Kobe Bryant on If He Misses Playing: 'Not Even a Little Bit'

We're just over a week into the 2016-17 NBA season, and it's still a little difficult getting acclimated to life after Kobe Bryant. It's strange tuning into Los Angeles Lakers games and not seeing No. 24 walk onto the court. But how is Kobe feeling these days? Is the Black Mamba missing the game of basketball?

"Not even a little bit," Bryant toldESPN's Ramona Shelburne in an article published Wednesday. "It's strange to think a couple years ago, to be in this emotional space would be unfathomable. But I mean not even a smidge, which I'm very thankful for, because it's made my transition seamless and I can really just watch and just enjoy the games."

Since his retirement, Kobe has kept himself busy by starting a $100 million venture capital fund with entrepreneur Jeff Stibel, spending quality time with his family, and preparing for his third daughter. But just because he's managed to occupy his time with a variety of different tasks doesn't mean he is unaware of what's going on in the NBA. "I've been following it," Bryant said. "I wouldn't say closely, but if...I have a chance to put the game on, and I'm home, I'll put the game on. I kind of know generally who is winning and who is losing."

After the final game of his 20-year NBA career, Bryant told reporters at the postgame press conference that he wasn't saddened by his decision to call it quits because he "left no stone unturned" and "gave everything to the game." It's the reason why he can tune into an NBA game, and not miss it. Not even a little bit.

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