Former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O’Neal indicated this past weekend that Kobe Bryant was going to come out of retirement at the age of 39 and join LeBron James with the Lakers.
We’re not sure if Shaq had some inside information regarding a potential Kobe comeback. It seemed to come out of left field given that the future Hall of Famer is pretty happy away from the game.
In responding to these far-fetched rumors, Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, has seemingly shot them down big time.
“Kobe will not be coming out of retirement to play again,” Vanessa wrote on Instagram (h/t TMZ Sports). “He doesn’t want to play again and frankly we really enjoy spending time together as a family without the crazy game schedule interfering with birthdays, holidays and special events.”
Since stepping away from the game following the 2015-16 season, Bryant hasn’t really shown any interest in returning to the hardwood. Despite this, rumors started flying about him teaming up with King James for the first time.
If that were to somehow come to fruition, we’re pretty sure Bryant’s better half wouldn’t be too happy. She seems to be settled into the retired life with her family.