Kobe Bryant is Throwing in the Ball! Retiring After This Season

“He’s still Kobe Bryant, regardless of how he shot the ball tonight”, said George, a California native.

While the sporting world communally paid tribute to Bryant following his revelation, with many praising him for his superb career and all he has given to the sport, self-confessed Lakers fan Lukaku expressed his regret at the basketball player’s decision.

Bryant said he never considered retiring immediately because he has embraced the lessons of his struggles.

Kobe Bryant announced his retirement, assuring that the remainder of another futile Lakers season will be at least a farewell tour for the senior superstar.

Wayne Ellington: “It meant a lot to play alongside him”.

“From that point on, I started figuring things out, trying different things. He’s the best player in our generation”.

“So we both can savor every moment we have left together. Thanks for everything brother!” What a feeling to play against your idol.

Kobe will go down as one of the game’s all-time greats. You couldn’t stop him. “It’s important to go through that progression, because I think that’s where you really learn about the self”.

“What you’ve done for me is far greater than anything I’ve done for you”, Bryant wrote. “Kobe’s legend has lived in the city for many years and will continue to live”. He spent 178 games with Los Angeles over the last four seasons before leaving as a free agent. “I hope he has more fun and appears less frustrated and gets more appreciation. Coming back from all those injuries it takes a special kind of person to mental refocus and play at that high a level”. I grew up watching him. “He’s a monster. He’s a beast”.

“I’m hearing it’s probably going to be sold out just because it’s Kobe’s last time playing in Philadelphia”, Okafor said after Sunday’s loss to the Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum (see game story).

Phil Jackson: “Break the season up into sections”. Bryant then missed his first six shots, including three 3-pointers.

Michael Jordan: “Just enjoy it. No matter what”. The good and the bad.

Bryant scored 13 points on 4-of-20 shooting after declaring he will retire at the end of the season, and the Indiana Pacers hung on to send Los Angeles to its sixth consecutive defeat, 107-103 Sunday night in Staples Center. “Whether competing in the Finals or hoisting jump shots after midnight in an empty gym, Kobe has an unconditional love for the game”. “I feel very solid in my decision”.

D’Angelo Russell: “I’m sad”. There have been championship parades and controversies and, ultimately, the sort of basketball greatness matched locally only by the likes of Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Shane Battier: “Kobe is the greatest competitor I have ever faced”. I’m so proud of you. Stay around him. Wath him.