Kobe Bryant says goodbye to locker interviews on farewell tour

LOS ANGELES, March 28 (UPI) -- While many current NBA players scoff at media scrums in the locker room, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant said that he will miss the skirmish.

Bryant, 37, is retiring after his 20th season in the league. He is an 18-time All Star, five-time world champion, and the 2007 MVP. Bryant led the league in scoring in 2005 and 2006.

"Am I going to miss any of this?" Bryant told ESPN, following the Lakers' 101-88 loss to the Washington Wizards. "Probably. Maybe. Yeah. I've done a lot of interviews here standing in front of this locker and the one that I'll always remember is the night that I ruptured my Achilles. Yeah, I'll miss standing here and watching you [media] elbow each other [for position] and all that fun stuff."

Lakers spokesman John Black said Sunday would be Bryant's last interview in front of his locker. Bryant will continue postgame interviews through press conferences.

Bryant is averaging 17.1 points, four rebounds, and three assists per game this season. His 28.6 minutes per game are the lowest mark since 1997.