Ronda Rousey Weighs In On Kobe's Looming Retirement Decision
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Who doesn't have an opinion regarding Kobe Bryant's basketball future after this upcoming season?
Entering his 20th year in the NBA, most people expect Bryant to retire at the conclusion of this year when his contract expires.
However, with the trio of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle surrounding Bryant, he could end up leaning on the young players in order to extend his career.
The decision seems to hinge on Bryant's health and if he will physically be able to compete at the level he is used too.
UFC superstar Ronda Rousey was recently asked about Bryant's looming decision by Marc Raimondi of MMAFighting.com.
"I think if you're wondering whether or not you should play, that's the time that you should kind of think about stepping away," Rousey said.
"Every single time I pull up to the gym, I park and I run from my car into the door of the gym, because I'm so excited to be there. If you're wondering whether or not you should be there, it's getting to be about that time," she added.
While Rousey's comments seem to resonate with most people, I can guarantee you that they do not with Kobe Bryant.
This is a man who tore his Achilles in 2013, and then proceeded to make two free throws, on one leg, knowing that his injury was extremely serious and career-threatening.
If Bryant can walk, he is going to continue his career, whether it is with the Lakers or not.
If Bryant decides he is not ready to retire, the Lakers front office is going to have an incredibly difficult decision.
Will they let the man who led their team to five NBA titles walk away and finish his career with another team?
Or, will they continue to make Bryant one of the highest paid athletes in all of sports in order to preserve his legacy as one of the best Lakers in the franchise's storied history.
We can all admit that Michael Jordan in a Washington Wizards uniform, was not the real Michael Jordan.
For now, all we can do is wait. Only time will tell.