Many professional athletes took a moment to reflect on Kobe Bryant's career after the Los Angeles Lakers legend officially announced his retirement at the end of the season on the Players' Tribune on Sunday, but nobody paid tribute to the Black Mamba quite like Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside.
Instead of having his post honor Bryant, Whiteside paid tribute to...Whiteside: "After seeing that this is a legends last year playing the game ..I just want to say thanks Kobe for everything you done for basketball and I'm glad I got to put a huge smile on your face #kobe #legend"
What a great message.
Of course, Whiteside is just messing around. Sure, he could have just gone with a sentimental message like others did. That's just not as much fun—and Bryant probably appreciates seeing something like this.
Perhaps Whiteside and Bryant can create another great photo when the Lakers host the Heat in March. Or maybe Whiteside will use that meeting to get the Black Mamba to sign the photo above.
Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Kyle Newport