http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2553190 A source close to Karl Malone said Wednesday the future Hall of Fame forward will retire, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. The decision would end a 19-year career for Malone — 18 with the Utah Jazz and one with the L.A. Lakers — and leave him as the second-leading scorer in NBA history with 36,928 points. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has more (38,387). Malone's 19-year quest for a championship ring came to a painful end this season. The Lakers entered the season heavy favorites to win the title with a roster that included four potential Hall of Famers on the court and a future Hall of Fame coach on the sidelines. But Malone missed 39 games after tearing a ligament in his right knee last December, and then he reinjured that same knee in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Forced to wear a brace and noticeably bothered by the injury, Malone saw very limited playing time the rest of the finals. The Lakers went on to lose to the heavily underdog Pistons in five games. Following the finals loss, Malone informed the Lakers he was exercising the option on his contract to become a free agent. Malone's agent, Dwight Manley, said at the time that it was strictly a business decision and that if Malone plays for anyone next season, it would be the Lakers. Malone turns 41 on July 24. After a nearly injury-free career in Utah, Malone's first season with the Lakers was marred by pain. He avoided surgery following the knee injury in December, but missed 10 weeks of the season. Malone returned to the lineup in March, but the knee was never fully sound. Rockets fans rejoice!!
