Carmelo Anthony: 'I'll miss Kobe Bryant if he retires'

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has confessed that he will "miss" Kobe Bryant if the Los Angeles Lakers star retires at the end of the season.

The 37-year-old has hinted that the 2015-16 season could be his last in the NBA, and Lakers coach Byron Scott further fuelled speculation by hinting that Bryant told him he was ready to end his 20-year career.

The Knicks defeated the Lakers 99-95 on Sunday, and Anthony admitted that he will be disappointed if the contest proves to be the last time he faces Bryant.

He told reporters: "If this is his last go-around, I'm going to miss him."

Bryant has been named an NBA All-Star 17 times in his career.