Although he initially wanted to stay open-ended about his future, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has decided he will retire following the 2015-16 season.
“This season is all I have left to give.” Bryant wrote in a Players Tribune article.
The Lakers had expected Bryant would retire following his 20th NBA season. Ever since he had season-ending right shoulder surgery last season after playing only 35 games, Bryant had expected he would not play past his current contract beyond $25 million. But Bryant had left the option open in case he changed his mind.
That appears no longer the case.