As he enters his 20th NBA season, the constant question surrounding Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is whether this be his final season in the league. With nearly 47,000 regular season minutes and over 8,000 more in the playoffs, even Kobe acknowledges that he doesn’t have much time left.
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Even though Kobe has said that it is likely he will retire after this year, many don’t believe he will be able to walk away from the game. Someone who subscribes to that thinking is TNT Analyst Reggie Miller who doesn’t believe Kobe will retire after this year, and could even see him playing overseas.
Miller made an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show on Friday and said the following about Bryant’s future, via FOXSports.com:
I cannot see Kobe Bryant, as we all know, as competitive as he is, stopping after next season. But on the flip side, it depends on that conversation he has with Mitch Kupchak, and that dollar amount. Because, is he going to hold the Lakers hostage? … I see him perhaps even playing overseas.”
Kobe has acknowledged the possibility of ending his career overseas. It is well known that Kobe grew up in Italy and is comfortable in Europe, so the chances of him playing there are likely higher than most other players. Dominique Wilkins is one example of a star player who played overseas during his later years.
At this point, it is unknown whether Kobe will really call it quits after this season. Once April rolls around and the Lakers season comes to a close (if they don’t make the playoffs), everyone will have more of an idea of if Kobe will stay around for next year.
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