Despite Winning 7 Rings, Lakers Legend Dodged One NBA Tradition Upon Abrupt Retirement in 2008

Los Angeles Lakers legend and 7-time NBA Champion Robert Horry stunned people with his admission about the answer to celebrating retirement, on his recent podcast “Big Shot Bob Podcast” episode, alongside co-host B-Dog Brandon Harper and Rob Jenners. During the discussion about Jason Kelce’s retirement, Jenners asked Horry about his experience of delivering a speech after announcing retirement. To Harper and Jenners’ surprise, he said, “I just didn’t show up.” 

Big Shot Rob then disclosed the reason why he chose a quiet retirement strategy. “You know when your contract’s up and do you want to try, I didn’t even try to find another team,” Horry said. During that time, retirement speeches weren’t a big thing for him. It was about drafting the letter and sending it to the board via fax. The 53-year-old also revealed how he might have not even done that process.

He admitted, “You know you’re supposed to fax in you’re retiring, I don’t think I ever did that.” Admitting he had no clue how to go through that process, while chuckling about it, he stated, “I think I might have to file for something man but I don’t know.” Even Brandon Harper had a surprising reaction listening to all this. Harper asked Horry if he could access his pension fund without filling out the letter. The Lakers legend replied, “Oh yes I can, I already checked on that, I already checked on that.” 

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With this reply, everyone just burst out laughing. Horry continued saying it was way too much money for anyone to be waiting around to be collected.

Horry’s story about being vulnerable among Legends

The Lakers legend revealed his emotional story too. How during one of the All-Star Game in Houston, he was awarded and had to give a speech. He teared up during the speech because it was shocking for him but also heartwarming that he was being acknowledged. Another reason for being emotional was he also just had lost his daughter.

He went on to say how so many players don’t get respect and proper recognition. Since they don’t score the bulk of points during the game. Horry said he felt respected because it was not only about being highest scoring player but more about being a leader in the dressing room, being ever present for his guys and making them feel okay even after a bad game.