With this being Kobe Bryant’s 20th and final season with the Los Angeles Lakers, there are 24 games remaining in his farewell tour. As fans around the world travel to watch him play one final time, Bryant is often seen smiling and sharing some advice with players who grew up watching him.
With his basketball career coming to an end, many have wondered what the next chapter is in his life. As Bryant has made investments and formed his own company, he revealed what will motivate him after basketball on HBO’s Real Sports as transcribed by Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation:
Kobe on doubters saying he can’t walk away: “That’s what drive me now. You really don’t understand who I am as a person.” (@RealSportsHBO)
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 24, 2016
Kobe Bryant: “I want to be able to prove to myself,& show my peers, that we are more than what we do.” (@RealSportsHBO)
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 24, 2016
Kobe Bryant: “I want to be able to set that standard for us all.” via @RealSportsHBO #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) February 24, 2016
With the Lakers at the bottom of the standings, Bryant is trying to enjoy himself under the circumstances. However, the competitiveness that made him one of the greatest players of all-time still remains and he will look to apply that in the next chapter of his life.
Since 24 games remain in the season, the ultimate goal is to keep him relatively healthy, so he can play his final game at Staples Center on April 13 against the Utah Jazz. Although Bryant has struggled at times with his health (sore Achilles, sore shoulder and dislocated finger) this season, he has been able to provide fans with some vintage performances along the way. In 48 appearances, Bryant is averaging 17.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 29.2 minutes.