The ongoing 2015–16 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) may be the last time Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant will be in action as reports say he gave head coach Byron Scott a hint that this might be his final year.
Bryant, who was drafted 13th overall in 1996, is playing in his 20th season in the NBA and with the Lakers this season.
This season also marks the final year in his current three-year extension deal signed with the Lakers back in 2013.
In a report by the Associated Press via Yahoo Sports, Scott spoke about the conversation he had with Bryant regarding the veteran shooting guard's future.
"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,'" Scott said, according to the report.
Scott shared that it was the first time Bryant spoke about the 2015–16 season as potentially his last in a storied career, which saw five NBA titles, two NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, a 2008 MVP award, 17 All-Star selections, and four All-Star Game MVP awards, among other feats.
There were also rumors that Bryant will not be ending his career with the Lakers which he denied while also saying that he will retire playing for the franchise.
Unfortunately, the 37-year-old is struggling with his shooting this 2015–16 season and is averaging 16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 29.2 minutes of action per contest.
The Lakers remain to be a struggling franchise only winning once in six games played this season and are on a familiar ground sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Up next for Los Angeles will feature two of the most prominent shooting guards in the league as Bryant duels with Dwyane Wade when they visit the Miami Heat today, Tuesday.
