Kobe Bryant, maybe the greatest Laker in the organization's history, announced his plans to retire following the 2015-16 season Sunday.
The announcement came in a letter written for The Players' Tribune.
"This season is all I have left to give," Bryant wrote. "My heart can take the pounding. My mind can handle the grind. But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye."
Bryant is in the midst of his 20th season and struggingly like he's never have before. Bryant is shooting a career-worst 31.5 percent from the field and 19.5 percent from 3-point range.
Dear Basketball,
From the moment
I started rolling my dad’s tube socks
And shooting imaginary
Game-winning shots
In the Great Western Forum
I knew one thing was real:
I fell in love with you.