“At what point do you hold on to something that’s not there”
With Kobe Bryant going down for the rest of the year with an injury for the third straight season and only a year left on his contract, many have been questioning whether the Black Mamba still has it in him. More and more reports have come out recently saying Kobe plans to retire after next season and hang up the jersey.
In visiting with Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose on The Grantland Basketball Hour on Sunday, No. 24 has put all the rumors to rest, saying retirement is not in his plans after his contract is up.
As much of a competitor as he is, he refuses to believe that he doesn’t have the gas left in the tank and mentioned he will continue to compete until he physically can’t anymore. He compared his situation to shooting long range jumpers from half court and sinking a couple, then missing one, then making a few more. At what point do you know when to stop? That’s the dilemma Kobe faces heading into rehab and coming back from injury yet again.
Whatever he decides, the Los Angeles Lakers are in full tank mode right now and look to rebuild this offseason, acquiring a draft prospect that can make an impact for years to come and possibly attracting some quality free agents to surround Bryant with next season.
You can watch more clips from Kobe’s visit to Grantland over at their website, including why he veto’d a trade to Detroit, his beef with Jalen and thoughts on the OKC Thunder.
OS REWIND: Kobe Bryant: The Interview
OS REWIND: Kobe Bryant Reveals Wanting To Leave Lakers in 1999
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