Kobe helping to develop, operate NBA school in China
STR / AFP / Getty
Kobe Bryant's popularity in China is slated to continue well into his retirement.
Bryant is teaming with NBA China and developer Mission Hills to design and operate the country's first NBA basketball school, the league announced Tuesday.
The academy, as well as an interactive NBA experience and store, will be located on the Chinese island province of Hainan. Bryant was in attendance for Tuesday's announcement.
The NBA Basketball School - Mission Hills Haikou - will be open to male and female players, from junior level up. Construction will begin later this year and is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
Bryant will reportedly have one of - or both - of his playing numbers retired by the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 18.