The grainy video clip popped up on the Staples Center scoreboard toward the start of Wednesday's pregame festivities.
There was Kobe Bryant as a rookie, talking to legendary Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn and predicting he would play "19 or 20 [years], at least."
Who knew that the brash, uniquely gifted teenager would end up being correct?
Bryant, 37, played the final game of his 20-year career Wednesday, ending an era with five championships, 18 All-Star game appearances and way too many outsiders' opinions, pro or con, to ever tally.
His 1,556th and last box score showed a stunning 60 points on 22-for-50 shooting in a 101-96 Lakers victory over the Utah Jazz.