How Old Was Kobe Bryant When He Retired?

ByExpert Answer Last Update on

Kobe Bryant retired at the age of 37 after the 2015-16 NBA season. He announced his retirement in November 2015 and played his final game on April 13, 2016, where he scored 60 points against the Utah Jazz. Kobe spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Featured Answers

Kobe Bryant retired at age 37.

Answered from Gaffer Swanthold

 

Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA at the age of 37 after an illustrious 20-year career spent entirely with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant's retirement came at the end of the 2015-16 NBA season, when he announced that it would be his last in the league.

Table of Contents

  • When Did Kobe Bryant Retire?
  • How Old Was Kobe Bryant When He Retired?
  • What Was Kobe Bryant's Last NBA Game Like?
  • What Were Some of Kobe Bryant's Career Achievements?
  • Why Did Kobe Bryant Retire at Age 37?
  • How Does Kobe Bryant's Age at Retirement Compare to Other NBA Legends?
  • What Did Kobe Bryant Do After Retiring From the NBA?
  • What Is Kobe Bryant's Legacy Since Retiring?

When Did Kobe Bryant Retire?

Kobe Bryant announced his impending retirement on November 29, 2015, through a poignant letter published on The Players' Tribune titled “Dear Basketball”. In the letter, Bryant stated that the 2015-16 NBA season would be his last. His announcement came near the start of his 20th season with the Lakers.

Bryant's final NBA game ended up being on April 13, 2016, a 101-96 Lakers' win over the Utah Jazz. At 37 years old, Bryant concluded his NBA career after 20 seasons spent entirely in a Lakers uniform.

How Old Was Kobe Bryant When He Retired?

Kobe Bryant was 37 years old when he retired after the 2015-2016 NBA season.

Bryant was born on August 23, 1978. He entered the NBA directly out of high school and was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with 13th overall pick in the 1996 draft, before being traded to the Lakers.

He played his first NBA game on November 3, 1996 at the age of 18 years and 72 days, becoming the youngest player to ever play in the NBA at the time.

When he retired on April 13, 2016, he was 37 years, 7 months and 20 days old. So he spent nearly 20 full years playing in the NBA, starting as a teenager and retiring as a 20-year veteran of the league.

What Was Kobe Bryant's Last NBA Game Like?

Kobe Bryant's last NBA game on April 13, 2016 was a memorable one, as he scored 60 points to lead the Lakers to a 101-96 comeback win over the Utah Jazz.

In his NBA finale, Bryant played 42 minutes and shot 22 of 50 from the field, including 6 three-pointers. He scored his 60 points in a variety of ways, showcasing his well-rounded offensive game one final time.

The Lakers trailed by as many as 15 points. But Bryant rallied them in the fourth quarter by scoring 17 straight points, including a go-ahead three-pointer. He showed his vintage skill and competitive spirit in willing the Lakers to victory.

The 60-point performance was the most points scored by any player that season. It was also the most points scored in an NBA game by any player in their final career game.

Bryant walked off the court in his last game to roaring cheers from a road crowd that chanted “Kobe! Kobe!” as he capped off his career in storybook fashion.

What Were Some of Kobe Bryant's Career Achievements?

Over the course of his 20-year NBA career, Kobe Bryant compiled a long list of distinguished achievements and accolades, including:

  • 5 NBA Championships (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)
  • 2 NBA Finals MVP awards (2009, 2010)
  • NBA MVP award (2008)
  • 18 NBA All-Star selections
  • 4 NBA All-Star Game MVP awards
  • 11 All-NBA First Team selections
  • 2 NBA scoring titles (2006, 2007)
  • 3rd all-time in NBA scoring with 33,643 points
  • 9 NBA All-Defensive First Team selections
  • 2 Olympic gold medals for USA Basketball (2008, 2012)
  • NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997)
  • NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection (1997)
  • Youngest player to reach 30,000 points (34 years, 104 days old)

Bryant was also the Lakers franchise leader in numerous categories by the time he retired, including games played, points scored, and three-pointers made. His career accolades solidify him as one of the most decorated players in NBA history.

Why Did Kobe Bryant Retire at Age 37?

