ESPN aired the fifth episode of “The Last Dance” Sunday night, dedicating the episode to Kobe Bryant.
The episode opened at the 1998 All-Star Game where Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan faced off in brief one-on-one moments. The episode showed clips of Jordan trash-talking Bryant from the locker room.
Meanwhile, Bryant praised Jordan in interviews previously filmed for the documentary. Bryant said he wouldn’t have won his NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers had it not been for Jordan and his teachings.
Social media immediately praised Kobe after his appearance.
😥😥😥😥 that intro just tore me apart man. Man I wish Kobe was here to see this man. Thank you for sharing that beautiful and special footage Mike! We miss you Bean❤️🙏🏽! #TheLastDance
— Quinn Cook (@QCook323) May 4, 2020
We really lost Kobe man
— 🚦 (@CardoGotWings) May 4, 2020
Just seeing Kobe there talking... man. Still can’t believe he’s gone. Mamba forever fr 🖤
— Overtime (@overtime) May 4, 2020
It will never feel real Kobe isn't here with us..
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) May 4, 2020
Still hasn't sunk in with me that Kobe isn't here anymore. I don't think it ever will.
— ✨🦦America Is Musty🦦✨ (@DragonflyJonez) May 4, 2020
Miss you Kobe. 💙#MambaForever pic.twitter.com/izQ3SuQ705
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 4, 2020
this is so wild to watch kobe give new interview footage
— whitney medworth (@its_whitney) May 4, 2020
Man, gotta be honest... a lot of emotions watching Jordan and Kobe #TheLastDance
— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) May 4, 2020
Seeing Kobe tear up about his relationship with Michael got me pic.twitter.com/xXwqjMBB2X
— Stephen A. Smith Burner (@SASBurnerAcct) May 4, 2020
“That little Laker Boy”
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 4, 2020
RIP Kobe🙏♥️ pic.twitter.com/8euMnK1GBf
My stomach dropped when Kobe’s interview came on the screen.
— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) May 4, 2020