Kobe doesn't miss playing basketball: 'The game's never truly left me'

Kobe Bryant's passion for basketball hasn't waned, but his desire to play sure has.

Following 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, the legendary shooting guard retired last year, and has been enjoying 2016-17 as a spectator.

The 38-year-old, who fell in love with the sport at a young age, still raves about its sights, sounds, and smells. However, when asked Monday on "Good Morning America" if he misses hooping, Bryant replied:

"No, I don't."

He elaborated, saying: "I started playing when I was 2, and so after playing for 20 years in the league, what I have now, everything I've learned from the game, I carry with me to this day, so the game's never truly left me.

"Physically, yes, but emotionally and the things that I write all stem from the game, so it's still a part of me. ... It's very hard to let go of something you've done for half your life."

The Black Mamba averaged 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 dimes, and 1.4 steals per game over his Hall of Fame-worthy career. He also won five championships, earned MVP honors in 2008, and made 18 All-Star appearances.