Agree.
Im really beginning to think this is his last year as a Laker.
I guess alot depends on his recovery.
And honestly, no joking aside, the Lakers might be better off without him after this season if he really wants more then let's say 10M.
The salary cap is what it is when building a roster. If Kobe/Nash are eating up 20+M next summer, it greatly limits the chance of adding 2 big time players vs 1.
It may well be his last!! I agree that a lot will have to do with how well he recovers from the injury!! What I think will be most interesting is if the Lakers won't pay him what he wants, will someone else?
In all honesty, at his age and coming off of that injury, even if he plays well and seems fully recovered, I don't see a contending team paying him big bucks. I could see a team that isn't contending and needs butts in seats giving him a big contract, but not a contender or a Lakers team that is re-building!!
He may have to decide whether he wants to try and got what he feels he's worth or whether he wants to "swallow his pride" and take less so that the Lakers can get the players to contend with him still on the team!!