LA Lakers, Kobe Bryant News: Byron Scott says this would be 'The Black Mamba's' final year
The 2015-2016 NBA regular season could be Kobe Bryant's final playing year.
Speaking to NBA.com, Los Angeles Lakers head coach Byron Scott announced that the 37-year old superstar might already be playing his final year, adding it has been a conversation that has happened more than once.
"We've talked about it a few days ago," Scott said. "Talked about it again and his feeling was, 'Coach, this might be my last year. So if possible I would like to try to play every game."'
Get Our Latest News for FREE
For his part, Bryant never gave a final response as to what his immediate career plans are. He did, however, bring up the idea of retiring soon.
"My message has been consistent all the time," Bryant said. "If I change my mind, I'll come back and play. If I don't, I won't. I've been pretty consistent with that, so I don't know how much, what else can I say?"
His fellow players, however, believe that Bryant still has a lot in him to make such a decision to retire.
"I wouldn't count him out," said Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks. "But especially for young guys to be able to be in his presence, and knowing the mark that he left on this game, or that he's leaving on this game, it's a special moment."
"The Black Mamba" has been playing professional basketball since the age of 18. The Los Angels in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft selected him, and he has been the team's franchise player ever since.
Bryant's 19-year stint with the Lakers has earned him five NBA titles, two Finals MVP awards, the 2008 Most Valuable Player award, and 17 NBA All-Star game appearances.
He has, however, been plagued by injuries as of late. Since 2013, Bryant has been in and out of the sidelines due to various physical ailments, such as a fracture in his left knee's lateral tibial plateau and a rotator cuff tear on his shoulder.
He also suffered a calf injury during the exhibition games prior to the start of the current season.
