Kobe Bryant Explains His Decision to Retire

In an exclusive interview with "GMA" co-anchor Robin Roberts, the NBA superstar reveals why now is the right time for him to retire from the game.

[@TIMMYE100]

Crying as i write this. You'll be remembered for 100s of yrs to come. Rip Kobe Bryant !

[@parislove616]

Feel the same 💔🏀

[@snickyg1717]

timothy moragne.....Please, stop the drama! Enough about the Bryant's. Let's move on

[@yourefireed]

STOP

[@dylanstoner4065]

Cry me a river.

[@diablocls55]

@@dylanstoner4065 stfu

[@Africangyal]

How he talked about meditating and noticing that his mind would always drift to the game, but that it wasn't doing that anymore shows me that he was really in touch with himself.

[@francinejefferson4444]

THAT IS WHY WE AS BLACK FOLKS DONT LET GO THE PASS AND MOVE ON MAN THE MAN DEAD FAMILY'S OTHER LIVES GONE U WAS NOT WRONG U JUST EXPRESS HOW U FELT

[@lindih111]

Africangyal I thought that was intense,that’s a person who in touch with himself 🤔

[@Africangyal]

@@lindih111 Riiiight?

[@tpstrat14]

When she asks “Are you really ready to let her go?” you can tell he wants to cry, mostly tears of joy of course. A life well lived. RIP

[@shahidchoudhury8532]

Rip one of the finest legend may he rest in peace along with his ancestors

[@cakesmarie6301]

Hey Gayle this is an interview - Kobe we still here for you!!!! Always will be a fan

[@nicholaskoranteng811]

I agree. #KobeBryantForever

[@darlacraddock9251]

Totally agree Gayle King is a complete idiot she's a nobody to me !!💯💯

[@tannersmith7103]

Kobe is the only reason lakers have even been on the map for the past decade. Saying he's not top 10 is rediculous. The guy carried his team almost every damn game of his career. Gets injured, then comes back in the game limping shooting 3 pointers

[@joeylaker724able]

The lakers would always would be on the "map"

[@Soldier979]

You mean Shaq from 2000-2004 and Kobe 2008-2010

[@deleongaming8795]

Shaq would not won it without kobe.. he said it....

[@DragonPupEclipse]

top 3-5 for sure

[@ceemichaels1877]

Yup 💯

[@Sidewinders-zs3wl]

"Are you ready to let her go?" "I am, I am." That made me burst into tears...😭

[@adav5533]

Sad to see these comments from three years ago. Kobe was not ready to put down the basketball. He was coaching his daughter and her team. R.I.P.

[@mrk3554]

I admit I'm not a sports guy...really never heard of Kobe before this accident and now I'm learning alot about this guy ...he wasnt just a great basketball player but he really is a genuine decent personality and can clearly see and understand the huge upset and impact he had on millions of people...may your soul R.i.p...so sad losing this guy so young!!

[@hattanalshutaifi4587]

J K me too while not necessarily fan of sports or basketball for that matter when I heard him or read his Wikipedia I didn’t give much thought of but when I heard his death alongside his daughter and 7 others I started to interested and appreciate his life and contribution

[@missUn1verse81]

He loved his fans and they loved him. I'm glad he retired and got to spend more family time with his wife and children before he passed. Kobe was very intelligent, talented and a very well rounded man. A very loving family man. He seemed to have lived a very full life. But taken too soon. Life is so not fair. My heart ache for Vanessa and the daughters he left behind. RIP Kobe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@macturtle4904]

💯🇺🇸👍🏿🤦🏿‍♂️ Could Not Have said it Better! RIP Kobe ! This one really hurts my heart!

[@RiruKrypto_]

If Kobe and Shaq stayed together then they would have won at least 8-10 championships together.

[@saiyongdawn7756]

Shaq had to retire. Can't play the game forever. The body can only do so much for so long.

[@raz1739]

RiruKrypto Tempest lets not get carried away . lol

[@x_MrYAYA_x]

I’m sorry but Shaq was satisfied with one Championship. He said so in an interview. Kobe and Shaq are lucky they won 3 together because they each had their own priorities.

