#ThisDayThatYear: Kobe Bryant announces 2015-16 will be his last season
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.
Bryant's copy of the 'Dear Basketball' letter
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.
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).
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%.