There were a few key factors that contributed to Kobe Bryant's decision to retire at 37 years old after the 2015-2016 NBA season:

  • Injuries Mounting: Bryant had accumulated various injuries including torn rotator cuffs and knee fractures during the last few years of his career. His body was battered, and his physical abilities had declined. He suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder in 2015 that hampered his shooting.
  • Lakers Not Title Contenders: The Lakers had not made the playoffs since 2013, posting the two worst seasons in franchise history during Bryant's final years. At age 37 with his physical decline, Bryant knew his chances of winning another title with the Lakers were unlikely.
  • Desire to Go Out on His Terms: Bryant wanted to retire on his own terms rather than holding on as just a shell of his former self. As a legend, he likely wanted to preserve his legacy at his age while still playing at a relatively high level.
  • ** Opportunity to Spend More Time with Family:** Retiring at 37 gave Bryant more opportunities to spend time with his wife and daughters. His priorities had started to shift more to his family rather than basketball.
  • Long and Accomplished Career: After 20 years in the NBA, Bryant had largely accomplished everything possible in the league. He had numerous records, five titles, two Finals MVPs, and an MVP award. At 37, he could walk away extremely proud of his legendary achievements.

How Does Kobe Bryant's Age at Retirement Compare to Other NBA Legends?

Kobe Bryant retired at age 37, which is a somewhat typical retirement age for NBA superstars based on league history:

  • Michael Jordan – Retired at age 40 after 15 seasons
  • Shaquille O'Neal – Retired at age 38 after 19 seasons
  • Wilt Chamberlain – Retired at age 36 after 14 seasons
  • Magic Johnson – First retirement at age 31 after 12 seasons, final retirement at age 36 after 14 seasons
  • Larry Bird – Retired at age 35 after 13 seasons
  • Tim Duncan – Retired at age 39 after 19 seasons
  • Jerry West – Retired at age 35 after 14 seasons

Many all-time great players like Jordan, O'Neal and Duncan played until around ages 38-40. Bryant retired right in that range of the mid-to-late 30s that is common for superstars.

A notable difference is that Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with one team, the Lakers. Many other legends switched teams later in their careers or took breaks before their final retirement.

What Did Kobe Bryant Do After Retiring From the NBA?

After his illustrious NBA career, Kobe Bryant stayed active in various endeavors including business, entertainment, writing and sports:

  • He launched Kobe Inc. in 2013, a company focused on building his brand and various business interests.
  • He wrote, produced and narrated a short animated film called “Dear Basketball” which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2018.
  • He authored several books including “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play” in 2018 and “The Wizenard Series: Training Camp” in 2019. The books became New York Times best-sellers.
  • He started the multimedia company Granity Studios in 2016, which produced stories around sports and created Bryant's young adult book series.
  • He did television segments related to basketball as a Lakers analyst for ESPN and ABC. He also had his own show called “Detail” where he analyzed NBA games and players.
  • He coached his daughter Gianna's AAU basketball team, the Mamba Lady Mavericks, sharing his love for the game.
  • He was involved in various charitable endeavors through his Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, which helped improve the lives of youth and families in need.

What Is Kobe Bryant's Legacy Since Retiring?

Since his retirement in 2016, Kobe Bryant's basketball legacy has been firmly cemented as one of the greatest players to ever play the game:

  • He is widely considered a top 5-10 player all-time, with some ranking him as high as top 3 behind Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
  • His style of play and scoring ability influenced a generation of players, earning him the nickname “The Black Mamba.”
  • The Lakers organization has honored him heavily, retiring both his #8 and #24 jersey numbers in an unprecedented move for a single player.
  • He is regarded as the greatest Laker ever, leading the franchise to 5 championships and breaking numerous team records over his 20-year career.
  • His 60-point final game cemented his legacy as a player who left everything on the court and thrived under pressure until the very end.
  • His “Mamba mentality” mindset of relentlessness and competitiveness continues to inspire athletes in all sports.
  • His posthumous election into the Basketball Hall of Fame and other honors have further cemented his enduring, legendary status.
  • He will forever be remembered as one of the most skilled, determined and relentless competitors to ever play the game of basketball. His legacy remains immense even years after retirement.

So in summary, Kobe Bryant retired as an NBA legend at age 37, leaving behind a profound legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time after 20 incredible seasons spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. His retirement age was relatively typical for NBA superstars, allowing him to walk away on his own terms after achieving countless accolades.

Even in retirement, Bryant continued finding ways to share his love for the game while building his brand and business interests. Years later, his basketball legacy remains immense and unforgettable.

Similar Posts