Photo Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has announced that this will be his last season. As one of the most beloved basketball players of all time, Bryant will certainly be missed by the NBA and the Lakers, but at age 37, he has played more than his fair share of basketball and has decided to retire quietly and at exactly the right time. He has spent 19 years in the league and has forever changed the game of basketball, becoming a 5-time NBA champion, a 2-time NBA Finals MVP and earned gold medals during his two Olympic game appearances in 2008 and 2012.
The announcement comes off a tumultuous season that has literally been kicking Bryant’s butt. As one of the oldest guys in the league, it’s clear that it is time for him to hang it up. Bryant has spoken openly this year about how he can’t keep up with everyone, saying “My legs aren’t what they used to be”. Diehard fans have to hurt hearing those words come from one of the best.
Bryant shared the news today via The Players Tribune. As graceful as he once was on the court, Bryant broke the news via a long poem that certainly shows how much he has given up for the sport he loves. His take on basketball are powerful and a must-read, “I played through the sweat and hurt Not because challenge called me But because YOU called me. I did everything for YOU…”. Bryant’s piece can be seen on The Players Tribune.
Many athletes and celebrities showed their respect for the Black Mamba on social media shortly after the news broke.
One of the TRUE KINGS of the game. You are one the greatest to ever do it, my friend. #Kobe #BlackMamba #VinoClub https://t.co/Gn7DAB2src
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) November 30, 2015
We have lived incredible moments together on and off the court. Thanks for everything brother! @kobebryant #ThankYouKobe
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) November 30, 2015
Shout to @kobebryant on his illustrious career in the NBA!
One of the greatest of all time…
— TAPE TAPE & HOUSE EP NOW PLAYING (@LupeFiasco) November 30, 2015
I'm just happy to say I witnessed a true legend with my very own eyes throughout my time on this… https://t.co/DxUPXedbr4
— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) November 30, 2015
https://twitter.com/ShaneBattier/status/671131649682329602
Much respect to @kobebryant as he announces his retirement after the season. A fierce competitor and one of the greatest to ever do it!
— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) November 30, 2015
Hard to believe @kobebryant is finally going to hang it up. One of the NBA's great champions. Enjoy the rest of this season my friend.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) November 30, 2015
hug for u kobe. you will be missed buddy @kobebryant
— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) November 30, 2015
However, this won’t be the end for Bryant and we all know that. He’ll go on to do bigger and better things with a world full of opportunity for him and fans hungry for more.
[…] that become generational icons. For this generation, it is Kobe Bryant and recently Bryant announced that this would be his last season in the NBA. Bryant made his announcement via The […]