NBA Star Carmelo Anthony Announces Retirement; 'Bittersweet Goodbye To The NBA'

Longtime NBA star Carmelo Anthony announced his official retirement from the league on Monday with a video reminiscing about his time as a player.

Anthony, 38, most recently a Los Angeles Laker, shared a video on Instagram recapping his basketball career.

"I remember the days when I had nothing; just a ball on the court and a dream with something more," he began his video set to the song, "All That I Got Is You" by Ghostface Killah featuring Mary J. Blige.

"But basketball was my outlet. My purpose was strong — my communities, the cities I represented with pride and the fans that supported me along the way."

He continued to reminisce about his time on the court and the impact it had on his life.

"I am forever grateful for those people and places, cause they made me Carmelo Anthony," he said. "But now the time has come for me to say goodbye - to the court where I made my name to the game that gave me purpose and pride. But this bittersweet goodbye to the NBA. I'm excited for what the future holds for me."

He then talked about his legacy, and the fact that his story has "always been more than basketball." Anthony shared a personal message to his son, Kiyan, 16.

"My legacy, my son, it's in you. I will forever continue through you, cause the time has come for you to carry this torch," he said.

"So Ki, chase your dreams, let nothing hold you back, let nothing intervene. My legacy, now and forever, lives on through you. And I will always be proud of all that you do. Peace."

Many celebrities and NBA players dropped into the comment section to leave their well wishes for the 10-time NBA All-Star on his new chapter in life.

"Simply Thank You ?? ?," rapper Ludacris wrote. Fellow rapper Fat Joe wrote, "Congratulations my brother." 

NBA player Bradley Beal added, "Thank you @carmeloanthony !!! Legendary Assassin ??."

Many other fans and followers also left messages for the NBA star.

"Amazing we love you Melo we going to miss you I first saw you final four Syracuse long time ago one of the coolest cats I've ever met love and blessings to you thank you for the Memories," one follower wrote.

Another added, "You are literally the reason why I fell in love with the game of basketball and the @nyknicks I used to watch u play as a kid and felt like u were a superhero and Bron was the villain ?."

Anthony also shared another video on Monday captioned, "Stay true to your dream and it will become your legacy. #STAYME7O.

Many also dropped into the comment section on that Instagram post to leave their thoughts on Anthony's news and all he's accomplished during his time in the NBA.

"Thank u Melo! In 2009 my mom let me name my baby brothers middle name, I picked Carmelo! U been one of my favorite players since I could ever remember! I was born in 2001, so as long as I been watching the NBA Melo has always existed, tearing it up. Ima miss u man the game will miss u. I’m sorry u never got that infamous Championship.. thanks 15, 7, 00," one fan wrote. 

Another added, "Might not have a ring but Melo will always be a people’s champ."