Kobe Bryant’s announcement to retire from the NBA nearly broke the Internet.
The NBA was hit with the news of Kobe Bryant’s retirement announcement on Sunday evening. With the words “I’m ready to let [basketball] go,” the future Hall of Famer made it known that he would walk away from the sport at the end of the 2016 campaign. At 37-years of age, Bryant’s retirement has been a recurring conversation the last few seasons; however it was still shocking to see the news in black and white. The response on across the social sphere was quick and reflects the greatness he brought to the game:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: ‘One of the greatest players in the history of our game.’”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement regarding @kobebryant’s announcement today pic.twitter.com/fenWAw4qSH
— NBA (@NBA) November 30, 2015
Jemele Hill, ESPN personality: “Wow”
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 30, 2015
Jay Bilas: ESPN analyst: “It has been a privilege to watch him play. He’s incredible.”
To me, it matters not whether @kobebryant is at his best at his career's end. It has been a privilege to watch him play. He's incredible.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) November 29, 2015
Roland Martin: TV One Host/News Personality: “Damn, Kobe has broken the Internet.”
Damn. Kobe has broken the Internet https://t.co/ljJDY6ruOU
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) November 30, 2015
Mike Hill: “Thank You Kobe.”
Thank you Kobe!!
— Mike Hill (@ItsMikeHill) November 30, 2015
Bryant took to The Player’s Tribune in a piece titled “Dear Basketball” to explain why this year would be his last season in the league. In the poem he expresses his love for the game that “gave a six-year old boy his Laker dream,” however “my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.”
Bryant will retire as one of the most decorated players to ever step onto the court. A small sampling of his accolades include being a 5-time NBA champion, 2008 MVP, 2-time Finals MVP, 2-time scoring champion, 17-time NBA All-Star and winner of 2 Olympic gold medals as a part of Team USA.
If the Lakers do not make the playoffs, Bryant’s last NBA game will be against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.