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Kobe Bryant is leaving the NBA but his memory will live forever ... in Brandy's closet ... 'cause the R&B singer says she still has the dress she wore 20 years ago ... when Mamba took her to prom.

Once upon a time in '96 Brandy was the worldwide superstar adored by all and Kobe was a young Philly hoops prodigy who somehow managed to score a prom date with the princess.

So when we got Brandy out in NYC promoting her new show we had know ... what happened to the dress that she wore on her big night with KB?

If you remember, she already told us she kept the corsage Kobe gave her ... and it turns out she still has the dress too.

Chill Vanessa ... this all happened when 'Pac was still alive.