NBA fans were handed a quick and unfortunate dose of reality during the opening minutes of ESPN’s “The Last Dance” documentary Sunday night.
Episode 5 began with former Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant discussing the role Michael Jordan played in his career, while also showcasing some NBA All-Star Game clips where Jordan and Bryant went head to head.
Bryant, of course, died in a tragic helicopter crash in January. And with NBA fans still feeling a sense of grief, they shared those emotions on Twitter on Sunday:
Damn, Kobe in The Last Dance is hitting me ? pic.twitter.com/Tk6GGHBpud
— Ev Singleton (@EvGuyBoston) May 4, 2020
When Kobe said “I wouldn’t have won 5 championships without the help and advice of Michael Jordan” #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/piaFzd5vrA
— KJ (@KJ_theproducer) May 4, 2020
Seeing Kobe on The Last Dance had me like #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/zwc9IyXQmQ
— Nitsuj ? (@YungNitsuj) May 4, 2020
Seeing Kobe in #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/uzP0aaGyqx
— KopacetiK7 (@1NUPEunderGod) May 4, 2020
*Watching the #LastDance*
*Enter Kobe* pic.twitter.com/toz6q9AhWg
— Isaac Wilson (@isaacpwilson) May 4, 2020
My eyes just welled up with tears, hearing Kobe’s voice and seeing him talk about Jordan #TheLastDance
— Bridget Kelly (@IamBridgetKelly) May 4, 2020
Ugh was not ready to see Kobe ? #TheLastDance
— Dr. Seema Yasmin (@DoctorYasmin) May 4, 2020
seeing kobe on the last dance pic.twitter.com/X7EYMYcrJH
— ᵂᴬᴸᵀᴱᴿ (@_MorantSZN) May 4, 2020
It’s hard to watch Kobe talk about Michael (He couldn’t have been interviewed too many months before he died) and then see David Stern hand him the 1998 All-Star Game MVP trophy. Still surreal. #LastDance
— Mike Wise (@MikeWiseguy) May 4, 2020
When Kobe comes on in the first 5 minutes#TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/r39DItH9Mi
— Tyler (@TylerHerrick) May 4, 2020
Kobe should be watching with us all ?? #LastDance @SONTHoops pic.twitter.com/L6xb1kmnui
— Sports ON Tap (@SONTHighlights) May 4, 2020
Man I’m bout to shed a tear watching Kobe on #TheLastDance ??? pic.twitter.com/6AcCrOIuAS
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) May 4, 2020
Even a couple of NBA players shared their emotions.
???? 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
Miss u Kobe.. #TheLastDance
— Dzanan Musa (@DzMusa) May 4, 2020
Unfortunately, we’re not sure if, or when, Bryant’s death will set in either.
