Time and NBA defenses haven’t caught up to Kobe Bryant after 16 pro seasons, but the dreaded R-word finally has.

The 34-year-old Lakers star addressed his retirement after practice Tuesday, saying he remained uncertain if he would play beyond his contract that expires after the 2013-14 season.

“We’ll see where it goes,” Bryant said. “It will be a lot of basketball being played.”

What would it take for him to come back after his contract expires?

“How the hell do I know?” Bryant said. “It’s three years from now.”

“Oh my God,” Kobe said. “You guys want to ask me a million questions about what I’m going to do three years from now. I don’t even know in two minutes.”

via Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times