Kobe Bryant played 20 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five titles and earning the reputation among many as the greatest player in franchise history.

Two years ago, Nos. 8 and 24 were retired by the Lakers to honor Bryant, who wore both during his tenure with the franchise.

In a recent interview with Adam Caparell of Complex, Bryant said he's grateful he was able to play for the Lakers, and he's proud that his legacy will forever be remembered through his jerseys, which are now hanging in the rafters of Staples Center:

“Just very proud, you know? Just very proud of being a part of that wall. Playing there all those years and looking up and seeing all those great jerseys hanging up in the rafters and now to be a part of that, I just feel very, very proud.”

Bryant is sorely missed by a lot of Lakers fans, especially since the team hasn't made the playoffs for the past five years and is on the verge of missing yet again, despite the presence of LeBron James.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·

But Kobe has repeatedly said he's enjoying retirement. When he was interviewed by ESPN's Rachel Nichols a couple of weeks ago, he was asked if he could still play at a high level in today's game:

“I could, but I wouldn't.”

Bryant has cemented his legacy in the NBA, and he will forever be known as one of the best scorers the game has ever seen.

The Lakers were fortunate to be able to keep a guy like Kobe Bryant for 20 seasons.