[@jimmysapien9961]

ChrisLove Lovely True 👍🏻

[@dervinfosterjr.5670]

Goodbye Kobe, thanks for all the great game & unbelievable talent, the game will never be the same without you..

[@Juliec651]

Dervin Foster Jr. he will be missed 😢

[@jerrygil1965]

You basically PREDICTED his death. So tragic that he's long gone but he's in Jesus's hands

[@SoeyKid]

So HUMBLE, so so humble. So enterprising. So charismatic. A true KING. He is just perfection on so many levels. Utmost Grace that shines through. This is why EVERYONE loves him. Basketball fan or not, the entire world loved this man. May you always be at peace Kobe💜💛👑🥇🤲🏽

[@DarrenT777]

This is really sad. Kobe Bryant is a legend to many people and incredibly influential person and player. NBA will never be the same without him

[@jerrygil1965]

Now, he doesn't have to feel the pain and the sadness because he's with Jesus now. So tragic

[@jacquelineperry5873]

His time was up the body will let you know he gave us all he had for almost 20 years.

[@Ushna]

So eloquent, intelligent and deep. . What a man! RIP.

[@annnonigonzales8615]

little bit emotional.. he's my idol..i luv kobe..thanks for the memories bro..

[@jon_s]

This guy just happens to always remind me of Tupac way too much. It's almost like I knew he was here to accomplish a mission and leave, and he finished

[@DCD4Ever]

What does that say about his daughter though (and the other kids on that helicopter)? 🤔🚁

[@jon_s]

@@DCD4Ever R.I.P to them, but they don't remind me of Tupac. Only Kobe does

[@marrop2760]

@@DCD4Ever I wish they would file criminal charges against the people who allowed that helicopter to fly that day! Set a precedent for the future.. children on board - families - celebrity - Vanessa offered to drive her daughter there as well.. I'm sure she didn't want them flying together..

[@The_Rebellution]

Mar Rop how do you know Vanessa offered to drive her? Genuine question, no shade

[@adav5533]

Kobe did not put away the basketball, he was coaching his daughter's team. Tupac did not have a wife and kids, he had nothing to loose. Kobe was not finished, he left a very young widow and three daughters. Sad. R.I.P.

[@ArmandoKozomara]

Glad he is at peace with it

[@Alex-ww8to]

+mj walker and I'm glad that your glad that he's glad and that's you glad from him being glad with it

[@missdelad.deladela7748]

Man, please respect him.

[@leggs4113]

Serpent Descendancy he was not convicted!

[@missdelad.deladela7748]

All people has their own opinions!!!

[@harrysingh7337]

Serpent Descendancy Pathetic ass you don’t know anything. You don’t talk about how great of a family man he was and how so many people looked up to him on and off the basketball court. Such a brilliant mind and knowledgeable for a guy who didn’t even go to college. He’s a legend who accomplished more in 41 years on and off the basketball court than u could even aspire to...

[@sariahmooree8992]

RIP Kobe 😭❤️

[@ellocoo5121]

nice hair Barb.

[@rohangupte3545]

Kobe will keep inspiring us from beyond

[@Greysilk1001]

Kobe is the true definition of loyalty 👆🏼💖 #LakerNation

[@jerrygil1965]

Rest in Peace

[@debrahall7325]

I Love you Kobe😔

[@WhipahSnapah]

So hard to accept. His life was completely taken away from him. As well as gigi and the 7 other people.

[@nikkiflaggaly8528]

Rest in eternal paradise Kobe and Gigi. We love you forever

[@AdonisAmarante]

Legend

[@kashataylor6430]

I'm so Happy he had found other Passions after retiring. Awww 🙏🏾

[@lululemon0424]

He kept it true to himself, he did take basketball with him and left this world. He'll be forever missed.

