Kobe Bryant On Retirement: ‘Soon, But Not Yet’
Kobe Bryant took to Twitter early Monday morning to express his stance on retirement after suffering a torn Achilles just before the playoffs this season. The 34-year-old has no plans of retiring just yet, as he noted that he still has work to do before he hangs up his Lakers’ jersey for good.
Bryant averaged 27.3 points a game this season, making his decision to return to the game that much easier. His 17th season in the league had it’s ups and downs, but the Lakers’ superstar isn’t ready to give up just yet.
The Lakers started the 2013 season on the wrong foot as they fell towards the bottom of the Western Conference. Kobe Bryant isn’t a fan of losing, and he proved it by leading the Lakers back into the playoff race in the final weeks of the season.
Though Bryant missed the final two games of the year, Dwight Howard and the Lakers’ hung in there and won back-to-back games to clinch a playoff berth. Their five game winning-streak quickly went sour, as they were swept out of the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.
Ever since Bryant’s injury, discussions have surfaced as to his future in the NBA. The five-time NBA champion hasn’t been on the floor since early April, but he’s still the center of attention within the media.
Kobe Bryant was called out by his former coach, the legendary Phil Jackson, for not being as competitive as Michael Jordan, considerably the greatest of all-time, though many believe Bryant is the only player deserving of being discussed next to Jordan.
LeBron James may have something to say about that as he looks to capture his second straight NBA title, but that hasn’t affected the focus on Bryant. The 15-time NBA All-Star put all the rumors to rest on Monday, and here’s his Twitter post to prove it.
Really?? Me. Retire?? Soon, but not yet Vino still has work to do #35 #OG #kbvff
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) May 20, 2013
One more championship ring may do the trick, and with a work ethic like Bryant’s, he’s sure to do whatever it takes to even the score with Jordan and prove his doubters wrong.
Do you believe Kobe Bryant will win his sixth NBA championship before retiring?
[Image via Keith Allison]
