Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has announced he is to retire at the end of this season.
The 37-year-old has spent all of his professional career at the Lakers. He was part of the team that won five NBA titles.
Bryant announced his retirement on The Players Tribune in a poem titled Dear Basketball. In the poem he states; "This season is all I have left to give. My heart can take the pounding. My mind can handle the grind.But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye."
The future Hall of Famer has one of the most prestigious careers in NFL history. Along with his five titles, he was named the league's MVP in 2008. He has also won 17 All-Star awards, the second most in history.
Bryant's career was also a success on the international stage. He was part of the American team that won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012.
Dear Basketball: https://t.co/KDecft6BO2 #KB20
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) November 29, 2015