[@georgem.7785]

Kobe will be missed

[@AbdinoGoShow]

GEORGE!? :D

[@likesubcribeandalsocomment5330]

yea

[@user-mh3ir6vu7z]

George M. You’re acting like he’s dead lmao 😂

[@WassupSpooks]

But now he is really dead.😭

[@jozefdh2650]

@@user-mh3ir6vu7z he actually is 😥

[@workoutfanatic7873]

so humble, such an awesome person. The best Angeleno of his generation.

[@JethBardillon]

he talks eloquently

[@gusmoreno3167]

daaam this aint the same lil spoiled ball hugger that i grew up watching and loved as a nine yr old boy. still love him.

[@304lilh]

Kobe Bryant is my favorite player. And I would put my money on kobe vs Jordan one on one.

[@georgem.7785]

Idk about that, but if anyone could itd be him.

[@smirks1463]

that question can never be answered. all we hear is opinion. until they were put 1 on 1 on the court, we would be able to know

[@AbdinoGoShow]

+George M. ITS GEORGE :D

[@ChrisTaylorTV]

+Haven Melton I'd take Kobe too, since he simulated MJ moves and perfected it with better shooting. MJ will tell you himself that Kobe would be the only one to beat him.

[@304lilh]

The Dopest Chris™ glad someone else has some since besides me.

[@jojonurl]

The love kobe bryant showed toward peoples were feelings from his heart-​@

[@grammaticalerorr4654]

I'm going to miss you in next year NBA2K!

[@LeBronJames62301]

He's still gonna be on the late 1990's lakers with Shaq and all them.

[@grammaticalerorr4654]

***** I know, but you can't if you play mycareer or reg season.

[@grantrmoore]

Actually they better add a legend team with a prime Kobe and make Kobe the 2K17 cover.

[@likesubcribeandalsocomment5330]

yea

[@grantrmoore]

09 Lakers!!!

[@taedavis6417]

Man i love everything that Kobe Bean Bryant stood for

[@kieranfox5247]

Kobe not dead everybody he has touched so many people over the years we have abit of him with us his legacy will go on his passion for the game and his talent will never be forgotten such a great man and a sad loss Rip the legend the only Kobe Bryant 😢😢😢

[@darlacraddock9251]

A scholar a very very intelligent man yet humble I could watch his basketball highlights continously The world lost a peice of ourselves Jan 26th Rest easy Kobe 💜💛💜💛💜 #blackmamba4ever

[@db6433]

We love you Kobe !!!! The Greatest

[@mikelitoris3827]

If there were to be a Space Jam 2, Kobe should be the one to do it not Lebron.

[@VinnieMack]

LeBron is already signed on to do it. sorry

[@liljosh2596]

+23champ1 looks like I'm not buying it

[@serumser1]

+Mike Litoris Can someone explain why Kobe is better than Lebron? I don't follow NBA but would like to know. thanks

[@MrWill1729]

+SERUMSER CODE I could go on forever about how he is better than lebron as a basketball player, but I will talk about kobe bryant mentally. Kobe bryant, loves basketball more than anyone else, that is unquestionable. He was practicing while other players were in the club, partying, he was shooting shots in the gym while people were sleeping, he was lifting weights when people were eating. He worked the hardest he could to be the best player he can be. In short, his determination, mental strength, focus, work ethic and excellence is why he is better than lebron and most players.

[@5alidal]

+Mike Litoris I would actually be disappointed if it wasn't Michael Jordan in Space Jam 2. I know he's old; but, i'm sure he can still beat the Monstars. Plus, Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny have never lost a game when playing together as far as I know.

[@rondunktruck2274]

Luv Kobe saw him and Shaq win championships with my on eyes I was thier from Los Angeles so hurt when he retired I retire from basketball myself

[@cjarce]

Love u Kobe, R.I.P

[@beverlymebane4131]

Still in disbelief you will always be remembered in my life and.my son's life you and gigi rest well until we meet again.

[@southpaw7738]

RIP Brother🙏🏽

[@emreuludogann]

humble but the best.

