Kobe Bryant On Playing Past Contract: ‘Right Now I’d Say No’

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant talks about retirement and suggests that he very well could hang it up after the 2015-16 season.

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Might we be watching the last season and a half of Kobe Bryant’s illustrious career? According to the Black Mamba himself, it’s completely possible as the Los Angeles Lakers guard knows his time in the NBA is coming to an end.

Currently signed through the 2015-16 season, Bryant was asked by local media if he’d continue to play once his current contract with the Los Angeles Lakers expires. He did reserve the right to change his mind but as of today, it seems as of Kobe Bryant is preparing to hang up the sneakers after next season.

“Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t want to be coy about it,” Bryant said following the Lakers’ 111-95 loss on Wednesday. “I don’t know what to tell you. Right now I’d say no. But it doesn’t matter. Would that change a year from now or something like that?”

Bryant will have the option to re-sign with the Lakers (assuming they want him back) once his contract ends though he’ll also have the opportunity to sign elsewhere. Obviously Kobe Bryant would love to have a shot at another ring, something he likely won’t have with the Lakers in the next two seasons though it’s hard to envision him playing in another uniform.

Currently 36, Bryant hasn’t been his efficient self this season though part of that can likely be attributed to the sub par roster built around him. How much longer he’ll be able to play at a high level is an unknown and probably is the reason Kobe is keeping the door open to change his mind on potential retirement.

As you may recall, Kobe Bryant also suggested he’d retire after the 2013-14 season which obviously did not happen.

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant talks about retirement and suggests that he very well could hang it up after the 2015-16 season.

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