The great Kobe Bryant A.K.A. The Black Mamba is retiring from the NBA at the end of the 2015-16’ season. His accomplishments and high skill level make him easily one of the best to ever do it. When one thinks of Kobe, greatness comes to mind. He has always been a player that would be willing to doing anything to win however that fire often burnt teammates. It took a great attitude and the ultimate confidence to even play on the same team as Kobe. He was excellent and demands nothing less from those he shared a locker room with.

Kobe had some amazing accomplishments both individually and with the complete team.  He played 20 consecutive seasons with the same NBA team. That says a lot about his loyalty and the prominence of the organization. He also tied Bob Pettit with the most NBA All Star MVPs (4) and he has the most All-Star career points with 208.

Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.            -Kobe Bryant

Many of us know about the famous game on January 22nd, 2006 which featured the second highest scoring output from a player ever. That game was against the Toronto Raptors and Mamba definitely put on a show. The amazing statistic from this game was how he scored in so many different ways. He converted 7 three pointers and 18 free throws. If he wasn’t outside the arc or at the free throw line, Kobe was dominating from mid-range. His footwork was simply impeccable.

There is one statistic that would destroy the “ball hog” image that Kobe has. Not too many people know the fact that Kobe Bryant is the only player with more than 30,000 points AND 6,000 assists. He is always talked about for his selfishness on the offensive end. This stat simply displays the fact that Kobe passed just as much as he shot.

These young guys are playing checkers. I’m out there playing chess.

-Kobe Bryant

The last five seasons have been riddled with injuries for Kobe. It’s just been hard to keep it going. After doing it for twenty years, Kobe’s legs are shot. There have been countless injuries from legs to wrists to shoulders. Kobe is very content with his life after basketball. He knew this day would come and he’s prepared for it. The NBA simply won’t be the same without him. #ThankYouKobe

Read “Dear Basketball”: http://www.theplayerstribune.com/dear-basketball/