Hoops Habit
Fansided

Taj Gibson Reacts To Kobe Bryant’s Retirement

By Allana Tachauer

Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) looks back to the bench in the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) looks back to the bench in the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls talks Kobe Bryant‘s upcoming retirement.

As the Chicago Bulls get ready to take on the Denver Nuggets on the road Wednesday night at 8 p.m. Eastern, Kobe Bryant is one step closer to hanging up his shoes forever.

Having announced his retirement effective the end of this season on Sunday, Bryant took the NBA world by storm. Although most people around the league, as well as fans, have been expecting this to happen sooner than later, it will still be hard to say goodbye to one of the greats.

Bryant not only posted a poem titled “Dear Basketball” on the Players’ Tribune website, but also penned a letter to fans that was given out at Los Angeles Lakers game on Sunday.

While some players have taken to their social media accounts to pay tribute to the legend, forward Taj Gibson spoke to the media directly about his feelings on the matter.

"“It’s tough. One of the best players ever to play the game,” Gibson stated. “I was happy to play against him a couple times. Had great talks with him at dinner about the game. Just one of those days that you have going through your head. He told me about being patient. Loved how I played. Just mentoring, just giving, just talking about the game. I’m talking about back in the USC days, but mostly just listen to him talk. There was a lot of good nights just vibing with him. Asking about different players, asking about the game, and what he did at night. He was a great guy.”"

Bryant, who has been in the NBA for two decades, was just starting to make a name for himself as Gibson was still playing college ball. However, it is clear that despite the different paths that led them to professional basketball, the 30-year-old holds Bryant’s advice in high regard.

The Bulls and the Lakers have yet to play each other this season, with their first matchup coming up at the Staples Center in LA on January 28. And although Bryant has battled a few injuries so far this season, he hopes to play out the rest of his last year.

Home/Chicago Bulls