Kobe Bryant announces that next season will be his last season

[imdaman99]

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12932613/gm-says-kobe-bryant-indicates-next-season-last-los-angeles-lakers?sf9473282=1

End of an era :(

[MP.Trey]

Lakers going all in this summer if true.

[dh144498]

umm link?


http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/4740/brb-using-imagination.jpg

[kennethgriffin]

Lmao ... link?


Kobe saod he wouldnt go out like jeter

[kennethgriffin]

Mods should ban OP if its made up

[Ca$H]

Hopefully he doesn't ruin Okafor, Randle, and Clarkson's development. He should just be a spot up shooter next season.

[Levity]

Nice, OP! This is like some CBS level comedy!! :applause:

[KembaWalker]

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12932613/gm-says-kobe-bryant-indicates-next-season-last-los-angeles-lakers?sf9473282=1

Lobbin' link to OP

[Foster5k]

Kobe was actually about to announce this. However, his German doctor informed him of a new "blood spinning" procedure.

[PJR]

Mods should ban OP if its made up

Look at this Meltdown.

[34-24 Footwork]

Hopefully he doesn't ruin Okafor, Randle, and Clarkson's development. He should just be a spot up shooter next season.

Lol. How mad are you at Kobe's success?? Quit talking about Lakers business. You don't know jack shit.

[Batzman]

Mitch Kupchak: Kobe Bryant 'indicated to me that this is it'
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said star guard Kobe Bryant has told the GM that the 2015-16 season will be Bryant's last with the Lakers.

"He has indicated to me that this is it," Kupchak said Thursday in a radio appearance with SiriusXM NBA Radio.



David Aldridge ‏@daldridgetnt 10m10 minutes ago

The news that next year is likely Kobe's last is not, uh, new. Mitch Kupchak said that in December: http://on.nba.com/1w61yJH


Nothing solid. I'd expect Bryant to hold a press conference to make anything official. Like he said, he would never make it public till he is sure, and would never do it when he is returning for a season. He doesn't like the idea of people telling him good-bye, and treating him easy on his way out.

Still, the idea of it gets to me. Not having him compete in the playoffs... It's just weird. Gonna be sad to see him go. League just isn't as exciting without him.

[NumberSix]

Will he even play next season?

[imdaman99]

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/12932613/gm-says-kobe-bryant-indicates-next-season-last-los-angeles-lakers?sf9473282=1

Lobbin' link to OP
Thanks, I'll update the OP.

WHY THE FK WOULD I MAKE THIS SHIT UP??? :rant

I love Kobe and his mentality. He was the reason I joined ISH.

[imnew09]

This is real, i saw the news too.


Y'all better appreaciate the greatness before he's gone

[kennethgriffin]

s Angeles Lakers*general manager Mitch Kupchak said star guard*Kobe Bryant*has told the GM that the 2015-16 season will be Bryant's last with the Lakers.

"He has indicated to me that this is it," Kupchak said Thursday in a radio appearance with SiriusXM NBA Radio.

Bryant is scheduled to make a league-high $25 million in his final contract season -- his 20th -- with the Lakers. But there's speculation that Bryant could play beyond next season, and Bryant said he hasn't ruled out that possibility.

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said that Kobe Bryant continues to indicate next season will be his last with the Lakers, and that it's up to Kobe if has a farewell tour.*Stacy Revere/Getty Images

"I think first and foremost, he's on the last year of a deal," Kupchak told SiriusXM NBA Radio. "There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don't think there will be."

Bryant will be 37 years old when next season begins, and his past three seasons have ended early because of injury. He played only 35 games last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.

"A year from now, if there's something different to discuss, then it will be discussed then," Kupchak said of Bryant potentially playing beyond next season. "I talk to him from time to time ... and he is recovering. He's running. He's getting movement and strength in the shoulder. We expect a full recovery, but yeah, he's much closer to the end than to the beginning."

Because of the uncertainty about Bryant's future, Kupchak said he's unsure if there will be a farewell tour next season.

"It's kind of up to the player, if they want to do something like that," Kupchak said. "And it also may take away some options a year from now and put a player in an awkward position, but he will be recognized appropriately with great gratitude when it is time."

Kupchak was also asked if it's important for free agents to have clarity on Bryant's future plans with the Lakers, particularly if they're wary of joining the team while Bryant is still playing, a notion that has been reported in recent years.

"I think it is clear," Kupchak said. "He's on the last year of his deal. There have been no discussions [about playing beyond next season]. He hasn't indicated that he wants to continue to play.

