Kobe Bryant has experienced plenty of success since retiring from the NBA, as he seamlessly transitioned into the role of executive producer in addition to launching a multimedia venture capital firm. His animated short "Dear Basketball" won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Post-Produced Graphic Design, as well as an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. Not to mention, his $6 million investment in the sports drink BodyArmour is now worth an estimated $200 million.
Despite all of Bryant's off-court success, rumors continue to swirl regarding a potential return to basketball, whether it be with the Los Angeles Lakers or in Ice Cube's Big3 League. His camp has shut down those rumors at every turn, but the Black Mamba finally set the record straight for himself during a sit down with Rich Eisen.
When asked about the possibility of coming out of retirement, Kobe gave a definitive answer that should put an end to the speculation.
"There's about a zero percent chance I come back and play," Bryant told Eisen after a hearty laugh.
"I will never come back to the game. Ever. I am here to show people that we can do much more than that."
That said, he shouldn't expect Ice Cube to give up on his pursuit that easy. The Big3 co-founder has said, "he's going to have to get a restraining order on me to leave him alone about this."
Check out Bryant's comments from his discussion with Rich Eisen in the videos embedded below.