For the last two years, Lakers legend and five-time champion Kobe Bryant has been plagued with injuries to his back, legs and knees. In the short period of time, his health, play and skills have diminished, causing the Lakers to shift from one of the league’s formidable teams to one of the worst organizations in the NBA.
Bryant, 37, is playing unlike himself. He is averaging 15.7 points a game while shooting only 31.5 percent from the field and 19.5 percent from three-point range. This Sunday, Bryant announced his retirement from basketball in the form of a letter via The Players Tribune. In it, he wrote:
“I played through the sweat and hurt
Not because challenge called me
But because YOU called me.
I did everything for YOU
Because that’s what you do
When someone makes you feel as
Alive as you’ve made me feel. You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream
And I’ll always love you for it.
But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer.
This season is all I have left to give.
My heart can take the pounding
My mind can handle the grind
But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.”
Over his 20 year career, Bryant has amassed 38,000-plus points in regular and post-season games, making him third all-time on the NBA’s points list. He has won 5 rings, scored an 81 point game that is only second to the great Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point game in 1962, has 17 NBA All-Star selections, has been a league MVP, has two Olympic gold medals and countless fans who consider him one of the greatest of all-time.
Many of his fans from all walks of life took to social media to show support, celebrate and acknowledge his greatness on the court.
Shout to @kobebryant on his illustrious career in the NBA!
One of the greatest of all time…
— CHECKIN’ Out Now! #APTMC (@LupeFiasco) November 30, 2015
I knew Kobe would have to retire one day but damn, I'm still sick about it. 😭💔
— Khadi Don (@KhadiDon) November 30, 2015
You loved the game @kobebryant and the game loved you back! Proud to know you and honored to have represented the #PurpleandGold together!
— Rick Fox (@RickFox) November 30, 2015
https://twitter.com/Jotomyz/status/671126387634278400
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 30, 2015
Thank You @kobebryant for 5 chips! Lasting memories and a lifetime of dedication. I saw it in your face when you played GSW. You were DONE.
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) November 30, 2015
Dear @kobebryant we have mutual friend and I've never met you but you know I'm an old school-diehard @Lakers fan! It goes beyond me.
— Cari Champion (@CariChampion) November 30, 2015
Kobe Bryant says he'll retire at the end of the season. Knew it was coming but still hard to believe. One of the greatest players ever.
— James Is READY TO STAFF (@ScriptsByJames) November 30, 2015
Hear what @Lakers HC, Byron Scott had to say about Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/7Hyd2cpvyg
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 30, 2015
Kobe Bryant at age 11 playing against adults in Italy. pic.twitter.com/YNbGLl9mTk
— Bryan Armen Graham (@BryanAGraham) November 30, 2015
https://twitter.com/youngwhiteside/status/671167877165268992