After 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant retired following a 60-point performance against the Utah Jazz to end the 2015-16 NBA season. A year later, Bryant is focusing on storytelling and building up his company, Kobe Inc.

With the Lakers starting a new era with Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, Bryant reflected on his future Hall of Fame career with The Hollywood Reporter's Award Chatter podcast. When asked about his proudest achievement, Bryant was very brief in his response as transcribed by Bob Garcia of ClutchPoints:

“Hard work behind it.”

However, Bryant had a surprising answer when asked about his biggest regret:

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
San Antonio Spurs big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker laugh during Parker's retirement ceremony at the AT&T Center.
Spurs’ 10 best NBA Draft Day moves in historySpencer See ·
Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) rebounds against New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Cameron Payne (1) during the first half at Madison Square Garden.
Suns favored for Karl-Anthony Towns trade after Tom Thibodeau firingJackson Stone ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots as Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) defends during the second half at Paycom Center.
Air Corgi makes Pacers-Thunder Finals pickMalik Brown ·
Suns owner Mat Ishbia watches a game against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second quarter at Footprint Center
Suns rumors: Insider calls out ‘laughable’ Mat Ishbia claimJulian Ojeda ·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball as New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) defends in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Shaquille O’Neal throws shade at Celtics’ Jayson Tatum’s HOF credentialsZachary Howell ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant looks on from the sidelines during the game between the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks at Footprint Center.
Knicks made Kevin Durant trade offer to Suns at deadlineLorenzo J Reyna ·

“Probably the amount of time spent on my craft and spent away from my family.”

To be one of the best players in league history, one thing that often does not get discussed is how much time away Bryant was from his family during his 20 seasons to perfect his craft. With three daughters now, he can finally enjoy time with his family.

While Bryant is spending time with his family, he is still involved in the game of basketball. Although he does not want to coach, the five-time champion still works out and advises some All-Star players.