sitting right behind him. Dame beso, the multilingual said, returning to the bench as his daughters, and granted their dad's request for kisses. It was a true family affair, even among those on the other team. Every player as well as the crowd stood and clapped for as he checked out the fourth quarter, leaving the game with a salute. I had a blast playing with those