Alright, let’s talk about that 2015-2016 Lakers season. I remember deciding, okay, this year I’m actually gonna follow it closely. Like, really pay attention, game in, game out. Wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, honestly.
The big reason, obviously, was Kobe. Everyone knew it was gonna be his last ride. Felt like something you had to witness, you know? Even if the team itself… well, predictions weren’t exactly glowing. We all kinda knew it would be rough sledding in the win column.
My Routine Back Then
So I started the season, committed. Made it a point to check the schedule, catch as many games as I could live. If not, highlights first thing the next morning. It became a habit. Some nights were just tough, man. Watching them lose, seeing the same mistakes. Turnovers, bad defense… you name it. Frustrating stuff.
We had those young guys, D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson. You’d see flashes, moments where you thought, okay, maybe there’s something here for the future. But then… inconsistency. Just young players learning the ropes, I guess. It was a mixed bag, trying to balance watching them develop with the reality of the team’s record.
- Checking scores constantly.
- Trying to stay positive (mostly failed).
- Focusing way too much on Kobe’s point totals each night.
- Reading articles, blogs… trying to make sense of the rebuild.
The Weird Vibe of It All
It was a strange season to follow so closely. You basically went into most games expecting a loss. That’s a weird headspace for a fan. But the whole Kobe Farewell Tour thing overshadowed everything. Every road game felt like an event. Opposing teams doing tributes, the crowds going crazy for him. It was less about the Lakers vs. [Opponent] and more about celebrating Kobe one last time.
Honestly, that’s what kept me locked in. The basketball itself wasn’t always great, far from it. But the narrative, the emotion around Kobe’s final games, culminating in that unbelievable 60-point finale… that was something else. It felt bigger than just one bad season.
What I Took Away
So, what did I get from diving deep into that specific, kinda painful season? Patience, for one. Lots of it. Learned to appreciate the effort, even in a loss. Got a real front-row seat to what a legend’s exit looks like, the good and the bad. It wasn’t about chasing a trophy that year; it was about history, I guess.
Looking back, yeah, the team was bad. Record-wise, one of the worst. But following it so intensely wasn’t a waste. It was memorable in its own unique way. Mostly ’cause of #24. It kinda showed that sometimes, the story around the game is just as important as the final score. Especially when you knew it was the end of an era.
