Kobe Bryant is reaching the climax of his National Basketball Association (NBA) career before he officially walks away after a 20-year tenure.

As many have probably figured by now, most teams and personalities have practically waved Bryant off, wishing him luck as he nears his retirement. However, there is one person who believes that Bryant will just take time off and eventually make a return.

Former NBA player and current TV basketball analyst Kenny Smith is convinced that Bryant will not completely retire from competitive ball. Known as "The Jet," Smith believes that there is a 60% chance that Bryant will be back once his injuries heal, according to TMZ.

While he agrees that Bryant will be playing out his final year with the Lakers, it may only be a move to help his body heal from the string of injuries that he has been dealing with. When all that is done, Smith believes that Bryant will seriously think about making a comeback.

In all, Smith is suggesting that Bryant will do a Michael Jordan-like act. Everyone knows how Jordan retired and then returned — TWICE. For those who followed Jordan's career, his second comeback didn't really turn out well.

Smith's belief does come with some sense. Bryant, apparently, still has the love for the game but the current season seems to have come up too quickly for his body to completely recover. One can just look at the last two years of his tenure with the Lakers; he wasn't able to finish each due to separate injuries.

Assuming Smith's predictions come true, will it be with the Lakers or some other team? Bear in mind that Bryant did say that he wanted to end his career wearing the purple and gold. And if so, will the Lakers be open to taking him back in after likely rebuilding past his era?