Kevin Durant Comments on Kobe Bryant's Retirement, Criticism of Lakers Star

Although many will agree the time has come for Kobe Bryant to retire, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant won't be satisfied with anything less than an honorable end for the Los Angeles Lakers star.  

On Monday, Durant voiced his displeasure with the general narrative surrounding Bryant as he has reached the twilight of his career, per Anthony Slater of the Oklahoman (Note: Tweet includes NSFW language):

Slater later provided video of Durant's comments (Note: Tweet includes NSFW language):

When Bryant first entered the NBA in 1996, Durant was just eight years old. He watched Bryant first as a fan and then as a colleague, and he has always maintained a high opinion of the 17-time All-Star.

"He’s the greatest of all time. His skill is second to none," Durant said of Kobe in March 2014, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News. "Him and MJ are neck and neck as far as skill. Kobe is the top two best ever in just having skill, footwork, shooting the [three-pointer], shooting the pull-up, posting up, dunking on guys and ball-handling. Kobe and Jordan are 1 and 1A."

With Bryant officially announcing his retirement Sunday effective at the end of this season, both his peers and basketball fans in general have a few more months to appreciate him before he's gone from an NBA court forever.

The Lakers will meet the Thunder four times this year, with the first matchup on Dec. 19 in Oklahoma City. Watching Bryant and Durant go head-to-head will be must-see television for basketball fans.