Kobe Bryant is in the final year of his mega contract with the Lakers that’s paying him $30 million this year. He’s set to become a free agent in 2014 if a new deal isn’t signed before then. We all know however that Kobe will retire a Laker as he is both coveted by the team and set on being a Laker for life in his own words. The Lakers are reportedly making sure that happens.
via Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles:
Los Angeles Lakers executive vice president of basketball operations Jim Buss said Friday that the team has started talks with Bryant’s representative on a contract extension for the five-time NBA champion and fully expects a new deal to be completed before the star guard can become a free agent on July 1, 2014.
“I want to put an end to any speculation that we would allow Kobe to become a free agent,” Buss told ESPNLosAngeles.com on Friday night. “That’s not going to happen. Kobe is a top priority for us. He’s a Laker legend and always will be. I don’t think we’re done winning championships with him yet.
“[Lakers general manager] Mitch Kupchak and [Bryant’s agent] Rob Pelinka have been talking, but with him being hurt, it has slowed the process some. I don’t know when it’ll get done, but I have faith in Rob and Mitch to work things out.”
The big question now is how big of a contract will Kobe receive. He’s determined to win a sixth ring and match all-time great Michael Jordan but how long will it take to do so? There’s also a question of how much money will Kobe demand. Steve Nash and Robert Sacre are the only players under contract next season and maybe Nick Young if he exercises his player option. The Lakers are expected to go heavy during 2014’s loaded free agent class. It appears everything looms around Mr. Bryant himself.
