Despite injuries cutting his past three seasons short, Kobe Bryant intends to return for a 20th season next year. Bryant will enter the final season of his current 2-year, $48 million contract. Many expect the five time champion to step away from basketball following next season, although Bryant has refused to comment on the situation.

-== Top 7 Kobe Bryant Games of the 2014-15 Season ==-

The fact that Kobe has managed to play his entire career for one franchise is remarkable. Is this day and age of AAU leagues, players now want to team up with one another instead of staying with just one franchise. The days of the Michael Jordan’s, Larry Bird’s and Magic Johnson’s seem to be over. Bryant is one of the few players in the league, along with Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan, who have spent their entire career with one franchise.

Lakers president Jeanie Buss recently went on Sirius XM radio to discuss the implications of Bryant’s presumed final season. Buss expects the upcoming 2015-16 season to be a celebration of Bryant’s career according to Bleacher Report’s Ethan J. Skolnick.

On @br_radio “NBA Sunday Tip,” @JeanieBuss on Kobe Bryant: “I look at this season as a celebration of his 20 years with the Lakers.” — Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) April 26, 2015

Kobe has gone on record numerous times saying he doesn’t want a farewell tour similar to Derek Jeter’s. Despite his wishes, Buss seems to have it on her agenda to make sure that Kobe goes out the right way. Kobe has done so much for both the Lakers and the NBA that he deserves his accomplishments to be highlighted.

This farewell tour, however, may be news to Kobe as he has yet to announce his intentions of retiring. Head coach Byron Scott has been quoted saying he could see Kobe playing another two or three years after his contract runs out. For now, hopefully Kobe can play through a full season and the Lakers can surround him with quality players before he decides on his future.