Kobe Bryant says retirement rumors are simply ‘not true’

The Los Angeles Lakers have hit a bit of a rough patch over the last few years. The storied franchise went all out back in the summer of 2012 to acquire Steve Nash and Dwight Howard in blockbuster trades that sent shockwaves throughout the NBA.

Many believed the acquisitions of Howard and Nash would be a game changer for the Lakers resulting in another dominant era of basketball in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned for GM Mitch Kupchak and company with the Lakers struggling despite their starstudded roster.

The Lakers barely made the playoffs during the 2012-13 NBA season and ultimately were swept by the eventual Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs in four games. Dwight then left the team in free agency and a lot of uncertainty surrounded Kobe Bryant’s future after the superstar suffered a torn Achilles tendon in April of 2013.

Nearly two years later, Bryant’s future still remains uncertain with the veteran shooting guard suffering three consecutive season-ending injuries. After having shoulder surgery to a repair a torn rotator cuff, Bryant is facing a nine-month rehab before he can get back on the basketball floor.

Retirement has been something Bryant has considered due to the constant injury problems. The season-ending shoulder injury was the icing on the cake, but despite reports recently saying he won’t be back next season, Bryant will return. Kobe said the following about the retirement rumors in an interview with Bill Simmons of Grantland.com:

“No, it’s not true. It’s not true.”

With one more year left on his contract with the Lakers, it comes as no surprise that Bryant would want to return for what will likely be his farewell season. Los Angeles may even try to sign him to another contract once his current deal expires in the summer of 2016.

The Lakers brass will do everything within their power to surround Bryant with talent next season, but there’s no guarantee Los Angeles will be able to bounce back after a summer of making moves. Free agency will be make-or-break for the Lakers along with the 2015 NBA draft.

As for Bryant, the consensus is he’ll retire after next season. It remains to be seen if Kobe’s body will be able to hold up in his 20th season, but he’s up for the challenge of playing out his contract.