It couldn't have been scripted any better. In the final game of his two decade-long career on Wednesday, NBA legend Kobe Bryant put up a performance for the ages, scoring a season-high 60 points and helping his team the Los Angeles Lakers rally back from a 15-point deficit in the final quarter to clinch the game 101-96 against Utah Jazz.

Widely considered to be among the greatest ever to have played the game, Bryant went into his final outing for his beloved Los Angeles Lakers against the backdrop of unprecedented excitement. Ticket prices went up to almost $20,000, and when Bryant's name was announced one final time, the crowd at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles went predictably berserk.

And after a thrilling game where he put in another superlative performance, Bryant gave a touching farewell speech. "I can’t believe how fast 20 years went by," he laughed. "The thing that had me cracking up all night long was the fact that I go through 20 years of everybody screaming, ‘pass the ball!’ and last night they’re like, ‘don’t pass it!'"

He finished the speech by referencing his popular nickname "Black Mamba", bringing the entire house down as he said, "Mamba out!" before putting his mike on the floor.