Kobe Bryant isn't ready to retire yet, or at least he's not yet sure when.
The recently concluded Lakers Media Day could be Kobe's last as a player, but, supporters are hoping otherwise, CBS Sports has learned.
As for the Black Mamba, this is what he said. "If it is, it is," he added, "If it isn't, I'll be ready for next season. I don't spend too much time thinking about it. I've got enough to think about."
When asked what the biggest factor in his decision would be, Bryant just gave a vague answer, "Honestly, I don't know."
Bryant said. "I've thought about it a little bit in terms of, what is the deciding factor? How do players actually know when it's time to hang them up, truly? Everybody kind of gives [the media] the standard cookie-cutter answers — relaxing, golfing, and spending time with the family, things like that. But, really, how do you truly know? And I don't know. I'll have a much better answer when that time comes for me."
Whether he retires or not next season, it's up to Kobe. However, the five-time champion was asked if he will retire as a Laker and responded, "A lot of players want to go to different teams or contend to win championships, I'm a Laker, man. I'm a Laker for better or worse." Yahoo! Sports reported.
These rumors are in-part fuelled by his former coach and current New York Knicks president, Phil Jackson. He was reported as saying that he does not think this coming season is Kobe's final year, but quipped, "Sounds like it might be his last year as a Laker."
According to The New York Post, Bryant have some bad news for his former mentor as he said "I'm a Laker, man. How many times do I have to say that? Dude, I bleed purple and gold."
And with that, the rumors that Bryant will change team after this season, can now rest.
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