Los Angeles Lakers

Check out Kobe Bryant's heartfelt farewell letter to Lakers fans

Published Nov. 29, 2015 9:54 p.m. ET

foxsports

The announcement that Kobe Bryant would retire after this season, his 20th with the Los Angeles Lakers, came relatively out of nowhere. But there was enough time before the Lakers game against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night for some major stationery work to take place.

Fans in attendance at Staples Center on Sunday were greeted at the doors with a letter from Bryant in which he thanked those fans who supported and rejected him, as each helped him become one of the greatest in NBA history:

Fans attending tonight's Lakers game are getting this letter from Kobe. pic.twitter.com/gRSpuaKoTE
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) November 30, 2015

The letter is enclosed in a black envelope. Some fans are finding about the news for the first time as they open it. pic.twitter.com/1XBVMbHBql
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) November 30, 2015

The letter reads: "Some of you took me in. Some of you didn't. But all of you helped me become the player and man in front of you today. You gave me confidence to put my anger to good use. Your doubt gave me determination to prove you wrong. Your rejection taught me courage. Whether you view me as a hero or a villain, please know I poured every emotion, every bit of passion and my entire self into being a Laker. What you've done for me is far greater than anything I've done for you. I knew that each minute of each game I wore purple and gold. I honor it as I play today and for the rest of this season. My love for this city, this team and for each of you will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey."