Durant: Kobe was our Michael Jordan

But now, Bryant has made a decision to hang it up.

Bryant was drafted in 1996 and has won five NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals and has been selected for the NBA All-Star game 17 times. “He was our Michael Jordan”, Durant said in a report by ESPN’s Royce Young.

Warriors coach Luke Walton found himself watching repeats of Kobe Bryant highlights on SportsCenter three times on Sunday night after his former teammate announced his retirement.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith weighed in on Kobe Bryant’s retirement as he tweeted, “One of the most under appreciated players to ever play is saying goodbye to the game he gave his all!…”

Today, we highlight some of the reactions that hip-hop has had since The Black Mamaba’s announcement yesterday. He’s scored the most points for the Lakers and has the highest scoring game, 81, than any other Laker in history.

Bryant said Jordan gave him some seemingly simple advice for his final season, too: “Just enjoy it. No matter what, just enjoy it…”

“I’ve been disappointed this year because you guys treated him like shit”, Durant said to reporters following a team practice on Monday, via Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman.

“And that’s OK. I’m ready to let you go”.

“A true champion and a player who’s desire to win and dedication to the game really impressed me for Day 1. To me that is the first indicator that this game isn’t something I can obsess over much longer”.

Though unexpected, Bryant’s approach harkens back to another National Basketball Association legend’s curtain call.

Bryant has struggled mightily with injuries the past several years, and is shooting a career-worst 32 percent this season.

He is now in the past year of his two-season contract guaranteeing him $26 million, making him the best-paid National Basketball Association player. “This has been a season, to me, that has exposed the dangers of getting older as an athlete”.

Kevin Durant: “I did idolize Kobe Bryant”. Kobe Bryant’s legacy is truly unique, and we will never see another Kobe Bryant again.