Kobe Bryant tweets on retirement, Michael Jordan and his own memoir
Kobe Bryant set the record straight on Twitter on Sunday night about the notion of an early retirement.
Really?? Me. Retire?? Soon, but not yet Vino still has work to do #35 #OG #kbvff — Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant)
Speculation ran rampant over the weekend after Bryant posted a cryptic message on Facebook, “You won’t want to miss the Sports Spectacular Livestream Sunday #mambavideo #surprise #announcement.”
Bryant is recovering from April surgery to repair a torn Achilles’ tendon but his announcement had nothing to do with retirement. Instead, Bryant will hold an event, “Kobe up Close,” on Aug. 15 to raise money to help eradicate homelessness.
The Lakers All-Star guard also weighed in on a Michael Jordan and Bryant debate, spurred on by Phil Jackson’s upcoming memoir, “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success.”
The comparisons are #apples2oranges Wonder what the perception would be if M played wit @shaq instead #differentroles #differentcareerpaths — Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) May 17, 2013
Jordan finished his career with six championships. Bryant has five but spent the first half of his career playing alongside Shaquille O’Neal, who in his prime was one of the most dominant players in NBA history.
With the Chicago Bulls, Jordan served as the team’s centerpiece since his arrival in the league in 1984.
On Monday, Bryant suggested the time was coming for him to set the record straight.
Think I’ve decided to finally write my OWN book #RNI #iswatitis — Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) May 20, 2013
Bryant has one year remaining on his contract with the Lakers at $30.5 million.
ALSO:
Lakers paid $129.5 million in salary, luxury taxes for early exit
Kobe Bryant announces August event to help eradicate homelessness
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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