When Kobe Bryant announced his retirement via The Players Tribune, he did so in the form of a written letter he addressed to the game of basketball, titled "Dear Basketball,". It was fitting that Bryant, whose game was one that revolved around skill and finesse, say his goodbye in the form of an eloquent poem that detailed his profound love for the game; a poem that similarly mirrored his own on-court skill.

Coincidentally, when fellow all-time great Michael Jordan retired from the game of basketball for the final time in 2003, he took out a full page ad in newspapers to publish a goodbye letter of his own, also titled "Dear Basketball,". Though not exactly the same structurally, Bryant and Jordan's letters are much like their careers: similar yet different.

Often compared to and considered the heir to Jordan once he retired, Bryant not only shared physical traits and moves, but also similar career trajectories. However, they were always slightly different. They had skilled players they played alongside, won MVPs and won titles, but as Kobe progressed, he started to chart his own course and eventually separated himself from the Jordan shadow, while still being the closest thing to MJ the game had post-Jordan era.

Now, as Bryant's career comes to a close, if we look at their letters, we see a shared fierce passion for the game and true gratitude to the game that made them. Read them both for yourself below (transcription via Ballislife & The Players Tribune):

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