Kobe Bryant announces retirement plans with 'Dear Basketball' poem
Fans react after Lakers great reveals walk away after season
Kobe Bryant confirmed speculation that he would be retiring at the end of this season on Sunday when the Lakers star tweeted a link to a poem titled "Dear Basketball," posted on The Players' Tribune website.
Dear Basketball: <a href="https://t.co/KDecft6BO2">https://t.co/KDecft6BO2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KB20?src=hash">#KB20</a>
—@kobebryantFans of the five-time NBA champion were feeling some type of way about the decision.
I honestly never thought that this day would come. I was naive and imagined that <a href="https://twitter.com/kobebryant">@kobebryant</a> would play forever. Time for reality💔
—@BrandeeBunnMany posted their top Kobe Bryant moments from an NBA career spanning 20 years.Â
.<a href="https://twitter.com/kobebryant">@kobebryant</a> one of the greatest moments ever.😂😂 But thank you for everything you've done for the game of b... <a href="https://t.co/m47yJ0Lle9">https://t.co/m47yJ0Lle9</a>
—@ZakbauerI have a LOT of Kobe GIFs, this is still my favorite... I think <a href="https://t.co/zgCuIFmiZB">pic.twitter.com/zgCuIFmiZB</a>
—@cjzeroBlue Jays pitcher Marcus Stroman had some heartfelt words for Bryant.
Sad day. Role model <a href="https://twitter.com/kobebryant">@kobebryant</a> announcing retirement. Want to watch him play for the rest of my lifetime. Mamba mentality. Thank you! 👑
—@MStrooo6How did the news of Bryant's retirement hit you? Let us know in the comments below.Â