VIDEO: Mike Tirico Reveals Unknown Story of Gordon Hayward Making Sure Kobe Bryant Got 60 Points in Final NBA Game

Kobe Bryant's tragic passing has brought the sports world together, and stories have started to emerge about personal experiences shared with the NBA great. Mike Tirico decided to share an interesting anecdote that comes from Bryant's final game. The moment features former Utah Jazz star Gordon Hayward doing what he could to ensure Bryant reached 60 points in his Los Angeles Lakers finale.

There’s a moment from Kobe’s final game that few people saw and nobody really remembers … but @miketirico won’t ever forget it. pic.twitter.com/prJGObG58y
— The Ringer (@ringer) January 28, 2020

Kobe stood at the free-throw line with 59 points and Hayward intentionally stepped in the lane in case Bryant missed the shot so he could get another chance at 60. Yet in vintage Bryant fashion, he didn't need a do-over.

Hayward apparently had a close bond with Bryant behind the scenes.

Kobe’s message to Gordon Hayward when Hayward suffered his ankle injury in 2017https://t.co/x8EJcAbgad pic.twitter.com/KOSQNui9q9
— The Ringer (@ringer) January 28, 2020

Bryant had an impact on so many NBA players and Hayward's special bond with the late legend is just another example of his role as both an NBA great and ambassador for the game of basketball.