"But if there is a player out there like that, that won't come here for that reason, then we don't want them. Every great player is demanding and focused, and if you don't want to play for a guy like him that's driven to do nothing but win championships and work hard, then you shouldn't be here. You should go someplace else."

Kupchak also said that about a decade ago, Bryant wanted to be involved in just about every decision the organization made, including which players it drafted.

But with the Lakers holding the No. 2 overall selection in the June 25 draft, Kupchak said he doesn't expect Bryant to have much -- if any -- input on who the team selects this year.

"Seven or eight years ago, he just backed away and said, 'You guys know what you're doing,' which was flattering," Kupchak said in a radio appearance Thursday with ESPN's Colin Cowherd.

"[He said,] 'I'm just going to do what I do during the offseason. If you need me, I'll help recruit. If you want my opinion on a player, give me a call. I'll be at the gym today, let's sit down and get lunch, let's talk.' That's kind of where we are today.

"... He knows about the guys at Duke, Kentucky and North Carolina, but I don't think he wants to be involved in the draft at all."

Kupchak reiterated that Bryant is still involved in recruiting free agents.

"He's more than willing [to call a player] every time I ask him," Kupchak told SiriusXM NBA Radio.

But Kupchak can't yet publicly say whether that includes*Rajon Rondo, the mercurial four-time All-Star point guard.

"I know I can't comment on free agents," Kupchak told Cowherd. "But I mentioned earlier, we have two things: No. 1, we have a rookie [Jordan Clarkson] who had a good year who's a ballhandling guard who can also, I think, be in the backcourt with another ballhandling player. I think that would work.

"But the other thing we have is, we do have a lot of cap room. We feel like we do have to be aggressive. Getting the [No. 2 overall] pick takes a little bit of the pressure off to do something borderline this summer [in free agency







All it says is the same thing mitch always says


He thinks kobe will retire cause he hasnt said anything to him yet...

Kobe actually said absolutely f*ck all


So mods can ban o.p now

[ApexPredator]

In before injury ends his final season.

[Sarcastic]

It's all over twitter if you don't believe it.

[ApexPredator]

Btw, this is another copy of Jordan. He wants the attention Jordan got when people knew Jordan was in his final season (twice).

[Heavincent]

http://replygif.net/i/246.gif

[kennethgriffin]

It's all over twitter if you don't believe it.


Mitch is in big trouble if thats the case


Kobe doesnt want a derek jeter send off

[KembaWalker]

Btw, this is another copy of Jordan. He wants the attention Jordan got when people knew Jordan was in his final season (twice).

ISH, where announcing you're playing your final season (if true) is copying Jordan

Get outta here

"Shawn Marion said he plans to retire after this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ending a 15-year NBA career that was mostly spent as a star with the Suns."

How dare Marion copy Jordan

[HOoopCityJones]

http://www.gurl.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Dawson_Crying.gif

I remember when I started watching the Lakers my favorite players was Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel and Kobe was just this scrawny 18 yr old high flyer fresh outta High School. End of an Era.

[ApexPredator]

ISH, where announcing you're playing your final season (if true) is copying Jordan

Get outta here

"Shawn Marion said he plans to retire after this season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, ending a 15-year NBA career that was mostly spent as a star with the Suns."

How dare Marion copy Jordan

Marion doesn't have a history of copying Jordan. Kobe does.

[dh144498]

Marion doesn't have a history of copying Jordan. Kobe does.

announcing your retirement is copying jordan now?

Dat logic doe.

:biggums:

[sportjames23]

kenniff and 9er on suicide watch

[PickernRoller]

I don't think I am ready yet.

http://i.imgur.com/mIvTUWt.gif

[Lebron23]

He needs to switch back to Number 8.

[KembaWalker]

Marion doesn't have a history of copying Jordan. Kobe does.

So basically, it's only copying when it fits your agenda, okay okay

[Mr. Jabbar]

http://replygif.net/i/246.gif

this

[Dr Hawk]

I love you Kobe

[Raymone]

Kobe didn't announce anything, he just hasn't indicated any sort of commitment to playing beyond next year.

