Even the non-basketball fans know Kobe Bryant. He signed label after label and stayed loyal and true to his long time team, LA Lakers.
But good things come to an end. For Bryant, he was smart enough to know his limitations as he writes in this parting poem which he wrote to announce his retirement from the NBA: "My heart can take the pounding. My mind can handle the grind. But my body knows it's time to say goodbye."
The recent NBA Season, 2015/16, has not been an easy one for Bryant. The NBA legend was unable to establish a good rhythm in the games causing the Lakers to sit at an unusual record for the said season.
"Bryant, with the 37-year-old unable to find any rhythm on the offensive end as the Lakers," as reported by Fox Sports, "the Lakers sit at a dismal 2-13 record for the season."
Bryant is the highest paid NBA player of our time. He is earning $US25 million for this season in a contract that will expire this season.
Aside from the high paycheck, he has also earned himself a spot in the roster of NBA Legends after setting a record of winning five NBA championships, two NBA finals MVP awards, and dubbed league MVP back in 2008. Also, being next to NBA's all-time scoring list stars, Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Bryant received a personal and grateful statement from NBA commissioner, Adam Silver:
"Whether competing in the Finals or hoisting jump shots after midnight in an empty gym, Kobe has an unconditional love for the game. I join Kobe's millions of fans around the world in congratulating him on an outstanding NBA career and thank him for so many thrilling memories."
"You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."
This was a good move for the NBA Legend. From this point, his career will only spiral down if did not intend to retire on time.
It takes a real legend to know when to know when to stop when it's time to stop.
