Kobe Bryant's last regular season game takes place in Atlanta, GA
Future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers will have a black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) named after him when the Atlanta Hawks host the Lakers December 4 in what will be Bryant’s final regular season game. Bryant is retiring from playing at the end of this season. The Hawks will also make a donation to the zoo in Bryant’s honor.
“Kobe Bryant's career accomplishments speak for themselves,” Hawks and Philips Arena CEO Steve Koonin said in a statement released by the team. “He has set a standard with his incredible work ethic, tremendous will and competitive spirit. We're happy to be partnering with Zoo Atlanta to recognize the impact Kobe has made on the NBA and its popularity worldwide.”
The black mamba is one of the fastest snakes in the world that is said to be capable of traveling 6.8 mph over short distances. It is also one of the most deadliest snakes in the world, capable of causing the collapse of a human with its venom within 45 minutes of envenomation, and death within seven to 15 hours.
