An artist commemorates the fifth anniversary of the last NBA game the late basketball great Kobe Bryant played with a mural.

Jonas Never is more than halfway through finishing his mural of Bryant in South Pasadena, California showing the Los Angeles Lakers legend leaving the Staples Center court for the final time.

The mural is based on the iconic image shot by Andrew Bernstein, who photographed Bryant and the Lakers throughout his 20-year career.

Bernstein, who worked with Bryant on his book The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, also co-commissioned the mural.

Never is set to complete the mural on April 13, exactly 5 years since Bryant suited up for the Lakers for his NBA swan song.

Bryant had one of the most memorable NBA farewell games in league history as he ended his storied career with a sublime 60-point masterclass against the Utah Jazz.

With the Lakers trailing 84-94 with 3 minutes remaining, Bryant took matters in his own hands and went on a personal 15-2 run against the entire Jazz team to give his side a 97-96 lead.

Bryant sealed the win with a pair of free throws and an assist to Jordan Clarkson in the final 15 seconds to lead the Lakers to a 101-96 victory, dropping 23 points in the 4th quarter alone.

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Draped in his towel, Bryant delivered an impassioned speech paired with a mic drop before he left the court cheered on by fans in attendance.

According to Kobe Mural founder Mike Asner, who has curated over 500 artworks dedicated to Bryant in over 40 countries, it is the first time the Bernstein photograph is turned into a public mural. – Rappler.com