It is a harsh reality for Kobe Bryant fans to face, knowing that Kobe Bryant has played in his final game for the Los Angeles Lakers. On April 13, Kobe left the basketball world in awe as he scored 60 points and led the Lakers to a fourth quarter come from behind victory over the Utah Jazz.
Those who decided to watch Kobe’s finale instead of the Golden State Warriors quest to win 73 games were not disappointed. Most hardcore Kobe fans dropped whatever they were doing on April 13 to tune into the game, and R&B singer, R. Kelly, was no exception to the rule.
R. Kelly, not to be confused with Lakers’ forward Ryan Kelly, posted a picture on Twitter on #MambaDay to pay tribute to Kobe:
Give it up for the man @kobebryant !! Whose talents on the court have always inspired me in my own craft. #MambaDay pic.twitter.com/f83ItJbdiP
— R. Kelly (@rkelly) April 14, 2016
The picture backfired on R. Kelly, however, as many fans began making fun of the three-time Grammy Award winning artist for watching the game on such a small TV.
R. Kelly was a good sport about it and recently turned the tables on his critics during a concert in Chicago. The R&B singer stopped his concert, sat down in a recliner, and watched highlights of Kobe’s final game on a significantly larger screen via @thedangarcia on Instagram.
R. Kelly was clearly having fun with his fans and referencing the nonsensical backlash he received on Twitter for watching Kobe’s last game on such a small screen. R. Kelly’s mid-concert antics were a fun moment for his fans, but it was also a chance to remind the world of Kobe’s legacy.
Celebrities came out in full force to witness Kobe’s final game as the likes of Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, and Beyonce were seen in Staples Center. Of course everyone couldn’t attend, and even if R. Kelly couldn’t enjoy it in the best of situations live, he made up for it later.