Kobe Bryant

Dear basketball

Dear basketball, from the moment when I started to get my father's socks and throwing imaginary winners in the 'Great Western Forum' I knew it was a real thing.

I fall in love of You. A love so deep that I gave my all. In my mind and my body until my spirit and my soul.

As a child of six years deeply love you, I never saw the end of the tunnel. I just saw myself running to get out of one.

So I ran. I ran up and down on each track after every loose ball. You asked for my hurry and I gave you my heart, because he would come up with more.

I played through the sweat and pain because I did not call the challenges but because I called you.

I did everything for you because that's what you do when someone makes you feel as alive as you made me feel.

You gave a six-year dream Laker and always will for it. But I can not love obsessively for much longer. This season is all that I have to give. My heart can withstand shock, my mind can hold the battle but my body knows it is time to say goodbye.

And it's OK. I'm ready to let you go. I want you to know now that we can savor every moment we have left together. The good and the bad. To each other we have given everything we have.

We both know that no matter what to do next. I will always be that kid socks, trash in the corner five seconds left, the ball in my hands. 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1