All good things must come to an end right? After multiple NBA championship wins, a 20-season career, and a basketball track record that might even make Michael Jordan look twice, Kobe Bryant is calling it quits. On Sunday (Nov. 29) via The Player's Tribune website, the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard revealed he will be retiring after this season through an emotional poem.
The 37-year-old Philadelphia native penned a personal narrative, written in the form of a poem, called "Dear Basketball." Bryant detailed his deep-rooted love for the sport and explained his personal decision to leave the game behind him.
"But I can't love you obsessively for much longer," Bryant wrote in his poem. "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."
Since 1996, Bryant has dedicated his life and his entire basketball career to the Los Angeles Lakers. Although many fans of the 2008 NBA MVP were shocked by his announcement, Bryant revealed it was something he'd been thinking about for quite some time.
During an official press conference following the Lakers' 107-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Bryant stated his decision to retire was "internal." Although he was hoping time would change his mind, his feelings remained the same.
In his poem, Bryant went on to express just how much he'll cherish his last season on the court, playing with a team and coach who've become more like family. He sought out the advice of other players about retiring, but ultimately knew he'd have to choose what was best for him.
"Finally, I just had to just accept the fact that I don't want to do this anymore, and I'm OK with that," Bryant said according to ESPN. "Once I accepted that, then it became time to just let everybody know."
Despite his forthcoming departure, Bryant's legacy will live on for years to come. His name is somewhat synonymous with basketball, currently holding five NBA championship titles, 17 All-Star titles, two Finals MVP titles, and more.
The father of two is one of four players in NBA history to score over 25,000 points in his career. According to ESPN, Bryant currently leads the list with 32,683 points and over 6,000 rebounds and assists. Former NBA star Oscar "The Big O" Robertson, former Boston Celtics champion John Havlicek, and Cleveland Cavaliers power forward LeBron James conclude the list.
After making his public statement, Bryant admitted he's finally "at peace." Bryant will return to the court on Tuesday (Dec. 1) at 7 p.m. ET against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Farewell to the end of an era.
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