LA Lakers News: Kobe Bryant Ponders Retirement

There's no official word yet, but there's a good chance that Kobe Bryant, who's in his 20th season in the league, is already playing his last season in the NBA. While the future Hall-of-Famer looks healthy and fit this season, his performance in the Lakers' first few games leaves very little to admire.

No one can blame a basketball player thinking of hanging it up, especially after 20 years and a bunch of accomplishments, records, and awards that can fill up an entire room.

The Lakers are one of the worst teams in the NBA this season and only a few will argue with that. The way things are going, it is even a long shot for them to make the playoffs; but yes, it's unfair to call it that way especially that the season hasn't even warmed up yet.

But Bryant is an epitome of a player that has reached father time; he certainly had his playing time decreased with the injuries and the increasing competitiveness and talent brought by younger guys isn't also helping his case.

Sure, the Lakers have a bunch of very talented young guys like D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson, but Bryant still is the dominant figure both on the court and in the locker room. The problem is with him sticking around the team may be facing another losing season.

Talking to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeless Times, the 17-time All-Star said, "If you asked me today, I'd say this would be my last year, but you never know." It looks like he is beginning to accept that he's on the way out while still denying the fact that he can never leave the game he has played all his life.

The Associated Press also reported that Bryant told his coach, Byron Scott, that his season could be his last. "We've talked about it a few days ago. Talked about it again and his feeling was, 'Coach, this might be my last year. So if possible I would like to try to play every game.'"

There is no shame in admitting, though. As he contemplates retirement, it's pretty sure he'll go down as a player with one of the most celebrated careers in basketball, having won five championships, setting an NBA record for the most seasons played in one franchise, and making it third on the all-time regular season and postseason scoring list.