When is kobe going to retire

The star changing numbers, going from No. The Laker began his career, after deciding to forgo college and take on the challenge of playing in the NBA , wearing the No. It adds up to eight, and was the number he wore in Italy when he was younger. Ahead of the Lakers retiring both jersey numbers, Bryant broke down how his persona and attitude were different with the two. He said :. I got to prove that I belong here in this league.

I've got to prove that I'm one of the best in this league. You're going after them. It's nonstop energy and aggressiveness and stuff.

His other high school number, 33, was already retired by the Lakers to honor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. For the season and beyond, until his retirement in , the NBA icon went back to the number he wore in his earlier basketball years: No.

Bryant said ahead of retirement:. Then 24 is a growth from that. But that aura, that swagger that you saw on TV is exactly what he is in person. Bryant also made sure Nance knew who the boss was.

Bryant was feted for most of his final season after announcing his retirement on Nov. He finished his career with a point outburst in a nationally televised win over the Utah Jazz on April 13, When bequeathed to Brandon Ingram, it came with weight. His most direct connection to the organization is Pelinka, the Lakers general manager, who came highly recommended for that position by Bryant. He and I are talking all the time. They talk about their families and their young children.

They talk about movies and books — Bryant recently gave Pelinka a copy of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, with whom Bryant recently had dinner.

Follow Tania Ganguli on Twitter taniaganguli. Previously, she spent six years covering football, first for the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville, Fla. An alumnus of Northwestern University and Arcadia High School, she has written about everything from high school sports to college football to boat racing during the past 15 years.

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There was talk that he worked out with a few NBA players behind the scenes in the offseason. It was so cool to think that Bryant, unlike many superstars who struggle being out of the game, seemed totally content with how everything had worked out in his life.

Facebook Twitter Email. Opinion: Kobe Bryant was one of a kind even in retirement. Show Caption. Hide Caption.