[Doranku]

I don't think I am ready yet.

http://i.imgur.com/mIvTUWt.gif

Me either. :(

[kennethgriffin]

Could be a smoke screen to sign free agents


Could be what kobe wants but doesnt wanna come out and say it himself


Could be that kobe wanted to see how the lakers inprve their roster and how he plays before committing to another year or two


Could be that kobe knows for a fact the lakers cant win


Could be that kobe wants to play over seas

Could be kobe doesnt give a ****



He may or may not have said anything to mitch... but now because of mitch hes somewhat handcuffed now and forced into retirement since getting a send off on every last road game in a certain city will pressure him into retiring even if he didnt want to


Mitch basically ****ed kobe over by going to the media. Now kobe has to either accept retirement or come out and say hes not retiring


B*tch move by kupchak

[24-Inch_Chrome]

Respect for a great career. :applause:

Apart from Kobe and Duncan are there any current stars who started their careers in the 90s? Really going to be the end of an era when Duncan calls it quits.

[ImKobe]

Might be true, but he recently said he isn't sure yet and that his mind changes every other day.

Too early to tell IMO, GM is just doing his job selling tickets, if Kobe is healthy all year and team does relatively well or even better, I doubt he's calling it quits if he sees an opportunity to contend for a title one last time.

If next season is same as this one, he's gonna retire because he ain't gonna kill his body on a team that needs a rebuild.

[ImKobe]

Respect for a great career. :applause:

Apart from Kobe and Duncan are there any current stars who started their careers in the 90s? Really going to be the end of an era when Duncan calls it quits.

Dirk.

[HOoopCityJones]

Respect for a great career. :applause:

Apart from Kobe and Duncan are there any current stars who started their careers in the 90s? Really going to be the end of an era when Duncan calls it quits.

KG

[bballnoob1192]

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view5/2806096/sad-dean-o.gif

[imdaman99]

Kobe didn't announce anything, he just hasn't indicated any sort of commitment to playing beyond next year.
Yeah, my mistake. I had heard on a Sports report that he announced it and then when they repeated it on the next report, I had assumed it was accurate.

I don't have access to changing thread titles, griff. So calm down.

[Lamar Odumbb]

Kobe is a Jordan stan so he will copy GM Jordan and be the Lakers next GM after Kupchak retires in 5 years.

[kamil]

Y'all better appreaciate the greatness before he's gone

It's been gone for a number of years already.

[bballnoob1192]

Kobe is a Jordan stan so he will copy GM Jordan and be the Lakers next GM after Kupchak retires in 5 years.
not a chance in hell. he is kobying jordan, but in the business department. he is starting his own company KOBE INC. I doubt he would try to run a team while trying to get his business going (yes i know he will have business managers, but i feel kobe's always been a hands on person).

[redboy]

I doubt Kobe will come up with any firm decision until he can judge himself playing basketball next year. If he feels he has more to give, he'll keep playing. If he doesn't, he'll retire.

[fragokota]

"[He said,] 'I'm just going to do what I do during the offseason. If you need me, I'll help recruit.If you want my opinion on a player, give me a call. I'll be at the gym today, let's sit down and get lunch, let's talk.' That's kind of where we are today.

:oldlol: :oldlol:

I think they'll pass Kobe...

Seriously though, it'll be a sad moment for the sport. Another legend to hang 'em up. It will probably be Timmy's last season too.

[Springsteen]

Hopefully he has a Jeter-like final season in how every team pays tribute. Every arena should be paying tribute in some way or another. Knicks for the (previous) garden record. Boston for the epic battles against the Big 3. Raptors for the 81. San Antonio for the countless Kobe/Duncan battles.

It's sad the day Kobe retires is approaching. He'll have a hell of a retirement ceremony though.

[Human Error]

It is funny Mitch wants to think that Kobe won't play beyond his contract while Kobe still has not made up his mind. Things will get ugly if Kobe demands a new contract starting at $35m per year.

[PickernRoller]

It is funny Mitch wants to think that Kobe won't play beyond his contract while Kobe still has not made up his mind. Things will get ugly if Kobe demands a new contract starting at $35m per year.

Kobe doesn't demand shit. His agent works it out and both parties reach an agreement.... end of.

[kennethgriffin]

in all honesty.. kobe would be dumb to retire after next year


hes 36


the lakers have the #2 pick

the lakers have 30 million in cap space

the lakers have julius randle

the lakers have jordan clarkson

the lakers have another 20 million in cap space next summer with the cap increase

and the lakers have another 25 million in cap space ontop of that after kobes contract is up... depending on how much kobe wants to get paid the lakers could use half of that towards another guy





youre telling me the lakers wont be good for another 5 years?

because he can play atleast 4 more years..

only way he should retire next year is if he has another season ending injury.

