Kobe Bryant has yet to confirm his retirement plans. He, genuinely, may not have any retirement plans, even though the Lakers have had to keep him out of back-to-back games, and even though his presence is likely hindering the development of several of the team’s young players.
Kobe told Coach K on SiriusXM that “if something changes ‘ll come back and play next season. If something doesn’t change this is it for me.”
He’d like his Lakers, internally, to get their act together. Veteran Lou Williams has missed two-thirds of his shots, Julius Randle has had an up-and-down (let’s call it what it truly is) rookie season, and D’Angelo Russell often plays like the 19-year old he is. Byron Scott is likely the league’s worst head coach, running Brandon Bass at center late in games and attempting to close out contests with Marcelo Huertas for whatever reason.
The idea of a farewell tour, which would undoubtedly commence should Bryant announce plans to hang it up following the season, is an anathema to Kobe. He’s famously gone through an NBA life without any close contemporary friends (save for Pau Gasol, who could probably get away with tickling Genghis Khan), and the idea that he’d have to smile and wave as Damian Lillard handed him a plaque and a present at midcourt before a game in Portland on Jan. 23 probably disgusts him.
Source: Yahoo Sports