Column: Enjoy what is left of the Kobe Bryant Show
One of the most prominent athletes of all time is leaving the sport after 20 years of duty, which has made up his entire adult life.
Kobe Bryant has decided this NBA season would be his last and has received a farewell tour to thank him for everything he's done for the game over the last two decades.
Bryant didn’t ask for any of it, he’s earned it.
To announce his retirement, Bryant wrote an open letter to the game of basketball, telling it (and us) that it was time for him to say goodbye. The media and fans took it from there.
He deserves every screaming fan, video tribute, framed jersey, MVP chant, drawn-out introductions and even his latest All-Star selection. Bryant's departure warrants the attention.
The NBA should be proud of how it is sending out one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Bryant, 37, has five rings, two scoring titles, 18 All-Star appearances and an MVP award. He also had one particular masterpiece of a game, in which he recorded 81 points on the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006. It was one of the most iconic performances of the last 50 years.
Bryant is one of the most well recognized people in the world, people know his name around the globe and his jersey is still the third most popular seller in the NBA.
People love Kobe Bryant.
When a legend of a game decides to hang ‘em up, people want to appreciate every last moment they have left. That is why every commentator under the sun can’t stop talking about how great Kobe is and why fans beg Byron Scott to put him back in the game.
Bryant’s retirement compared to the other athletes, notably young athletes, who have retired this year is like comparing apples to oranges.
Marshawn Lynch announced his decision during the Super Bowl, when his season was over. Calvin Johnson did similarly, but has yet to make his decision official. While both of those guys are very good players, neither of them are on the same level as Bryant..
When Derek Jeter decided to retire, he got just as much attention as Bryant is receiving. Every team he played against gave him a framed jersey, some dirt from the ballpark or some other form of memorabilia.
ESPN constantly ran Jeter highlights and his achievements. He would get standing ovations, no matter what stadium he was in. He too deserved every minute of it.
One of the greatest players to step on the court has decided it’s time to let the game go. Next season, we can go back to being updated on what LeBron James had for breakfast and how far Stephen Curry made a shot from.
For this year, just sit back, relax and appreciate the greatness that has been Kobe Bryant’s basketball career.
