NBA Hall of Famer and broadcaster Charles Barkley believes Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant should hang up the jersey after this season and retire.
Fox Sports reported that Sirius XM NBA Radio had Barkley Friday and was asked if he sees Bryant retiring after the 2015–16 season or will he continue playing.
The Round Mound of Rebound certainly made his point clear and that is not wanting to see great players struggle and continue playing even though they no longer have it.
Barkely replied, "I hope he retires, because I don't want to see — I probably played two years too long. I hate to see Patrick Ewing, great as he was, struggle — I don't like seeing great players just out there, you know?"
Barkley added that this season should serve as a "farewell tour" for Bryant and let him play just 20 to 25 minutes per game.
The 52-year-old former NBA star believes Bryant can still play more but he said he is past his prime.
Barkley also discussed how working out in the offseason is far different from an actual game.
"I hear these fools on TV, talking about, 'Kobe's going to get healthy.' Old people don't get healthy; they die. Old people don't get healthy. Father Time is undefeated," Barkley stated.
He added that one can be in great shape during the summer because they are playing against air; and air does not hit back or block a shot, unlike when playing against the likes of Stephen Curry or Russell Westbrook.
Bryant, who will turn 37 on Aug. 23, will enter his 20th season this year, which might be his last.
In the past two seasons, Bryant was limited to a total of only 41 games because of injuries; and the Lakers hope such will not be the case in the upcoming season.
Continuing his career or not, the Lakers are already preparing for the post-Bryant era as they are starting to shine the spotlight more on their younger stars who will be the faces of the franchise in the future.
