Kobe Bryant's glorious NBA career is undeniably at the brink of its end. Despite the struggle of Bryant to be the man for LA Lakers, it seems like his age together with his body is already showing some clear signs of relative decline, in terms of game performance. That is why, after almost 20 years of NBA hard court action, Bryant has been rumored to retire. Even Bryant himself implicitly affirmed the rumors circling around the NBA world.
In one of his conversations with Coach Byron Scott, Bryant was able to utter that this NBA season would perhaps be his last year. Bryant, via bleacherreport, stated that, "If you asked me today, this would be my last year. But you never know. We'll keep it open. Whatever happens, happens." Such comment of Bryant can of course be associated with his field goal struggle.
Bryant, according to previous reports, in this season opening only has 31.3 shooting percentage from the floor. As a result of his disappointment, he even labeled himself as the 200th best player in the NBA as of the moment. Such criticism was likewise observed by some critics and experts in league. NBC Sports' Kurt Helin, via bleacherreport, likewise stated that, "But whether he is going to retire, I believe him when he says he ultimately doesn't know yet...Bottom line, he's getting too old for this... stuff."
Indeed the "Black Mamba" is not getting younger anymore, and perhaps that's the very basis for these surfacing rumors of his retirement. And in line with the idea of Kobe's retirement, another set of speculations are being thrown from the side court. Rumor has it that after his career as an NBA player Kobe would then pursue a coaching career. However, such idea was immediately brushed off by Kobe himself. Baxter Holmes posted on his twitter account, via nbcsport, that Kobe has no interest on coaching. In the post, Holmes shared that, "Kobe, with a grin, says he has no interest in ever becoming a coach: "I don't feeling like dealing with divas. They're a pain in the ass."
Aside from being rumored as a future coach, now Kobe is said to be on his way as an analyst at the NBA on TNT. Even Kenny Smith of TNT crew said told TMZ Sports, via yibada that, "We got a seat for you Kobe on TNT... and it'll be ready for you in April 'cause y'all won't make the playoffs."
If indeed Kobe Bryant would take the post as an analyst, then he would be having a reunion with his former Lakers teammate, Shaquille O'Neal. These two Lakers star players can be remembered as a dynamic duo behind the NBA titles of their team. Aside from being a duo, Kobe and Shaq likewise hated and loved each other while still in the Los Angeles Lakers. And now the reunion of the two players would be exciting to watch, especially without the pressure of winning a basketball game.
Together with Shaq, if Kobe would then agree to become a TNT analyst, he would also have to rub elbows once again with Charles Barkley. Barkley has been known to be one of Kobe's harshest critic, and with Kobe joining them, more fun and awkward moments are to be expected.
However, this possible post NBA career of Kobe Bryant would remain unclear until Kobe's retirement. There are many options lined-up for Kobe, for he may also continue playing overseas as other rumors would suggest, or he could just simply relax and enjoy his wealth and triumph from his NBA career.