[JohnFreeman]

Been retired since 2011

[AlphaWolf24]

I guess I might be in denial or a biased blind Kobe Lover of the greatest cheekbones in history........

but I would bet the house on Kobe playing 3 more years...

If I'm wrong....( hardly ever ).....then I will be shocked and prolly go on a drinking binge ..and stare off into Bolivia.

[DirkLegend41]

Maybe he'll play until he's 40. If he's still can go next year and post up similar stats.

[navy]

If the lakers are a good team like the Spurs Kobe will stay around. However if it's Kobe and a bunch of rookies/sophmores with a non playoff record he will retire. There is no point if that's the case.

[boldarblood]

Marion doesn't have a history of copying Jordan. Kobe does.

My IQ literally dropped a few points reading this post. Are you stupid or a troll?

[ArbitraryWater]

3 years too late but a top 6 all-time talent :bowdown:

[red1]

beanbe will be missed. most skilled scorer of all time

[HOoopCityJones]

Been retired since 2011

2011-12
5.4 4.6 1.2 .3 27.9

2012-13
5.6 6.0 1.4 .3 27.3


:oldlol:

[gts]

Personally i think Kobe will call it a career next season no matter what happens... even if he plays well, plays some solid minutes and the lakers make the playoffs i think he'll be happy to go out that way.... 3 seasons now ended with a serious injury all resulting in surgery... i think he'll be happy if he makes it through a season unscathed

[kennethgriffin]

Personally i think Kobe will call it a career next season no matter what happens... even if he plays well, plays some solid minutes and the lakers make the playoffs i think he'll be happy to go out that way.... 3 seasons now ended with a serious injury all resulting in surgery... i think he'll be happy if he makes it through a season unscathed

ok what if the lakers get marc gasol and lamarcus aldridge for 15 mill each this summer

then trade the 2nd pick for kyle lowry

then trade julius randle, and jordan clarkson for nicolas batum



PG kyle lowry
SG kobe bryant
SF Nicolas Batum
PF Lamarcus Aldridge
C Marc Gasol


LA gets thibs


then they make the nba finals and lose in game 7 by 1 point



you're telling me kobe still retires no matter what?

:lol

[DirkLegend41]

Been retired since 2011
His stats from 2011 don't look like he retired to me. You idiot.

[toxicxr6]

ok what if the lakers get marc gasol and lamarcus aldridge for 15 mill each this summer

then trade the 2nd pick for kyle lowry

then trade julius randle, and jordan clarkson for nicolas batum



PG kyle lowry
SG kobe bryant
SF Nicolas Batum
PF Lamarcus Aldridge
C Marc Gasol


LA gets thibs


then they make the nba finals and lose in game 7 by 1 point



you're telling me kobe still retires no matter what?

:lol


You are in absolute dream land.. Everyone knows that anywhere with the trash you keep posting anyways


The way I see the situation.. The lakers don't want Kobe beyond this season.. The way I'm reading it is the lakers won't even offer kobe another contract... That's how it reads to me.. You never know kobe might get his ring chase on and try and sign with a contender like Spurs for vet minimum.. Would love to see him sitting on the end of the Spurs bench all season long.. Would be epic

But seriously I don't think the lakers have any interest in Kobe anymore.. If lakers are going to rebuild.. Kobe has to go plain and simple.. Lakers will have young talent coming through and having that ball hogging chucking machine is the worst thing that can have on a young roster.. These players need to grow not just pass and rebound all game long to Kobe

[TheMarkMadsen]

Legit makes me want to cry.

There will never be another

[kennethgriffin]

His stats from 2011 don't look like he retired to me. You idiot.


agreed

2011 - 25/5/5 ( all nba 1st team, all defensive 1st team, ASG MVP, top 5 in MVP)
2012 - 28/5/5 ( all nba 1st team, all defensive 2nd team, Olympic Gold, top 5 in MVP )
2013 - 27/6/6 ( all nba 1st team, top 5 in MVP )


looks like he had an ok run

[el gringos]

ok what if the lakers get marc gasol and lamarcus aldridge for 15 mill each this summer

then trade the 2nd pick for kyle lowry

then trade julius randle, and jordan clarkson for nicolas batum



PG kyle lowry
SG kobe bryant
SF Nicolas Batum
PF Lamarcus Aldridge
C Marc Gasol


LA gets thibs


then they make the nba finals and lose in game 7 by 1 point



you're telling me kobe still retires no matter what?

