After entering the NBA directly from high school, Bryant went on to become one of the league’s premier players, winning five championships, being an 18-time All-Star and ranking third for all-time scoring leader.

Bryant announced his retirement plans in November 2015 via a poem entitled, "Dear Basketball."

The accolades are already pouring in from fellow athletes and celebrities on social media.

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The Hawks announced Saturday that guard Trae Young will be increasing his conditioning as he tries to come back from a sprained MCL in his right knee. Young has missed 21 games since his injury, suffered on Oct. 29, and the team is 12-9 in his absence. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

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Students line up after school for school buses at Sequoyah Middle School in Doraville on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The school’s principal told teachers not to talk to students about ICE, and teachers and activists are pushing back. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com