Kobe Set to Retire Following 2015-2016 Season

Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant announced Sunday that he will retire after the 2015-16 season.

Bryant, 37, has struggled with injuries the past three seasons. The player who has won five NBA titles is averaging just 15.7 points and shooting just 31.5 percent from the field this season.

Bryant has a career scoring average of 25.3 and twice led the NBA in scoring.

“With 17 NBA All-Star selections, an NBA MVP, five NBA championships with the Lakers, two Olympic gold medals and a relentless work ethic, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in the history of our game,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Whether competing in the Finals or hoisting jump shots after midnight in an empty gym, Kobe has an unconditional love for the game.

“I join Kobe’s millions of fans around the world in congratulating him on an outstanding NBA career and thank him for so many thrilling memories.”