Kobe Bryant has been playing at the top level for close to two decades, and at 37 has finally decided this might be the time to bring it all to a close.

In an emotional open letter announcing his decision, the 37 year old Los Angeles Lakers star said that this season would be his last. He added that he although he would love to play forever, his body is telling him otherwise and he has to oblige.

Kobe is one of the best athletes to ever compete in basketball. Entering the sport straight from high school, he has gone on to have a legendary, hall of fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bryant has five NBA championships, is a 17-time All-Star, and has led the league in scoring twice.

In the open letter announcing the decision posted on the Player’s Tribune, Bryant wrote…

From the moment
I started rolling my dad’s tube socks
And shooting imaginary
Game-winning shots
In the Great Western Forum
I knew one thing was real:

I fell in love with you.

A love so deep I gave you my all —
From my mind & body
To my spirit & soul.

You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream
And I’ll always love you for it.
But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer.
This season is all I have left to give.
My heart can take the pounding
My mind can handle the grind
But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.

And that’s OK.
I’m ready to let you go.
I want you to know now
So we both can savor every moment we have left together.

And we both know, no matter what I do next
I’ll always be that kid
With the rolled up socks
Garbage can in the corner
:05 seconds on the clock
Ball in my hands.
5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1

Love you always,
Kobe