Stars from sport and entertainment react to Kobe announcement
Given his struggles this season, it's no surprise that Kobe Bryant has decided this will be his final year with the Los Angeles Lakers. Still, that doesn't make Bryant's pending retirement any less sad. A Hall of Fame-caliber career -- and one played with just one team -- is coming to an end. That's never easy for anyone. And as word spread across the basketball community, NBA players past and present shared their thoughts on the legacy of a legend:
We have lived incredible moments together on and off the court. Thanks for everything brother! @kobebryant #ThankYouKobe
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) November 30, 2015
Hard to believe @kobebryant is finally going to hang it up. One of the NBA's great champions. Enjoy the rest of this season my friend.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) November 30, 2015
The day I have refused to believe would come is here - #SadDay https://t.co/mpttSQ83su
— Rick Fox (@RickFox) November 30, 2015
One of the most under appreciated players to ever play is saying goodbye to the game he gave his all!… https://t.co/BOi32TOJQS
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) November 30, 2015
The only basketball player I ever idolized, wanted to be like, & play like. Thanks for everything you… https://t.co/sfiOgeEkRY
— Will Barton (@WillTheThrillB5) November 30, 2015
Much respect to @kobebryant as he announces his retirement after the season. A fierce competitor and one of the greatest to ever do it!
— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10) November 30, 2015
Thanks for everything to the greatest basketball player of all time Kobe Bryant. The game will never be the same!! pic.twitter.com/usVftyfIKu
— Jusuf Nurkić (@nurkic23) November 30, 2015
Fellow stars across sports and pop culture also added their congratulations:
I'll truly savor watching my guy @kobebryant play his last season. A true champion & 1 of the greatest to ever do it. #Respect
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) November 30, 2015
We're happy and sad , pero #ThatsLaVida @kobebryant #respect @ArsenioHall @Lakers #Chingon pic.twitter.com/hGjMgqCmDr
— George Lopez (@georgelopez) November 30, 2015
Nothing but tremendous respect and admiration for @kobebryant I have always been the biggest fan of his competitive drive. Thank you
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) November 30, 2015
One of the TRUE KINGS of the game. You are one the greatest to ever do it, my friend. #Kobe #BlackMamba #VinoClub https://t.co/Gn7DAB2src
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) November 30, 2015
Shout to @kobebryant on his illustrious career in the NBA!
One of the greatest of all time...
— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) November 30, 2015
But Metta World Peace had the best moment with the Black Mamba. Fans at Sunday night's Lakers game received a letter from Bryant thanking them for their support, and World Peace had his copy autographed by Bryant:
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