Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace and more reaction to news of Kobe Bryant's retirement
Kobe Bryant is done at the end of this season, having
announced his retirement via a poetic letter on The Players' Tribune on Sunday.
Even though this news is far from surprising -- the 37-year-old has been struggling for several seasons now -- the news of a legend's impending departure always shakes the foundation of sports.
Here is how some notable names reacted:
We have lived incredible moments together on and off the court. Thanks for everything brother!
@kobebryant #ThankYouKobe— Pau Gasol (@paugasol)
November 30, 2015Hard to believe
@kobebryant is finally going to hang it up. One of the NBA's great champions. Enjoy the rest of this season my friend.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen)
November 30, 2015One of the most under appreciated players to ever play is saying goodbye to the game he gave his all!...
https://t.co/BOi32TOJQS— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith)
November 30, 2015Much respect to
@kobebryant as he announces his retirement after the season. A fierce competitor and one of the greatest to ever do it!
— Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10)
November 30, 2015Kobe is the greatest competitor I have ever faced. I am glad he's found peace, I don't know if we ll see another like him. Enjoy the last 66
— Shane Battier (@ShaneBattier)
November 30, 2015KB scored 56 on me in 3(!) qtrs my rookie year. Pushed me to be better more than any player I've faced. He has my ultimate hoops respect.
— Shane Battier (@ShaneBattier)
November 30, 2015You loved the game
@kobebryant and the game loved you back! Proud to know you and honored to have represented the
#PurpleandGold together!
— Rick Fox (@RickFox)
November 30, 2015Thanks for everything to the greatest basketball player of all time Kobe Bryant. The game will never be the same!!
pic.twitter.com/usVftyfIKu— Jusuf Nurki (@nurkic23)
November 30, 2015I might cry when Kobe retires yo...
Crazy man
— Isaiah Austin (@IsaiahAustin)
November 30, 2015Nothing but tremendous respect and admiration for
@kobebryant I have always been the biggest fan of his competitive drive. Thank you
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25)
November 30, 2015One of the TRUE KINGS of the game. You are one the greatest to ever do it, my friend.
#Kobe #BlackMamba #VinoClub https://t.co/Gn7DAB2src— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake)
November 30, 2015Shout to
@kobebryant on his illustrious career in the NBA!
One of the greatest of all time...
— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)
November 30, 2015Bittersweet!
@KobeBryant feels like home to anyone who grew up a
@Lakers fan. All good things must come to an end. Love the Bryant family.
— Gigi Hadid (@GiGiHadid)
November 30, 2015Kobe been waiting his whole life to get them bars off.
— Vince Staples (@vincestaples)
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Post by Russell Simmons.
Meanwhile, off social media, Metta World Peace interacted with his longtime teammate the old-fashioned way: by getting his autograph.