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No retirement decision yet for Bryant
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Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant says he has not made any decision over his looming retirement as he prepares for his 20th season with the franchise.
Bryant鈥檚 future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months as the 37-year-old enters the second year of a two-year contract signed in 2013 that will see him earn US$25 million this season.
Former Lakers coach Phil Jackson said last Friday he believed Bryant could elect to extend his career with another team after this season, rather than retire.
But Bryant kept reporters guessing on Monday as he wearily brushed off questions about his plans.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know what will be the decisive factor,鈥 Bryant said. 鈥淗ow do we know when it鈥檚 time? Derek Jeter, Michael Jordan, it was different for all of them. Will I wake up one morning and say 鈥楾hat鈥檚 it鈥? Is it a gradual thing?鈥
鈥淚 don鈥檛 spend much time to think about it 鈥 there is so much to think about, this season, this group.鈥
Bryant admitted that having to field questions about his retirement date 鈥渃an be a pain in the arse鈥.
鈥淏ut when I sit back and think about it, it鈥檚 cool, because it means that I had a very good career, people respect my career.鈥
The Lakers鈥 fortunes have nosedived in recent years, with the team failing to make the playoffs last year.
Bryant鈥檚 fortunes have also fluctuated, with shoulder, Achilles and knee injuries all limiting his ability to help inspire the team as the elder statesman.
He acknowledged that prospects for the upcoming season were uncertain, but said he was excited by the mix of experience and youth on the roster.
鈥淭here are big question marks on that team, but I am excited, there are young guys, veterans who have played together in the past, it鈥檚 an interesting mix, we have done the work, now it鈥檚 the time to put the pieces of the puzzle together.鈥
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