[@joeriginal]

This is the first time I have ever cried over a celebrity, I felt like I lost a close friend, being the same age and in a way growing up together by watching him with friends and having great times. He is the reason why I started playing b ball at 19 because I wasn't into it, just running. Even in early 90's my cousins would call me to the living room to watch Jordan in the finals and I would just play Nintendo, it is with Kobe that I learned to love this game which I still play. My mind is still not processing that he is gone. I watch his re-run games as I always have and I forget that he is gone.

[@sparkletutson656]

We cried when he retired, but now....😢😢😢😢😢

[@hansome91b]

Mamba, Goat, Kobe. Thank you for 20yrs. Blessings always to Kobe and family. Vanessa and family be strong. God is in Control. Be safe all.🙏😭😭🙏🥰🥰😭😭

[@marusyaivanova5336]

Always enjoying to listen his interview , such a smart man !

[@laurendelancey623]

All I know is you're the greatest! Your intelligence & your versatility will always be remembered. I love you so much & will dearly miss you....♥️😪🙏🌷

[@ladyindaroom]

@4:31 Robin Roberts said some powerful words, it's what many wanted to know. We received our answer.

[@risaandjesus]

Sheesh.....so humble! Humble people deserve the world...

[@ZaZeem]

he is an awesome humble player. Mj is still the greatest in my opinion but i think kobe is 2nd . Gonna be sad to see him leave.

[@jerrygil1965]

And now he and his daughter long gone with Jesus. So tragic RIP

[@vilanefrnelon]

Kobe is one of the greatest player ever but now it's time to end that

[@fadihajjhassan9018]

Kobe ♥ big loss The world is missing Kobe.

[@the__jak7772]

Fady Sbg libani!

[@qutieethang6711]

I LOVE YOU KOBE ♥️ rip

[@kasialeparska2480]

Oh Kobe...... such a terrible loss....💔💔💔💔💔 💫

[@CindyMwasi]

I love your voice. Am sad😪WHY this happened ???am heartbroken

[@TMR2418]

😢😢😢😢😢 watching Kobe videos now. I was sad before 😢😢 RIP Kobe.

[@tashathepsychiatricnurse5566]

Rip to the goat

[@hansmeyer8926]

we grew up together and 4 a fan it was a battle to defend kobe vs other fans and we did our job as well as he did on the court 4 us. we will always love and miss him. the greatest laker of all time ladys and gentleman rip salute. it will take years to believe it. and when the time is there i still maybe not ready to accept it

[@royalmcmorris1211]

basketball is hard this man did everything to win hands down knee surgery twice Achilles fingers ankles shoulders god dame

[@gramnet]

It took time to appreciate his greatness because people put him on a pedestal before he earned it. I definitely think he earned it in time. Just listen to some of the videos where he broke down the game shows how analytical he was toward the game. This is what made him great . Not many can say they stayed with the same team for 20 yrs. #rip #hatsoff

[@alextruong6530]

We will miss you :(

[@pmount07]

I'm no Laker Fan, but I Love me some Kobe Bean! And I would put him as my 6th man, n my starting 5. Kobe is a God and will have his place n the hardwood. 5 time Champ, 2 Finals MVP, 15 time All Star, 4 time All Star MVP, youngest to 30k and 5th player to join the 30k Point Club.

[@Molly13311]

Wow, such a beautiful person. Kobe. This world has lost a legend and a beautiful person. Sometimes you just say Why.💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜💛💜

[@qjarrett9944]

That was a beautiful surreal interview 😪

[@elenasalazar3122]

RIP legend

[@bonenheng1919]

it's hard to but all things ends, Kobe matures so much he played better and better but now that he's old needs retirement like Jordan. BEST DUO'S EVER #KODAN #KOBE #JORDAN

[@kb-rr1wb]

Miss u KB/Gigi😢🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏿

[@yasmindioquino4127]

i'm gonna miss u kobe..

[@GiriRam]

Robin: Top five players of all time who would those five players be and would you crack the starting five? Kobe: No, I would never put myself in the starting five ever I'll put the people I have actually learnt the most from Coming from the best killer the NBA has ever seen

[@hhdeng]

i dreaded this day that my favorite childhood player along with MJ would be gone from the game and that his name wouldn't be called during the roster name call....