:lol
Trying to decide which is the funnier part. #2 pick for Lowry or both of the top fa's signing for 15 mill apiece. Even the trade for batum is pretty up there

[Springsteen]

ok what if the lakers get marc gasol and lamarcus aldridge for 15 mill each this summer

then trade the 2nd pick for kyle lowry

then trade julius randle, and jordan clarkson for nicolas batum



PG kyle lowry
SG kobe bryant
SF Nicolas Batum
PF Lamarcus Aldridge
C Marc Gasol


LA gets thibs


then they make the nba finals and lose in game 7 by 1 point



http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/2358836/spongebob-orb-of-confusion-o.gif

[kennethgriffin]

Trying to decide which is the funnier part. #2 pick for Lowry or both of the top fa's signing for 15 mill apiece. Even the trade for batum is pretty up there

a) it was a BS hypothetical far fetched idea just to argue with the assumption that nothing can make kobe stay.

b) a 2nd tier star like lowry is not worth much more than a franchise center top 2 pick in a draft.. if anything the lakers would be giving up more

c) randle and clarkson = batum... randles a #1 pick in most drafts. clarksons a top 5 rookie this year... 2 future corner stone players for a great role player?

d) bosh/wade/bron all signed for 14 mill when they colluded. why cant aldridge and marc gasol take 15 mill each.

aldridge made 15 mill this year with portland

marc gasol made 15 mill this year with memphis


????????????????

[kennethgriffin]

if kevin love can be traded for wiggins

i think towns or okafor can be traded for lowry

:lol

[el gringos]

if kevin love can be traded for wiggins

i think towns or okafor can be traded for lowry

:lol
Sure they could if you are a complete fool. Lowry isn't even close to worth pick #2. If the raptors could even get a mid first round pick for him that would be amazing

[Springsteen]

randle and clarkson = batum...

randles a #1 pick in most drafts.

bosh/wade/bron all signed for 14 mill when they colluded. why cant aldridge and marc gasol take 15 mill each.


http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/2358836/spongebob-orb-of-confusion-o.gif

[gts]

ok what if the lakers get marc gasol and lamarcus aldridge for 15 mill each this summer

then trade the 2nd pick for kyle lowry

then trade julius randle, and jordan clarkson for nicolas batum



PG kyle lowry
SG kobe bryant
SF Nicolas Batum
PF Lamarcus Aldridge
C Marc Gasol


LA gets thibs


then they make the nba finals and lose in game 7 by 1 point



you're telling me kobe still retires no matter what?

:lol

wow :lol you'd figure everyone would know the dangers of smoking crack by now

[Smoke117]

ok what if the lakers get marc gasol and lamarcus aldridge for 15 mill each this summer

then trade the 2nd pick for kyle lowry

then trade julius randle, and jordan clarkson for nicolas batum



PG kyle lowry
SG kobe bryant
SF Nicolas Batum
PF Lamarcus Aldridge
C Marc Gasol


LA gets thibs


then they make the nba finals and lose in game 7 by 1 point



you're telling me kobe still retires no matter what?

:lol

The funniest thing about this isn't even a Kobe thing...it's that Thibs who is likely to be fired, is going to all the sudden take the Lakers to the finals the first year he joins them...:lol He's only been to the ECF Finals (yeah the EAST which you kobe dick riders love to bring up as being pathetic) even once and the Bulls got their shit pushed in...but, he's going to come coach the Lakers and in the wild wild west take the Lakers to the Finals his first season?...do I even need to call you a stupid mother f@cker?

It's hilarious how the east is so bad excuse is so relevant when it comes to Lebron...but apparently doesn't matter when it's about someone you want, like Thibs coaching eh? lol. You pathetic...pathetic little piss ant.

[Prime_Shaq]

He needs to switch back to Number 8.
Why?

[Prime_Shaq]

3 years too late but a top 6 all-time talent :bowdown:
I wouldn't say he was THAT talented, but he is one of the GOAT hard workers.

[Prime_Shaq]

ok what if the lakers get marc gasol and lamarcus aldridge for 15 mill each this summer

then trade the 2nd pick for kyle lowry

then trade julius randle, and jordan clarkson for nicolas batum



PG kyle lowry
SG kobe bryant
SF Nicolas Batum
PF Lamarcus Aldridge
C Marc Gasol


LA gets thibs


then they make the nba finals and lose in game 7 by 1 point



you're telling me kobe still retires no matter what?

:lol
:roll: :roll: :roll: