Lakers' Kobe Bryant: Retiring after season has 'crossed my mind'

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant told the Los Angeles Times that retiring after this season has crossed his mind.

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant told the Los Angeles Timesthat retiring after this season has crossed his mind.

After the 2014-15 season, Bryant has one more year remaining on the two-year, $48.5 million contract extension he signed in 2013. He has previously indicated that he will retire at the end of that extension.

"I’d be lying if I said that it hasn’t crossed my mind," Bryant said, when asked if he's considered retirement after this season. "Right now I doubt it … but anything’s possible."

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The 36-year-old said his body is "hurting like crazy, around the clock" and said if he doesn't want to play anymore after this year, he won't.

Bryant is averaging 22.6 points, 5.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds this season in 34.6 minutes per game. He has played in 34 of Los Angeles' 41 games, sitting out some to rest. 

The Lakers are currently 12-29 and in fifth place in the Pacific Division.

- Molly Geary