Kobe Bryant officially announced that he will be retiring at the end of the season
The end is finally here.
Fans may have seen it coming, but Sunday, Kobe Bryant made it official, posting a heartfelt ballad on the Players Tribune, entitled “Dear Basketball,” announcing that this season will be his last.
It has been a tough year for Kobe, after coming back from yet another season ending injury he is currently attempting to defy the odds once again. But Father Time has finally caught up with him and he’s decided to go out on his own terms.
After Saturday night’s game against the Portland Trailblazers, C.J. McCollum had kind words for the 20 year veteran, signaling that he may have seen it coming.
Here’s how the Twittersphere is responding to the news:
67 games left in Kobe Bryant's legendary career. Enjoy him while you can. pic.twitter.com/4KzaJJTZMR
— Kobe Bryant Fans (@Team_KB24) November 30, 2015
When Kobe announced he would retire after this season... pic.twitter.com/k8HIa3sykS
— Basketball Forever (@Bballforeverfb) November 30, 2015
It is easy to lament Bryant, as his fall from grace was a painful one to watch. Now that the announcement is official, expect Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour to begin tonight at home against the Indiana Pacers.
Per The Players Tribune:
"I played through the sweat and hurtNot because challenge called meBut because YOU called me.I did everything for YOUBecause that’s what you doWhen someone makes you feel asAlive as you’ve made me feel. . .And that’s OK.I’m ready to let you go.I want you to know nowSo we both can savor every moment we have left together.The good and the bad.We have given each otherAll that we have."
Right in the feels.
Thank you for everything you have given us Kobe.