Lakers Now Engaged In Resigning Kobe Bryant

[True Lakers Fan]

The Lakers now intend to sign Kobe a contract extension which personally I think is a mistake. If the Lakers waited until the summer, they could resign any free agent in the NBA they wanted and then because they have bird rights on Kobe, they could resign him after it's done.

The question now is How much does Kobe get and will Kobe agree to take a cut in pay so that the Lakers can get him some legitimate help?

 

[Heatles84]

I think Kobe has publicly stated saying he's not going to take a paycut (I believe he's looking at wanting $10 mil per). But I'm not entirely sure. You're right though, it would make sense for Lakers mgmt. to clear the books and try to get two max free agents.

 

[LogicMan]

This makes no sense at this stage in the year. Can someone explain the logic of this announcement. What is Buss's intent here? Not sure this is genuine.

 

[trojanfan12]

This makes no sense at this stage in the year. Can someone explain the logic of this announcement. What is Buss's intent here? Not sure this is genuine.

There are only 2 reasons that I can think of for this announcement. One is to try to curb an entire season of media speculation over Kobe's contract situation.

The other, is as you suggested, not necessarily being genuine or more accurately, creating a bit of a smokescreen. There is a rumor that Kobe and Jim Buss have something of a "gentlemen's agreement" in which the Lakers basically renounce their rights to Kobe this summer, thus releasing the cap hold and then sign him based on what is left after FA's are signed.

I think that the 1st scenario is the most likely. There are already going to be enough distractions for this team with all of the speculation around trades, what they're going to do in free agency, what current players are playing well enough to be traded or brought back, etc. without adding Kobe's contract into the mix.

Heck, the Gasol trade rumors have started up again already.

 

[BOTSLAYER]

They could be looking to get our of the penalty this year a little by extending out that $30m they owe him over a few years in a guaranteed contract.

 

[LogicMan]

Trojan, if Kobe needs more time to heal then I do think Gasol gets traded.

 

[trojanfan12]

Trojan, if Kobe needs more time to heal then I do think Gasol gets traded.

You may be right, I think it'll depend mainly on how soon Kobe is expected to return. Right now it appears to be sometime in November.

I hate the idea of trading him, but considering his age and expiring contract, it might be the best thing to do. At this point he is the Lakers most tradeable commodity. If he does get traded, I think it'll be closer to the deadline and to a team that may feel he can help them with a playoff run.

Trading him could help with the re-build as well, depending on what they can get for him. I just hate to see him traded because he's been my favorite Laker since pretty much his first game with the team.

 

[Logicallylethal]

Kobe should sign for the mid level with the Heat and be their 6th man

 

[BOTSLAYER]

Kobe should sign for the mid level with the Heat and be their 10th man

FIFY

 

[True Lakers Fan]

There is just no way in hell that the Lakers can be serious contenders with both Kobe and Gasol getting the kind of money they get unless they clear the books first and wait until after they have brought in some new blood unless they are banking on Kobe being just as good as he was before and Jim Buss is not that smart, but dumber then I thought if he thinks Kobe is. Even Jerry Buss traded Shaq Oneal when Shaq was declining and wanting to much money