Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant hinted that the 2015-16 NBA season could be the final season of his career, and also addressed the issue about the controversial tweet of rookie Larry Nance Jr.

Bryant, who will turn 37 years old before the new season kicks off, admitted that he is nearing retirement during a recent interview at the BET Experience in Los Angeles.

"It might be," Bryant told Jemele Hill of ESPN when asked if next season will be his farewell year. "You gotta retire sometime. I'm not Benjamin Button, man."

Bryant, who will be playing in the final season of his two-year deal worth $48.5 million with the Lakers, averaged 22.3 points to go along with 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists last season, but was limited to just 35 games after undergoing shoulder surgery.

The 19-year veteran also missed all but six games during the 2013-14 NBA season after sustaining a broken knee following his comeback from a surgery that repaired a torn Achilles tendon he sustained before the end of the 2012-13 NBA regular season.

While Bryant hinted that he could retire after next season, he quickly added that the decision is not yet final because he will only make the decision when his contract with the Lakers ends.

"At the end of the season, if I feel like going through this again and doing it all over again, I will. If I feel like, I don't, I won't," Bryant added. "I won't make a big deal about it or whatever. I'll be ready to move on. I'll be ready to do something else."

Earlier this year, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak revealed Bryant indicated that he is planning to call it quits after next season and that no new deal will be discussed until the current one expires next summer.

Bryant Forgives Nance Jr. for Offensive Tweets

Meanwhile, Bryant also addressed the issue about a controversial tweet of his new teammate -- Nance, who was selected 27th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft on Thursday.

Nance took a swipe at Bryant in 2012, referring to the rape case the Lakers superstar faced in 2003. Nance posted: "Gee I sure hope Kobe can keep his hands to himself in Denver this time" with a hashtag #rapist.

Bryant revealed Nance has reached out to him and apologized for the offensive statement and the veteran immediately forgave his rookie teammate.

"I said, 'Dude, listen. We've all said things and done things that we regret and wish we could take back. It's water under the bridge, man. Welcome to the team,'" Bryant said.

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