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Lakers GM Thinks 2015-16 Will Be Kobe Bryant’s Last Year

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets brought Kobe Bryant into the association with the 13th overall selection in the 1996 NBA Draft. The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t wait long to trade center Vlade Divac, fresh off of setting a new career-high in scoring average, to Charlotte for the young shooting guard from Philadelphia.

In the 19 calendar years since, Bryant has become one of the most respected athletes of the 21st century. He has the accolades, work ethic and iconic swagger that most can only dream of achieving.

In the 20th calendar year since he was drafted, Bryant could bid the NBA farewell.

According to Baxter Holmes of ESPN Los Angeles, Bryant told Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak that he may retire at the end of 2015-16.

"“He has indicated to me that this is it,” Kupchak said Thursday in a radio appearance with SiriusXM NBA Radio.“I think first and foremost, he’s on the last year of a deal,” Kupchak told SiriusXM NBA Radio. “There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don’t think there will be.”"

The end of an era could be nearing.

Bryant has developed the reputation of the NBA’s resident warrior. He’s fought through pain, played with injuries and has helped to re-define the standard for work ethic in the world of professional sports.

Unfortunately, Bryant’s body has begun to break down in recent years.

Bryant tore his achilles tendon in 2012-13 and has since encountered a string of season-ending injuries in both 2013-14 and 2014-15. Now preparing for a 2015-16 season that’s currently marred by uncertainty, it’s understandable for Bryant to ponder his future.

The fact that he’ll be a free agent in 2016 only further justifies the thought process.

No matter which star-caliber prospect Los Angeles lands via the 2015 NBA Draft, they’re unlikely to provide Bryant with an immediate shot at a sixth championship.

Thus, the Lakers’ success or failure in free agency could sway Bryant into siding with one option over the other—whether that be retirement or continuing his storied career.

The Lakers will target big-name big men such as LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol and Kevin Love. They’ll also pursue former All-NBA guards such as Goran Dragic and Rajon Rondo.

One way or another, Bryant’s future will rest entirely with one man: himself.

"“It’s kind of up to the player, if they want to do something like that,” Kupchak said. “And it also may take away some options a year from now and put a player in an awkward position, but he will be recognized appropriately with great gratitude when it is time.”"

That’s all we can rationally offer.

Bryant has won five NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards. He’s been compared to Michael Jordan for both his ability and competitiveness. For many, he serves as something of an on-court role model and icon.

Thus, when Bryant calls it quits, the world of sports will lose one of its greatest competitors. Whether you reminisce about his days as No. 8 or cherish his time as No. 24, Kobe Bryant has always been one thing: unforgettable.

The ride may end in 2016.

Next: Can Houston Rockets climb out of the current 0-2 hole in the Western Conference Finals?

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