Kobe Bryant Takes To Twitter To Congratulate Tim Duncan On 19-Year Career
Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Lakers, Spurs
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Few players in the NBA, past or present, have been able to hold off Father Time as long as Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. Both players were the face of their franchise for the past two decades and were able to stand the test of time while leading two of the most successful teams in the league.

On Monday, Duncan announced that he has chosen to retire after 19 years with the Spurs. Bryant, who recently retired after his 20th season, took to Twitter to congratulate his longtime adversary after hearing about Duncan’s intention to walk away from the game:

Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. also took to Twitter to show some respect to the five-time NBA champion. Nance admits to having a pair Duncan’s shoes growing up and idolizing the Spurs star:

Ironically enough, Kobe’s longtime teammate and former Laker, Pau Gasol, will help fill the void for the Spurs in the wake of Duncan’s decision to retire. After two years with the Chicago Bulls, Gasol has agreed to a deal with the Spurs and is an ideal replacement for arguably the greatest power forward of all time.

Despite losing a legend in Duncan, Gregg Popovich and company will still be one of the best teams in the league. The addition of Gasol gives San Antonio another solid frontcourt player with championship experience to play alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.

As for the Lakers, the search continues regarding which player on the team can help fill the shoes of arguably the greatest player in the franchise’s history. D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and Jordan Clarkson will help shoulder the load as the team rebuilds and hopes to see a superstar emerge.

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Dennis Rodman Says Phil Jackson Called Him Best Player He’s Coached

There is no coach in the history of the NBA with more success than Phil Jackson. The former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers…

Mitch Kupchak: Lakers Fans Anger ‘Should Also Be Directed At Me’

With the Los Angeles Lakers headed towards their third consecutive season without making the playoffs, the fans of this franchise has begun to…

Pat Riley Believes Magic Johnson Will ‘Get The Job Done’ For The Lakers

The new regime of the Los Angeles Lakers front office is well underway with Magic Johnson trying to right the ship as president of basketball operations…

TWITTER: D’Angelo Russell Meets With Lakers Over Dinner On Sunday

With the NBA Draft in less than three weeks, the Los Angeles…