The Los Angeles Lakers are only a few weeks into the 2015-16 NBA season with all the attention surrounding the future of superstar Kobe Bryant. The veteran is playing in his 20th season with the storied franchise, and all indications appear to be pointing to this being his last year.
With Kobe struggling to reclaim his form as one of the best players in the NBA, the questions regarding retirement has run rampant. While Kobe will not make a decision until the end of the season, former players and teammates have chimed in.
According to TNT’s Reggie Miller, he believes there’s no question that this truly is Kobe’s final season with the Lakers:
This DEFINITELY is Kobe's last season. If he's asking Coach Scott to play in every game, wants to enjoy every on court memory.. Been there!
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) November 9, 2015
At 37, Bryant came into this season having suffered three straight season-ending injuries with many wondering if he’d be able to make it through his 20th season injury free.
So far, Kobe has appeared in seven of the nine games this season. Bryant sat out against the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic due to rest, but aims to play as many games as possible moving forward.
Head coach Byron Scott will continue to monitor Bryant’s minutes over the course of the season in hopes of keeping him healthy in what could be his farewell tour. Whether Kobe’s basketball career will come to an end after the season remains a mystery, but if he can stay healthy and get back to playing at a high level, extending his playing days for another year isn’t out of the question.