[Watch] Kobe Bryant Gets Sendoff Fit For A King In Final Game

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said it best - "We are here to celebrate greatness for 20 years. Excellence for 20 years."

Magic Johnson

The Los Angeles Lakers made sure to give Kobe Bryant a memorable sendoff fit for a king before the NBA legend played his final NBA game Wednesday night with the Purple and Gold hosting the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center.

The pre-game festivities began with a moving final highlight reel, covering Bryant's 20 years in the league, including his five championships, a league MVP, two Finals MVPs and 18 All-Star Game selections.

From there, Magic took the court, giving Bryant his just due as not only one of the Lakers' greats, but one of the greatest players the game has ever seen, period.

Magic Johnson to Kobe: "He's played through injuries. He's played hurt. And we've got five championship banners to show for it."

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 14, 2016

Before taking the Staples Center court to be showered with deafening applause one last time, Bryant was treated to a video montage with some of his former teammates, including Shaquille O'Neal, Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom, in addition to ex-Lakers coach Phil Jackson, and stars around the league like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Carmelo Anthony. It even closed with acting legend and die-hard Lakers fan Jack Nicholson commenting about the Black Mamba's greatness.

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Stephen Curry in Kobe's tribute video: "If you watch Kobe, I think it makes you a better player."

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 14, 2016

Lamar Odom in Kobe's tribute: "I'm proud to say I was right with you, Kobe Bean."

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 14, 2016

Jack Nicholson concludes Kobe's tribute video: "You've been an inspiration to us all, and L.A. loves you."

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 14, 2016

Two of the @Lakers' all-time greats.

Game recognize game. pic.twitter.com/N4LJeGfGpc

— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 14, 2016

After embracing Magic, Kobe waved to the crowd, who gave him a rousing standing ovation.

And then came being introduced in the Lakers' starting lineup for the very last time.

No surprise that Kobe has already come out shooting, trying to go out with a bang.

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