While the NBA playoffs is on going, Kobe Bryant news took over internet and social media in the last few days.
This is after media reported the Los Angeles Lakers legend is set to retire next year, citing team's general manager Mike Kupchak as the source.
Those Kobe Bryant news are false. The Black Mamba himself confirmed in his Twitter account he will not hang out his boots after the 2015-2016 season.
"My thoughts on next season being my last season are the same as the last time the media asked me last season #nadanew" - @kobebryant
My thoughts on next season being my last season are the same as the last time the media asked me last season #nadanew
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) May 22, 2015
The thoughts Kobe Bryant is talking about is his interview with ESPN in February this year.
"No, it's not true. It's not true," Bryant said of a previous report that he has decided next season will be his last. "It wouldn't be true to who I've been my entire career to do a farewell tour."
News of Kobe Bryant's alleged retirement next year spread after Kupchak speak to media about what he and his franchise player talked about.
"I think first and foremost, he's on the last year of a deal," Kupchak told SiriusXM NBA Radio. "There have been no discussions about anything going forward. I don't think there will be."
"A year from now, if there's something different to discuss, then it will be discussed then," Kupchak added. "I talk to him from time to time ... and he is recovering. He's running. He's getting movement and strength in the shoulder. We expect a full recovery, but yeah, he's much closer to the end than to the beginning."
Kobe Bryant sat out most of the 2014-15 NBA season. With him and other key players out, Los Angeles Lakers finished with 21-61 Win-less Record to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
