Kobe Bryant (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant may be planning not to retire yet from playing basketball, but the "Black Mamba" could be headed elsewhere next season, according to a report.
Bryant, who is on the final year of his $48.5 million contract with the Lakers, has hinted he may not be retiring anytime soon because of his "love" in playing basketball, according to a Twitter message of ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
While Bryant's passion in playing the game would be his fire power to continue his NBA career despite recent setbacks due to injuries and his age, fans could not help but imagine where would the five-time NBA champ be heading once the 2015-2016 NBA season is over.
Rick Fox, TNT analyst and a former Laker, shared his thoughts whether Bryant is playing his final season. Fox told Mark Medina of the LA Daily News last month that this season is not Bryant's last year playing basketball, but could be the two-time MVP's "last year in LA."
"I think he'll play overseas in China," Fox added. "Or maybe go to New York and be with Derek (Fisher) and Phil (Jackson) and mentor the other players with the triangle offense."
Bryant's retirement could be realistic, but it is hard to see someone who played his entire 19 years of basketball career in a great franchise go to another NBA team despite his close ties with Fisher and the Zen Master.
On the other hand, the possibility of playing overseas, especially in China, seems more attainable for Bryant, who is being heralded as a cult figure in basketball-crazed countries.
No matter how people see it, Bryant's retirement is imminent. But according to the Laker superstar himself, he plans to be a "Laker for life," reports the New York Post.
"I don't think it's weird. I have so much appreciation for the game... if this is my last time, I'm fine with that. I feel at peace with that," Bryant said.
