Many have speculated that Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant will retire after this season - even Bryant hinted at the notion earlier this season - and now it looks like Bryant will definitely be walking away from the NBA.
In an interview with current Duke and Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski on Sirius XM radio last night, Kobe didn't totally shut the door on returning next season, but said he fully intends to retire at the end of the year.
"If something changes, I'll come back and play next season," Bryant said. "If something doesn't change this is it for me."
Bryant had made similar remarks earlier in the season, telling reporters, "If you asked me today, this would be my last year. But you never know. We'll keep it open. Whatever happens, happens."
The 37-year-old is in the final year of this contract with the Lakers, and said when he signed that contract that he could see this year being his final season. He has spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers, the longest-tenured player with one team in NBA history, and is the third leading scorer in NBA history.
Bryant is averaging 16.9 points and 4.1 rebounds in 30.4 minutes per game this season.
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