Exclusive: Stephen A. Smith Predicts Kobe Bryant’s Return

Kobe Bryant is set to retire this summer … so says the Internet. Over the weekend, rumors spread that the future Hall of Famer would be hanging up his jersey after 17 seasons, but thankfully Bryant took to Twitter to shut down that nonsense.

“Really?? Me. Retire?? Soon, but not yet Vino still has work to do #35 #OG #kbvff” the Los Angeles Lakers star tweeted.

Bryant ruptured his Achilles tendon earlier this year, leading many to believe his NBA days were behind him. One person who didn’t exactly succumb to such fodder is ESPN commentator, Stephen A. Smith. “I think Kobe Bryant will try to come back approximately next January or February. He’ll be back for the second half of the season, post All-Star break, ready to roll,” Smith explained in an interview.

“That doesn’t mean he’ll have the same level of elevation, the same quickness or whatever the case may be … but whatever level of compensation is required to take place in order for him to remain an elite player in this game, he will do it. He’s got a tremendous pain threshold, his skills are unquestionable and his work ethic is unparalleled.”

Check out what else Mr. Smith had to say about the Black Mamba in our interview below.