Dear Basketball From the moment I started rolling my dad’s tube socks And shooting imaginary Game-winning shots In Great Western Forum knew one thing was real: fell in love with you. A so deep gave you all mind & body To spirit soul. As a six-year-old boy Deeply never saw end of tunnel. only myself Running out one. ran. ran up and down every court After loose ball for You asked hustle heart Because it came much more. played through sweat hurt Not because challenge called me But YOU me. did everything that’s what do When someone makes feel as Alive you’ve made feel. his Laker dream I’ll always it. can’t obsessively longer. This season is have left to give. My can take pounding handle grind knows it’s time say goodbye. OK. I’m ready let go. want know now So we both savor together. The good bad. We given each other All that have. know no matter next be kid With rolled Garbage corner :05 seconds on clock Ball hands. 5 … 4 3 2 1 Love always Kobe MAMBA OUT