NBA Los Angeles Lakers

5 Reasons Why Kobe Bryant Should Just Retire

5 Reasons Why Kobe Bryant Should Just Retire

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers
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Kobe Bryant’s 2014-15 season appears to be coming to an end after the 36-year-old guard suffered a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder on Wednesday night. With injuries now piling up for the 19-year veteran, time has officially come for Bryant to finally hang up his sneakers.

5. No Hope With Current Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves
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5. No Hope With Current Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves
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The current version of the Los Angeles Lakers has the forth-worst record in all of the NBA. They also have a roster full of players resembling that of an expansion team. With this current Lakers team going nowhere anytime soon, there is absolutely no need for Bryant to put himself through the grind of an 82-game NBA season if the team will not be in contention.

4. Future of the Lakers

Washington Wizards v Los Angeles Lakers
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4. Future of the Lakers

Washington Wizards v Los Angeles Lakers
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The current version of the Lakers is a shell of what the franchise is accustomed to. With no stars on the roster and no NBA championships in sight, the Lakers need to begin the rebuilding process immediately. With his $ 25 million salary virtually handcuffing the Lakers this upcoming offseason, Bryant should step away from the game and allow the franchise that has been so good to him for years to finally rebuild for a return to prominence.

3. Injuries

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers
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3. Injuries

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers
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Kobe Bryant’s torn rotator cuff is just the most recent in a long line of injuries. Early in his career Bryant dealt with a series of typical basketball injuries, but lately the injuries have been more serious in nature. In April of 2013, Bryant suffered a torn Achilles. In November of 2014, Bryant suffered a serious knee injury. With a torn rotator cuff now added to the list, Bryant needs to begin to think about life after basketball.

2. Post-Playing Career

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers
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2. Post-Playing Career

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers
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Whenever Kobe Bryant decides to end his playing career, there will be plenty of things he can dedicate his time to. Recently reports have surfaced that the heads of Turner Broadcasting are actively looking to have Bryant join their NBA pre-game show, possibly even replacing the always popular Charles Barkley. Whether it is a career in broadcasting or some kind of business venture, Bryant will have his choice of post-basketball careers.

1. Legacy

Los Angeles Lakers Victory Parade
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1. Legacy

Los Angeles Lakers Victory Parade
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Over the course of 19 NBA seasons, Kobe Bryant has built one heck of a legacy for himself. Five NBA Championships, two NBA Finals MVP Awards, one regular-season MVP Award and a countless number of other awards and records will have Bryant go down as one of the greatest players of all time. But the more he continues to play with the current lowly version of the Lakers, the more his legacy will deteriorate.

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