From a business perspective, I can see why people would ask the Lakers about amnesty for Kobe, but that is unlikely to ever happen in this case.
It isn’t unusual for legendary players to end their career in a different place, but it is different for Kobe. He is a Laker and that is how he is going to retire even if that means paying him $30 million for half a season.
I wouldn’t put anything past Kobe Bryant, so I wouldn’t be shocked or surprised, if he makes it back for the start of the season, but it is more likely you will see his return on or around the All-Star Break.
Trust me, this isn’t a Derrick Rose situation, the day the doctors clear him to play, Kobe will be back on the court.
Lakers haven’t even discussed amnesty on Kobe. Mitch Kupchak shot that down quickly.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 13, 2013
Lakers trainer Gary Vitti confirms its a ruptured Achilles tendon and Kobe Bryant will be sidelined 6-9 months.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 13, 2013
Gary Vitti said he was cautiously optimistic that Kobe could be back by the start of next season.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 13, 2013