Basketball world reacts to Kobe Bryant's retirement announcement

When a player with the legendary resume of Kobe Bryant decides to call it a career, a plethora of tributes and reflections are sure to pour in from his peers, rivals, and loved ones.

On that note, here are some of the best reactions following Bryant's announcement that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement regarding @kobebryant’s announcement today pic.twitter.com/fenWAw4qSH
— NBA (@NBA) November 30, 2015

Hear what @Lakers HC, Byron Scott had to say about Kobe Bryant. https://t.co/7Hyd2cpvyg
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 30, 2015

We have lived incredible moments together on and off the court. Thanks for everything brother! @kobebryant #ThankYouKobe
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) November 30, 2015

Kobe 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, 2015

You can walk away knowing you've always played with everything you have, babe. I'm so proud of you. I'm proud of everything you've given to all of your fans even when you weren't feeling your best. You've always pushed through it because you played for those fans that sacrificed so much to see you play in person. You mean so much to us all. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for us as a family now that one chapter is closing and new ones are opening. We love you! ❤️@KobeBryant

Thank you #kobe #koberetire pic.twitter.com/hu5KXVHiJt
— Hassan Whiteside (@youngwhiteside) November 30, 2015

"Anything I do in the post," DeMar DeRozan said, "I took from Kobe."
— Eric Koreen (@ekoreen) November 30, 2015

DD "They look at Kobe like he’s an asshole. He’s not. He’s just one of them guys who want every single thing out of the game of basketball.”
— Eric Koreen (@ekoreen) November 30, 2015

Hope @kobebryant receives an standing ovation in every city! One of the best to ever do it....👏👏👏👏👏#Legend

Kobe Bryant, Slam dunk giant,

One of the most under appreciated players to ever play is saying goodbye to the game he gave his all! Everyone has their own opinion on him, his game, how many shots he shoots, he's the reason why Shaq left or whatever! He always remained true to the game! Extra shots✔️ Weight room ✔️ treatment for his body✔️watching film✔️ true student of the game! Goes without saying 1 of the GREATEST TO EVER DO IT! #ThankYouKobe

Much 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, 2015

One 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, 2015

😩😩😩 @georgelopez ... we knew it was coming some day. What a competitor. What a ride! 🏀 That darn father time. pic.twitter.com/Zd7McaLAWY
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) November 30, 2015

Hard 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, 2015

You 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, 2015

The game won't be the same once Kobe is gone...
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) November 30, 2015

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Basketball world reacts to Kobe Bryant's retirement announcement

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