Kobe Bryant Confirms the 2015-16 NBA Season May Be His Last

It is official, sort of. Future Hall of Famer, Kobe Bryant has confirmed that he may retire at the conclusion of next year’s NBA campaign. His announcement does not come as a surprise considering the fact that Bryant has been riddled with injuries that have greatly diminished his on-court presence the last three seasons. Timing wise, Bryant’s two-year, $48.5 million contract extension signed back in 2013 expires at the end of next season, with little to no pressure from the Lakers’ front office to push for a renewal as they look towards rebuilding the struggling franchise. Speaking to LA Times‘ Eric Pincus after last night’s Lakers-Pistons game, Kobe was quite blunt stating, “As I sit here right now, do I want to play after next year? No. That could change.” He goes on to provide insight regarding his thought process in making this decision noting, “After three years of dealing with this crap (injuries), you kind of understand why I don’t want to deal with it anymore,” concluding with the melancholy observation, “If something is going to go, it goes. Father Time got me, there’s nothing else I can do about it.” Start planning ahead for seats to see what the media has already dubbed as “Kobe’s Farewell Tour” this upcoming season.