Sports

Kobe Talks Retirement and Rape

NBA superstar Kobe Bryant says he will retire soon and explains what the dismissed sexual assault charges taught him.

Superstar Kobe Bryant has dominated the NBA for 17 years, but it's likely he will be stepping away from the court very soon.

In a recent interview with Yahoo! Sports' Graham Bensinger, the 33-year-old Lakers' star said retirement may be on the horizon.

"I've been playing for 17 years now, so next year will be my 17th and then, when I'm 35, it will be my 18th year in the league," Bryant told Bensinger. "I mean that's a long time to be playing. It will be the last year in my contract, so I don't know. I don't know if I'll play any longer than that."

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During the interview Bryant also discussed the 2003 sexual assault charges that were later dismissed and had a profound impact on his personal and professional life.

"Once you go through something like that, you can't help but be different. You can't help but have a better sense of who you are," he said.

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In January TMZ reported in a divorce settlement, as well as half of the couple's total assets, estimated at $150 million. The couple is reportedly working on a reconciliation.

Read Bryant's full interview here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here