Nonetheless, even their time in the spotlight has its end, as is the case with one the biggest NBA stars of all time, Kobe Bryant.
Bryant’s resignation has been announced via the Players’ Tribune, which published a whole poem the 37-year-old basketball legend wrote for his favorite sport.
This 17-time All-Star made himself big after playing 20 seasons for LA Lakers, while also ranking third on the NBA’s all-time points leaders list.
The only two players who could ever top him were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.
Bryant hinted at retirement after the Lakers lost 107-103 to the Indiana Pacers. He told the media then: “I honestly feel good about it. I really do. I’m at peace with it. I’m excited for it to come. I just had to accept the fact that I don’t want to do this anymore and I’m OK with that.”
In fact, professional athletes rarely last this long, no matter how good they are at their game. At the age of 37 and with many titles and MVP awards behind him, Kobe deserves both our acknowledgement and respect.
