Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant turned 37 today. What better time than now to discuss his future? He is back on the court practicing shooting drills for the first time since tearing the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, as Eric Pincus of The Los Angeles Times writes.
Bryant is in the last year of his current deal, which will pay him $25MM. He isn’t making any definitive statements about whether he’ll retire after this coming season, even though that seems the most likely outcome.
Thus, the question of the day: Depending on how it plays out, what should Kobe Bryant do after this season?
Personally, I’d like to see Bryant hang it up after this season for a few reasons. He’s obviously been limited because of injuries, he has nothing more to prove in the league and another contract — unless it is a one-year deal — would only hurt the Lakers’ rebuilding process more.
Being mindful of our commenting policy, let us know in the comments section below what you think is the most underrated signing of the summer so far.
should sign a one year deal with a team in a better position to contend . e.g bulls
It’s so tough to envision him ever leaving the Lakers. I think if he’s playing, he’ll be wearing the purple-and-gold.
I could see Kobe signing a huge 1-2 year deal with the Sixers next summer. They are far from the salary floor, Kobe wouldn’t be blocking anyone at shooting guard, and he’d help fill the seats if the team is still terrible. He’d be able to take plenty of shots while chasing the all-time scoring record.
I see that as more realistic than him being second or third fiddle on someone else’s team.
He’d retire long before doing something like that.
I think he’ll either play for the Lakers or he won’t play at all. He’ll probably retire unless the team shows some promise this year with Kobe, Russell, Randle, Hibbert, Nick, and Lou.
They’ve got a chance to make the 8 spot with Portland and Dallas on their way out, but of course there’s plenty of competition, and there’s really only one spot open with OKC back at full-strength (depending on what you think of the Pelicans). If the Lakers aren’t competitive, I have no doubt he’ll retire.
I would agree with Mike here. He’s a Laker, through and through.
Hell resign In lA next yr at a reduce price. I do think he’d retire before playing for another team
Kobr should step away unless the Lakers can make a deep playoff push, which as constructed they can’t. If he has another major injury or suffers through a lottery year, he could hang it up and no one would question him. He could make an official announcement after next year’s free agency if they can’t get a big name free agent. If they do he could come back on a one year deal. Options
My guess is that he’ll announce his intentions regarding retirement before free agency. His cap hold for next season is going to be massive, and the Lakers would need to know what his intentions are to understand just how much cap flexibility they’ll have.
Ah didn’t even think about his cap hold
KB knows the Lakers are going young and are on a 3 year rebuild with this group. If KB can play 65/70 games this year and the Lakers can’t sign a major FA why not come back for one more year at around 10-11m
Exactly my thoughts. If he can ball this year he will come back at a reduced price/role and try to lure a big FA to play one more time next year.
However, if he gets hurt again or this team goes nowhere, he’s out.