Kobe Bryant, a future Hall of Fame player and one of the most influential players to ever play the sport, announced he will retire at the end of the 2015-16 NBA season. He did so with a poem that was published through the Players Tribune.
Breaking: Kobe Bryant to Retire After the Season
Kobe started the open letter by saying,
“Dear Basketball,
From the moment I started rolling my dad’s tube socks
And shooting imaginary Game-winning shots In the
Great Western Forum I knew one thing was real:
I fell in love with you”
Although the decision does not come as a huge surprise, the announcement was still a big deal to basketball fans everywhere. Bryant has influenced the world with the sport, especially China.
Bryant’s struggles this season may have a strong part in his decision, or it could just be he is ready to be done. He continued in his open letter to say:
“I’m ready to let you go”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement soon after Bryant’s announcement, via USA Today:
“With 17 NBA All-Star selections, an NBA MVP, five NBA championships with the Lakers, two Olympic gold medals and a relentless work ethic, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in the history of our game. Whether competing in the Finals or hoisting jump shots after midnight in an empty gym, Kobe has an unconditional love for the game. I join Kobe’s millions of fans around the world in congratulating him on an outstanding NBA career and thank him for so many thrilling memories.”
Main Photo via Getty Images / NBA Collection
