#ThisDayThatYear: Kobe Bryant announces 2015-16 will be his last season
What's the story
On November 29, 2015, Kobe Bryant, one of basketball's all-time greats, announced his retirement from the NBA at the end of the 2015-16 season.
Sharing his heartfelt decision through a poem titled Dear Basketball on The Players' Tribune, Kobe bid farewell to the game.
The announcement marked the beginning of a farewell tour that celebrated his legendary 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Twitter Post
Bryant's copy of the 'Dear Basketball' letter
All 18,997 in attendance tonight will receive a copy of @kobebryant's "Dear Basketball" letter. pic.twitter.com/iV1V7V0i2E
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 30, 2015
Career achievements
Shooting guard's NBA career achievements
Bryant's legendary career was filled with remarkable milestones and unforgettable moments.
Across 20 seasons with the Lakers, the most with a single team in NBA history, he earned 18 All-Star selections—the longest consecutive streak—two NBA Finals MVPs, and the 2008 league MVP.
Highlights include his iconic 81-point game, six career 60-point performances, and a breathtaking 60-point farewell in 2016, cementing his legacy.
Milestones
Major milestones in Bryant's stellar career
Bryant was drafted 13th overall in 1996, won 5 NBA championships (2000-2002, 2009, 2010), and 2 Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012).
He scored 81 points in one game (2006), recorded 9 consecutive 40-point games (2003), and achieved 11 All-NBA First Team selections.
He was an 18-time All-Star, NBA MVP (2008), and at 34, became the youngest to score 30,000 career points (2012).
Career stats
Bryant's impressive career in numbers
Across his storied 20-season career, Bryant consistently delivered elite performances, averaging 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 1,346 regular-season games.
His postseason numbers were equally impressive, with 25.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game over 220 appearances.
Notably, Kobe achieved a career field goal percentage of 44.7% while showcasing remarkable consistency from the free-throw line at 83.7%.