NBA great to retire at end of season

During a 20-year career with the LA Lakers, the 37-year-old has scored 32,683 points, though in recent seasons his form has been hindered by injury.

Bryant signaled his plan to retire in a poem on the Players' Tribune website, later telling the media he felt "at peace" with his decision and "excited for what's to come."

Ranked third on the NBA's all-time scorers list, the two-time Olympic gold medalist averaged more than 25 points in his 1,293 NBA games.

Catch Bryant while you can: his final game is set to be at home against Utah on April 13 -- unless the last-place Lakers can pull off the unlikely and qualify for the playoffs.

"I feel very solid in my decision," Bryant told a press conference following his announcement on Sunday. "Do I want to play again or don't I? It's a very simple question, but it's a hard question to look in the mirror and ask yourself. The reality is: No, I don't. So why labor it?"

(CNN)