Kobe Bryant announced Sunday that he’ll put an end to illustrious career at the end of the season.
Bryant made the announcement via a poem in The Players’ Tribune. A portion of the poem read:
“And we both know, no matter what I do next
I’ll always be that kid
With the rolled up socks
Garbage can in the corner
:05 seconds on the clock
Ball in my hands.
5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1Love you always,
Kobe”
Bryant’s final game at Target Center is set for next Wednesday, Dec. 9. No word yet on whether the Wolves will provide Bryant with a special ceremony of any kind.
In 62 regular season games against the Wolves, Bryant has averaged 24.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5 assists.
Sports Illustrated is calling Bryant’s retirement “bittersweet” and a lot like Michael Jordan’s departure from the game.
SI’s Chris Mannix wrote: “The player who grew up mesmerized by Jordan wanted to go out like MJ should have, with a perfect jump shot sealing another championship. Instead, he will end his career similar to how Jordan’s actually did, faded and finding the body just won’t do what his spirit demands from it.”
Kobe Bryant announces he will retire at the end of this season. Kobe's last visit to @TargetCenterMN will be Wed, Dec. 9.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) November 30, 2015
.@TargetCenterMN is where Kobe surpassed Michael Jordan for third on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) November 30, 2015
A photo posted by Ricky Rubio (@ruuufio) on Nov 29, 2015 at 7:05pm PST