[@karenslone7624]

We all love you Koby, your the best.....🤩💜💖🧡💛💚💙

[@brigspearman2171]

Nobody can’t always to do is change no one just show me Kobe Bryant to me it was a brother to me and I’m going to respect Kobe Bryant in this world we are who we are as the World I never quit and I never give up because Kobe Bryant is like a brother to me that message I strong message restaurant positive Messi anyone here to example to respect that no matter what

[@aidasmatulaitis5175]

I love this guy

[@skywalka]

RIP Kobe😭

[@TheFirstTicketcom]

It's crazy they was talkin about him during his retirement like he had already died.

[@jesussaves9974]

Bro I peep that u know ppl like them get information from all type of ppl .. Illuminati could be

[@TheFirstTicketcom]

@@jesussaves9974 helicopter he was on used to be owned by the government of Illinois

[@SunshineCharles]

N the rape case never came up whole he was alive when he was interviewed, n some lunatic brining it up at death to other people .the hypocrisy will never end.

[@rajglizzy732]

love his sweater

[@noegarcia9239]

Damn this is hard to watch

[@hanaswhite]

In my opinion, not counting rings, MJ then Kobe, Kobe then MJ. Who knows. He is definitely my favorite player in the league... I've been a Laker diehard since the late 70's. Very sad to see him go but I do understand his reasoning... Good luck Jellybean!!!! #1fan

[@rondunktruck2274]

Never gone see nobody like Kobe r Jordan n my life I don't think

[@VGhlIHN1biBpbiB0aGUgbW9ybmluZw]

hopefully they can continue his shoe line for a while, he is as legendary as jordan

[@carmenlemon2769]

Rest in Peace!

[@pvillaluna1]

My goodness, it is 02/12/2020 and it still painful for me to watch Kobe vids

[@MrYusu-jg2if]

3:39 humility and respect towards his Mentors. Kobe you are top 2 and Hoopers around the World knows that.

[@UndefinedAz]

Man that jacket is fire💯

[@shawnhorton2000]

Undefined. Az and now....on fire

[@johnnapadano1993]

Kobe is probably gonna play a lot of soccer

[@raniadahayu1412]

:(

[@quaimaboylan5175]

This aged poorly

[@myogtraphone5883]

Tears man tears.

[@sharongovender4641]

R.I.P Kobe Bryant if only Jesus could rise you again it will really be a blessing to the world

[@egbeoyere1213]

We will always remember you kobe

[@neckbone6976]

Love you Kobe Bean!!

[@PresidentGuevara]

I will miss Kobe his last game will hit like a ton of bricks.

[@sayjaibao01188]

60 points for the win!...but it feels bittersweet. NBA is now just a lovefest w/o Kobe. Last of the breed of players that really wanted to destroy/best his opponents.

[@sayjaibao01188]

*beat

[@JuiceBigalow11]

Miss you, Kobe!

[@mr.dought4723]

thanks KOBE :)

[@DavidStewart-np3cj]

If I had to retire at 38, with millions of dollars. I wouldn't think twice, I'd do it. I'd spend my mornings playing tennis and golf at a Country Club and my afternoons volunteering at a soup kitchen. Stress free life!

[@raminnazari9811]

+David Stewart You sound boring as hell

[@SGTGROVE]

Wtf that's sounds boring as all hell

[@esv2805]

David Stewart but you don't love basketball as much as Kobe does

[@marytrumpet9726]

Does anyone knoe the name of the song playing in the background ???

[@verbalkint4258]

Mary Trumpet If you are talking about the one at the beginning of the video where you could hear it clearly, the song is called classic by mkto.

[@marytrumpet9726]

ok thanks

[@sylviabowen449]

Kobe Bryant is the best of the best and he always well be we all respect Mr koby the best player in the world

[@sportingwithkareem837]

Ok Kobe your the best and u know what's best for ur self if think that's right then go ahead do it

[@undertheinfluencenate8768]

Kobe the best. TBE.

[@zion2265]

Kobe