Kobe has nine games left in his career, and he intends to play in each one
Kobe Bryant won't rest or sit out any of the final games of the season.
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1 min read
After 1,337 games spread across 20 seasons, Kobe Bryant's storied career is coming to a close in the next three weeks. The Lakers, with a record of 15-58, are at the bottom of the West and nowhere near the playoffs, which means that Bryant has just nine more games until he officially retires.
Bryant has missed 16 games this season for rest and recuperation due to a shoulder injury among other body ailments, but he isn't planning on sitting out again. Barring anything "drastic" Bryant told reporters on Sunday that he will suit up and play in all of the Lakers' final games.
From ESPN's Baxter Holmes:
"Yes, unless something drastic happens, God forbid," Bryant said Sunday after his team's 101-88 loss to the Washington Wizards at Staples Center.
"It's pretty crazy to think. I've got four home games left? That's kind of crazy," Bryant said. "I didn't realize that until right before tipoff -- five home games left, and now it's four. That's pretty crazy."
Bryant has often sat out when the Lakers play at home, opting to play through discomfort on the road so fans can get one last chance to see him. But now that he only has a handful of games left in his career, Bryant wants to give fans everywhere -- both in L.A. and on the road -- the opportunity to see him play for one last time.
Also, Bryant wants to go out playing, not sitting on the bench in a suit. This could just mean he will play limited minutes in a few of the games and in others, Bryant may play for close to 30 minutes. It all depends on how his body feels. No matter what though, Bryant sounds determined to end his career playing as much as he can.
